For Steve's birthday, we headed to the annual Fall Fish Festival, an event which focuses on a variety of fish species that live in Lake Tahoe and its rivers. In addition to the Kokanee, these species include the federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout and little-known smaller fish, such as speckled dace. It was a perfect day for it all.

Where else could someone not only hug a big blown up fish, but explore the insides as well? So cool.

Steve, Karen and I learned about the natural wonders of Taylor Creek from Forest Service biologists, as we strolled along the accessible, ½ mile loop Rainbow Trail. This peaceful walk meanders through forests, meadows and marsh lands to the creek where the Kokanee salmon spawn within a few feet of our own feet.
I had to share this photo of a woman and her husband who were hiking with their bird. She said that the bird goes everywhere with them. What a riot!

While we only spotted a few of these red-colored fish, we delighted in the hunt and just being out and about in Tahoe.