On our sightseeing drive around the Lake, we stopped at Taylor Creek for some wishful thinking.  Two days ago we were there and there wasn't a fish to be found. Today was a whole different story!  Just a warning- over the next week, there will be a lot of talk here about this special place and this spawning phenomenon.

Each autumn, from late September through mid-October, mature Kokanee salmon (Oncorhyncus nerka), transform from a silver-blue color to a fiery vermilion, and run up our local creek.  Everyone comes out to see this spectacle.  As the season progresses, the images become more dramatic- hence the multiple visits to the creek.

As spawning season approaches the fish acquire a humpback and protuberant jaw making some pretty interesting looking fish.  The Stream Profile Chamber allows an up close look.

I love this photo of a duck's derrière.

There was something artistic about this recent beaver effort.

Mark and Carol had never hiked down to Emerald Bay.  Today was the last day of summer tours of the Vikingsholm Castle so we really planned our itinerary well.  This is a must see for anyone coming to Lake Tahoe.

Lora J. Small married James Moore (1852- 1916), who had controlling interest in such companies as National Biscuit, Continental Can, Diamond Match, Union Pacific, and Rock Island Railroad.  After Moore died, Lora later married, family friend, Harry French Knight.  It was after this union dissolved that Mrs. Knight created Vikingsholm.

Typically, I just enjoy the exterior of this lovely home, but today, I took the tour.

I was surprised to learn that this "museum" wasn't posted to the National Register of Historic Places until 1996.  It is completely original and truly worthy of landmark status.

A Fall profusion of color is filling our Tahoe days while the temperatures are hinting at winter.  From Aspens to fish, the hues are delighting us so!