KO and the Turk: Snow in May

found snow at Squaw

the Turk SHRUNK!

NOT waiting in line for ski tickets this time

on our way to the top

at the Olympic venue

High Camp!

that wind was cold. I do remember skiing here, and being cold.

The Turk won the gold!!

pool and hot tub at the top!

Views of Squaw and Lake Tahoe

After exploring the peak at Squaw, we decided that some waterfall hiking was in order. All of this melting snow is causing amazing waterfalls, everywhere. Shirley Canyon Trail was adventurous due to the existing snow, and exhilarating due to the amount of water crashing over the rocks.

Billy goat Turk

the stream at the top of the hill

sitting beside a giant, scary mountain jacuzzi

We thank Farkle Jackie and Arthur for letting us stay at their place in Squaw. the Turk and I would hike all day and then hit the hot tub, with drinks, by 4pm. Then we would walk around the village to decide on dinner. Perhaps there was more wine along the way. What a relaxing, and beautiful place!

my retirement/retirement job!

ya, snow was everywhere

I always wanted to visit the Donner Museum to learn a bit more about the immigrant disaster that ended with only 45 of 83 travelers making it to California. After a bad decision to take a trail less traveled, and the early onset of winter, the Donner party was left with limited resources to make it through the winter. A couple of brave and lucky members broke away to make it to California to notify rescuers who eventually saved the remaining people. The Museum is located beside Donner Lake, near the pass where the immigrants camped that fateful winter.

We took a beautiful hike alongside Donner Lake. The state park is well maintained with beautiful campsites and barbecue areas leading up to the lake beaches.

monument to all of the White European immigrants. But not to the Chinese and Blacks who helped settle the west.

Truckee River

Donner Lake

View of the island from the highway

Next place to visit is Vikingsholm, an authentic Swedish style estate built on the lake Tahoe waterfront. The house was finished in 1929, and privately owned until it was sold to the State of California in 1953. The home opens for tours on Memorial Day....the day we left!

Vikingsholm, overlooking Lake Tahoe

Interesting roof eaves

yes, that is a grass roof. We saw a lot of damage to the wood from woodpeckers who apparently love this place

detail carving beside back door

details along the eaves

very viking'ish!

I really wanted to see Uhtred walk out from the back door. But I guess he was busy with those Saxons.

this would be Uhtred!

Onward to our hike along the Rubicon trail that snaked up and down along Lake Tahoe's shores. We got lost only once but that was enough to make the Turk fear for our lives.... despite the fact that others were on the hike, we always knew which direction we were going since there is a lake beside us. He was quite relieved when we found the main trail again so we could finish our six mile, hilly hike. The last mile was totally an incline from lakeside to the highway looking down on the lake.