When it comes to outdoor adventures, sometimes the best memories are made when things don't go according to plan. This week on Checkin’ It Out, Noah and Chris head up to Big Bear Lake with an unexpected detour, a wobbly canoe ride, and a comical cooking session.
Let’s set the scene: The original plan was straightforward, a smooth drive up Highway 330 to Big Bear Lake. But, as luck would have it, the main route was closed. Noah and Chris had to take Holcomb Valley Trail, a rugged backroad that’s more dirt and bumps than pavement and comfort.
Picture this: a little Scion navigating through rocky patches and ruts that would make an off-road enthusiast question the Scion’s non-lifted suspension.
But that’s the beauty of detours, isn’t it? They’re the scenic route to unforgettable stories.
After the trail it was time for a relaxing paddle on the lake. Or so they thought. The duo loaded up their canoe and hit the water, but Mother Nature had other plans. The wind? Relentless. The water? Choppy. The canoe? Tippy! Every gust of wind felt like a playful shove, daring them to keep their balance. At one point, it seemed like capsizing was inevitable, but with teamwork and sheer determination, they managed to stay afloat.
After their aquatic adventure, it was time to set up camp and refuel. They found a cozy spot surrounded by towering pines and got to work. Dinner? Well, Noah’s cooking process turned into a comedy of errors. From fumbling with utensils to an overly enthusiastic flip that sent a patty splitting, it was less "gourmet chef" and more "campfire slapstick." But in the end, the cheeseburgers were perfect-charred edges, gooey cheese, and the kind of tasty flavor you can only get from cooking in the wild.
The next morning, it was time to head home. But if you thought the adventure ended there, think again. The Holcomb Valley Trail had a few more surprises in store.
Heading back down, they encountered obstacles that were even trickier than the way up. The Scion struggled to climb over steep rutted obstacles, leaving a plume of dust in its wake. With a mix of careful navigation and a few well-timed pushes, they managed to conquer the trail once again.
So, what’s the takeaway from Noah and Chris’s Big Bear Lake escapade? It’s simple: sometimes the best adventures are the ones that don’t go as planned. From detours and off-road challenges to battling the elements and laughing over camping cheeseburgers, this trip was a reminder to embrace the unexpected.
If you’re looking to escape the daily grind and make some unforgettable memories, grab a map (and maybe a sturdier vehicle), find a trail, and see where it takes you. Because, as Noah and Chris proved, the best stories often start with a little bit of chaos.
Ready to plan your own Big Bear adventure? Don’t forget to pack a sense of humor, a love for the outdoors, and maybe an extra cheeseburger or two.