Lake Tahoe Is On The Rise Again

Last year, when we were here, things in the South Shore area were looking a big bleak.  The economy had hit the area hard wth many shops out of business, going out of business or only open a few hours or days to try to cut costs.  As well the streets were empty and "depression" was in the air. 

We weren't sure what we would find this year, but things have really changed!  All the stores are filled and in speaking with the owners sales are up this year.  And there are people milling about everywhere.  The fire pits outside the resort are crowded with skiers and boarders after the lifts have closed and there is an energy in the air.  Could this be a sign of things turning around for our country?

Our group this week consists of Tony, me, our son and his girlfriend.  This is a first for us, taking along the girlfriend, but we told him he could bring anybody and she's who he selected.  Luckily, our timeshare is a two bedroom "apartment" with a pull-out sofa bed in the living room.

Saturday was our first full day here.  It began with "the kids" heading to the mountain to ski while Tony and I spent the day wandering the shops and getting settled.  Several of the art galleries were having "Meet the Artist" shows and we enjoyed seeing new art, learning of new artists and even finding a few pieces that caught our eyes.

Sunday the winds were up and the gondola leading to Heavenly Valley was closed down, so "the kids" decided to take the day off and show themselves around South Lake Tahoe Village.  Tony and I decided to take a drive up to Emerald Bay and beyond, then return to do some shopping with "the kids."  The drive, as usual was beautiful ... and much busier than in past years.  There were cars and tourists at all our favorite spots, so we made very few stops.  But on the way back we decided to check out a new place I had found, Eagle Point. 

Although there is less snow than in the past, the side roads are still closed and covered with snow.  Luckily, our snowshoes and boots were still in the Thule box on the car.  Special clothing wasn't needed as it was nearly 60-degrees out, so we strapped into our shoes and took off.

We followed the camp road through campsights for about 2 miles.  Along the way we saw what could have been cougar tracks, bear tracks, or a dog following along with a snowshoer.  Clearly, we have no tracking skills!  LOL

At the end, we found a nice sunny spot where we made snow angels and relaxed.  Unfortunately, because this outting wasn't planned, we didn't have any food or drink with us.  So what typically would have been an hour's rest was only about 20 minutes before we headed back.  We never did see the eagle's nests that are said to be at the end of the point, but we did se a lone eagle flying overhead as we hiked it.

One the way in, Tony kept saying ... turn around, we're going downhill!  And he was right, the climb out was definitely at climb, but we found a few short-cuts left by previous snowshoers.  In all our little outting took us about 3 hours and was the perfect afternoon.

Unfortunately, it meant we missed shopping with "the kids" so we've promised to go with them on Tuesday, which is supposed to be the worst weather day of the week.  I have to say we did find it comical ... when we're with "the kids" they seem all they want to do is be away from us.  But while we were gone they called no fewer than 10 times to see what we were up to.  Unfortunately, we'd left our phones in the car so we left them wondering ... kinda a role-reversal.

We're trying to save money by being on the "every-other-day" meal plan, which means we're eating in every-other-day.  Sunday night was our night out and we selected McP's across the street from the resort.

Although generally the food was good, we were a little disappointed that they a) didn't serve steak, b) didn't have a frier (so no french fries) and c) didn't have very good French Onion soup.  On the otherhand, when the waiter noticed that we didn't like the soup he offered a free cup of another one ... so that made points with us.

I don't know if it was all the sunshine and fresh air, the elevation, or the fact that it was the first day of Spring, but I didn't sleep well at all last night. I was going to ski with "the kids" today while Tony worked, but as I'd only had 2 hours of sleep I decided it was better to go another day when I wouldn't either get tired or get hurt, or both.

So while he works, I'm catching up on e-mail, writing my blog and doing laundry (how do we have laundry after only 2 days??). 

Today is a beautifully sunny day so once he's done working we'll work out and go outside to soak up some sunshine.  Tomorrow we're all going to be "in" so I'm looking for things for us to do to fill our time ... while the village here is nice, it's small enough that you can see it all in a day.  Maybe I can talk "the kids" into trying snowshoeing too!