Day 71 : September 5 NEVADA TO CALIFORNIA
The day was already hot when we left Las Vegas but the traffic flowed well and we were soon out of the city. Much of our journey was through the Mojave National Preserve where low scrub and cactus was about all there was to see.
A fuel stop at Baker was an opportunity to see ‘The World’s Largest Thermometer’ and it was no surprise to see that it registered 102 degrees F, proving that it really was hot! Soon we were back in the hills again and the elevation reached 6,800 feet up and down very steep roads. Much of this area is protected as part of the San Bernardino National Forest and the vegetation was again quite healthy.
Our destination for the day was Big Bear Lake RV Park and it was a relief to be near the water again and feel so much cooler. This is a very pretty area with lots of water activities and many friendly folk interested in our visit to their country. A quick walk to the jetty was an opportunity to catch a sunset somewhat hampered by a thick cloud of smoke on the horizon, but none the less very colourful, with the sun glowing as a ball of brilliant red.
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| The World's Largest Thermometer at Baker CA |
The Mojave National Preserve |
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| Big Bear Lake |
The lake at dusk |
Days 72 and 73 : September 6th CALIFORNIA (RVs)
What a truly lovely spot Big Bear Lake is and how lucky our little group was to get bays in the RV Park on this, the last holiday weekend of the American Summer. The weather at Big Bear is certainly several degrees cooler than out on the desert for which we have been thankful. Overnights have actually been quite cool with afternoon temperatures warm but not uncomfortable. Our stay here has been a perfect opportunity to start the unenviable job of packing up ready for our return home which is now just days away.
The decision to stay in this area was made after making a request for some important documents to be sent to a contact not far from this location. The holiday weekend naturally delays mail, so it was a perfect opportunity to have a relaxing three days before the last hectic arrangements for our departure and also the shipping of those tractors which are being returned to Australia.
After spending most of Sunday sorting and packing, it was decided to have a BBQ and use up most of the fresh supplies. This turned out to be very pleasant evening enjoyed in balmy conditions.
Monday being the last day of the long weekend saw lots of RVs heading off, and the number of boats on the lake many less than over the previous two days. It was therefore the perfect time to take a cruise on the ‘Big Bear Queen’, a small paddle steamer which took us on a really enjoyable 90 minute tour of the lake which is much larger than can be seen from the RV Park.
The first interesting landmark we passed was the Big Bear Solar Observatory, one of only six in the world and located here because of the 300 plus days of sunshine enjoyed at Big Bear. Then we were amazed to see the many different styles of housing around the perimeter – from the 100 year old tiny cabins virtually built into the boulders which line much of the lake, to the sumptuous mansions which belong to many affluent Americans. We passed a modest home built in the 1940’s which belonged to the voice behind ‘Bugs Bunny’, Mel Blank. This home is now owned by his son Norm who surprised us by giving a short rendition of the famous cartoon character’s famous lines.
After this wonderful break, it will be time to head off in the morning and hope the special mail has arrived.
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| At Big Bear Lake the Sheriff travels by boat |
The Big Bear Solar Observatory |
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| The Americans are ever patriotic |
Anyone need a restroom |
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| Many people are enjoying the Lake |
Bang, Bang we are shot by the Pirate Ship |
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| Original 100yr cabin on the Lake |
Very new - Grandest of the grand |
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| Big Bear Marina |
We really enjoyed the boat cruise |
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