Lake Tahoe

This was our first real opportunity to head inland and away from the long Pacific coastline. So with the Beast temporarily converted back to its primary function of vehicle rather then mobile home, we headed east along Highway 80 towards the alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Tahoe is undeniably picturesque. I had visited this area once before within the dead of winter, when the mountain sides shone a brilliant white under many feet of snow (picture from previoius trip). However this time, under a strong Indian summer, a rich pallet of colours had emerged to greet us. As I looked out over the mirror like lake I couldn't help but think that my eyes were deceiving me as the rich green of a thick woodland was sandwiched between the deep blues of the sky and water. The view looked like a doctored photograph; a complete contrast to the muted tones and diffused light of home, which over many years have dulled my expectation of nature.

Lake Tahoe

That evening we headed over the peaks that dominate the circumference of Lake Tahoe on the way to Reno and the Nevada state border. This involved pushing the Beast to its limits with rises and dips that dwarfed anything I had driven on previously. We had been advised to follow the small mountain pass that is Route 28, and as soon as we crossed the final peak of that mountain range I realised why. There are few words in my limited vocabulary that are capable of describing the view down into Nevada with any justice. All I can say is this is by far the longest and most impressive uninterrupted vista I have ever seen.

Following that treacherous road east and down towards Reno immediately sobered any emotional reaction I was having towards the local environment. This road was going to take its toll unless I dedicated every ounce of concentration in my small brain. However concentrate I did and eventually, under a rapidly descending blanket of darkness, we entered Reno.

The Sky Over The Nevada Border

© All Images By Paul
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