There's snow in Southern California. No, really, there is. You just have to know where to look.
My son's cub scout troop sent out an email saying they were going snow tubing in Wrightwood. I raised an eyebrow. Being a non-native I was skeptical. Where was Wrightwood?
My husband knew all about it. He went to Dick's Sporting Goods and had a field day buying us boots, bibs, hats, and gloves. I went to Google maps.
Then again, I should have known better. Southern California does get snow. It snowed at my house on New Year's Day in Castaic. Andrew & Joe had a blast making snowballs. It was the first time in my 13 years living in SoCal I saw snow falling in my back yard, but I digress.
Wrightwood, CA is in the Angles National Forest which is just northeast of LA. It's a very high elevation – 6,000 foot, hence the snow. And it's only 1 ½ hours from my house. 13 years and I totally missed it. Someone buy me clue.
We looked like New England snow bunnies after my husband was done at Dick's, but we were ready for the snow. Thankfully, we didn't need chains going up the hill. (Hubby bought them, too!)
We're off!
We arrived at the Mountain High Resort around 9:30 am. After a long wait it was time to tube! (Because, let's face it, it's not easy organizing a troop event with all the kids and parents and you know some people – they are professionally late.)
Snow tubing is fun. You ride an inner tube down a long slope. My 4 year old, Joe, had a blast. He could have tubed all day non-stop, but Mom had to hold his tube and I got pooped! Andrew went down the slopes with his cub scout buddies.
Rumor was Adam Sandler was on the slope. I didn't see him. Adam and I went to the same high school, but he was 2 grades ahead of me. We had the same "evil" assistant principal – Mrs. Pellerin. You know that "evil" look, the one that makes you run down the hall the other away? Again, I digress.
I didn't see Adam Sandler, but a lot of people were checking out my really cool New England Patriots Starter jacket.
The Hubby
We tubed for two hours and on the way home we stopped by the Grizzly Café in Wrightwood for lunch. The food was tasty and there was a lot ambience (something that's missing in the restaurants around where I live.)
Hubby is planning another trip this coming Sunday. I think it's going to be a blast, but I'm going to keep an eye out for Mrs. Pellerin. You never know…
STEPH--what a "cool" post! And your husband, well, you'd better hang on to him. What a sweetheart to take you and the boys on such a fun outing. The boys will always remember it--and you want to make good memories for your children.
ReplyDeleteIt looks gorgeous there, and yes, even I knew California had snow in places.
Thanks for the sweet photos, too. I just loved them--Celia
What fun! I always loved fooling around in the snow with the kids. Snowmen and sleds and all the layers of clothing - what memories we made.
ReplyDeleteMagige's presecription: Play with the kids as often as possible. They grow up much too soon!
Enjoyed the fun and the pictures.
Maggie
So that's what snow tubing is! Looks like you and the boys had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteSteph, Glad you had such a good time! Sorry it took you so long to find the snow in CA! There are so many beautiful places in your state, as the boys get older, you will probably explore a lot more. Tahoe is on my ski wish list.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Pellerin was very mean to me, and I was such a quiet, well-behaved student. We really did not have good support services back then. (counselors, etc. )
How fun Steph! Have you ever been to Arrowhead and/or Big Bear? Farther out but still fun...
ReplyDeleteWow, this looks like fun, and perfect. Sun and warmth in the valley, snow on the mountain. The best of both worlds.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful family day! glad you got to play in the snow!
ReplyDeleteThe snow tubing is lots of fun although it can get pretty busy. If you time it right you can also snow play on the side of the road (come in the back side of the mountain). You just need a parking permit.
ReplyDeleteCelia, thanks for popping in. *smiles* Yes, the hubby is a keeper, even if he is exasperating in that husband-like way. Going to Wrightwood was a nice adventure!
ReplyDeleteMaggie, I agree - it's so important to play with your kids. That's what I remember when I was a kid - how much I loved playing with the adults around me.
Aly,
I agree - the support services in the 1980's in school weren't that great. Yes, there's lots to see in California. Joe is getting to point where we can actually start to travel around and we're looking forward to it. Brent wants to go Yosemite soon.
Patti,
Big Bear sounds like fun, but we need to plan a little for it, I think.
Keena, ther strangest thing is the view. When you're on top of the mountain and looking down at the tubing slopes in the distance you can see the desert and how dry it is.
Jillian, It was fun. I miss the snow in a strange little way.
Rebecca,
I agree, you have to time it right. We paid for 2 hours this past Sunday when we went but only got 4 rides in. The wait was about 20-30 mins between rides.
Smiles
Steph