Beautiful Tahoe

 

As much as I resented when adults would force us to ''go play outside'' growing up, now I have the strong urge to spend every minute I can outdoors. I eat, journal, exercise, dry clothes, even practice yoga outside. And my idea of ideal vacation or day trips involves the outdoors as well. Living not far from Lake Tahoe, our own Lake Louise here in California, it has become my default for showing off the beauties of northern California to guests or simply reboot from my semi-urban existence.

And with my AFS student, Bibi, I had a new excuse to go. South Lake Tahoe was the first wonder I encountered the first time I came to California almost 30 years ago. My sister, our cousin and I were traveling across the country on a road trip, and one night we had to sleep in the car because it was too late to find a campground, opening our eyes on a majestic mountain of granite after a very uncomfortable night made us forget all the inconveniences of this trip. We then camped in Lake Tahoe for a few nights and it was our first contact with California. I just realized moments ago that this deep and meaningful imprint might also contribute to the fact that I am so fond of this place, as busy as it gets sometimes. One of my favorite spots, Emerald Bay, has always been a must when I took visitors in the area. 

This time, instead, thanks to a loved one who is now local, we discovered Tallac, a Scandinavian-looking historical site. Then, we got to drive up the mountain on a very bumpy road and get an incredible view from Homewood. We had a (expensive) drink at Chambers' Landing, a resort that has been visited since 1875. Among other places I was seeing for the first time also yesterday were Tahoe City and Truckee, the latter reminding me of Stillwater in Minnesota.

Even though we got home way later than intended, after driving farther away than planned, I can say this qualified as a perfect day... Because each moment filled me with gratitude in beautiful nature smelling of pine trees.

Whoever has such gems of nature in their ''backyard'' has spiritual wealth.