This past weekend, the guys from The Last House took a break from the usual routine and headed up to Big Bear for a two-night camping trip. We left Friday afternoon, spent Saturday hiking and hanging out around the campsite, and packed up to head home Sunday morning.
The weather wasn’t great. It was cold, a little snow, and definitely not ideal for camping. But we didn’t go up there for perfect conditions. We went to get out of the city, get into nature, and do something different together — and we did exactly that.
Friday was all about setting up. We got to the site, unloaded the gear, and got our tents up before the sun went down. It was cold, but manageable. Once everything was in place, we started a fire and got dinner going. Hot dogs and burgers hit the grill, and a big fire kept everyone warm. Guys took turns cooking, grabbing wood, and making sure the fire didn’t die. No one sat around waiting to be served — everyone pitched in. That set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
After dinner we stuck around the fire, played some games, and passed around a speaker to play music. Nothing crazy. Just a chill night with some good conversation and a solid crew. For a few hours, no one was looking at their phone or stressing about what was next.
Saturday morning we made coffee and breakfast, then hit the trail for a hike. It wasn’t the easiest trail, but it was worth it. The views were solid, and the hike itself gave everyone a chance to get moving and talk in a different setting. Conversations hit different when you’re walking through the woods with no distractions. Some people talked the whole way, others just zoned out and enjoyed being out there.
After the hike, we came back to camp and got back into relaxation mode. A couple guys got the fire going again, and the grill was back on — this time with steaks. The rest of the night was pretty simple. Good food, good music, and a bunch of people who probably wouldn’t have ever crossed paths if it weren’t for recovery.
The weather dropped again that night. It wasn’t comfortable, but no one really cared at that point. We had layers, sleeping bags, and enough heat from the fire to get through it. The cold kind of forced everyone to be in the moment. No one was off doing their own thing. Everyone stuck close to the fire, shared stories, and made the most of it.
Sunday morning was all business. Pack up, clean up, and head home. No one dragged their feet. Everyone helped out. It was clear that the weekend had done its job. It wasn’t life-changing or dramatic. It was just a solid weekend outdoors where people showed up, worked together, and got a little closer.
Trips like this remind us that connection doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t need a five-star cabin or a packed itinerary. Sometimes all it takes is a cold night, a fire, and people willing to show up and do something outside of their comfort zone.
Big Bear wasn’t glamorous. The weather sucked. But no one complained. Everyone leaned in and made the most of it. That’s the kind of attitude that matters in recovery — and in life.
We’ll do it again. Maybe when it’s warmer. Maybe not. Either way, we’ll be ready.
