Tahoe, 2020
We went to Tahoe for the first time this past weekend and as I am exhausted from election week and have no brain capacity to string together a coherent recap of the trip, I’ll be sharing highlights through photos and captions.
Day one. We hiked up to Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake.
The wilderness! (We didn’t get a permit. Shh.)
Much rock. Such tree.
When will my reflection showwwww
No waterfalls to be seen but lake was well worth the trek.
Admiring houses on the drive home through the west shore.
Grabbing takeout pizza at Heavenly Village and making plans to come back during ski season to ride a lift with dogs. That photo sets high expectations.
The next day we went to Sand Harbor. (Yes lakes have beaches too!) All smiles because we brought Chipotle and beers.
The view up ahead…
…and behind. I am trapped by nature and I love it.
H̶a̶l̶l̶e̶ ̶B̶e̶r̶r̶y̶ Simon emerges from the sea.
Spying on kayakers and paddleboarders.
Getting my summer tan on, four months later.
We walked along the beach and admired crystal clear blue waters from above.
Keep Tahoe blue. Take care of this beauty y’all.
The next day we headed North to Donner Lake in Nevada County. Fun fact: Nevada County is in California.
Table for two please, in back of the Honda CRV. We loved the crab melt from Squeeze In at historic downtown Truckee.
Downtown was quaint and the river was a beaut. Like a John Constable painting.
We drove up the historic Transcontinental Railroad route to Donner Lake Overlook. Yes, “Donner” as in the ill-fated Donner Party who were trapped by snowfall here in the mountains in the winter of 1846.
Donner Summit Bridge aka the Rainbow Bridge. Reminds me of the one in Porto, but much much smaller.
Spent some time hiking the Historic Summit Tunnel, an old abandoned railroad tunnel constructed by Chinese laborers almost 200 years ago.
A little spooky but the perfect socially-distanced Halloween activity. Bring flashlights!
Also an uRbAn PhOtOgRaPhEr’s dream.
A opening between tunnels for light, fresh air, and views.
Ended our day with dinner at the beach behind our hotel. Simon’s burrito attracts a curious dog.
Last rays of sunlight. Goodnight lake.
Moments before we retreat back to the hotel and binge Chuck episodes for hours.
Spent our last morning hiking 500 feet in elevation down to Vikingsholm castle.
A rich old lady bought the Emerald Bay property a century ago and built this Scandinavian-style summer home.
Imagine hanging out with your high society philanthropist friends in your beach backyard every summer and having tea on your island teahouse (pictured below).
One last look at Fannette Island, and the serene exquisite Emerald Bay.
Last but not least, a quick pit stop on the way home. Apple Hill in Placerville was cute beyond words, and we picked up donuts, apple cider, wine, and fudge to bring home.
And that was it! Hope you enjoyed my stream of consciousness retelling of this fun little weekend. Luckily we caught the last warm-ish weekend before snow is predicted to fall next week. I loved getting to hike in so many different landscapes and cozying up by the fireplace at night.
Off to plan my next road trip adventure!