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44 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | OCTOBER 2015 August is the month that Four Seasoners escape the tedium of daily playtime for the allure of ocean voyages and trips to greener pastures. This year was no exception; only four hikers reported for duty this month. With temperatures promised approaching the century mark we opted for the high country. San Bernardino rangers told us that reports of Jenks Lake being burned were wrong and the lake was fine, so off we headed for 6,000 feet and a stroll in the forested hills. CalTrans was busy repairing a bridge near the Barton Flats campground and this was the only sign of human activity at our destination. Due to California's budget shortfall for parks and recreation, the campground is closed Monday through Wednesday. We spent time touring the facilities and then headed off to the northwest through a neighborhood of rental cabins. These are privately owned and only a couple seemed to be occupied. News reports of the Lake fire probably deterred some business from the owners. The unpaved road is an easy walkway to the lake. Here three fishermen were trying their luck. The blue waters were clear and small fish tantalized visitors but unfortunately weren't biting. On previous visits to the lake campsites were occupied. This year an overturned trash barrel illustrated the frustration of the local wildlife in not finding nocturnal meals at their usual dining area. The solitude, the clean air and the magnificent valley views held our attention during snack time and then we departed the site. There is a small trail that shortcuts the serpentine road to the parking lot. It is steep but going downhill is usually not a problem. This year due to other priorities the ranger crews did not maintain it. We attempted it climbing over logs, slipping on pine needles and crisscrossing the small stream. We descended several hundred feet until the vegetation blocked our way and then crawled back up to the dirt road for a walk back to our vehicles. Lunch was great, as usual, at the Oaks. To find out where we are hiking in 2015 call or email Lynette Simonson, Hike Central at (951) 377-0392 or lynette. simonson@gmail.com. ~Len Tavernetti Take a Hike Len Tavernetti, Bruce Heimlich, Ruth Tavernetti and Adona Lamar at Jenks Lake.