Lunch at Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of California’s and Nevada’s wonders of the world. Anyone visiting the western U.S. should try to take the time to visit this deep blue-green scenic treasure of a lake, 50 miles in circumference, nestled in the granite rock evergreen forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin. It is deeper than any other lake, and offers more natural beauty, geologic and historic mystery, and exciting nightlife opportunities than just about any other spot in the world. People come from around the world to marvel in its presence. I am one of the lucky ones that can run up the hill for lunch in Lake Tahoe in just one day. King’s Beach, on Tahoe’s north shore, is my spot of choice for that excursion. South Lake Tahoe is the developed hustle-bustle casino-resort area, the West Shore is mostly private but a breathtaking drive, while the East Shore is fairly remote and mostly for the outdoorsy types. The North Shore, however, has that combination of accessibility on its public beaches that is off the beaten path—meaning not too terribly crowded--and cute small towns, great scenery, and good little eateries. On one nice day in King's Beach, we grabbed sandwiches from Annie's Deli and had a picnic on the beach; on another day, nice gourmet coffee drinks at the Java Hut. But for the special occasion such as our engagement and anniversary, our North Shore choice has been Jake's on the Lake.

Geese enjoying a rainy day at Sugar Pine Point State Park

The weather, however, is unpredictable. On a hike at Sugar Pine Point State Park in June we got rain; during our evening dinner in August, we were caught in a thunderstorm; and on an afternoon picnic in May, we got the high wind. Same months, different year: intense sun. But the beauty of our surroundings prevailed over the slight inconvenience of weather extremes that shift not only day by day, but hour by hour. That is one of the delightful surprises of the Sierra Nevada. 

Thunderstorm in August at Jake's by the Lake

Windy day in May at King's Beach

Calm day in June on the east shore

Every year in June, however, I have a deeper purpose for lunch at Lake Tahoe. Each year on this day bicyclists from around the nation and even the world convene for America's "Most Beautiful Bike Ride”. Many riders are there raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. Every time I go to cheer the riders on near the top of the steepest hills by Spooner Lake, and encourage them to keep going and that they are almost to the top and the finish line, I am reminded that as a survivor of lymphoma, I struggled in a similar race for my life. I am alive partly because of the advancement of medical technology, which partly is a result of efforts like this. The cyclists thank me for the cheerleading; I thank them for helping to save my and others’ lives.
Go Team!