Snapshot Day: Helping the Lake

Today, I was one of the 125 volunteers who mobilized across the Tahoe-Truckee watershed to collect and test water samples from 37 different creeks, streams, smaller lakes, and Lake Tahoe itself. Our goal was to take a “snapshot” of water quality at a single moment in time for this important source of drinking water and outdoor recreation.

Since 2001, Snapshot Day partners have sampled sites from Meyers to Tahoe’s North Shore, continuing on to Truckee and through Reno, ending at Pyramid Lake. By collecting water quality data from the same sites each year, Keep Tahoe Blue and event partners can track changes in the health of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River watershed. Snapshot Day also provides a unique opportunity for the community to connect with the environment in their own backyards through hands-on, scientific fieldwork.
I was assigned to the 'I' Team with Alyssa as our leader. What fun to have friends, Mimi and Karen, as fellow citizen scientist volunteers.
We went out to two monitoring sites and performed a stream walk (visual assessment), collected field data, grabbed samples, and took photos. Streams were field tested for dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and temperature.  Water samples were taken back to the central meeting location and measured for turbidity, nutrients and fecal coliform bacteria. All very scientific and surprisingly fun.






Each year, Snapshot Day volunteers generate thousands of data points about the Tahoe-Truckee watershed. How wonderful to be a part of this important snapshot. I 💙 Lake Tahoe!

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Tahoe Chamber's Business Expo!

This highly anticipated, signature Tahoe event is where community and local businesses come together for one unforgettable evening. I can't believe it has been SEVEN years since we've attended. This is the link to all of our previous events. What riotous memories!

"The Tahoe Chamber is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Go Local Business Expo, taking place at the [very cool] Tahoe Blue Event Center. As Tahoe’s largest business networking and community event, the Expo continues to grow year after year, bringing together over 125 local businesses and more than 1,500 attendees for an evening that celebrates and supports the region’s vibrant business community."

Cyndi, Steve, and I were so eager, we were some of the first to arrive. I was absolutely giddy!
"For just $20 general admission, attendees will enjoy unlimited food and beverage tastings, interactive vendor experiences, raffles, giveaways, and the chance to take home exciting prizes, and local swag. This family-friendly event invites community members and visitors alike to discover new businesses, reconnect with local favorites, and experience the best of Tahoe all in one place."
The Golden Nugget's new restaurant, Mastro's, served my favorite treat, tender slices of NY steak on a crostini with a dollop of gorgonzola cheese. I'm still savoring its flavor (mentally).



This display by Sierra Cleaning Services made me smile. I do love clever!

Did I mention unlimited drinks? The Expo is truly the best 'night on the town'.
The hat references Tipsy Putt, a family-owned and operated indoor mini-golf bar and restaurant, and a place we will be visiting as we won free games there. Fun stuff.


In years past, there has always been a photo booth to capture the night in a very silly way. While that opportunity was missed, Jason with Heavenly, provided some photographic fun with this gondola and Tahoe backdrop. So cool.
It was incredible to see the community come out for this fabulousness.
And it seems neighbors Clark and Michelle know where the fun is to be had, too.
You have to meet Emily Kolessar. This is the wonder who is Tahoe Chamber's Engagement and Event Manager and the person who made tonight's unforgettable event happen. Steve's comment, as we were leaving was, "I now feel like I'm home!" Thank you, Emily.
Just expressing our glee.
Some things just sum up an evening. Steve and Cyndi's dance encapsulates this exceptional event. Friends gathered, businesses shined, and great treats were had by all.

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Art Time with a Grandchild

I have been searching for some creative inspiration and found it in the company of a seven year old.

My granddaughter is very talented and loves to encourage me in artistic pursuits. On a quiet afternoon, we busted out the watercolors. How cute is her Chicken Family?
I delighted it in all and I especially love how my rooster's face came out. In addition, I'm rather tickled with my flower below. What simple pleasures.

"...and then, I have nature and art and poetry,
and if that is not enough,
what is enough?"
-Vincent Van Gogh

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The Last 233 Miles: Our Trip Finale!

We awoke early and continued our trek home.

But not before popping by Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site for a brief introduction.

Steve and I did a pretty thorough explore in 2022 but this was a first visit for the kiddos.
Here we were able to take a trip back in time and experience the daily life of the early settlers of the Owens Valley. This site celebrates the rich history of the period and tells of a time when the railroad station was the heart of a bustling western town.





Close to 50 authentic structures on eleven acres are filled with artifacts and original objects that depict the lifestyles of the homemakers, artisans, and townspeople of the period. Most of these objects of antiquity are the actual tools used by the practitioners of their crafts such as, newspaper publishers, gold miners, ranchers, blacksmiths, dentists, physicians, and pharmacists who lived and worked here. Can you figure out why I like it so?




All the historic buildings are original structures. Some, like the Laws Depot, the Agent’s house, the locomotive turntable, and the oil and water tanks were constructed right here and have stood on this site since the first train rolled in in 1883. Others are authentic structures that were relocated here from their original sites throughout the Owens Valley, and restored to preserve the history of the railroad. The section of narrow-gauge track that remains on the site still carries restored and working railroad cars – all of which date back to the early days of the railway.


We all appreciated the Death Valley history as we had been there twice on this trip, alone.
Lunch was on the shore of Mono Lake.
Mark Twain felt no love for this lovely lake when he described it, "Mono Lake lies in a lifeless, treeless, hideous desert, eight thousand feet above the level of the sea, and is guarded by mountains two thousand feet higher, whose summits are always clothed in clouds. This solemn, silent, sail less sea—this lonely tenant of the loneliest spot on earth—is little graced with the picturesque." For us, we are constantly surprised by its unique beauty. It really was the right location for our final trip pause.
"Traveling in the company of those we love
is home in motion."
— Leigh Hunt

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