March 25th - 26th
2013
We woke up in (close enough)
Sacramento. J.'s aunt and uncle were getting up as well. We had some
breakfast and talked for a while. They really wanted us to stay as
long as possible (more J. than me), but everything has to end at some
point. It was very pleasant morning, we took some pictures as they
wanted to have some memories. We left a bit past ten o'clock.
Relatively nice morning. We got coffees and gasoline and started
heading to Lake Tahoe. We drove on I-80, it was interesting to watch
changing landscape and go up, up and up. We stopped at some visitor's
center (it was in the town which name I forgot), we got some maps. I
as well drove into town called Colfax, but J. was on the phone and
not interested, so we turned around and got back on freeway. When we
were high enough, we started to see some snow, but it was not solid
layer anywhere close to the road. The mountains were pretty majestic
and mostly white. Along side the hills there was a railroad (we saw a
train there). It would have to be nice trip (very slow and if there
is a passenger service). Donner pass and ski resort. The horror story
of the Donner party (as they traveled west and half of them died in
California's winter). In Truckee, there was historic state park (half
close, half being build) and huge statue in memories of Donner party.
We made a quick stop and then continue on road 89 toward Lake Tahoe.
Nice surroundings.
People were still skying (somewhere
higher) and there was some snow around the road, but the drive was
just fine. To our surprise, there was quite a bit of traffic (between
the season and on the workday). It was about 13 miles from the
highway to the lake. There was actually small town that we just drove
into. It was kind of strange, we did not see the lake, but normal
boring (and kind of ugly) town. We stopped by visitor's center and it
was very unhelpful. Unfortunately. It was about one o'clock in the
afternoon. It was mostly cloudy and it did not create the best
picture of the lake. We were driving along the lake on east side
(Nevada). We stopped several times, there were parks or beaches, but
were mostly unhappy with the private properties sitting on the lake.
Again, to our surprise, there was many houses and vacation
properties. Even Nevada side was not recommended to us, we thought
that it looked less developed. Again, somewhat surprised, we could
not believe the size of some houses in Nevada. It was pretty sad. So
far, we had very mixed feelings about the lake and its surroundings.
It looked like we finally left the developed part and were just
driving along the lake. The shore got rugged and actually really
pretty. The towns and houses kind of blended into the woods and we
saw (mostly) just really clear and beautiful lake with incredible
background. Finally something. There was not many places to stop, but
we enjoy those few and just kept driving towards South Lake Tahoe
(town's name).
We were in South Lake Tahoe sooner then
we thought. And it was really sad entrance. We drove into very normal
and ugly town (dominated by several tall buildings – casinos). It
was so sad. We crossed the state line and drove to the lake, it was
as well the area with several cheap motels. We looked around and got
the room in Alpine Inn. If I am not mistaken, it was our cheapest
motel room so far (38.50 with taxes, 32 dollars without taxes). And
it was pretty nice room. We put our stuff in and drove back a bit, as
we saw information center along the way. There was quite a bit of
traffic, it was ugly building by the main road, we almost missed it.
We went in (half basement) and it was quite big. We looked through
booklets and maps and then heard the man who was sitting there. He
was loud (and apparently originally from New York). He was actually
helpful and told us what we should do and see in our short two half
days. Finally someone helpful. Driving through the town (about 20000
population) to visit two sites he recommended. First it was a pier in
the town (we did not find it or missed it). We continued and tried to
find a historic site Tallac and marsh trail (paved). Most of the
sites were closed for the season (probably opening by May). People
were parking by the road or any available space. We parked by the
marsh trail and walked on it. It was quiet and nice, we could see the
lake. Very wet, some snow still left. The trail was more less next to
the tallac site, so we just walked through the visitor's center
(closed) and nice forest. Tallac site found, it was three historic
residences (now part of the national forest). They were nice houses
(even they were closed for the winter). Well, it was interesting.
Walking back to the car.
We were thinking about pizza for
dinner, but when we looked the menu over, we did not really want to
spend so much money (it was pricy) for unknown product. So we ended
up buying some stuff at Safeway. It was getting colder quickly.
Walking back to the car, we enjoy sun slowly moving towards the
mountains. That was actually pretty. Some what long drive back. We
were both tired and ready to be done for the evening. We had (still)
mixed feelings about Lake Tahoe. I would say it has to be great place
for people who are coming here to ski. In summer, it has to be pretty
nice place to enjoy the lake (even I am afraid there would be too
many people). We each have different taste. Nice day.
J. slept more less normal, I had
horrible night. I just could not sleep. We were up before seven
o'clock. It was relatively cold outside. We eat some, I had (bad) in
room coffee (better something than nothing) and packed our stuff. J.
was tired (as usual) and took her time (we had plenty). So, it was
pretty easy going morning. We left around 8 o'clock, surprisingly
there was life in the town. We got gasoline and coffee and were
looking for the pier. We drove into one of the resorts properties and
parked. We found the pier and walked on it. It was nice view, maybe
slightly too overcast. And cold. But the views were fabulous, our
surroundings were quiet and peaceful (not looking back at the resort
properties). At that point, we were done with the town and were
heading out. We planned to check part of the west side of the lake
and then head home on road 50.
Just unrelated note: as we talked to
J.'s relatives, I have learned that in Los Angeles we drove through
Skid Row (that was that ugly part of town experience). As well, as I
was describing my San Francisco walking, I was told that “bad part
close to Market street” is Tenderloin district. Who knew? We left
the town and were driving north to see west side of the lake. Up and
down and a lot of turning. I do not entirely enjoy such a scenery
(too close to the road), but J. said the views were amazing. I had
few glimpses and I would agree with that. There was more snow around
the road. We stopped few times and finally arrived to Inspiration
Vista Point. Again, the parking lot was locked, so we had to park
along the road (we were not alone). The views of the bay were
incredible (even it was quite cold). There is small island within the
bay. On the shore, there is Vikingsholm Castle. Apparently, in 20's
some 19 year old lady liked the place and had it build in
scandinavian style. She was very fond of the place and wanted to
preserve the setting, so no trees were cut (on her land). The wood
was cut elsewhere around the lake (how considered). We stopped by the
parking lot (this one open) that served as the trail head for the
hike to the castle. Still, nice views. We continued further north
(there was small state park and an historic light house within it).
We found the park (closed) and were unable to find another parking
(we were told there was one). We found some signs “private
property” on both sides of the road. We got back to closed state
park (there was few parking spaces) and tried to figure out the
distance from here. Unfortunately it was about 4.5 miles round trip
and we did not feel like that. At this point we started to drive
south.
There was small parking lot just off
the road for the Eagle Falls. We parked and walked over the snow to
the area. We could not find the map or the length of the trail. Our
assumptions was that the trail is pretty short. There was lower part
of the falls that we saw from the Vikingsholm parking lot, it looked
pretty good. Many steps up towards the fall. We saw it in no time, it
was relatively small and there was a bridge over it. In some way it
looked like Washington state. It was quite pretty, but our overall
experience was mixed. We were told numerous time that Lake Tahoe is
incredibly beautiful so maybe our expectations were too high. Hard to
say. On the way back from the falls it started to snow. It got cloudy
and dark. Interesting picture. At this point we were more less done
and had plenty of time to enjoy the drive home.
It was strange to drive along that
pretty road and see it snowing. We were not looking forward to four
hours of driving. We got some coffee and left the town. There was
some construction, one lane closed. Probably within 12 miles the road
50 became a freeway and we were heading away from the mountains
(after we did some twisty driving and some ups and downs). We passed
through some lonely settlements and buildings. We found really trashy
building with the sign “Little Norway”. After a while the charm
of the mountain were gone and we started to pass some bigger towns
and villages. Nothing special. About an hour and half and we were
passing Sacramento. From there we were taking the same road, so it
became even more boring and tedious. But what can you do? We got
gasoline, stretched the legs a bit and continued home. Luckily we
were early enough to avoid the worse traffic. We were home a bit
before four o'clock. It felt good to be done driving. It was nice and
interesting trip. J. was very happy to see her relatives (and I
believe they were happy to see her). Lake Tahoe was pretty, but we
had some mixed feelings about it, happens. All good.
