Many of our best plans are formed while on long road trips. On a frequent one, Steve mentioned enjoying drag races. Me, as the co-pilot, navigator, and fun catalyst, found that one of these adrenaline-filled events was happening and plans were solidified.

How's this for a tagline? "Racing - THE STAGE IS SET - The mountains. The wine country. The smell of nitro. The earth-shaking roar of 12,000-horsepower machines launching at over 330 mph. The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals."
"As NHRA celebrates its historic 75th Anniversary season, Sonoma Raceway will once again become the center of the drag racing universe July 17-19. From the first burnout to the final Wally Trophy celebration, every pass down the legendary quarter-mile promises speed, drama, and championship implications."

Besides loving Monster Energy Drinks, Steve was very impressed with its car's driver. The NHRA's premier "Monster" racer is the Monster Energy Top Fuel Dragster, currently piloted by racing star Maddi Gordon. The 10,000-horsepower machine holds the NHRA national speed record at a staggering 343.16 mph achieved by Brittany Force.



I think this best describes what happened with my Haerr men, "If you've never experienced NHRA racing in person, there is simply nothing else like it. The sound shakes your chest. The acceleration takes your breath away. And once you've felt it, you're hooked for life." What fun for them.

My joy and happiness is renewed in the company of creative women. This morning, five of us gathered for camaraderie, conversation, and crafting.

My current goal is to improve my watercoloring skills. How fun is this description? Watercolor is celebrated for its fluidity and the beauty of its "happy accidents". Water acts as an active partner in the painting process, where artists must learn to embrace the unpredictable nature of the medium rather than fighting it.

If it's Thursday, this is where we like to be. Sadly, life has made other plans for us most weeks but we were there this week.

"The shoreline turns into South Lake Tahoe's summer stage. Presented with The City of South Lake Tahoe and Visit Lake Tahoe, Live at Lakeview gathers locals and visitors for community, music, food, local makers, and amphitheater-style views of the lake."
It also seems to gather old friends. We met up with this sweet family who were in town from Sacramento.
This amazing community event was the brainchild of Rob Giustina. What a very cool guy!
Plus people watching is exceptional.




I love this guy's shirt!
Everyone had their favorite viewing spot!


The band, Joe Marcinek with Groove Session, was a lot of fun.

How wonderful to be able to attend two amazing history lessons on pretty varied topics.

Though we knew some history of California City and Tahoe Paradise, David added layers of knowledge and introduced us to so much we never knew.
I could listen to David for hours. I really wish I would have had someone like him as my history teacher in school. I can't wait until his next lesson!

Our second lesson was another Tahoe History Talk on the Beach. Author Paul Nelson brought to life the intrigue and opulence of Lake Tahoe's earliest resorts as he discussed his book, Lost Grand Resorts of Old Lake Tahoe.
"Beginning in the 1800s, Lake Tahoe's beauty enticed entrepreneurs to build the most opulent resort hotels in America catering to the wealthiest from California to Nevada. Baldwin's Tallac House, the Tahoe Tavern and Brockway Hot Springs Hotel fought to outdo one another, taking luxury to new heights with musical entertainment, movies, horseback excursions, and five-star dining." Paul's knowledge was presented so that one paid attention. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased his book to learn even more.

It had been almost 11 years since these ex-Temeculans came for an overnight. With just 25 hours together, we made the most of it.

To get to Round Hill Pines Beach Resort we parked at Rabe Meadow Trailhead and strolled to our favorite idyllic beach spot (5 r/t miles, 10,581 steps total).

That said, I love standing on this historic deck. In 1931, the Round Hill Pines property was purchased by Arthur K. Bourne, one of the heirs to the Singer Sewing Machine Company. The Bourne family resided on the property during the summer months. During his tenure on the land, Bourne purchased additional acreage at Lake Tahoe, eventually owning 800 acres in the basin. In 1951, he built a house one mile to the north and converted the summer place into a commercial resort.

Dining on the lakeshore with old friends... What a perfect Saturday.