Registered Member #659 Joined: Sat Sep 15 2007, 01:32PM : Posts: 8634
as far as I know Nay's owned Magic Mountain since it was built. they would have been hard to deal with on any kind of partnership basis. I just remembered I have some home photo's of Lynn Lift when it was a poma lift on top. and the way you had to get up there.
O.K. here is where the tow on Mill creek was at. I have flipped it so South is up as it would appear if you came from Big Bear. It would be easiest if you hve a GPS to enter the location 34 13 08 09 N 116 56 50 96 W
the fork is the first obe past the turn off for Camp Osito The road to the left goes about 1/2 mile and ends. It used to be the old road and came out at the top of Clark's grade. Take the road to the right. There is a sign saying Bluff lake. where the x is there may have been part of it but the place marked 1 is where it is easy to see. the line I drew is about how it ran. You can see some old wheels high in the trees where the overhead ran. Near the base of the hill is quite a bit of lumber. left from the enterprise. I have never climbed the hill to look. Might be best after a fire. But I don't remember that spot burning. I think the brush was cleared in the "bowll" many years ago but it is all grown back. There were also red triangles along much of Skyline drive about 20 feet up to mark the cross country trail. It, and ski jumping were actualy more popular then the sking that is done today. Probably due to the lack of rope tows and chair lifts
Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
"I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same"
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
Registered Member #30 Joined: Sat Oct 14 2006, 12:59PM : Posts: 1271
You totally amaze me, BGS. Your stories of the past in Big Bear continue to floor me. I just wish I knew all the questions to ask that would bring out more of what you know. Ever written a book yourself? " A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you're talking real money" -attributed to Everett Dirksen
"If God wanted us to vote, He should have provided candidates." - The Kingston Trio
Registered Member #659 Joined: Sat Sep 15 2007, 01:32PM : Posts: 8634
I guess I soaked up more then I thought I did along the way. Most of my knowledge is about a pretty small area where others know the world, or at least a state or two. My mom was always telling me stories and after a few times they stuck. some of the best thing I do is to go to someplace most wouldn't think of stopping and walk around a little. In one place within 50 feet along a road I found an old road that has not been seen in years, where there was a gate across the road which would have been before they installed a cattle guard that to is long gone. also found a campsite, and a small well hidden in willow bushes. talking with a stepdad he told me it was wher they camped driving cattle up from the desert. and of course lots of reading. I have two books all but done and ideas for two others One is on my family history in the valley since 1900. another is of the discovery andfirst 50 years of it's history told from two quite different people Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
"I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same"
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
Registered Member #2475 Joined: Wed Jun 01 2011, 09:08PM : Posts: 12
Thanks for all the replies and ideas. I can probably track down that old Mill Creek area. And, yes, I am going to see if Dick Kun has any photos of the area. I'd be more than happy to sign those books for you and you'll be one of the first to get the new one. My deadline is summer 2012, so it will be fall 2012 that it should be in print. I may have the same picture you have of snowmaking at Rebel Ridge. I have Sepp Benedikter's archive in my library, so should have lots of photographs from the time that he owned the area. Thanks again...you have been a great help. Ingrid
Registered Member #659 Joined: Sat Sep 15 2007, 01:32PM : Posts: 8634
are you on the mountain?
I know there is someone near Elsinore that has lots of info on early skiing and also publishes. In case the other map did not show it clear enough here is one that shows the begining of mill creek road (top), the rope tow, and Bluff Lake on this one North is up
(click to enlarge)
Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
"I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same"
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
Registered Member #1154 Joined: Wed Oct 24 2007, 10:30AM : Posts: 4792
Another good resource person regarding the skiing history in these mountains is Doug Pfeiffer. He is a member of the skiing Hall of Fame, and is known as the Father of Freestyle. He has an extensive library, and knows this area intimately. I can put you in touch with him if you would like. Send me a personal message if you are interested.
Registered Member #659 Joined: Sat Sep 15 2007, 01:32PM : Posts: 8634
Doug Pfeiffer was one of those who tried to teach me how to ski. I had to be the worst ever. I would have thought he would have passes by now. Norm Batchler was another but he is gone now. I think Pfeiffer was one of a couple of skiers who got Big Bear on T.V. for one of the first times. There used to be a show called "you asked for it" where they would put interesting things on the air They put roller skates on the bottom of ski's and got towed behind a truck in the Old Miners parade. I know it is extreamly tame by today's standards but it was neat then. Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
"I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same"
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
Registered Member #52 Joined: Sun Oct 15 2006, 09:40PM : Posts: 1785
This is really interesting stuff. Thanks for all of the information. I've seen lots of remnants (wheels, lumber, cabling, pipes and foundations) out there. It's cool to know what they were or might have been. Gonna have to stop and take a closer look next time. Y'know, Nietzsche says: "Out of chaos comes order."
Registered Member #659 Joined: Sat Sep 15 2007, 01:32PM : Posts: 8634
get some pictures and a good location and if I know anything about them I will let you know. Might even think of some places to cjeck out. I am sure some have been to this site. I understand the roof has given up the ghost since these were taken. There is an old road (sort of) that leads to it that makes a decent trail. There is also parts of a crashed plane along the way. One that killed three or four people and was the subject of a week long search.
Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
"I solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same"
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
Hug your family, reach out to your friends, and look around at all the new friends you've yet to make. Prayers to all those whose lives will never be the same.
Everyday I am thankfull for something. Today a friend said "Glass half full, be greatfull you have a glass. "I would add to that even if your glass is dirty be greatfull you have a glass to clean.
I'm thankful for the warm sun on my face when I wake in the morning, the whir of my ceiling fan cooling me as I go to bed, my soft puppie's fur snuggling up against me, the fact I have food to eat and family and friends that I love and that love me. Every day I wake is a new day and new chance to do better. I'm thankful for my friends on SCM, sho are always there for me, worried when I worry and this last year with my daughter's head on collision on Moonridge in Aug and then the fire up the block form my house a couple weeks ago have been trying but it is nothing like a tornado where the school is ripped to shreads. I am thankful I try to help people and for kind persons I see doing it too.
I'm thankful for each new day that brings opportunity, pause for thought and appreciation. I'm thankful for my family : the love, the chaos, the laughs, the tears... All of it. Signing off for tonight.
Orr Family Farm media inquiries might be worth a try: 405 609 7068 They might be able to refer them to someone. Its a nightmare now. There are many many horses unaccounted for and they are racing dark to find them and triage them. Identifying them might not happen right away. I'd be a wreck waiting to hear about my babies!
I'm thankful for my life, family and friends, including all my horses, dogs, cats, birds and every living creature that I take care of. I'm also thankful I have a bed to sleep in and a roof over my head. I'll be reall thankful for the survivors of all disasters that have happened lately...past present and future.
As always, thanks everyone for the updates. Continued prayers. 2013 has started off to be a year full of disasters, loss, and fear. Anyone care to share what they're thankful for?
Big Bear Lake Ski History
