Re: Did Trini & Family Make The Trip?

Hello Celtfire!

Yes, as you heard from Jobe, we made it! Did not stay home to watch the (da**) Dodger's LOSE!!! AGAIN!!! And glad for that!

I'll fill you in on our First Time, you can read or scroll through as you wish.

We started out leaving home, in the east San Gabriel Valley, around 9:30 am. After stopping for fuel and beverages, we were finally on our way up tha pass around 10:30.

Me, "THINKING" I was smart, decided to take the Main street exit, and avoid busy Bear Valley Rd. I don't know what I was thinking, but I thought they joined in Apple Valley. Well, we figured that out eventually, and turned on Rock Springs rd. (Keep in mind, we didn't have our usual map that is ALWAYS in the Jeep) We saw Ocotillo Way, took that to a dead end. Anyway ended backup at Kiowa to BEar Valley and found the right way.

We found Bowen Ranch, but being off-road enthusiasts, decided to find the trailhead parking lot. Again, wrong. We ended up on rd JF4 (I think) and ended up over looking Apple Valley and the 15 freeway. Turned around, parked at Bowen Ranch and were on our way. By this time it was 2:00, heat of the day.

Now we had decided we were going to check this out as a couple first and not bring the kids. But, we brought the dog! Poor thing, was trying to find what little shade he could to keep his pads from burning. I'm such a bad mom! But we finally made it there and jumped right in!

It was beautiful! We absolutely loved it. We swam and soaked and met a few people there, including Jobe. We stayed until about 7 p.m. and the hike out was a little rough on us 'out of shapers'! But we made it in about an hour and 40 minutes, just taking our time. Bruno (the dog) actually had no problem now that it was cooler.

We definitely will visit again, knowing what to expect this time, and hopefully find the off-road trail around to the parking lot. Just to avoid that last hike up to the Ranch. Everyone we met there and on this site has been amazing people.

Thanks again for all the support and I hope to meet many more people at DCHS!

Trini