Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America situated on the border of California and Nevada. Surrounded by mountains it is a major tourist hub because of all the outdoor activities. We are staying in a warm, large two storey house on “Dollar Hill” (Yes, right off “Dollar Road” and no, I’m not even kidding!), equipped with numerous bedrooms, a deck with a gorgeous view of the lake set on a snow covered hill, and a hot-tub on said deck! There's a pool table, two lovely fireplaces cranking, and loads of junk-food and booze to fuel our karaoke-inspired moments.
It's damp and we wake to fresh snow only for it to turn to slush and rain. The weather conditions aren’t conducive to the slopes, but some of us want to make the most of the day. We opt for a trail-hike through the mountains above Emerald Bay.
We park at the Eagle Fall Trailhead and choose the hike to Eagle Lake. I've never trekked through snow before and I'm not sure what to expect.
The trail starts with steep snow-covered steps that meet with a high bridge crossing Eagle Falls. Looking back down the canyon we are rewarded with a generous vista of Emerald Bay and watch as the rapids cascade over the rocks and continue rolling and plunging in a violent push to reach Lake Tahoe.
Snow clouds the visibility of any definite trail. Our tracks are the first of the day. On flatter ground we plunge thigh deep into the snow. Ascending around narrow ridges it is slippery and I find my shoes are worn like bald-tyres. Dan lends me one of his ice cleats – a stretchy snow chain to fit around my shoe. It triples my confidence.
The woods are peaceful and picture-book perfect. The snow acts like a blanket of quiet. Lake Eagle, set below North Maggie’s Peak, is almost entirely frozen over except where it pools and trickles off to join with the rapids. I attempt to make my first snow-man ever before we head back. It's slippery and in places we slide down on our bottoms - half for fun and half from fear.
The next day brings perfect snow conditions for snowboarding. We choose North Star from one of the many ski-resorts in Tahoe. I book a beginners snow-boarding class for that afternoon (skiing is so out-dated!). The lesson price includes lift pass, boot and board hire.
After reaching base by gondola we find numerous lifts for different courses. There is also the standard bar and eatery and a sea of snowboards and skis mounted on the surrounding racks. With time to kill Dan suggests I give the beginners slope a whirl. We catch the lift and he signals for us to jump down onto the board. This is not my finest moment.
It takes me an hour to get down the beginners slope (a course that would take three minutes to walk). Like a baby learning to walk the routine is painful, embarrassing and exhausting. But for three seconds I feel the wind in my hair and sail like a champion before the inevitable "downfall".
I trudge over to the red flags that signal beginner’s class. Kyle, my instructor, is understanding and dedicates time to each of us. Sweating like a beast the physical test runs me through the gauntlet of difficult emotions. Not wanting to be thwarted in the face of adversity I persevere stubbornly. However, I would not have made it through without Kyle’s calm manner, patience and soothing blue eyes. Instead, I leave with optimism in my heart because I learned finally my “edging” (which means I can turn corners!).
Tahoe is an adventurist’s wonderland, but essentially for the city folk it is a getaway to nature. Crisp air fresh with snow and the smell of pines permeates. The grand lake is tranquil and eases stress. People come here to unwind and forget work. I used to be a friend only to the sea, but now I have discovered the joy of the mountains.
