The Tamarack Fire remained out of control overnight and with additional road closures in the morning, we wanted to rethink our route to Tahoe City.
We chose HiWay 50, Kami’s family is a few hours behind us and we wanted to be sure the route was clear for them. It is an easy 10 mile ride to the east side of the lake and quickly clear of the smoke in the valley. The traffic around the north end of the lake was very heavy, very slow.
We stopped at Tahoe House to pick up a birthday cake for Kg. At 18 she no longer has to sit at the kids table :)
We arrived first at William Kent campground.
Kami provided a dinner of ‘Walking Tacos’. She had prepared both chicken and beef taco fillings ahead of time. It was quick and easy for us each to choose a bag of Fritos or Doritos, crush them a bit, open the top and add the desired fillings to the bag.
After the tacos Kg blew out the candles on her cake and opened presents.
Due to the Stage 2 fire ban (no charcoal or wood fires) Marty’s son-in-law, Lucas, brought a propane fire ring.
We each took a turn at hosting dinner. Michael and Lori brought carnitas along with excellent homemade refried beans.
Lori made a batch of Rice Crispy S’mores for dessert. A nice touch with the fire ban.
We provided a dinner of chicken enchiladas, while brother Marty and Juanita made tostadas with some excellent fresh salsa.
During our evenings we shared wine, with set categories:
Alternative packaging:
we all brought boxed wine - no canned wine. Here the T.N.T was declared winner. Even better, DIL Lori designed and had custom pewter mugs made for each of us.
Best everyday wine:
Nikki and Lucas brought a wine from NEXT which was the clear choice. They also brought a puzzle wine none of us could unlock.
Best value under $30:
Marty entered an excellent Maryhill.
In the unlimited category my Aimee was a standout.
Too close to call between the Monte Xanic and the Tamarack.
It was not all wine. We also played games.
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and made friendship bracelets.
The days were filled with ...
time on the trail - Eagle Falls, not much water
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a float trip on the Truckee River
a day trip to the Donner Memorial/Lake
The base of the memorial is 22’ high – the depth of the snow that fateful winter.
The Visitor Center has a lot of information, but the kids are anxious to head to Donner Lake (and so are we).
At Donner Lake Jackson knows how to relax
Nikki’s girls are swimming
While their dad keeps watch
and of course Lake Tahoe
Dad again keeping an eye on things at Kiva Beach.
Kiva Beach is dog friendly, where Jm’s Ember learned to swim for the first time.
This blog is long enough. I’ll close with a group photo and a final sunrise at the beach.
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We all are now heading our separate directions. Next up for us is Nevada City and Grass Valley.
