A MOUNTAIN COUNTRY AREA A FEW MILES FROM TOWN

On a foggy day we took a ride over to an area near Sycamore Ranch Vineyard.  There is so much new growth on the trees up on the road that looking down at the vineyard I couldn't really see anything.   Instead coming back down the road toward the lake i saw this house and property.  It is a beautiful piece of land so i had to get photos.

The only thing I could see of the winery were these two first photos.  I've never been to the winery because you have to make an appointment for wine tasting visit.  The last photo is an example of when I think something unlike nature, compliments the photo in the midst of nature - and it is that truck!  I love it.  It lives up the road from us. 

That's it for today - This is the time of month we head down the mountain to do our monthly shopping.  It's going to be in the 90's down there today.  

SKYPARK - SANTA'S VILLAGE - RIMFOREST, CA

 Yesterday it was a free day for all  mountain residents.  I expected crowds since the normal fee for an adult is 59 dollar and kids 49.  There was no line and we walked right in.  All we had to do was show proof of residence.  There were people there but nothing resembling large crowds.   

I didn't take a photo of all the shops as I had done that years ago but took more outside photos of the location in the trees.

There are acres of land there and they have bike trails, conservation trail walk, flyfishing ponds, archery, ax throwing (surprised me), and two Ziplines - one for kids and one for adults, lots of gift stores, restaurants, sky pavilion for concerts, magic shows, puppet shows and even panning for gold for kids.  

There is also Santa and Mrs. Claus house and usually lots of Christmas type characters dressed up walking around the park.

oh and in winter there is ice skating and spring and summer rollerskating.  

There's a little red train that runs through the park for kids and motorized jeep type cars for kids to ride on.  I know I'm forgetting other activities but this gives you an idea.  

This whole place is in the middle of the forest and it's really beautiful to walk around on a spring day with a slight breeze.  There were definitely more people than is shown in these photos but it wasn't crowded at all.  

KIMBERLY CREST MANSION - REDLANDS CALIFORNIA

 Another trip there recently as it's a nice place to hang out and watch the koi.  

I'll only put a few photos up for now of the Kimberly Crest mansion.  It's in the historical district of Redlands among all the beautiful old and large houses.  I love walking through the area.  

TAKING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED - EXCEPT FOR RESIDENTS

 We were up at Big Bear Lake and then headed down the 18 towards Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve.  (altitude about 6800 feet - they get all seasons there).   Before going into the Preserve we decided since we had taken the jeep  this time to discover more of the area.  We took  off on dirt roads and I was so surprised to see many more houses and cabins that you don't even know exist out there unless you travel these roads.

This first picture we saw after taking a dirt road and this opened up before us.  I immediately wanted to move into that blue house.  I kept imagining what the night sky must look like out there.  Most properties seems to be on several acres and I can just imagine the peaceful feeling in this particular area.  Oh...and the fresh air smell was amazing.  

I knew this was my kind of place when i saw the skeleton lounging against the rock. (photos toward the bottom)  I figured there is a kind of strangeness here I could live with.  

There are quite a few dirt roads to explore and we didn't get to all of them.  Some were really really bumpy but this particular road was easy to drive on.  I know there is more to explore but we will save it for another trip up - probably next week.  There should be more blooms happening at Pebble Plain than we have seen so far so we will check that out next time.

HOPE YOU MOMS HAD A GREAT SUNDAY

 I have so many photos of places we've been lately but just not inspired yet to post them.  I did come across a few of my favorite bird photos.  This was a young bird and it's common that they get these little feather horns.  So here's something quick and light to look at if you happen to stop by.  If I remember, this is a young "house finch."  I had never seen this before because I was fairly new at paying attention to what  birds would show up in the yard when putting feeders out.  

FLASHBACK - LEGS IN A DRAWER

 I took this photo up in San Luis Obispo when we were walking through downtown years ago.  i always thought this was cleverly creative the way they did this scene in the window.

Every once in awhile I post it again because it's so colorful and creative.

AMAZING VIEWS OF THE RIM COMMUNITIES

 Over at FB there is a man, named k. Vale who posted these awhile back from his drone photos over our towns.  Some of these were on the day that the clouds looked like an ocean, level with the altitude of the towns.  The last several are views of Lake Arrowhead and the buildings you see with red roofs is called the Village at Lake Arrowhead.  I am only leaving these up for a few days and will take them down.  I didn't ask his permission, but whenever anybody asks if they can share them he always says yes.  But still, I'll take them down eventually.  They are just so beautiful I couldn't resist sharing them.

the last one is a view of Rim High School - where students from four different communities up here attend school.  

Lake Arrowhead