I've never been anywhere that has fireworks for Labor Day...

We walked to Lakeview Commons, where KRLT was broadcasting in sync with the explosions. It was an amazing show.




I am a little kid, when it comes to fireworks. It was a gleeful night! Pretty darn spectacular.

Again, another last. This time the final concert of the Summer Concert Series at Harvey's, which means the end of our free truck parties. EVERYONE came out for this one.

Normally, we take the truck over in the afternoon, and save our spot. At 11 AM, I told Steve that I had a feeling and that we better get the truck over NOW. This sign, and many other space holders were everywhere. We were lucky to get one of the last great places to park.
Later in the evening, six of us rode our bikes to Harvey's. What a blast!
I have spoken about the camaraderie at one of these concerts, tonight was extra special because of the friends we were with and that fact that the Eagles ROCKED.
Driving home, seeing the humanity enjoying a warm Tahoe night, humming familiar tunes... It was a very good day!

We ended our day at Taylor Creek Amphitheater for the last of the Friday night presentations and a stunning Tahoe Sunset. It was mesmerizing as the colors changed.

A new movie is set to be filmed in the Reno-Tahoe area this fall. The film is called "The Lake." It is about freshwater sharks in Lake Tahoe and will feature action star Dolph Lundgren.

This concert marked the last of the summer series at Lakeview Commons. There was a certain sadness to the fact that the end is near.

This is one of our all-time favorite scenes... friends gathered at the amphitheater.

I did mention it was a Reggae concert, right?
Hundreds of people came out to savor the last songs of summer.

Bob won a boat rental and included us, as his guests, when redeeming the certificate.

I have always wanted to see this view of Cave Rock. The Washoe considered Cave Rock sacred and one reason is for what they called The Lady of the Lake. The "Lady" appears in the rock formation as the profile of a woman's face gazing out toward the lake from just below the old highway foundation. This is only visible from a boat. Isn't she amazing?
Speaking of amazing, what about these Ladies of the Lake?!
Our destination was lunch off the shore of the Thunderbird Lodge (more about that when we finally get to tour it... one day).
A champagne toast was made to friends and fabulous memories!

This traveling exhibit was suggested by our friends, Gene and Joanne, thus bringing us to this amazing museum for our first time.

When much of the West was still part of Mexico, John C. Frémont made his way across unmapped territory leaving a lasting mark wherever he went.  Naming the Great Basin and Pyramid Lake, Humboldt, Carson, and Walker rivers, and peaks and valleys in between, the explorer from South Carolina set out to give the land a new identity. 
Exploring the territory that included Nevada, California, Oregon and more, he mapped the West for the rest of the world. This U.S. Topographical Engineer is credited with the first sighting of Lake Tahoe by a white man and the first crossing of the Sierra Nevada in winter on February 14, 1844. How perfect that our first visit to this incredible museum was to learn about this incredible 'pathfinder'.

On the most spectacular day of the month, we ended our lessons with a substitute instructor who brought some interesting and challenging elements to our final class.

Not to sound cliché, but we paddled off into the sunset and it was amazing.

Steve had yet to visit Granite Lake, so off we went.

Once inside, evidence of Desolation’s glacial history abounds, from miles of smoothed, bald terrain—shorn to its granite shell—to bowl-shaped valleys and alpine lakes. The natural forming process didn’t skimp on lakes. Some 130 of them lie within the wilderness boundary, making the area that much more enticing for human exploration. I am a motivated hiker when I know a beautiful lake is the ultimate destination.

Okay, this was totally my photo idea and Steve played along.
I knew Steve would love this little Alpine lake. This is now our new favorite hike.

How fun to share this unique place with Lee and Margaret for a concert on the lawn. There is something about a summer night spent in history.

The backdrop for the Mark Sexton Band is the home built by Heinrich Friedrich Dangberg. His family played an important role in the growth and shaping of Carson Valley, Nevada (1856).

Just yesterday, I hiked in Desolation Wilderness and am so appreciative of this act. Tonight, celebrating in Taylor Creek Amphitheater seemed ideal.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the legal definition of wilderness in the United States, protected 9.1 million acres of federal land and was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The Wilderness Act is well known for its succinct and poetic definition of wilderness:

“A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”

We could not resist this event... If every dog has its day, then Peaks & Paws at Squaw Valley is it! Featuring a full day of pet friendly elements, activities, live music and fun. Find the best regional bluegrass/Americana bands around on two stages, an incredible variety of animal themed vendors, wine tasting from California’s best boutique wineries and microbrews. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

The photos pretty much say it all.




Trained dogs, of all kinds, catching Frisbees. It was a very entertaining show.

The Fetch Fest was hysterical. Dogs chasing balls in a pond. It was fun to watch this challenge.


It's the 'Dog Days of Summer' and we're loving it.

I really must invest in a thesaurus for words to describe happenings here. For now I will quote Bert & John Jacobs, "Life is Good" (founders of the t-shirt company with that saying on it).

We ventured into Desolation Wilderness to see Granite Lake again. It is a small hike that does not disappoint.





After dinner at Base Camp Pizza, arguably the best happy hour on the Lake, we headed to the Beach Retreat for Ike and Martin, arguably the best duo on the Lake as well... only the best for us!


Wow, right?! I am at a loss for words.