In 1973 I was in Mr. Bellow’s 5th grade class. I was 10. Every year, in late Spring, Mr. Bellows hosted an overnight stay at Bellow’s Lodge for his entire class. The property was used in the 1930’s as a place for construction workers to stay while they were building the large concrete damn for Big Bear lake. He and his family owned the lodge for decades.
Our camping experience began with our parents dropping us off at Bellows Lodge after lunch. There was gravel on the driveway, and not much pavement or concrete. Pine needles covered the ground, and large, giant, pine cones, that fell from tall and spiraling Jefferey Pine Trees, were to be found everywhere. It was a semi-rustic lodge built most likely in the 1930s or 40s. The cabins had a slightly musty smell when you entered and the wood floor, walls, ceiling, and exterior reminded you that you were certainly in the mountains. All of the buildings were covered in a Redwood color that could’ve used another coat. There was a dining room/cafeteria that had a majestic, rock fireplace, an out-of-tune upright piano, and a great view of the lake- Big Bear Lake.
Even though my home was not too far from Papoose Bay, and Bellows Lodge, I was certainly not at home, and the camping adventure was different and special to this 10 year old boy.
After slapping a “5′ to a few of our fellow classmates, we grabbed our gear dragging it to our specific cabins. There was a rush picking out our own bunk, and then quickly we dashed towards adventure to experience the great outdoors and have fun with our friends. Nearly everyone headed to the boat dock, where we could around the water, throw rocks in the water, play in a row boat, fish, or just enjoy the Adirondack chairs that were set out for us to lounge in. I waited my turn and got into a row boat with several other classmate, fastened in our orange life-vests and jumped in. I took the seat towards the middle and grabbed the oars. Rowing was tough, especially with a mild afternoon wind, and I struggled to keep the watercraft from drifting away from the ‘safe area’. Eventually, we made it back to the dock, but as we disembarked I was relieved to be back on dry land- the entire naval expedition lasted a good seven(7) minutes, but as the solo rower, it felt like much longer.
We continued to play, chase, and have an overall fun time until the dinner bell rang out- it was saying ‘come and get it’. Burgers, chips, and a piece if fruit were on the menu and we gobbled-down each bite as if it were our last. As a class, our after-dinner options were limited to what we cold do in the main lodge. The main lodge was the largest gathering area at Bellow’s Lodge, and we explored every inch of it that evening. We all took turns playing ping-pong, billiards, or playing cards and board games like Battleship, Stratego, and War were the favorites. Several had decided to flop down onto the overstuffed couch while hanging out in front of the fireplace. I was drawn to a well-worn, upright piano who’se echoey sound gave me a feeling that wer were in an old ghost-town somewhere in the Wild West. My friend David N. taught me how to play “Smoke on the Water” on that old upright. It took him about ten tries to get me to ‘get-it’. I finally ‘got-it’ and to this day I rarely resist plunking out the tune that takes me back to childhood.
After exhausting our opportunities in the lodge, were were summoned to the fire ring were some were already gorging on flaming marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey bars- ‘Smores were the only offering at the blazingly spectacular fire ring.
While eating the sticky, melty, delicious treats, we shared seating spaces on logs, benches and redwood benches. There were a few songs sung, an attempt at a scary story being told, and lots of giggling and staring into the fire. As soon as the embers began to lose their allure, we headed to our respective bunks- boys one way, girls another. It was certain that there would be no cabin raiding that night as leadership made it clear that if we left our cabins, we’d be spending the night at our own homes, not at this wonderful camp.
Once, we were in the boys cabin, we wrestled a bit, brushed our teeth, and secretly changed into our jammies. Noises surrounded us, and a heaping amount of ‘shushes’ were coming from our chaperone’s room which was just outside of our room, and strategically placed next to the only exit. It took what seemed like forever for us boys to get to sleep. The lakeside cabin we slept in was at least 50 years old and an unmistakable odor matched the cabin’s age, and it creeked in the nights wind, inviting imaginative thoughts about some creeping creature lingering outside, or worse, waiting the -get us’. The lumpy old mattresses made it even more difficult to fall asleep, as we truly felt like we were ‘roughin’ it’. We finally fell asleep to the sounds of crickets, wind blown branches scraping on the roof and side of the cabin, the water lapping upon the shore, and 10 year old giggling boys whose non-stop farting gassed them into a good-nights slumber.
Upon waking, we had to get cleaned up, pack our gear, and try to roll up our sleeping bags. We dragged our gear outside to the cabin’s porch, ready for our departure after the big hike.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs, cold toast, and a couple sausage links. Orange slices were there to add a healthy portion to our dining experience.
After breakfast we all headed outside to a small amphitheater that faced to water. A forest ranger was waiting for us, and after an introduction from Mr. Bellows, the ranger shared some details and rules about our hike. He shared; that it was important that we stay on the trail all the way up the Castle Rock, that we should be aware that snakes were usually found near the rocks, and that we should make sure we have plenty of water with us.
After the brief orientation we each filled out canteens, grabbed an apple and a baggie filled with granola- all of those were placed in a paper sack that we each carried.
Next, we lined up and headed away from the camp on a trail along the shoreline. After just a few minutes of walking, a few of us stopped, and put down our paper bags, and picked up rocks and began skipping them across the lake. Mr. Bellows used his Super-8 camera to film me throwing a flat rock across Papoose Bay. One of those rocks skipped at least 10 times before sinking in the lake. (Later, Mr. Bellows showed that film in out classroom, rewinding the throw and the skipping, making it look like I was catching the rock coming out of the lake into my hand). It wowed everyone, as this kind of creative use of video had never been seen by us.
After the epic rock skipping, our group headed along the trail, away from the lake, to the roadside crossing area. Highway 18 was a busy road, and we had to wait for no cars to come before we darted to the other side where the trailhead waited for us.
By the time the last of us crossed the highway, the lead group guided by the forest ranger, could be seen up the trail waiting next to a really tall Jeffrey pine. Trail that was before us, was well traveled making it easy for us to not get lost. So, with a treat-filled paper sacks in hand, and full canteens, we began our uphill climb.
The hill was most-steep in the first few hundred feet, meandering up hill gradually to a flatter area filled with huge Manzanita. While winding my way up the hill with the other 5th graders, I came across a certain, extremely huge Manzanita bush. When I saw the bush, it was off to the side of the trail. What was strange to me, is that I was having a huge case of de ja’ vu – I had a dream a few nights before that had the giant Manzanita blocking the trail, and we had walk a long way around it. And while I was dreaming, I felt that the bush in the way of the trail was a warning. It became evident later as to what I was being warned.
We continued up the trail, heading to Castle Rock. Some headed for the view, others for the rock climbing. And then there was me, wondering what I needed a warning for, and hoping it wasn’t too scary or harmful. Nonetheless, I continued up and eventually arrived at Castle Rock.
We arrived at the uphill side of the rock, and sat down. The ranger was there with Mr. Bellows, who was shooting film on the Super-8 camera. The ranger began with a story about the lore of Castle Rock. Then we all opened our snack bag and ate our food and downed our water. Of course, the canteen had a metal taste to it- yet it quenched our thirst. Next, the leaders shared the dangers of getting too close to the edge, how to make sure we didn’t push each other climbing to the top, and to make sure that whatever we ‘packed in’ that we also ‘packed out’, in others words, don’t leave any trash on Castle Rock! We all made certain that we were very tidy.
The scattering around the castle shaped rock was similar to scattering ants on a dirt mound after someone poured water on it, but instead of ants we were 10 year olds. Scampering around while playing Cowboys and Indians, Army, and a few were pretending to be Mountain Lions and Bears running around and roaring, while others went on an exploration of the castle- I joined them.
Exploring Castle Rock was and adventure, just like wandering on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland. Running over boulders, under trees, and on to ledges- and it was on ledges that my fears were realized.
As the wandering explorers roamed, the roamers came to the tall side of the castle and a challenge ensued. The lead roamers had to come a deep and steep crevasse, where the only way to cross to the other side, was to get enough speed, jump onto a tree limb, and swing to safety. One by one, the roaming wanderers took turns and they all made it over,… and then it was my turn. I backed up as far as I could, took a deep breath and then ran towards to crevasse, hoping to make it in one fell swoop. But something went wrong when I jumped and grabbed the limb,… I didn’t swing. I just stopped and hung there for what seemed to be an eternity. I had a good grip on the tree limb so I felt ok at first, but I had a moment of total insecurity when I looked up and saw Mr. Bellows at the top of the rock about 15 feet above my barely hanging on, pudgy 10 year old, too slow to make the jump, body. He was up there with that Super-8 camera in hand, zoomed in on me. That very instant, I knew what the warning was about and I knew that the Manzanita bush was trying to block my way up the hill, so I would avoid that moment.
And in a moment more, I felt being pushed by several hands to safety. Several of my classmates came to my rescue and pushed me onto the safe ledge. I made it. I survived Castle Rock.
That was a great moment, until I heard my teacher yell down to me and the rest of us on that ledge, “I got the shot. Don’t worry. I got the shot.”
I’ve had time to think about that moment and the series of events that lead to it, and can see clearly with a significant take-a-way. That take-a-way is this. Not everyone climbs a mountain for the same reason.
I climbed it to have fun with classmates. Mr Bellows, apparently went to shoot some film and get some ‘shots’. Shots of people skipping rocks. Shots of the class enjoying themselves at Castle Rock. And a ‘shot’ of me nearly dying.
Castle Rock is a favorite place of mine. I hiked the two(2) mile trip several times in high school and enjoyed it every time.
Here is a link to the legend of Castle Rock. https://kbhr933.com/current-news/legend-castle-rock/
Here is a link to find directions to Castle Rock. http://www.bigbearlake.net/summer/castle-rock-trail
- LENGTH: From the parking area – 2 Miles (Round Trip)
- ELEVATION GAIN: -700 feet
- CLASSIFICATION: Moderate (if you are in shape).
- WHAT YOU NEED: An Adventure Pass if you park your car in the parking area -these can be purchased at the Discovery Center, Ranger Station and various stores in Big Bear Lake.
- WHAT YOU SHOULD WEAR: Comfortable hiking shoes and clothes – a hat – sunglasses –
- WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water – snacks – camera – windbreaker.
- HOW TO GET THERE: From State Highway 18, 1 mile east of Big Bear Dam or 3 miles west of Big Bear Lake Village. The parking area is small and on the opposite side of the road, so be careful of oncoming traffic when crossing the highway.
May your experience be filled with grandeur and awe!
pkriskent 