Lake Tahoe


After leaving Lake Solano and Napa Valley we headed to Lake Tahoe.  Fifteen or so years ago we went to Lake Tahoe for a winter ski vacation and I had fond memories of lots of beautiful snow, mountains and the crystal blue lake that didn't freeze.  I found visiting in the summer to be a rather different experience. 

In contrast to our winter visit (or at least my memory of our winter visit) it was crowded. Lots of people, lots of cars, lots of bicycles, lots of boats and paddle boards and floaties and helicopters and airplanes.

It was noisy. I don't think I need to go into detail, but let's just say nearly all of the above items make a great deal of noise, particularly when amplified by increased numbers. (Just call me a curmudgeon, but do you have to scream and yell when using a paddle board or floaty? Or play really loud music on your boat or on the beach??)

We went on some interesting hikes. We attempted to hike up to the top of a waterfall, but shortly after we got to the top the weather had changed. Temps dropped, winds picked up and those little clouds in the distance became very dark and threatening. Then it turned into an intense summer thunderstorm while we huddled under a tree on a granite rock face. 🤔 At least it wasn't the only tree up there. As soon as it let up we headed down. Of course the rest of the afternoon was bright and sunny and we never did find the top of the waterfall. 🤷😂

We also went biking, explored around the lake (not all parts were as loud and crowded), toured some of the "summer cottages", and even had a beach day or two.

My overall reaction to the environment, as a whole, continued to be, how shall I put it, less than favorable. I continually questioned myself about why I felt that way. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful crystal clear lake nestled in a dramatic mountain landscape. Some slopes are bald granite. Some are covered in pine forests. There are hiking trails and camping. Dramatic vistas and quiet moments. How does that differ from the national parks we'd been visiting?  I believe the difference is the attitude for usage. Lake Tahoe is an area people go to "to recreate", to have fun, to go boating, to be with friends, to party while in a beautiful place. The environment is there to help them enjoy themselves. Whereas a national park is an area people go to to focus on the environment and it's preservation while recreating in it, ie. hiking, camping, viewing vistas. Anyway, that's the best I could come up with to explain the difference. And as for me, I don't think I ever have to go to Lake Tahoe again (at least in the summer). But that's just me. Clearly, lots of people love it there.

On to pics:


Rental kayaks lined up ready to go

A thirsty goose

It would stick its head down into the water, then lift it up to swallow.                 It was pretty funny to watch.

Mirror reflections

One of the cottages.  This is the Pope house. While we were there they were celebrating their "Great Gatsby Festival". They invited people to come in costume, had special tours, and special displays as well as a speakeasy and music. The house tours were led by a group from a local theater company and each room was introduced by a member of "the staff" or by "the family". 

Picnic anyone?

The wall panels were covered in fabric, even the ceiling and doors.

All the modern conveniences in these summer cottages.


Typical mountain landscape surrounding the lake.  This was our hike to the waterfall. You can just see it. And I might point out …does it look like it's going to storm???

The stream we found at the top was picturesque with lots of little waterfalls. We had fun exploring and taking pics…until the rain and thunder and lightning.

Pics from our drive around the lake.

A storm passing on the far side made this scenic spot even more interesting.

Rain on the far shore

The storm clears

Beach day.  Look how clear the water is. Just beautiful.

Another view. It is a pretty lake in a beautiful setting. This is Emerald Bay. Down by the lake is a state park and another "summer cottage". The only catch is accessibility is somewhat limited, you either have to hike down and back up, you can get there by personal boat or book a boat tour.

Once we got down to the water, we turned and hiked up another trail so we could see this waterfall. (To sort of make up for the one we missed. Haha)

Then we hiked back down again to the water to tour Vikingsholm, the little summer cottage created in the style of a Scandinavian castle.

A green living roof before it was even a "green" thing to do.

The dragon motif was quite common throughout the house.

As were the leaded stained glass windows.

This is the courtyard. I loved the detailing of the woodwork.

Sunset

Having a snack.

(I know, I know. You've been looking at these pics and saying to yourselves, donna-sue's lost it. There's nothing to not like at Lake Tahoe. It's beautiful. There are no crowds. In my defense, I'll just say I'm very particular about my pics and am quite diligent and patient about not taking pics with random people in them.)


Next stop: The eastern side of Yosemite NP and surrounding Sierra Nevadas.



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