THE Trip, THE Encore' :: Lake Tahoe :: The Stunning California Side

Copyright 2013, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

April 29, 2013. Yep, we are almost 4 months behind in the actual visit and the post here on Reflections.

After experiencing part of what Nevada had to offer, we headed back towards California, they did not hide their state line sign as well as Nevada did.  I mean, if you were paying attention to the stop lights, you just might see the California State Line.

It had been suggested we drive up to "Heavenly".  OK, let's go.  Turns out it is a ski area.  97 runs, 30 lifts between California and Nevada.  4 base facilities. 4,800 acres. Highest elevation of the Lake Tahoe area resorts at 10,067 ft.  OK, I am impressed and I am not a skier.  The area was pretty much shut down, no skiing going on, buildings closed up.

Time to turn our sights on the southern end of Lake Tahoe.  Looking over Jolly's hood, yep, that IS the side of the road and yep, there is a bit of a sheer drop off.  Believe me, after Hetch Hetchy and 120 into Groveland California, this was rather mundane.

At Inspiration Point Vista we parked, and did what all other visitors were doing, walked around the locked gates.  Most of the state park and National park/land/forestry areas simply were not open yet.  It was worth walking around a locked gate or two, the views were spectacular.  This is Fannette Island.  One of the paddle wheelers is leaving Emerald Bay.

According to the signage at Inspiration Point Vista, Lake Tahoe is so clear in some places you can see objects 67 feet below the surface, with no trouble!

Lake Tahoe is the third deepest lake in North America, about 1,600 feet deep.

During the summer surface temperatures can reach 68 degrees, however, the water will remain 39 degrees to depths of 600 feet below the surface.  The water is in continuous motion, mixing the warm with the cooler water, Lake Tahoe never freezes.

Water flowing from Lake Tahoe never reaches the ocean.

Rather amazing facts, aren't they?  Back to seeing what Sony Too saw - -

Looking out over Emerald Bay to Lake Tahoe and snow capped mountains beyond. Emerald Bay is three miles long and one mile wide.

Vickingsholm, was a summer retreat for Lora J. M. Knight.  200 workers built this home, in one season.  With a LOT of help from Sony Too and zoom,  I bring you, Vickingsholm.

Fannette Island, rises 150 feet above the bay.   Mrs. Knight built her teahouse here, it measures 16 foot by 16 foot and was only used a few times a year.

Zoom, thanks to Sony Too.  Wouldn't you just love to be able to have tea here, just once??  SIGH.

Sadly, this was all of the California side of the Lake Tahoe area we had time to see.  We had a very long drive ahead of us to return to camp and the Rally.

I must apologize for the reflections and glare in this next photo, but, I wanted to share.  LOVE this sign, and believe me, you blink and you WILL miss this place!

And, another Bridal Veil Falls.  Doing a bit of research, it seems this is just east of Fresh Pond. It was right along 50 and there was a bit of a pull off.

Our long long day trip to Lake Tahoe was quite remarkable, regrets,  just that there was not enough time, and that the national and state parks along the way were not "open" for business.  Maybe next time - -

THE Trip, THE Encore' :: Lake Tahoe :: The Eclectic Nevada Side

Copyright 2013, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

April 29, 2013. Yep, we are almost 4 months behind in the actual visit and the post here on Reflections.

Lake Tahoe lies in two states, California and Nevada.  As you drive along if you are paying attention you may or may not see the state line sign (tucked in behind the pine tree branches a bit, on the left), but, you will not miss Harrahs.  Sitting RIGHT on the state line, on the legal side for the gamblers.  Man noted a sign about food, and since it was lunch time, we went and found a parking spot and in we went.

Well, the food thing did not work out, but, we did stumble to the top where I got this rather nice photo with my Panasonic camera.  Sony Too was in Jolly.  I have no idea why I left Sony Too in Jolly, cept I was weak of mind for the need of food.  Snicker.

Before we left, still looking for food, I found this sculpture out front.

So, we drove north along the lake looking for a favorable eatery.  Nothing seemed to suit, so, we fell back to plan FOOD, err, LUNCH, err, the picnic lunch we had with us.  We stopped at the Logan Shoals Vista Point.  PERFECT!  I took two photos, left, then right - - -

THEN, I took my most fav photo of the day, the panoramic.  I wish you could see this in person, or at least on my computer, this version just does not do justice.  Really.  Is this spectacular or what??

We found a bench to sit on and had a long, interesting discussion about Lake Tahoe with a local gal who was taking her lunch break as well.  It was a glorious day, and we hated bothering her, in her solitude.  But, she was extremely gracious and shared a bit of her day and her love of Lake Tahoe with us.

Reluctantly we finished our lunch, packed up and headed back south towards California.  Of course, there are always signs, yep bear!

There are several boat lines that will take you for a ride on Lake Tahoe.  We did not get to do this, but, does look like fun.

No, I did not mess up my photos.  This really is a beach at Lake Tahoe, even tho it looks like it could be Lake Superior, or just about anywhere "up north", with the pines along the lake shoreline.  There is a picnic table, that would be a great lunch spot too!

Turn a few degrees and there is snow, water, sand and lounging benches. This is a first for Man and I, snow and sand.  At least in this combo!  LOL

It was about 67 degrees this day, I remember thinking, really??  OK, get the volleyball/beach.  But, I had on a sweatshirt and they were in their swim suits.  Ahh, youth!  LOL  Still makes me smile, bikinis and snow on the mountain in the background.

We found the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe to be eclectic.  And, beautiful.  Sadly, we did not have the time to venture further north, and we know we missed some great views and stops.  Guess we can leave this on the bucket list, for a re-visit.

The Lake Tahoe California experience coming soon!




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THE Trip, THE Encore' :: Day Trip, On The Way to Lake Tahoe

Copyright 2013, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

April 29, 2013.  Yep, we are almost 4 months behind in the actual visit and the post here on Reflections.

Our day trip, LONG day trip, WONDERFUL day trip, to Lake Tahoe began with scenery in the Gold Country from Jackson California to Placerville California.

Close to Placerville, note that grade!  13% !  WOW!  No, we were not towing Tana, Jolly could have handled this, but, we were glad to have missed the opportunity!

Not long after we started driving 50 heading towards Lake Tahoe the scenery changes dramatically from the rolling hills filled with grasses and trees to, well, pines, more pines and more pines! Elevation about 3,700 feet.

We were passing through the Eldorado National Forest.  Signs, as always, tell so much of the story of the day.  This one says we will be driving some curvy roads for the next 30 miles.  (Ya, I know that 30 miles stuff is out of focus, remember, we are rolling at 55 to 65 MPH and I have little warning, point, shoot, pray the photos come out, maybe, please, well, sometimes!  LOL)

Oh, and watch out for snow removal equipment!  There are many signs along our drive that indicate chains are required in the winter, with pulloffs provided so you can chain up (or remove them, as conditions and altitude change).

We climbed to 5,000 feet, where the scenery is a lot of this, rock, mountain sides, pines, glorious:

And, more snow signs, slides, not rock slides, but, snow slides:

Starting to see snow:

Near 7,300 feet, they are still waiting for the snow to melt from around the cabins.  (This is the sign of toooooo much snow, in my opinion.  When it reaches the windows, that is toooooo much!  GULP!)

At about 7,400 feet, pretty much the highest elevation we reach today, we see the first glance of Lake Tahoe.

Pure stone delight, constantly and always awesome!  Massive, breathtaking, overwhelming!

Welcome to South Tahoe.  Our first up close and personal view of Lake Tahoe, we will have such an interesting visit to the area.  More to come.  Promise!

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