Lake Tahoe was our main destination for our pre-Thanksgiving get-away. Thanks to Eric's dad sharing some of his unused Marriott Vacation Club points, and us finding a great few days on the Marriott calendar that used very few points (just before the Thanksgiving rush), we were able to stay three nights at the South Lake Tahoe Timber Lodge.
It had snowed the night before we came up, and fortunately the roads had been cleared and the ice had melted for our drive up the mountain.
The night we arrived, we decided to make our own Thanksgiving turkey dinner. We were quite delighted by the fairly authentic dinner we were able to put together.
The next morning we were delighted by our view of the Heavenly ski lift that was right outside our windows. That day was the day they fired up the lift in anticipation of the ski season.
There were some great window seats for reading.
After breakfast we got dressed for a drive around the lake, following suggestions from my brother, who had lived in Tahoe for a year back when Carter was born.
Our drive began up the east side of the lake. It was beautiful!
David's first suggested stop was Spooner Lake. As our car wasn't properly prepared for snow and ice, we drove just a little way into the recreation area.
Despite being a little apprehensive, I convinced Eric to let the kids get out and play in the snow. They were so totally happy, especially Carter.
Carter's big hopes for the trip were to make a snowman and have a snowball fight, and he got a little of both at that stop.
Eric got out of the car and joined us for a few minutes.
This shot below is one of the reasons I wanted to buy the Venza. I love the second sunroof that is above the back seat. Look at that amazing view!
Our second stop was Eric's Aunt Laurie's suggestion, Sand Harbor. It was crazy to walk the sandy beach that was partly covered in snow.
We continued north and had lunch at one of David's favorite lunch spots in Incline Village, followed by hot drinks from the Starbucks where he worked for part of his time living in Tahoe.
We continued around the Lake with brief stops in places like King's Beach. Our next big stop was
Squaw Valley. We walked around the village, checked out the ski lifts and runs, just days before the opening of the season, and let the kids play in the snow some more. While we were there, it started to snow, which thrilled the kids.
Catching snowflakes on their tongues.
All the ski runs were closed. That's okay!
As it was getting late, we finished the loop around the lake without any additional stops. We did scope out a few places we wanted to visit the following day, like a fun sledding spot in the Emerald Bay area.
The next day began with a stop at the Tallac Historic Site, which includes a cabin that was built for the Baldwin family, who are from our area. The "rustic cabin" was not open for the season, but we enjoyed walking around and getting close to the lake.
Next was some time in the Emerald Bay area. In November, there is limited access (even the main road on some days), so Eric patiently found a parking spot in a lookout parking lot and we got the best look we could at the bay.
After that we grabbed our snow saucer from the car, walked across the road, and found an open spot on the snowy hill to slide.
One of my favorite photos of Ashlynn:
We were so thankful for the gear that was given to us or borrowed. Ashlynn used the coat and snow boots one of my friends had bought her for Astrocamp, and another friend loaned a coat and hiking boots to Carter. As a person whose snow gear consisted of rainboots and dollar bin gloves, I was thankful that the kids had gear that allowed them to play in the snow.
Eric and I both did a few runs down the slope. Because we weigh more than the kids (and there was a ramp on the slope we rode down), our tries got a little wild.
Eric actually went so far he slid into the road. Fortunately some nice people who we had chatted with were parked there and he didn't go into traffic!
The road back south has come crazy views!
Just before getting back into South Lake Tahoe, Eric spotted two foxes that were in a snowy meadow. We pulled over and watched them until another car arrived, the people got out, and the foxes ran away.
That afternoon my crazy kids decided they wanted to go swimming. Yes, the pool is heated nicely, but I couldn't swallow the getting in and out!
Eric went in, but stuck to the jacuzzi.
The kids had a blast!
When we woke on our final morning of our time in Tahoe, it had snowed and everything had a fresh blanket of snow. As we neared check-out time, it started to snow. Since we were in no hurry to leave, or more importantly drive on roads that might require chains, Eric arranged for our luggage to be stored so we could walk around Heavenly Village (and the roads could warm up).
Carter was again delighted!
After walking around, Eric went into Starbucks for drinks. I wait outside with the kids, who were happy to build mini snowmen on the Starbucks tables. The drinks took forever and we got really cold outside, so by the time the drinks were ready, we headed back to the Marriott, packed the the car, and started out on the drive down to Laurie's house in the Central Valley.
It was an exciting drive that did not require chains. *big sigh of relief*
We sure had a fun time exploring Tahoe!
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