Lake Tahoe Trip Report
Jul 1st, 2007, 03:27 AM
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Lake Tahoe Trip Report
Just back from a family reunion in Lake Tahoe. I'm a regular on the Asia forum, but this is too good to skip.
Used FF miles on NorthWest to book Bos-Min-Sac. The night before we were set to leave, NW called my cell phone to report flight cancelled. They rebooked us on Delta through Atlanta (Do they own a map?). Showed up early, but no seat assignment because of overbooking. After much agonizing, we did get seats and were on our way. Arrived Sacramento at 11:00 p.m., spent the night at a Marriott on US 50.
Driving to South LT, we accidently stopped at an organic Farmer's Market and loaded up. The best nectarines I have ever tasted and assorted other fruits and breads. A total waste on my Plebian family, but WTH. It is very scenic to drive up US 50. Saw many signs warning of "Very High" Fire Danger. Portents.
Used FF miles on NorthWest to book Bos-Min-Sac. The night before we were set to leave, NW called my cell phone to report flight cancelled. They rebooked us on Delta through Atlanta (Do they own a map?). Showed up early, but no seat assignment because of overbooking. After much agonizing, we did get seats and were on our way. Arrived Sacramento at 11:00 p.m., spent the night at a Marriott on US 50.
Driving to South LT, we accidently stopped at an organic Farmer's Market and loaded up. The best nectarines I have ever tasted and assorted other fruits and breads. A total waste on my Plebian family, but WTH. It is very scenic to drive up US 50. Saw many signs warning of "Very High" Fire Danger. Portents.
Jul 1st, 2007, 03:53 AM
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We arrived at our first night cabin off of Spring Creek Road. Up 89 past Camp Richardson. This was my brother's in-laws' cabin. It was in habited by my brother, his wife, thier daughter, my niece, her husband and two children. The sentence was only one night. We were moving the next day to an adjacent cabin. The place was scenic on the outside and mayhem on the inside. Dinner was at my aunt's rented cabin. many cousins, etc. They're from Michigan.
The next day, Monday 6/25/07, smoke was visible to the immediate south. We checked the news and a forest fire had started near Angora. We were concerned, but not worried because Fallen leaf Lake was between us and the fire. The smoke was quite unpleasant.
Ignoring the smoke, I planned a BBQ. Bought pork choips and chiken at Overland Meat Co.. This is a great place. The meat was delicious. Much more flavorful than my normal purchases at Whole Foods. Overland Meat is on US 50 past the Y towards Stateline.
Spent the day at King's Beach on the North Shore to avoid the smoke. Very pleasant. There's a very good sandwich shop across the road. Smoked a cigar with my nephew. Came back down the eqast side after coming up the west side. Stopped at a safeway in South Lake Tahoe to buy veggies.
Returned to the cabin and began whirlwind dinner preparations. Chopping and slicing and organizing. somehow, dinner appeared 1 1/2 hours later. The pork chops (dry rub)and chicken (marinated in soy and ginger)were the stars.
The smoke was getting worse, but the news said the fire was 40% contained.
The next day, Monday 6/25/07, smoke was visible to the immediate south. We checked the news and a forest fire had started near Angora. We were concerned, but not worried because Fallen leaf Lake was between us and the fire. The smoke was quite unpleasant.
Ignoring the smoke, I planned a BBQ. Bought pork choips and chiken at Overland Meat Co.. This is a great place. The meat was delicious. Much more flavorful than my normal purchases at Whole Foods. Overland Meat is on US 50 past the Y towards Stateline.
Spent the day at King's Beach on the North Shore to avoid the smoke. Very pleasant. There's a very good sandwich shop across the road. Smoked a cigar with my nephew. Came back down the eqast side after coming up the west side. Stopped at a safeway in South Lake Tahoe to buy veggies.
Returned to the cabin and began whirlwind dinner preparations. Chopping and slicing and organizing. somehow, dinner appeared 1 1/2 hours later. The pork chops (dry rub)and chicken (marinated in soy and ginger)were the stars.
The smoke was getting worse, but the news said the fire was 40% contained.
Jul 1st, 2007, 09:38 AM
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Spent the night in our own cabin and eased into the day. Stopped by kids cabin and hung out with family. Ate tamales from Farmers Market, very good.
Went to internet cafe to play poker online. While we were there, smoke got worse and fire engines screamed by. Apparently, a controlled burn got out of hand and they closed 89. We could not get back to cabin. Most cars were gone and 5 adults and three kids were back at the cabins. many cell phone calls later, they went up the west side of lake and we went up east side. A relative made reservations at a North Shore motel, Sun and Sand for five rooms. We all met there and got our bearings. There was never any real danger. Our cabins were still protected by Fallen Leaf Lake. Mediocre dinner at Jason's.
Continually called Cal Trans number and was advised that 89 was closed from Emerald bay to the Y.
Went to internet cafe to play poker online. While we were there, smoke got worse and fire engines screamed by. Apparently, a controlled burn got out of hand and they closed 89. We could not get back to cabin. Most cars were gone and 5 adults and three kids were back at the cabins. many cell phone calls later, they went up the west side of lake and we went up east side. A relative made reservations at a North Shore motel, Sun and Sand for five rooms. We all met there and got our bearings. There was never any real danger. Our cabins were still protected by Fallen Leaf Lake. Mediocre dinner at Jason's.
Continually called Cal Trans number and was advised that 89 was closed from Emerald bay to the Y.
Jul 1st, 2007, 01:29 PM
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Next morning, the first order of business was to find a new place to stay. My brother found Tahoe Sands, a time share place in Tahoe Vista that rents out rooms that are not being used by owners. It was originally army barracks, but has been updated. It was right on the lake and quite comfortable for a very good rate of $54 per night. I think they may have lowered it because we wanted 5 rooms and were evacuees.
A very pleasant day at the TS beach. They had a BBQ at night that was decent.
BTW, each morning we were on the North Shore, we had good bagels at the Java Hut.
On Thursday, I got up at 4:30 a.m. and drove down to the Emerald Bay roadblock even though Cal Trans said 89 was still closed. Somehow, they let me through after a sob story about lost luggage. On my way back I told them there would be three other cars from the reunion. Everyone got their luggage.
Beth and I and my cousin went to Sand Harbor, a beach on the east side below Incline Village. This is a great beach with beautiful sight lines. Get there early, the good spots fill up. Very little shade. Bring an umbrella.
WE had dinner at Lanza's, an old Italian spot from my sister-in-law's childhood. No reservations, so get there at 4:45 p.m before they open. The food is solid, but not great. The squid steak was quite good.
The TS had no rooms for us on Friday night, so we broke up a day early. beth and I went to visit my first wife in Virginia City, NV. She's an artist and is doing well. She and her boyfriend were very gracious. I had not seen her in 25 years.
WB and I went to Reno. B went to the museum, which she said is good. I played poker. I had lived there 25 years ago and wanted to see how things had changed. the city has grown a lot, but not for the better. Endless tracts of subdivisions.
For dinner, we went to a great restaurant, 4th Street Bistro. The food was excellent. This must be the best place in town. The lamb chops were perfect and topped with a Tapinade.
Easy flights home ( we're used to flying to Asia).
A very pleasant day at the TS beach. They had a BBQ at night that was decent.
BTW, each morning we were on the North Shore, we had good bagels at the Java Hut.
On Thursday, I got up at 4:30 a.m. and drove down to the Emerald Bay roadblock even though Cal Trans said 89 was still closed. Somehow, they let me through after a sob story about lost luggage. On my way back I told them there would be three other cars from the reunion. Everyone got their luggage.
Beth and I and my cousin went to Sand Harbor, a beach on the east side below Incline Village. This is a great beach with beautiful sight lines. Get there early, the good spots fill up. Very little shade. Bring an umbrella.
WE had dinner at Lanza's, an old Italian spot from my sister-in-law's childhood. No reservations, so get there at 4:45 p.m before they open. The food is solid, but not great. The squid steak was quite good.
The TS had no rooms for us on Friday night, so we broke up a day early. beth and I went to visit my first wife in Virginia City, NV. She's an artist and is doing well. She and her boyfriend were very gracious. I had not seen her in 25 years.
WB and I went to Reno. B went to the museum, which she said is good. I played poker. I had lived there 25 years ago and wanted to see how things had changed. the city has grown a lot, but not for the better. Endless tracts of subdivisions.
For dinner, we went to a great restaurant, 4th Street Bistro. The food was excellent. This must be the best place in town. The lamb chops were perfect and topped with a Tapinade.
Easy flights home ( we're used to flying to Asia).
