Lake Tahoe

When we arrived at Tahoe, there was quite a bit of wildfire smoke. We checked into the campground which was completely sold out from people coming from Yosemite. Yosemite was closed this week from fires and smoke so a lot of people came to Tahoe instead.

We chose the campground because of convenience. It was noisy but overall worked well for what we needed. Once we settled in, we went and hiked Eagle Falls. It is a very short trail, just long enough to stretch your legs. We parked along the road. Many of the areas along Lake Tahoe are state parks and they have a box with envelopes to pay a small fee for parking in the lot and use of the park. That evening, I wanted to take some photographs of the sunset but unfortunately I waited too long and with the smoke, the photos did not turn out well.

Eagle Falls and view over Emerald Bay

The following morning, we hiked Rubicon Trail which connects Emerald Bay and D.L. Bliss State Parks. They are on the Southwest portion of Lake Tahoe and cover 6 miles of shoreline. We woke up early and parked at the Vikingsholm Area lot. It is $10 for all day use. This was a nice easy trail except at the beginning and end where you walk along a steep road (down heading towards the lake, up on the way back). We saw some people with strollers and walkers walking down and wondered how much difficulty they would have on the way up. I would definitely recommend this hike. It takes you through forests and along the lake shore.

After hiking, we ate lunch at Cold Water Brewery (www.tahoecoldwaterbrewery.com). I was almost 6 weeks pregnant so I couldn't enjoy their craft beer but Liz ordered an IPA and said it was good. They have a full restaurant and an order seating area. Our food was good and I would recommend it.

Hiking along Rubicon Trail

The next day, we woke up early to kayak. I called around and the kayak company we decided to use was having a demo day at D.L. Bliss State Park. We were planning on either going there or to Sand Harbor so it worked out well. The typical day parking for D.L. Bliss was full by 9:30 AM; however, we were able to park and and do a short hike to arrive at the park. We took Lighthouse trail to reach Calawee Cove and Lester Beach. The water here is beautiful! The beach is relatively small so there isn't a lot of space but we had plenty of room to put our things on the beach and get out on the water.

This was my Dad's first time kayaking so I got a double kayak with him. I was steering in the back and anyone that has used a tandem kayak knows it takes a lot of patience! I told my Dad that next time he should have a single so he can do his own steering. :) We also used stand up paddleboards. The water was choppy so it wasn't ideal but I enjoyed trying it.

Kayaking in DL Bliss State Park

View along Lighthouse Trail

Check out the colors!

The next morning we got breakfast at Alpina Coffee Cafe and started heading towards Reno to fly home. It was a cute, cozy place with parking in the back. I remember thinking I wish I lived there and could study for my board exam in an area like that instead of at home!

My first time trying SUP with my sister

The worst smoke we saw was on our way out of Tahoe. Below are a couple of photos we took from the car to show how thick it was. You could also smell it through the vents.