Our first time truly travelling since the start of covid, a trip for us instead of others. We have tires instead of wings, surrounded by cars instead of clouds. Less leg room that economy, squished in the back of a Honda Civic. An impressively laid-back toddler in tow, this is the start of a long lesson in how to vacation with a wee one.
The first leg is easy, a mere 3 hours to Green Valley Lake to join our fabulous friends. A petite place between the main events, sandwiched between the better-known Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, this one is no less picturesque. No swimming in after Labor Day, but we beat the crowds, and the walking beats the beach, IMHO.
The lake is small, but the life is luxurious. The cabin comfortably houses two families, with plenty of privacy for both. Stocked with games galore, mine immediately builds the MegaBloks. There's plenty of downtime to cook and drink and soak in the extra-wide tubs, and it feels like complete isolation minus the delivery from Instacart. In my defense, he came from Big Bear with a vintage VW truck.
Few dining options nearby, but there's no need with those two cooking. Breakfasts are bountiful, French toast and fluffy eggs made every way. Lunches are wrapped burritos and sandwiches full of nutella and homemade jam. Dinner comes fresh from the grill, meats and veggies. Sliced fruits, plenty of ice cream, everything with cheese on top. We even have two birthdays, with an awkward surprise ("Come look at this rat-mouse!"...that we could totally see at 8 PM in the pitch-dark.) and a cake of tiramisu.
The hours not revolving around food are spent exploring. The front yard is full of agates, and down the road, a short upward hike proves practical for two toddlers. I’ll take a moment to pat myself on the back for being able to hike while carrying a 27-pound child.
There's plenty of time to appreciate the view of the valley.
A daytime moon meanders above a mysterious formation we call "Rockhenge,"
and our 19 month-old shows us just how well she can walk. Hands held, she tackles the entire downhill at her own insistence.
It's hard to leave here, but we must move on. Further north, a wedding awaits.
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