Lake Arrowhead - Oh My Journey

From it’s winding road that leads to mountain views to it’s Village center that overlooks the tranquil and scenic lake, Arrowhead is the perfect place to go to for a getaway.

Known as “The Alps of Southern California,” Lake Arrowhead is a charming little town that you would find in a Hallmark Movie and even more so during the winter since there would be a blanket of snow covering this quaint delight.

Upon arriving at Lake Arrowhead, late morning, I stopped by the Cedar Glen Inn where I ordered ½ of French Toast, Scrambled eggs, and Sausage. The portion was more than enough, it was the size of a normal full meal and it was for less than $10.00 prior to tipping.

Olguine fact: I had my French Toast with gravy which opened a whole new world of taste for me! Needless to say, I was exceptionally satisfied.

After filling up on that hearty breakfast I headed over to the Will Abel trail. Nothing like some light hiking to help with meal digestion…or so I thought. Referring to AllTrails to find the trail was easy but finding the actual trail head was not. Snow had done an adequate job of covering any signs of the trail. Although, this trail was quite popular the conditions were less desirable for most, meaning that there wasn’t really any one else on the trail.

After hiking for around 20 minutes, I reached a clearing in which there was two feet of snow. After a couple of mis-steps I landed firmly on my tush and laughed. It was then that I discovered that being out in nature for me was not just about getting out from behind a computer screen, nor was it about checking off, ‘1 hour outside.’ It was more than that. It was about enjoying and exploring what the moments, climates, and environment had to offer. It was about me, a creation, interacting with nature, another creation, and being in unity together.

About a mile into the woods, trying to stick as close to the map as possible the real trail finally appeared. But only after climbing up a steep incline and slipping a foot down, and then reclimbing it again, and laugh-crying at the experience I was having. I would like to say that everything was easy after getting on the trail, but there was still two feet of snow in some areas and slush in other areas. And just like the woods in the poem, my boots did fill up with snow.

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
BY ROBERT FROST

Even though, I learned that hiking in the snow was not wise to do without suitable clothing, waterproof hiking boots, fleece lined leggings, and windproof pants, I still enjoyed encountering the escapade.

Following the hike, the next stop was the Village for a Peach & Ginger tea at the Tea & Coffee Exchange. Fighting back the shivering cold with a hot drink in my hand was just what I needed…and socks, I needed socks. I had worn both of the ones I had brought with me while hiking and both of them were soaked from the snow. So I listened to my chilled toes and I stopped by Jockey to take advantage of the sale they were having and brought me a pair of warm socks.

I sat at a table in front of the Tea & Coffee Exchange for a while to collect my thoughts and to just breathe, because believe me I was wheezing all up and down that trail. I quieted my mind as I took in the scene of the Peninsula and watched families walk by in their snow attire. Being from South West Florida where it never snows, this was a new view for me. I welcomed it and took some mental notes about what I would need for a future winter trip (hence the list above.)

As time went on and the pre-evening chill started to set in I headed towards Cedar Glen Malt Shop. I got a burger and some fries, and proceeded to find a spot that overlooks the lake. There was great spot outlook spot by the Inland Boat Center. The view was beautiful, the food was good. Couldn’t ask for a better day to end the day. But God, the author of beauty and the creator of nature, had this to show me

‘And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.’
Genesis 1:14-16

‘The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises.’
Ecclesiastes 1:5

‘Thus says the Lord , who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord of hosts is his name:’
Jeremiah 31:35

‘“Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place,
That you may take it to its territory,
That you may know the paths to its home?
By what way is light diffused,
Or the east wind scattered over the earth?
From whose womb comes the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?
Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,’
Job 38:19-20,24,29,37

‘When I made the clouds its garment, And thick darkness its swaddling band;’
Job 38:9

Seeing the thoughtfulness of God at work and admiring His wisdom in every detail was the ideal way to close out the day.

So if you’re in the mood to catch up with nature or to get away from your neighborhood, Lake Arrowhead is the place to be. Whether you want to engage in water activities, enjoy fine dining or relax at the Peninsula, Arrowhead has everything you need.