I honestly believe I could not have planned a better last day for Julie.

We left the cabin at 8 AM in order to be some of the first guests to hike to Angora Lakes Resort. This is one of my favorite Tahoe spots.
Angora Lakes Resort Day Use Area Essential Eligibility Criteria:

We endeavor to offer a unique day use experience at Angora Lakes Resort, a historic Lake Tahoe front-country location.  To safely enjoy the resort, visitors must meet the following essential eligibility criteria: Participants must have the ability to safely hike, bike or use other non-motorized means (including with assistance of a companion)  to go up and down hill at least a mile round trip over rocky, rugged, slippery, and sandy terrain, with obstacles up to 18” high, at 7000-7500’ elevations. There are no paved surfaces beyond the Angora Parking area.
The scenery getting to our actual destination is always worth the hike.
This out-of-the-way treasure was named for the Angora goats that were grazed here in the 1870s. The resort was built by the Hildinger family who still own it (101 years and counting).
This was Julie's first time doing Stand Up Paddling. She's a natural!


Clear, glassy water. Spectacular scenery. Good friends. Great morning.

The Resort is famous for its lemonade. We savored it in Popsicle form. Refreshing.
Dinner was at Base Camp Pizza. There I taught Julie my favorite game of Bananagrams. I was a pretty content camper.
Each night, in Heavenly Village, a live band plays at 6 PM. We all danced to the tunes of this talented group.
And what could be the perfect end to this evening? We saw that Robert Wyland was appearing, in person, at his namesake gallery. This was HUGE for me.
If you don't know this amazing man, I don't know where you've been. His WALLS are everywhere. Renowned marine life artist Wyland changed the way people think about our environment when he started painting life-size whales on the sides of buildings in the 1980s. Wyland always thought big. And he never stopped. Today, the Wyland name has become synonymous with the new generation of awareness about environmental conservation. Through his unique marine life paintings, sculptures, and photography, Wyland has inspired a generation about the importance of marine life conservation.
I can't believe we had the opportunity to see him create this very cool work of art.

When we met, I told him that Steve and I fell in love in front of his Laguna Beach masterpiece. Gray Whale and Calf was his first big installation. It was dedicated on July 9th, 1981 by Mrs. John Wayne. So cool and so surreal to meet this man who has delighted us for decades.
So there it is! We love sharing our Lake Tahoe Life. It really doesn't get much better than this.

Today was Julie's birthday and we made big plans.

At 11 AM we boarded the MS Dixie  for a Treat Yourself to Sunshine & Fresh Air Tour. "Considered one of South Lake Tahoe’s most entertaining and affordable water activities, the Daytime Scenic Cruise on Lake Tahoe has been voted 'Best Cruise in Nevada' by Nevada Magazine. This 2.5-hour scenic daytime cruise offers fabulous photo opportunities, sunshine, and fresh Lake Tahoe air, which has a way of invigorating everyone around. As you cruise to Emerald Bay, you'll learn how it was formed, some of its fascinating history, and enjoy a special video presentation. With plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable, you’ll quickly settle in and find the best place on-deck to snap magazine-worthy photos."

It was fun to see Vikingsholm from a different perspective.
We all loved this parasail. How can one not smile?

To take our boat cruise, we picked up a shuttle to Zephyr Cove Marina from the Hard Rock. After our lake adventure, we toured Tahoe's newest casino. Fun stuff.
Julie's birthday dinner was in our backyard. Her candle is in a portabella mushroom... a first (and so healthy).
Next stop was Live at Lakeview Commons for the Thursday night concert series.
Old Salt Union was a rocking bluegrass band from Illinois. I do love a banjo!


We ended Julie's birthday at Lakeshore Lodge for music on the beach, grooving to The Tiki Lounge Lizards. I like these guys a lot. What's not to like about a band who wrote in the about section of their facebook page: "Crashing waves and film noir. Power trio surf."

I think this is going to be a birthday that will be hard to forget!

Day #2 of Julie's visit found us hiking down to Emerald Bay.

Steve and I love introducing this special place to our guests. This was Julie's first time here which makes it extra special.







Part of our hike was on the Rubicon Trail where we met this guy.
Some trees are magical...
... and deserve a hug.
Emerald Bay was the idyllic location to start our Lake Tahoe day.
After dinner at home, we headed for an evening of music and merriment at the Tallac Historic Site.
It was extra special because Bob and Jenny were ushering, along with Steve, so Julie got to meet some of our 'new' friends.

And what a show! Blackie Farrell might not be a household name, but among his peers he’s no unsung hero. His songs have been recorded and performed by numerous artists. Tonight, he rocked Valhalla's Boathouse Theatre accompanied by the Bob Woods Trio.
At his core, Blackie is a story-teller, cutting a straight line right through life’s jagged edges, not smoothing them over but illuminating their points. Some haunting, some heroic, his tales stick to your bones and conjure up lost spirits and the longings of a well-worn heart. He is an amazing entertainer and this was an amazing introduction to him for all of us.