Final Looks at the Lake – July 25, 2018

Today started early because we wanted to take the gondola to the top of the mountain early before it got too hot.  They were forced to close up all the windows in the individual gondola cars because some “idiot” tossed a lit cigarette out and started a fire on the slope.  Isn’t it funny how it only takes one unthinking person to make life inconvenient for everyone else.

Anyway, we were ready to head up at 8:30 a.m. dressed to be warm because the low temperature this morning was 47 degrees and we just knew it was going to be colder up on the mountain.  Wrong!  The only smart one was Jim with his tee shirt and shorts.  First you take a gondola to the observation deck.  We stopped there for a while and took in the beautiful scenery and had something to drink.

Lake Tahoe from observation deck

Lake Tahoe and town of South Lake Tahoe from Observation Deck

Chipmunk on top of mountain

Then we took the gondola to the top which is where they have all kinds of sports to keep kids and adults occupied for hours while testing your strength and stamina.  What a great place for families.

From here you take a chairlift to the top which is 9,725 elevation.  This time, we opted to stay on and just do the round trip with no stops.  Funny, I didn’t notice we were going almost straight up until the trip back down.

Chairlift to elevation of 9725 feet

Chair

Pictures from top of mountain looking down on Lake Tahoe

After the trip down, we changed our clothes and hopped in the car to drive around the lake.  You get a totally different perspective from the road.

Fannette Island in Emerald Cove

View of Lake from road

View of Lake Tahoe from northern most point – Incline Village

The day ended with some time at the pool, (people watching-not swimming) and a BBQ dinner of delicious smoked meats and unusual sides.  We leave tomorrow for the Napa Valley where we hope to take some tours of wineries and farms.