Logo graphic by Mike Hortens Design

Friday, May 31, 2019

Califonia: Lake Tahoe


Welcome to Lake Tahoe!

 
 

We spent several days around Lake Tahoe, exploring South Lake Tahoe to Kings Beach and the points in between. 

Emerald Bay
Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point
Cave Rock

Logan Shoals Vista Point
Beach at Tahoe City

We took an "interesting" drive to see Fallen Leaf Lake.  It was another one lane road, but this time it was a very busy road because many people live along the lake front.  It didn't help either that the road was full of huge pot holes!  However, it was worth the challenges to finally get a peak at this lake!

Fallen Leaf Lake

A dear friend, (thanks Tina) suggested that we take the gondola ride at the Heavenly Mountain Resort.  This ride goes up to an Observation Deck at about 8000 feet elevation and the panoramic views of the lake are awesome!

 
 
Gondola

We then took the gondola to the top, over 9000 feet elevation!  There were still skiers on the slopes.


What goes up, must come down!


Near the town of Truckee is the Donner Memorial State Park and Pioneer Monument.  The visitor center has an exhibit that depicts the history of the area, the Native Americans, the builders of the transcontinental railroad and the pioneers who crossed the Sierra on their way west.  Most notable of these crossings is that of the Donner Party.


We ventured up to Donner Pass, elevation of 7,056 feet and crossed the Donner Summit Bridge.  It provides a lovely view of Donner Lake and the Sierra Nevada mountains!

 

During our stay on the north part of Lake Tahoe, we met some friends on the Nevada side (Crystal Bay & Incline Village) for a lovely visit and a trip to the casinos!  Sadly, we did not win enough to pay for our trip!

More on Nevada next …