Memorial Day Weekend Camping - San Bernardino Forest, CA
Our Memorial Day weekend camping in San Bernardino National Forest near Los Angeles surpassed all expectations. In several ways. And it would be so hard to replicate the experience even if we were to pick the same campground next year or the year after. Because it's not often that you get to experience 3 different weather patterns in 3 consecutive days. That too, towards the end of May when we were all set for summer. Our camping began with the casual summer sun shining on us on day 1, followed by a romantic autumn fog on day 2 and ended with the most memorable winter snow on day 3. Even the best of planning can't bring you such miracles. We considered ourselves simply blessed to be there during that time.
Located at an elevation of 6,600 feet, San Gorgonio campground was in a mixed forest of oak and mature pine trees. The campground was beautiful, had a great view of the snow capped mountains and had several hiking trails nearby. We were a group of 6 families and we camped at sites 34,35 & 37. The campsites were spacious and shaded. But if I were to pick next time, I would choose site 45, which was a cul-de-sac double site located next to a beautiful trail. We had access to clean flush toilets and free hot showers. It is hard to beat a campground at that elevation that offers free hot showers. Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed them.
On Day 1, which was our sunny day, we played badminton and our special camping game which is yet to be christened. We cooked and enjoyed a hearty meal during the day. In the evening, we went on a trail and gathered firewood. We set up a campfire, sang songs and shared stories. It was a lovely day that ended with a lot of laughter.
The kids had a lot of fun playing in the open space. They even had their own tent and camp fire during the day.
On Day 2, which was our foggy day, our LA friends brought dosa batter and chutney for breakfast. Making hot and crispy dosas at the campsite on that foggy morning was a lot of fun. The fog amidst the pine trees created a romantic weather which led our group to break into some romantic songs. As the fog got thicker during the day, we went inside the heated tent to play cards and other games.
The most memorable thing happened when we woke up on Day 3. As we unzipped our tent, I couldn't believe my eyes. There was fresh snow everywhere, on the trees and the ground alike. It was a sight to behold. When I checked the weather on Day 0, there was some rain in the forecast. I didn't check later, so this snow was totally unexpected for me. I jumped out of our tent and ran around, unable to contain my excitement. I felt like Alice in Wonderland, completely mesmerized by Mother Nature.
We enjoyed the snow, thanked our stars and packed our tents in the next couple of hours. As beautiful as it was, it was time to leave.
As we drove down the mountain, we were treated with spectacular views of snow covered peaks and lush green valleys. We then got busy making plans for our next camping trip. But we all knew, this one will be hard to beat.
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| Photo Credit: Abhay |
On Day 1, which was our sunny day, we played badminton and our special camping game which is yet to be christened. We cooked and enjoyed a hearty meal during the day. In the evening, we went on a trail and gathered firewood. We set up a campfire, sang songs and shared stories. It was a lovely day that ended with a lot of laughter.
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| Our special camping game with no name |
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| Photo Credit: Gunjan |
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| Photo Credit: Gunjan |
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| Photo Credit: Gunjan |
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| Making hot and crispy dosas on a foggy morning |
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| Evening fog |
We enjoyed the snow, thanked our stars and packed our tents in the next couple of hours. As beautiful as it was, it was time to leave.
As we drove down the mountain, we were treated with spectacular views of snow covered peaks and lush green valleys. We then got busy making plans for our next camping trip. But we all knew, this one will be hard to beat.
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