Another picture update - Hiking in Cougar Crest

In late January or so, I went on a hike with one of my good friends Julie from the lab. It was a little snowy, mostly warm, and very beautiful. The view we had from the "top" was very similar to some views in the Himalayas, given the vista over Big Bear Lake and the combination of snow-capped peaks, lofty pines, and cedar trees.
I think the trail was called Cougar Crest trail, and it met up with the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans approximately 2600 miles from Baja to northern California. So, I can say I've hiked (about 50 feet of) the Pacific Crest trail!
Julie organizes hikes with friends and people from the lab fairly reguarly - we've gone out with her at least 6-7 times since we've been here. It's great because she's originally from further north - Bakersfield area - but has lived in this area for a long time and loves the desert and mountain terrain. She also knows a lot about local history and archaeology, and once took us to this hand-made tunnel under a mountain peak that a deranged gold-panner carved out with dynamite and a pick over almost 40 years.