Tahoe!

I have been very fortunate in my life to live in some of the most beautiful places, I would argue, in the entire world.  I lived in a house that backed up to a beautiful forest in Martinez, California.  I lived in a house in the middle of a Vineyard in the Wine Country.  I lived in an adorable apartment overlooking San Diego Harbor.  And I lived in an amazing house the Tahoe Keyes in South Lake Tahoe.  I now live in Reno, and have an amazing city view, well sort of.  I have been a lucky girl! 

I have spent a lot of time in South Lake and it holds a special place in my heart.  I took my first yoga class at the junior college.  I rode my bike to Baldwin Beach every morning.   I spent almost two years working at Beach Street (home of 1,000 bikinis) selling bikinis to tourists.  This was actually my favorite job to date!  It was surprisingly rewarding knowing that I was sending someone off to Zephyr Cove looking as cute as they could look.  I think Beach Street is a place of the past and has been since been replaced by the Tahoe Brewery but I’m not entirely sure. Regardless, I loved living in South Lake Tahoe.

Even after I moved to Reno, my parents always had a house in the Keys.  I remained spoiled.  My son and I have spent many summers kayaking, boating, swimming and just sitting on the beach in South Tahoe. In fact, my son called the little amusement park and miniature golf center on Highway 50 “Disneyland” until he was about 7.  He actually thought that was Disneyland.  I didn’t correct him until he was older because it worked for me and I always thought it was funny when he would tell people “I have been to Disneyland tons of times.”  Not my proudest parenting moment but you do what you have to do.  

In recent years my parents have downsized and opted for RVs instead of keeping a house in Tahoe.  No judgment.  However, I have not been able to visit my favorite place in the world much at all.  Well, this year that is going to change.  While my parents may no longer have a house there, they have a travel trailer.  That’s right, an RV!  Although I have never towed a trailer before, I plan to hook up their trailer to my jeep, grab my son and my dogs, purchase a stand up paddle board, grab my running shoes and a yoga mat, and head for Tahoe. 

First, I plan to head out to my favorite beach in the world, Baldwin Beach and learn to stand up paddle board.  Once I get the hang of it, I’m planning to try yoga on the stand-up paddle board.  I guarantee you there are about 5 yoga instructors laughing hysterically right now because my balance and technique on the yoga mat sometimes leaves something to be desired, but I will do it.  And Baldwin Beach is the perfect place with its calm water and expansive beach! 

I also plan to take a deep breath, get in the car, and drive up the scary, narrow road to Angora Lake.  I probably won’t pull the trailer there.  If you have not been to Angora Lake you should come with me.  It is the most adorable place in the world.  After a short hike you arrive at the cutest lake with the best lemonade ever.  There are cliffs to jump off and lovely rocks to sunbathe on.  And if you are taking kids on the hike you will have about three “are we there yets” and you will be there.  It’s only about a mile hike.  My phone will not work, there will be no wifi and I will love it! 

Next I want to hike up Mt. Tallac.  I think Mt. Tallac is gorgeous and have always wanted to hike up there.  I just never have.  This year I will.  Mt. Rose is on the list too.  I’m very excited to make this the year that I actually hike up something.  And I can’t wait for the awe-inspiring and life changing views.

Then, I am going to grab as many yoga friends as I can fit in my parent’s trailer and head to Squaw Valley for Wanderlust.  Wanderlust is yoga festival held around the country but with one of its main events at Squaw Valley July 26-29, 2012  I am going to fill the travel trailer with Yogis and go for as many days as we can for yoga, meditation, hiking, and music at Squaw Valley.

Finally, I plan to culminate my return to Tahoe year with the Lake Tahoe Marathon, or more likely half marathon.  I have run all over the country and can honestly say that the run on Emerald Bay road is the most beautiful scenery I have ever experienced as a runner. 

So that is my plan.  My plan fits nicely with a number of my New Year’s resolutions.  I plan to take lots of pictures during these adventures.  I will eat at Sprouts to support by be a vegetarian resolution.  Hell, I may even buy myself a new bikini at Beach Street, if it is still there, and head to Zephyr Cove.  I’m heading back to my roots…back to South Lake!

Namaste!