Wow!  What a trip! 

I couldn't help but hear Dorothy's line in "The Wizard of Oz" murmuring....."I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."  As with the early explorers, we left the high desert plains of Reno and Carson City and crested the hilltop to this sight.  It was like leaving this world and entering a surreal place.

We learned Lake Tahoe is one of the deepest lakes in North America with its depth measuring 1,645 feet and averaging 1000 feet deep.  At 6,225 feet above sea level, it is the highest lake in the United States.  In addition to the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, we were entranced with the fresh alpine air filled with the scents of pines, cedars, cypress and wild meadow flowers.

Because no major rivers empty into Lake Tahoe, the lake's water is 99% pure and pristine clear.  We could see objects 75-100 feet deep.   The only source of fresh water is mountain run off and snow melts.  It was amazing!

One day we cruised from Zephyr Cove, Nevada to Emerald Bay, California.  Reportedly, the sun shines 75% of the time with low humidity.  Such was the beautiful day of our lake tour on the paddle wheel boat.

You can easily see why Emerald Bay was named after this jewel.

It is one of the most photographed areas in the region.

Another day we drove the lake rim stopping at scenic vistas, and Starbucks, hiking up to Eagle Falls above Emerald Bay  and lunching at a local lakefront bistro.

The Blue Water Bistro in South Lake Tahoe is an awesome local eatery.    We enjoyed lunch out on the balcony overlooking Tallac Mt.

Another day we hiked through Taylor Creek State Park.  There we explored alpine meadows, streams, swamps and forests all within one park.  We saw Kokanee Salmon swimming upstream to spawn and a multitude of Steller Jays flitting between the Jeffrey Pines and Sugar Pines...several new varieties of species to us! 

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in South Lake Tahoe.

We love the special hospitailty for Hilton diamond members, but all guests enjoy the manager's evening cocktail party and full breakfast.

We definitely want to return to Lake Tahoe with the kids.  Every season offers a variety of activities whether on the lake, on the slopes, or just enjoying the natural wonders of nature.  I think it's one of those MUST see places in the United States!

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Posted by KarenW

Those pictures are gorgeous! I've never been there but maybe one day. I'm glad you had a great time.

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Posted by ServingHim

Thank you so much for sharing about Lake Tahoe and showing the wonderful pictures. I had no idea it looked like that. I'm not sure what I pictured in my mind (perhaps a lake in the desert???) but it is a beautiful place. The lake is gorgeous--so blue!

I can see why you want to return!
--
Elaine <><

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Posted by HeidiHomeschools

Those pictures are gorgeous!!!

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Posted by Prncsstefy

Beautiful photos!!! God's creation is AMAZING!

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Posted by LadyMother

What a beautiful place... The USA has so many beautiful places - we are truely blessed.
Thanks for sharing the joy.
be blessed,
Miss Meg

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Posted by Alice Gunther

Wow! These are some of the best vacation photos I have ever seen. I am so glad you had a great time!

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Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

Wow! Those are gorgeous. My husband was here looking at them with me. We have never seen pictures of that lake before. Always heard of it, though. We would both love to travel out west, and now, that is one of my "want-to-see" destinations.
Congratulations on your book store. How exciting!
Letitia

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Posted by lindafay

How lovely. I didn't know it was so beautiful there. Thanks for sharing.

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Posted by GirlsofGrace

Hi Maureen,

My husband and I went on a romantic getaway to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite last year. It was a wonderful trip. It was my first time out west and I was speechless. It is so beautiful out there.

Anna

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