Rise and Shine, Lake Tahoe!

Sunday morning, Kelly went off to work early, so I had the morning to myself to poke around before meeting her at the mountain for lunch. I walked down through the towering pines to the public beach. The morning sun was filtering through the boughs above chasing away the frost that had come overnight. The lake was surprisingly calm this morning, and small wind-driven waves lapped gently on the shore. Small cairns have been built nearby using rocks from the lakeshore, and with the morning fog and mountains in the distance, there is a mystical quality to the place. 

Next up, a short hike while the sun still shone. A huge storm system was in the area for the majority of the weekend, and the forecast called for rain. I headed over to the Nevada side of the lake (the eastern side) and found a trailhead high on a hill overlooking Crystal Bay. Here, a gated fire road led uphill to the ridge that ran North-South along the state line. I followed the fire road for a bit before branching off to the right onto a hiking trail that zigzagged through the trees and tall shrubs that dotted the ridge. Despite the presence of snow, I was hiking in a t-shirt. Absolute heaven! And to think it was February!

I took a side path that appeared to have the most direct route to ridge line, and soon came out onto clear section. To the south, the majority of the lake was visible, its blue depths ringed by snow covered mountains. Clouds were already beginning to gather in the west, blown by a steady wind and darkening the sky. After taking in the views, I threw on a layer and retraced my steps back to the car.

Kelly, Niki, and Ania's Day of Fun!

I had 4 full days in Tahoe, and they were jam-packed with all sorts of fun adventures. My first day there, Kelly, Niki, and I had planned what was aptly named: Kelly, Niki, and Ania’s Day of Fun! (Trapper too!) We spent the majority of the day driving all 72 miles around Lake Tahoe with plenty of spontaneous stops along the way to explore. 

Some highlights along the way included:

Hiking Eagle Rock: Kelly & Trapper!

A damp & foggy Emerald Bay: Kelly & Niki. 

Walking the beach and looking for rocks at Galilee.

Hiking around Spooner Junction in the snow.

Westward Ho!

Photo Credit: Kelly Greenwood

Anytime I feel lost, I pull out a map and stare. I stare until I have reminded myself that life is a giant adventure, so much to do, to see. - Angelina Jolie

Winter Wild: Ragged Mountain

Saturday morning, my Dad and I were off to compete in the first of three Winter Wild uphilling events. Uphilling is an event where the individuals ascend and descend a mountain via ski slopes under their own power. There are several categories in which you can choose to compete: open - snowshoes, traction, or running shoes; track skis - cross country skis or skate skis; telemark; and, heavy metal – alpine skis or boards. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. On this day, a runner was the first person to cross the finish line, edging out a telemark skier by a mere 2 seconds.

With less than ideal driving conditions, we pulled into the parking lot 10 minutes before the start. We rushed to pick up our bibs and bundle up before stepping out into the freezing cold. It was in the single digits and very windy. Within minutes of starting, I could feel my fingers beginning to freeze in my light running gloves.

In case, you're wondering just how much fun we had, the entire experience goes something like this: After huffing and puffing, and sweating profusely on the way up, you then have the downhill to look forward to… wind stinging your exposed skin, eyes watering, and the sensation of running down a ski slope with limited depth perception. 

Upon finishing. I headed back inside the lodge and camped out by a large window overlooking the slopes to watch the rest of the finishers, keeping a lookout for my Dad. Luckily, I spotted him trotting downhill in his snowshoes. I hobbled outside to the finish and thankfully, there was a huge smile plastered (or perhaps frozen) on his face.

Later that morning, during the post-race age group awards, my Dad and I both got called up for our respective age categories. My Dad now has a blue pint glass to prove his BAMF status! I think he might be hooked...