Many years ago, I read a novel set in Lake Tahoe. I can’t remember the name of the book, but the imagery stayed with me. I remember seeing photos of winter in Tahoe—skiers gracefully carving wide arcs down Heavenly Mountain, with that breathtaking view of the blue lake below. Even in photographs, it was stunning. But in person, even during the summer, that view exceeded my expectations. It looked just like the picture I had carried in my mind all those years.
Tahoe is incredibly woodsy, surrounded by towering Sequoias and fir trees. The lake itself is massive, and only a few towns are scattered along its shores. We stayed in South Lake Tahoe, which turned out to be a great choice. A side trip to Emerald Bay was absolutely worth braving the traffic and congestion—it’s one of the most photographed spots for a reason.
About a quarter of the lake lies in Nevada, and you know the instant you cross the state line into Stateline, NV—suddenly you’re greeted by casinos, concert halls, and, in one case, a billboard advertising “Extreme Midget Wrestling.” Not exactly our scene, but it certainly added contrast. While I wouldn’t recommend staying on that side of the lake, South Lake Tahoe had plenty to offer. Actually, aside from the truly awful fish smell wafting from a dumpster near our site (yikes), the RV park was quite pleasant—large shaded spots, quiet surroundings, and well-maintained facilities.
Of course, Napa and Tahoe are both incredible destinations, but for us, they share one major drawback: they’re located in the state of California. Fuel prices were outrageous—over $4.60 per gallon for diesel! Grocery stores charge 10 cents per bag (paper, of course), only paper straws are allowed, and every minor action feels micromanaged in the name of environmental responsibility. While some of these efforts may be well-intentioned and even admirable, they feel a bit hollow when juxtaposed with the reality of countless homeless individuals wandering the streets—largely ignored and unsupported.
It’s sad, frustrating, and, frankly, hypocritical. But… enough said on that.