Road work has been happening on the North Shore and locals are speculating just what it means.

A few people have felt that it is a bit stupid to be doing road work during the winter–but GG thinks this weather means a short window of opportunity has opened and that taking advantage of it might be a good thing.

However, the birds this morning were singing like it was spring so it has this girl worried about winter. I also can see dirt up on the slopes so you all better start doing those snow dances with fury.

As usual, there is a lot of speculation about the patching since nothing much is going on. One neighbor is betting that this is in prep for the next Amgen event scheduled to take place here in May.

Now this is a good time to mention that Fawnskin totally got passed over for any coverage the last time, and if the powers that be are promoting the entire valley, they’d best make sure it doesn’t happen again…but I am not holding my breath and you’d better not either!

The poor patching jobs have washed away or left large potholes in the roads. So GG hopes that this is indeed prep for a major paving project since our roads seriously need some help.

Now lots has been going on and I am likely to forget something or other.

If you’ve been to Interlaken lately you’ll have noticed work going on next to Starbucks. After years of being empty, the word is that US Bank is moving into the space.

I surely hope they stick around since banking institutions seem to have more of a revolving door history around these parts. One of the reasons locals tend to support the local banks is that they remain here.

I’ve had accounts with Wells Fargo, Chase, BofA and others…but am happy doing business with the more localized branches when I can.

Of course, if you travel–life is easier sometimes with a national chain.

Truth be told, the only reason I still have my BofA account (established here in the valley 20+ years ago) is that travel nationally and internationally was easier having that account.

Yes, yes…I haven’t traveled in a while BUT I just got invited to Thailand and if a miracle  (to the tune of $1500) happens to come along so I can go, I’ll report back about the banking options and cell phone coverage since I know you will want to know all about it.

Let’s see…I know I am forgetting a few things.

This week GG actually got out after dark to attend the Big Bear Business Bunch. It was fun to see some old acquaintances at “The Hook” (Captain’s Anchorage) and meet some other business people I didn’t know.

Down on Seminole some new construction is being mapped out much to GG’s chagrin. I hate having to endure the loud noise, bad music, and disruption caused by such work.

I also think it is a shame that so much new construction continues when so many homes are empty or up for sale. In fact, surrounding the property are at least five properties that are up for sale.

One of the reasons people visit this area is for the environment and I find it odd that people build such monstrous homes and then seldom use them.

GG has been getting out of the house–it has been noticed around town so much that people are making a fuss over it.

Over at Captain’s Anchorage, the first exclamation was, “Oh my God, you are out at night!”

Eesh, this gal has to start doing more.

Anyway, because I am out a lot more these days, I spied some new construction over in the village in the Bartlett Parking lot. But, rather than tell you what is going on…how about you tell us in the comments?

See you again on Tuesday.

However, GG has found that there is a whole industry dedicated to the safety of those who must walk over snow and ice. Product names include not only the Yak Trax but also Kahtoola MicroSpikes, StabilIcers, and IceTrekkers.

Now this gal has some amazing boots but find that the slick ice can be a challenge–when we have snow and ice that is. We haven’t had too much of a problem with this of late.

February and March tend to be heavy snowfall months, so I thought it best to share this information sooner than later.

Yak Trax have been in production since 1998 and now come in two different models. The original (Walker) is ideal for anyone ambling about town while the other design (Pro) is more for those adventurers who need something that won’t come off in deep snow or more intense conditions.

I found a nice selection for you online so you can buy Boot Chains or Ice Cleats for Shoes* from the comfort from your own home. If you have a favorite model or design that you prefer over some of those listed here, why not leave a comment and let us know about it?

For your enjoyment, here are some pictures of some of the other product options available to you.

*Buying online using this link helps support the Fawnskin Flyer. It is an affiliate link which means the FF gets a small commission from purchases you make using it.

So it seems that things have really been in the toilet today.

GG was out early covering the big, breaking news down at the Fawnskin Post Office but despite my best efforts to get online early to “report” on such matters, it is only now that I am getting around to doing so.

If you haven’t heard about it yet, the Fawnskin Post Office flooded last night.

A savvy Fawnskin resident, still yet to be identified, made sure to alert Fire Station 96 and our local firemen turned off the water thus preventing additional damages.

Good job!

Early this am, our own Fawnskin PMR (Post Master Relief) was on the scene and he promptly reported home to get his shop vac to help remove the water from the lobby.

Now, much to our surprise, the Postal Inspector called Snoop Sister Deb about the flooding.

Little did they know she is an aspiring cub reporter here for the Fawnskin Flyer…which is how I got the initial heads up when I innocently stopped by for coffee.

Imagine my excitement over the fact that there was news to be had at the same time!

Deb actually had a day off but they figured she was the one to call…you know, she is so reliable and all.

However, it is comforting that they did call Post Master Mike after all–guess they were confused about just who is who in Fawnskin these days.

Anyway, there were no pipe breaks, instead it was simply a malfunction of the flotation shut off device on the toilet tank. It failed to stop the tank fill–so it overflowed.

Good thing things were clean.

Now the truth of the matter is that GG thinks this was simply a ploy to give her something to write about since things have been super quiet and calm around these parts.

But imagine my surprise, when on the other side of the lake, I discovered that some locals have renamed the pipeline crew that did some work up on Forest Road last fall as the “Arizona Poopline” crew.

It seems that they took out part of the sewer line with a backhoe doing some construction work.

Visitors made the discovery in the cabin shortly after they arrived for the holidays.

Fortunately for some, things have been taken care of–but GG thinks it is odd that so many things are in the toilet this week.

Could it be that there are too many people full-of-sh** around these parts?

Stay tuned since this could be a new theme along the lines of the infamous Toilet T-issue from the early days of the Fawnskin Flyer.

Now, completely off topic and in a new direction, yes–it is true that the North Shore Tavern was open last weekend.

So, GG stopped by to get the scoop. The NS Tavern will be open Friday through Sundays from 11am until close Friday/Saturday and from 10am until close on Sundays.

I’ll be interested to hear your reports…

Sadly, that is it for now but I will be back again on Tuesday!

Stormy weather makes it the perfect time to make soups or to pull out the crock pot for some amazingly simple stews.

In this edition of GG’s High Altitude Cooking we thought you might like a rich, creamy pumpkin soup recipe for the cold winter weather.

This soup has a spicy, sweet undertone. You can also add a variation by adding some cinnamon croutons, roasted pumpkin seeds, or some other creativity of your own.

Pumpkin Soup (Serves 6)

• 15 ounces pumpkin puree (canned or fresh puree)
• 30 oz of chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 1/2 tbsp softened butter (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 1/2 tbsp softened butter (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or non-dairy alternative such as coconut milk)
• 1/4-1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Sauté the onion in 2 1/2 tbsp butter (or non-dairy alternative) until translucent.

Gradually add half the chicken broth. Continue stirring and bring to a boil. Lower heat and cover, let simmer for about 15 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the rest of the broth with the pumpkin puree. Mix salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, pepper, ginger, brown sugar and add to the puree mix.

Stir well and add to the hot onion and broth gradually. Bring to a boil.

Turn the heat down and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

Gradually add cream until mixture is warm. Don’t allow to boil.

Garnish with croutons, roasted pumpkin seeds, and cilantro right before serving.

Cinnamon Croutons

• 4 slices bread of your choice (hearty grain tends to be a good match)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tbsp softened butter or non-dairy alternative

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix together the cinnamon with half the sugar then melt butter and add spices. Place in large bowl.

Cut bread into small pieces and add to the bowl mixture, toss until croutons are lightly coated.

Toast in oven for up to 8 minutes.

Enjoy!

If you have a super high altitude recipe you’d like to share, just leave a comment and GG will get back to you. Who knows? If might get featured here!

SOPA Dark
So, if you tried to access the Fawnskin Flyer yesterday, you will have seen that the Fawnskin Flyer was dark.

You’d have seen a message about the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) movement since the bill is of big concern.

Now if you have known me for a little while, you’ll know that I am a Geek Grrrl.

Most days, I work online writing or doing tech tasks related to social media and website optimization.

It was hard to remain offline but even so, I joined many of my online colleagues and refrained from many of my normal tasks.

However, by the end of the day I did have to upload a video and a few other things.

The refreshing thing was that I got quite a lot done despite hitting glitches here and there.

If you missed all the hullabaloo…here is a link to HR 3261 and a good SOPA/PIPA commentary and an online petition since H.R.3261.IH goes to vote in the Senate next week.

Quiet Town
Now, it is a good thing that things are happening out in the world because Fawnskin is WAY too quiet.

In fact, I don’t ever remember a time that it has been this way since I moved here back in 2002.

GG would like to give you some dirt–but there really isn’t much.

Since the soil is pretty rocky, it is literally a problem too–if I wanted to be a smarta** about it and actually hand you some.

However, it looks like a big inspection happened down over the old Moon Camp way.

We also have a new neighbor who blocks half the road with her VW and I just know that the snow plow drivers and local CHP and gonna give her hell as soon as it snows.

Neighbor Steve said he would be up–but I haven’t seen him.

Flatland escapee John managed to come up for a short spell but was working inside when it was so cold, so I didn’t see him much.

Hmm, I did hear that company is coming over the Heidmiller way.

Uh, um…

*GG shuffles feet*

Don’t you have anything to share?

P-l-e-a-s-e?

Now, if you have been paying attention to the news across the lake–it looks like hell has broken loose.

Both the Big Bear Municipal Water District and the Bear Valley Mutual Water Company are suing the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the US District Court over the expanded habitat of the Santa Ana Sucker Fish (Catostomus santaanae).

Over in Sugarloaf (which many locals call Tweeker-loaf) some bright person attempted to take off in a Bear Valley Electric truck.

Seriously, you just have to wonder just what he was thinking.

Reminds me of the guy that held up the bank across from the sheriff station and tried to escape on a bike.

Eesh.

Of course there is more…but a gal’s gotta stop somewhere.

Okay, I did hear of something, but it might be too late now.

You see, Jim & Janet started a winter clothing sale on the 4th and forgot to email me about it.

The own the North Shore Trading Company, so you might want to give ‘em a call to see if the 20-40% discount sale is still underway because they have some nifty stuff.

Okay, that’s it for me. I’ll chat back at ‘cha on Tuesday.

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you are seeking to take your love to a higher place–nothing beats being in the high altitude.

Snow capped mountain peaks where time slows down is just the right environment to kick up the romance.

Not only can you feast on some great food or enjoy a hot drink next to a crackling fire, but you also can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities or just opt to lock yourself up in a quaint cabin to enjoy some alone time.

If that isn’t your style, opt for a day of pampering at a Day Spa, spend some time shopping at some of the unique boutiques or galleries, or hit the slopes for some fun.

The great thing about planning your romantic escape is that you can do it easily.

Locally, we tend to all kick around ideas over coffee and such. But if you are a visitor, you’ll find that the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce or the Big Bear Visitor’s Center useful.

GG encourages you to simply pick up the phone to call and find out about any seasonal specials or packages but, as luck would have it, Gossip Girl has her own ideas of what to do in this mountain lake resort.

I took some time to query a few locals over on Facebook (Have you “liked” the Fawnskin Flyer’s page yet? Go ahead, do it now!)

Most of the locals who shared comments were women.

Yep, it is well known that you gotta help out the guys a bit and they jumped right on it.

Otherwise a gal might get something like an appliance. Guys, pay attention–that will usually land you in the dog house!

Anyway, the hot suggestions? Imagine, they consisted of the best places to eat and drink!

I picked a couple to share with you since I know you want the scoop:

Now, GG happens to agree with Cindy. If you are seeking to wine and dine your honey, pay close attention to her recommendations and get on the phone for reservations now.

Not to be left out, another local business owner put in her two cents as well:

Sally mentions the marshmallows from Copper Q because they are freshly made, melt-in-your-mouth, yummy treats.

As for the locals in Fawnskin, many head over to Moose Lodge 2085 for Kevin’s Prime Rib dinner and the live entertainment.

It starts early (around 5pm) and is a short commute to and fro–we happen to like that.

Of course, you must be a member to be able to attend but at $22 per person, it is usually a sell out.

But if you are not a local and need some help with ideas of where to stay, never fear–GG has the scoop.

Here on the North Shore, Windy Point Inn is the place to be. This B&B is situated right on the lake where the views and contemporary design will leave you breathless.

Other bed & breakfast favorites include the Inn at Fawnskin and Gold Mountain Manor but you can find a good listing of Big Bear B&Bs here.

Truth be told, there are a lot of other places that exist but nothing is as romantic as our little town of Fawnskin.

Nestled against the forest with limited commercial development, it is the perfect place for a quaint, romantic Valentine’s Day escape.

Thanks for stopping by the Fawnskin Flyer, not necessarily the news for Fawnskin.

Be sure to say hi to GG when you get to town–and I’ll be back with my Talk of the Town on Thursday.

GG keeps surprising a local hawk that has decided he likes my deck and needs to keep any eye on me.

Seriously, he is regularly perched on the railing, on the bird house, or in an adjacent tree after I startle him.

Nice to know that someone is looking out for me.

But really, I think he likes the perches here on the hill because of the amazing view of the lake and hillside.

This gives him the advantage of locating a tasty morsel or two and probably conserves energy in a downward swoop.

I like having him around because I love wildlife–but more on that later.

Now I bring up the hawk eye theme because Post Master Mike needs your help.

It seems that someone decided to have a bit of fun down in the lobby of the Post Office.

The display boxes were strewn all around the floor and also were pushed through the mail slots.

Although the lobby is locked between certain hours, locals do have extended access due to commuter schedules since they cannot access their mail except during times before and after normal operating hours when staff is on hand.

The suspicion is that young, bored individuals were the culprits but if you were witness to any activity at the Post Office before or after staff hours, please inform PM Mike.

He asks that we use our keen eyes for observation to prevent such happenings again.

On another tangent, did you know that Post Master Mike has been here over three years already?

Time sure does fly!

GG wishes you a great holiday weekend.

Although I anticipated being down in the desert, I’ll be hiding out here after all.

However, my neighbors are coming up so they might get me out for something or other.

Just a reminder that starting next week, the Fawnskin Flyer will be updated twice a week–Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Chat with you then!

So, it is still a bit slow around these parts.

Post Master Mike had the sniffles on Monday but then he also road his bike into work.

Brrr!

So, someone asked me if I have seen any eagles but I honestly have not been looking!

But you might like to know that I have a hawk that resides on my deck and I often surprise him as I come down the stairs.

Seriously, he sits on the railing and gazes over Grout Bay–which confirms that I do have a great lookout point.

When I startle him, he flies up into a nearby tree–and it happens at least once a week.

It may be the one that was so enamored with me that he dropped a trout on my deck as I was lounging in my hammock.

That’s the way to impress a gal. Yes sir-ee.

Now in case you were wondering, and GG is sure you are…back in December, the annual eagle census came back with a report of 9 eagles.

These birds of prey arrive annually as early as November but the numbers tend to peak in January and February.

Then by April most have left the area. This is the reason the public areas are closed off and you have those nice “Keep Out” signs everywhere.

Even so, people ignore them.

But I digress…as luck would have it, if you are wondering about the eagles, you can volunteer for the next count which is coming up this weekend.

Bald Eagle Census
Saturday, January 14th will be the second bald eagle count–and there will be two additional counts on February 11th and then on March 10th. GG suggests all enthusiasts put those dates in your calendar NOW.

If you would like to volunteer, meet at the Big Bear Discovery Center here in Fawnskin at 8:00am on Saturday, January 14th.

The good news is that you don’t need experience to help out.

However you do need to bring binoculars, a watch (or timer), and dress appropriately for winter so you keep warm.

Contact Robin Eliason at (909)382-2832 or reliason@fs.fed.us for more information.

Highway 18 Maintenance & Repairs
This week highway repairs and maintenance is again on the agenda–something you probably noticed if you commute.

The work is scheduled to continue through Thursday, January 12th from 8:00am until 2:00pm and click here for commuter alerts.

This & That
GG the slacker SO forgot to tell you that she talked to a few business people on the other side of the lake.

It seems the quilt shop will moving up on Village Drive and the old Mandoline Bistro is getting ready to open up sometime in February (if luck holds).

Now you might remember my review of the Tea Exchange sometime back and you’ll be excited to hear that they will be opening up in the old village Starbucks location.

I hope that satisfies your curiosity this week.

If not, pass some dirt news this way in the comments.

Until Friday, this is GG signing off…

Do you have winter worries?

Some people worry about the weather, some about the ice, others about wood–or at least that is the story I heard today.

As for GG, I worry about potholes, ice, and cinders since they all pose a threat to Fawnskin residents and their vehicles.

Part of the problem is that there isn’t much going on in town–so people focus on all different types of things.

Here in GG’s Grotto, I’ve been working on my editorial calendar for the year along with some strategic planning.

Starting on the 15th there will be some changes here on the Fawnskin Flyer

The first is that I am going to be posting twice a week.

One post will be specific to Fawnskin and some of my rants while the other post will be a topic of interest to both residents and visitors.

Of course, I reserve the right to decide to post additional articles but for now–that is the plan.

I hope you’ve been enjoying the warm afternoon weather.

GG has been enjoying hammock time and taking my computer out on the deck to work.

But for those of you who are not up here full-time, the nights have been cold and the wind chill is something else.

The weather is likely to change but for now, get out and enjoy it!