1/4/2014 A short run on the Cougar Crest trail made for a great 7 mile, 1500' trip up to Bertha Peak above the North shore of the lake.
1 Heading out on the Cougar Crest trail on the North shore of Big Bear Lake. In early January, this trail should be under snow. But a record dry year makes for some winter trail running.
2 Just a bit of snow in places left from a a storm a couple weeks earlier.
3 Just enough snow to keep you on your toes.
4 The trail soon intersects the PCT. It's always a good day when you can run even just a little bit on the PCT!
5 Looking down from the ridge away from the lake into Holcomb Valley, home of some popular trail races.
6 Starting to get some great views of the lake.
7 Panaroma view of the lake. The one patch of snowy area on the opposite shore is the Snow Summit ski resort with man made snow.
8 The last leg to my destination for the day, Bertha Peak.
9 A look up at the radio towers on the peak.
10 Made it to Bertha Peak at XX'.
11 View of Big Bear lake from the peak.
12 Another lake view.
13 Looking down towards the West end of the lake. Time to head back down. A short, but nice, 1500' gain day.