54 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2016
One of the joys of our annual hike to Jenks Lake has always been
the familiarity. It is a two-mile uphill stroll to the lake on a good
road with a gradual climb under a forest canopy of tall pine trees.
Then a spectacular view of a brilliant blue, mile-diameter lake with
numerous ducks and a few fisherman enjoying the serenity. This
year the hike was the same but the lake was a major disappointment.
Drought has robbed the scenic view of the lake as well as a idyllic
refuge for ducks and humans seeking a day away from the grind of
urban life
To be sure, hiking at 6,000 feet when the temperature in Beaumont
was 97 degrees but only 75 degrees in the mountains made the day
worthwhile. Conversations along the trail were as robust as ever
and trail brunch at the camp sites still made us marvel at our good
fortune in living close by to such a natural wonder. The opportunity
to meet new Four Seasons residents and compare experiences is
always a bonus for our hikers. And, lunch was great at the Oaks
which is under new management.
We were reminded earlier that Nature does rebound. The
Rangers at the base of San Gorgonio told us that the aspen grove
near Big Bear now has three-foot tall saplings and in a couple of
years will be shimmering in the fall. So, we know the lake will fill
again and its beauty will be restored.
For more information call or email Lynette Simonson at Hike
Central (951) 377-0392 lynette.simonson@gmail.com. ~ Lynette
Simonson
TAKE A HIKE CLUB
Susan and Geoff Wilson, Jim and Mry Martin, Bruce Heimlich, Denise
Featherstone, Len Tavernetti and Anna and Patrick Pudelek
More beach but
less lake-the
result of our
continuing
drought
