Sunday, October 17, 2010

Visiting Lake Tahoe Region

Roughly two weeks ago already, P and I boarded a plane bound for San Francisco (approx 1500 km south from Victoria, BC) for our much needed Summer Vacation that go postponed until the Fall. As soon as we arrived at the airport, we were off to get the rental car and on our way for another 190 miles (302 km) drive up to South Lake Tahoe Region.

Our main goal was to relax with family in the condo and enjoy the Sierra Nevada region during the fall season so that I could soak up some photography and for all of us to see the area in it's fall beauty. We also were along for the ride to see if there were any great shopping deals that we could get our hands on anywhere during our adventures. Be sure to click on the map if you'd like a bigger view of the region.

The El Dorado National forest is an area with lush forests, beautiful lakes and lots of fresh outdoor air. The day we arrived, it started pouring "cats and dogs" and didn't really let up except for the thunderstorm which persisted throughout the night. Actually it was quite neat to see it on the mountain side.

The next day we set out to check out parts of Carson City Nevada and Reno since the weather was forecasting rain all day long.

We set off knowing it would rain and soon enough on the long road, it started pouring down with rain. We decided to stop off for some incredible lunch at the Mexican Grill at Qdoba. Apparently they also have quite a few locations in the Seattle, Washington area.

After lunch we decided take a drive to see Carson City and the famous Cabela's outdoor store for some shooting, chatting to various salmon and other big fish in a large aquarium as well as looking at stuffed zebra and other animals inside the large store. With all of the traffic and driving around (180 miles later), we arrived home in time to hurry and make dinner and relax for the rest of the evening at home.

Our next day we spent thankfully checking out the nearby lakes and aspen groves, while the sun was shining but definitely showing a cooler fall day.


Photos are near Red Lake and Blue Lake which were simply stunning.


We ended up with a bit of snow one morning out adventuring. Found some pretty interesting sites and got to do some shopping in South Lake Tahoe.



Another day happened to give us lots of sunshine and incredible time to check out the famous Emerald Bay State Park in South Tahoe. I was so excited to be able to spend all of the time I needed looking around the area and taking photos with both of my cameras. Talk about paradise! My parents had a lot of fun coming back here as it had been quite some time since our last visit (really stopping to take in the sights). I think P was really impressed with the beauty of the area as well.



The cherry on top was an added visit to Sorensen's Resort getaway that was full of Aspen leaves and fall colors, quite simply a paradise!


One of my picks from Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe.


And another beautiful pick of mine from the area around where the condo is. As you might suspect, we were very busy going from one place to the next the entire trip. Luckily the internet was slow which kept me off of it while there! I still have one more short post from the Nevada side on one of our exciting days exploring. But I was definitely happy as a clam once I was able to see all of those Aspen trees!

9 comments:

  1. beautiful photos! looks like you had a fantastic trip, even with all that changing weather! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. jealous. haven't been up there in months. looks like you had a fun trip.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous6:30 PM

    Wow! I first, I thought it looked a bit like Switzerland... and no, New Zealand maybe... So much to see really!

    You got some really good landscape pictures! You deserved a holiday, glad you took the time off :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can totally see why you were in heaven with this trip, ET. I'm so happy for you, and that you got to share it with P and your family. I love the collages...a good way to show so many pics at once. EIt's been my salvation! Good for you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great trip - and report - and with wonderful pics! Glad you had such a great time at a break you both deserved.
    The landscape looked a bit like here in Norway and fall is on it's way, I can tell :-)

    Btw: Thanks for taking you're time to tell me about my RSS problem. Charles is working on it, but so far we have not found anything? :-(

    ReplyDelete
  6. The Lake Tahoe area is just nature wonders. It's so beautiful, the Lake itself, the Forests and the Mountains.
    We have been there - 2006 - and rented a cabin in Tahome on the Western (CA) side.
    We did swim in the Lake. Clean, fresh and brilliant.
    During one late evening a Black Bear family arrived very close to us, only 10-15 meters away.
    We sat outside - very silent - and watched them. How exciting.
    And one afternoon, a Dutch people arrived. Rented the cabin next door. Since then we have met every year in Norway or Holland!
    And Emerald Bay, so beautiful. We stopped at the same stop as you did.
    But we did not visit the Casino Towns.

    Thanks for bringing is along memory lane with your fantastic photos and text.

    Have a great weekend

    ReplyDelete
  7. PS: Thanks for observing and telling me my blogs RSS feed are back on track - and you're very right giving Charles the credit for it :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have always wanted to go to that area, but something always stops us. One day perhaps. Parts of California I've seen, but the area you were in was absolutely gorgeous. Plus the photos! Some sun and some snow, I guess it made for a pretty good vacation!
    Take care,
    Ulrike
    P.S. I did the city swap too; it would have been something if I had gotten you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gorgeous pictures - looks like you had a fun and relaxing time.

    ReplyDelete