Big Bear Beckons –by Jungle Jim Carvin

The morning drive out of town was a drizzler, but within minutes of cresting Cajon Pass summit, all that changed and on went the A/C.

With the sun beaming down, we were all ready to gain elevation, so off we went through the town of Hesperia toward the trailhead.

Those participating were:

I had the pleasure of taking two guests who had never been off road before, our niece, Queenie and her college friend Lisa. They were a little shaken at first, perhaps just astonished, discovering how capable a 4x4 could be as we crossed the Mojave River. But they soon became accustomed to negotiating once-unbelievable places. Introducing newcomers to our "sport" was a real treat and it reminded me of how the original intent of these events was to be an outreach. I would again encourage everyone participating in upcoming events to think about inviting newcomers, especially those may be introduced to our faith.

Actually, crossing that river should have been a non-issue if the paved road wouldn't have been washed out. To avoid the "Road Closed" signs, we had to find an alternate way across. There was a dirt road a few hundred yards north of the road that lead us safely into the dry river, which consisted of soft sand. Knowing that there were still a few miles of pavement remaining between the river and our trailhead, I resisted the urge to have everyone air down their tires as would be common practice for such terrain.

Pushing our way through the deep sand was laborious for our engines, but only for a short distance. Climbing out of the river was a challenge for those with smaller tires, but after a few attempts everyone made it. Matt, driving Bruce's Cherokee, must have caught a sharp object hiding in the sand, as he lost their right front tire's sidewall in the process.

A short pull by yours truly, at the end of a strap, got him to harder ground, where a jack could be used to change the tire.

Most of us aired down for the rest of the journey, if only for comfort, when the pavement turned to dirt. Sheridan, in his heavy diesel-powered monster-like truck, decided not to, as his radials were already blooped sufficiently.

3N14 took us steadily upward, from the hot high desert to the tall pines at Big Pine Flat. Somewhere in between the A/C was no longer needed.

Having a late start from the drivers meeting, and delayed further at the river crossing, it was already time for lunch. So, we found a secluded spot in the shade, off the beaten path, where the folding chairs and food came out. It was a very nice time of fellowship and relaxation, and actually a little chilly in the shade.

From here, our route differed from that taken in "The Journey Upward" event of 2002. We went north from Big Pine Flat through part of Holcomb Valley, then circled back to the same destination. After traveling to Grand Canyon and Vancouver, B.C. already this summer, time constraints prevented me from prerunning this event, and I found the road condition through Holcomb to be vastly improved since the last time I was there.

However, it was a somewhat challenging climb to our final destination, a near-peak vista of Lake Arrowhead to the west, Big Bear Lake to the South, and the Mojave Desert to the north. Everyone made it, despite some concern expressed by some.

The music worship we had near that highpoint was somewhat surreal in the awesome beauty of God's creation, and perhaps too short.

From there, we all headed back to 3N14, which was only 2 miles from Fawnskin and the pavement. Bruce and I, still looking for more excitement, gave everyone the option of heading home from there or going with us to the Beaver Pond. Matt and his family decided to give it a try, so after making sure the others had enough air in their tires, we said our goodbyes and headed off to trail 3N93. The Beaver Pond had a little more water in it than usual, but still only about a foot deep.

 Video for Broadband (1.2mb).

Beyond the Beaver Pond the trail had rapidly deteriorated since our visit in 2002. We went about a half mile and then reconsidered after we passed at least 25 Jeeps and Broncos coming the other way. It felt like we were going the wrong way on a one-way street. Besides, it was getting late and we had already filled our need for adventure.

We're looking forward to the next event this fall, its destination and date still to be determined. We hope that all who were unable to join us this time can be with us then.

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