Having maneuvered out low-clearance Hyundai through the scrub sage and emerging back onto a paved thoroughfare, albeit covered in desert dust and mud spatters, we planned to arrive at the fine home of my cousin Norman and his most charming family in South Lake Tahoe.
Climbing up the backside of the Sierra's from Carson City and into California provided a momentous change in scenery from the Basin and Range desert province of Nevada to the crisp white granite and conifers rimming the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe's alpine environment. We pulled up to Norman's house, finding him home while his wife, Natali, was out scooping up his two daughters from their afternoon activities. Natali is a life-filled woman with a large warm heart who made me feel so welcome when I passed this way two years ago with my son Grant. She again threw open her welcoming soul and seemed so pleased to have us stop by as she pulled up a few minutes after our arrival. Two years back while passing through, Norman had to go out of town unexpectedly, and so I missed him then, and now once we meet, we figure it has been about 18 or 19 years since we last saw one another.
Natali, informs us that it is "National Hamburger Day". Honestly, I had no idea. And appropriately she had prepared a stack of fine patties ready for the grill along with fresh corn on the cob and assorted sides. We all had a quite delicious meal while enjoying the summer evening chatting and dining upon their deck.
After the burgers were eaten as part of our patriotic duty, it was suggested that we take a quick jaunt down to the lakeshore beach to watch the sun set. So we did, kicking off our shoes and walking in the quartzose sand as Barley (their dog) was pleased to be off and investigating the geese and other friends he could find at this leash-free zone.
With the day's light fading, we move back to our cars to head home; after all it is still a school night for the girls. Barley is wet from his lake swims, and Norman tries to persuade his dog to ride in the back of the car, where he is least objectionable. Barley hops in, but does not buy riding at the back, and we see him immediately climb forward to a more preferable location as his car pulls out of the parking space. We hope to make a stop for some end-of-the-day ice cream, but since it is a couple of days before the Memorial Day weekend and summer kick-off; the ice cream shop has not yet opened. We must live with disappointment.
Before bed, Lana brings out Louie, fine and healthy looking Afghanistan gecko. We meet and speak to him, admiring his reptileness before we all head to bed.
Every day of our westward journey bring its own special pleasures and charms,
and spending a bit of time with Norman (after all these years), Natali and Melanie and Lana is yet another shining example. This is all good.
Climbing up the backside of the Sierra's from Carson City and into California provided a momentous change in scenery from the Basin and Range desert province of Nevada to the crisp white granite and conifers rimming the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe's alpine environment. We pulled up to Norman's house, finding him home while his wife, Natali, was out scooping up his two daughters from their afternoon activities. Natali is a life-filled woman with a large warm heart who made me feel so welcome when I passed this way two years ago with my son Grant. She again threw open her welcoming soul and seemed so pleased to have us stop by as she pulled up a few minutes after our arrival. Two years back while passing through, Norman had to go out of town unexpectedly, and so I missed him then, and now once we meet, we figure it has been about 18 or 19 years since we last saw one another.
Natali, informs us that it is "National Hamburger Day". Honestly, I had no idea. And appropriately she had prepared a stack of fine patties ready for the grill along with fresh corn on the cob and assorted sides. We all had a quite delicious meal while enjoying the summer evening chatting and dining upon their deck.
After the burgers were eaten as part of our patriotic duty, it was suggested that we take a quick jaunt down to the lakeshore beach to watch the sun set. So we did, kicking off our shoes and walking in the quartzose sand as Barley (their dog) was pleased to be off and investigating the geese and other friends he could find at this leash-free zone.
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| Cousin Norman give Lana a ride to the beach |
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| Melanie follows her father out on a small sand spit |
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| Barley gives chase to a flock of geese |
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| The day's light fades from the shore of Lake Tahoe as we turn to head home |
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| Ice Plant Springs from the forest floor on the shore of Lake Tahoe |
With the day's light fading, we move back to our cars to head home; after all it is still a school night for the girls. Barley is wet from his lake swims, and Norman tries to persuade his dog to ride in the back of the car, where he is least objectionable. Barley hops in, but does not buy riding at the back, and we see him immediately climb forward to a more preferable location as his car pulls out of the parking space. We hope to make a stop for some end-of-the-day ice cream, but since it is a couple of days before the Memorial Day weekend and summer kick-off; the ice cream shop has not yet opened. We must live with disappointment.
Before bed, Lana brings out Louie, fine and healthy looking Afghanistan gecko. We meet and speak to him, admiring his reptileness before we all head to bed.
Every day of our westward journey bring its own special pleasures and charms,
and spending a bit of time with Norman (after all these years), Natali and Melanie and Lana is yet another shining example. This is all good.
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