It’s been a tradition that Nancy and I travel to Yosemite National Park in late January. Over twenty years ago we learned about Chef’s Holidays where gourmet chefs from around the country gather to provide cooking demonstrations and meals. We spend several days hiking, eating, and drinking a disproportionate share of the the world’s resources. We pray our gratitude balances enough karma for us.

But it’s no surprise that COVID-19 has once again made our plans moot. Chef’s Holidays were cancelled as were the accommodations in Yosemite Valley. By early fall we recognized that Yosemite 2021 wasn’t going to happen. In our search for an alternative we stumbled on the fact that Nancy’s cousin Annie and her family own a cabin in Lake Arrowhead. When we approached them they couldn’t have been more gracious and generous and we were able to spend a few days enjoying their hospitality.

If you’ve never been to Lake Arrowhead, which is North and East of Los Angeles, you need to check this off your bucket list. It’s beautiful, and in January it’s a nice winter break from Southern California. At 5000 feet elevation it does get snow from time to time.

We didn’t have snow but the hiking was spectacular and a fully functional kitchen allowed us to enjoy S’Mores.

We hope to return to Yosemite in 2012 but will always hold Lake Arrowhead (and our hosts) dear in our hearts.