In a few days, we will be scattering John's ashes over Big Bear Lake (from an airplane of course). Keeping John's ashes at home has been a comfort to me, but I'm ready to let him go to his final resting place. The kids and I also wanted a place where we could place a memorial stone that has a nice view of the lake, so we went for a hike to find the perfect location.
In classic John fashion (and knowing that the forest service would not approve), we did it on the down low. So it's a little off the beaten path. I had a closer destination in mind along the trail of Cougar Crest, but Hayden said, "Go big or go home." Hayden wanted to go to the top of the Bertha Peak, and since he was carrying the 15 pound rock, Ben and I concurred. It's a beautiful 3-4 hour hike, and if you want to visit it, you will feel close to John, especially when a plane flies over the lake. We also scattered a small amount of John's ashes near the rock - also on the DL. The rock is located in a small clearing with a view, to the left of the path, right before you reach the cell tower at the top of the peak. See photo album for pictures of location and view.