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A Mysterious Lake By a Miner's Grave: Photo Journey, Big Bear, California

Updated on March 2, 2013
GarnetBird profile image

Gloria taught for many years, and also worked as a mental health group facilitator.

En route to Big Bear's historic Holcombe Valley, we passed by Castle Rock Trail.
En route to Big Bear's historic Holcombe Valley, we passed by Castle Rock Trail. | Source
A Ghost from the Gold Rush days, this structure was part of the "lucky Baldwin" Mine; Big Bear area, California (Doble)
A Ghost from the Gold Rush days, this structure was part of the "lucky Baldwin" Mine; Big Bear area, California (Doble) | Source
a Mining community in Doble had this poignant little pioneer graveyard.
a Mining community in Doble had this poignant little pioneer graveyard. | Source
More evidence of Mining activities from the 1850s: Doble, California.
More evidence of Mining activities from the 1850s: Doble, California. | Source
"Unnamed lake" by a miner's grave. Holcombe Valley, cCa.
"Unnamed lake" by a miner's grave. Holcombe Valley, cCa. | Source
An enchanced photo showing the splendid colors of this "unnamed" lake by Wilbur's grave, Holcombe Valley, Ca.
An enchanced photo showing the splendid colors of this "unnamed" lake by Wilbur's grave, Holcombe Valley, Ca. | Source
a rusted pioneer's pump where miner's drew water from underground springs; Holcombe Valley, California.
a rusted pioneer's pump where miner's drew water from underground springs; Holcombe Valley, California. | Source
Listed as "dry" and unnamed;  more shots of this mysterious lake by a grave.(Holcombe Valley}
Listed as "dry" and unnamed; more shots of this mysterious lake by a grave.(Holcombe Valley} | Source
Lovely Holcombe Valley on a Spring afternoon.
Lovely Holcombe Valley on a Spring afternoon. | Source
The Big Bear Discovery Center is a gold mine of information in itself, with a gift shop to delight the kids as well as adults.
The Big Bear Discovery Center is a gold mine of information in itself, with a gift shop to delight the kids as well as adults. | Source
At LAST..the miner's grave itself, "wilbur.." strewn with rocks and pine cones, and honored with a festive flag.  It is in full view of the "unnamed lake."
At LAST..the miner's grave itself, "wilbur.." strewn with rocks and pine cones, and honored with a festive flag. It is in full view of the "unnamed lake." | Source

By Gloria Siess, {"Garnetbird"}

I hope you enjoy these photos; all but one were taken by yours truly. Big Bear, California has a rich history in the Mining Tradition: tales, fables, murders and mayhem typical of this period in time. The Holcombe Valley has a series of wonderful mining cabins you can visit on their guided trail, complete with gems and stories. The lake I fell in love with is listed simply as "unnamed" on most maps, or worse still, "dry." As you can see from these photos, the lake is gorgeous and unspoiled, with mysterious depths.

The grave nearby is shrouded in local rocks and is said to contain the remains of a miner named "Wilbur" who asked to be buried by his beloved claim. When visiting the Big Bear, California area be sure to have lunch at the Discovery Center, as they have maps and tours to introduce you to this diverse and glorious place. (Ask for the Holcombe Valley flyer, which details every stop along the way with mini history lessons).

You can easily access Big Bear, California while in the Southern California area. Take Highway 18 or 330 from either San Bernardino or Highland. Although winding, the road is very well maintained. There are rest areas along the way where you can take wonderful panoramic shots. Big Bear City has special cafes and regular chains like Denny's, not to mention cabins and motel rooms to suit your budget. Big Bear Lake boasts cruises as well as guided canoe trips. For hikers as well as History Buffs, this gem of Southern California is an exciting place to visit.

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