LAKE TAHOE 2007

This was our first visit to Lake Tahoe. After Spring Break in St. Martin in '05 and '06 Ashton told us he didn't like the beach and sun (is he really our son?). He said he'd rather be snowboarding in the mountains. After reviewing many ski resorts we decided on Marriott's Timber Lodge in South Lake Tahoe. What a great choice! Cheri started skiing again last year and Ashton has become quite a good snowboarder so this was a great chance for them both (along with Ashton's friend) to try their skills at Heavenly. Bringing a friend along was great as it gave us a day or two on our own to explore the lake and surrounding area while the kids snowboarded. When Cheri joined them Tony was able to work making it a perfect vacation for all concerned.

Not a major issue, but Tahoe does not have an airport so you fly in to Reno. Once you get past Carson City and turn up highway 50 you know you are in for something special. The views are spectacular and we were fortunate to have a beautiful sunny day for the ride. The first night we had dinner at The Hard Rock Cafe (our 55th one worldwide) which is inside Harvey's Casino. Very strange to see a HRC with rustic decor, but that's Tahoe.

Our only concern was having enough snow. We had heard this wasn't a very good snow season. But with the Heavenly Gondola right outside the door of the hotel and bright blue skies above, they were excited to test their skills. Although locals weren't happy with the snow conditions, they were very comparable to Mt. Hood, and Ashton and Cheri had a great day. After a morning on the mountain we had to take a quick trip back to Reno to pick up Ashton's friend and with talk of more snow it raised their hopes for better conditions the next day

South Lake Tahoe has more than ski resorts, it also has beaches (despite the cold Cheri could not resist). Horse drawn carriages look for couples wanting a romantic ride around town and just down the main street you can walk over the California/Nevada state line to a mini Las Vegas and enjoy a night of gambling at Harrah's or Harvey's.

Still no new snow but that did not stop the boys hitting the slopes on Monday, which gave us the chance to explore the south side of the lake for a few hours. From South Lake Tahoe head north on Hwy 89, the views are spectacular, and sometimes funny and interesting.

You can see "bare" crossing, look for fish on Fanny Bridge, enjoy a wonderful view of the lake, hike in the woods or just find a sunny place to relax.

But what makes this place very special is how quick the snow comes and the blue sky returns the next day. Monday night it started snowing ... and when it snows it SNOWS!

At the back of the lodge there is a nice patio with three fire pits which warm the patrons of Fire & Ice after coming off the mountain or while they wait for a table at one the most popular restaurants in town.

At this very busy restaurant you grab a bowl, load it with your favorite vegetables, chicken, beef or seafood, then add a sauce and take it to the Grill Chef and watch your selection become a great meal. It's $21.95 for all you can eat at this improvisational grill. Great music and plenty of ski and snowboarding clips on flat screen TV's to give you ideas on what you might want to try the next day. Newcastle Brown on tap too, plus a few other special drinks which with the fire pits can keep you warm in the snow after dinner.

The next day the sun came out but not for long, we could see the snow clouds coming over the mountains but we decided to continue around the lake, this time North on 28 and see how the night's snow storm had changed the scenery. Our first stop was the beach, it's not Orient Beach for sure but it was a strange sight seeing sand and snow side-by-side.

While the sun was out Cheri wanted to work on improving her snow angels and here was a perfect opportunity.

At first though she was very hesitant.

As we headed north the snow started to fall and we wondered if we could drive all the way around the lake by joining up with Hwy 89. As we drove through Tahoe City and past Meeks Bay we realized we couldn't get all the way around as the gate was closed; not because of snow on the road but the possibility of small avalanches on this 12 mile stretch. So we had to turn around and head back the way we came.

By the time we got back the kids were resting after another fun day on the slopes, despite the heavy snow fall and high winds. Naturally everybody was hungry and we were told Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill offers great inexpensive food for the whole family. We were not disappointed as we filled up on great burgers and stayed warm by their nice fire place.

The boys wanted to be on their own for dinner which gave us the opportunity to have a nice relaxing evening up at The Chart House and get us out of jeans and sweatshirts. The restaurant sits high in the hills over looking the lake and has a great view of the evening sunset. Table #1 is the most romantic and gives you a perfect view of the sunset and lake. But if you want a quiet dinner, watch the sunset from the bar and make reservations for 7:30pm or later. Earlier seatings are for families and there were little kids running around the restaurant making all sorts of noise.

On our last day the weather was perfect for sightseeing and Cheri wanted to head back to where we had turned around a few days earlier. She had seen a great slope where it would be perfect for her to show off her skills. The skiing was fine and the view was terrific as we reached the summit.

The things we go through to get the perfect photograph, whether is the photographer or the model. Despite the snow the day was warm and we both came home with slight sunburns. It was well worth the effort

The next day Cheri wanted to ski with the boys and Tony had work to do so everybody was happy, especially as the winds had died down a little and the snow was perfect ... two feet of light, fluffy powder.

We've experienced a lot of places, but Lake Tahoe already has a special place in our hearts. With 300 days of sunshine and true Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall seasons it is someplace we'd return to any time of year.