It’s the holiday season! Yippee! I’m already planning Thanksgiving festivities, and with an art show coming up in Sacramento, I’m not sure when I will next be able to go road tripping to a new location. I know, I know, I have it rough. But hey, you know me, I won’t let that hold me back! I have just been reminiscing over some photos from last year’s autumn and I have plenty of material to share. Sure, this isn’t up to the minute reporting, but these places haven’t changed at all. So for a couple posts I’m going to take you down memory lane, beginning with South Lake Tahoe.
It was one year ago that I was on my No-I-5 road trip where I traveled solo around California and my one rule was that I was not allowed to drive on Interstate 5. I-5 is so boring and tiring, and boring, did I say boring? So instead I went down the Sierras to LA and back up the coast to San Francisco, and back over to Sacramento, where I was living at the time. For eleven whole days I was on my own. I was scared to be alone in strange places for that long, but guess what, it was so totally worth it, and I don’t think I ever once had a boring moment.
South Lake Tahoe is casino central, but not for me! Not a gambler. So I headed northwest around the lake to Emerald Bay to take in the view from the high bridge that you can walk below and climb around on the rocks before the water falls down the cliff face. From this perch I had a wonderful view of the bay. Here’s a little fact: Emerald Bay has the only true island in Lake Tahoe called Fannett Island. On Fannet Island is the Tea House, which is a rustic stone cabin built in 1928. Emerald Bay is also an underwater state park and has several sunken boats at the bottom. From where I was I had a great view of the island and the lake, but I assure you, there are no bad views of Lake Tahoe.
Next, while driving back to town, a curious magnetic current pulled my car into Camp Richardson Corral, donning the sign “Ride at Your Own Risk.” Now, we’re talking! I thought. Finally a stable that sounds like they will let you go at a faster pace than just a walk! Maybe I’ll actually be able to get a good canter in or two! No question, I was going on a horseback ride.
I got there just in time for the last ride of the day. “Go ahead and give her Ringo, he needs some exercise.” Uh oh. Bless his heart, Ringo was ancient, slow, and fat! He had been a rescue horse, and hungry, so when he finally got enough food, he got a little piggish. Good old Ringo kept up ok, though, and took me along a great scenic trail with the group as we passed manzanita groves, towering pines, and great views of the lake. Not bad at all. Look at him sticking his tongue out at the camera! Good grief!
This was my first out-of-town trip since the end of a couple of very stressful months at work, so I decided that I was going to splurge for my room. Of course a splurge for me means getting a room that is not a dump and is not camping. But in this case I got a nice room at 968 Park, which is also the address. Here they have massage and a spa, ooh la la! It’s not complete luxury accommodations, but the hot stone massage and reflexology was heaven. After a good soak and steam in the modest spa facilities I was completely wiped out – in a good way. 968 Park has been remodeled recently and all of the upgrades have been done tastefully and sustainably using recycled materials. It’s a nice place for a decent price. Ask for the non-smoking floor.
In the morning I got up as early as possible because I really wanted to get on the road after watching the sunrise over the Lake. I went up to the main beach in South Lake Tahoe, which was in walking distance from where I was staying. As the sun hit the Sierra Mountains behind the lake I walked down the beach, taking in the fresh air and feeling so grateful for seeing such a wonderful scene. Everything was peaceful and quiet while people where still fast asleep.
I took myself out for a great breakfast at Driftwood Café. This hearty breakfast and lunch spot serves just what you need for a day out in the mountains. After my not-too-greasy spoon nosh I headed out for a long drive down the 395 through some great Eastern Sierra country. Next stop, the real ghost town of Bodie, CA!
You won’t want to miss my day in Bodie. To be sure and catch it, subscribe to my blog by hitting the subscribe button at the top of this page and then following the freaking easy instructions. Don’t miss out!
The Cali Travelista 
