We returned last night from our vacation with the Hanschens in Lake Tahoe. We met Pawpaw and Grandma Hanschen on Sunday evening at Tahoe Summit Village in Stateline, NV - resort condominiums overlooking the valley and the lake. A 10 minute drive down the mountain takes you into South Lake Tahoe proper. Please watch this slide show to see all of our pictures - there were too many to post them individually on the blog! To view our Picasa web album, just click on the slideshow and it will link to our album.
Monday we went to Taylor Creek Visitors Center, which is a very well maintained spot for small hikes that are kid and stroller friendly. We took the Rainbow Trail around the creek area and also the larger Lakeview Trail that leads out to the beach and the lake itself. The Rainbow Trail boasts a Stream Profile Chamber where you can view the stream's animal and plant life from below the water's surface. That evening we ate in and played Scrabble. It was a great way to spend our first day at Lake Tahoe.
Tuesday took us west around the lake to Emerald Bay - Vikingsholm castle being our ultimate destination. We stopped at Inspiration Point for some beautiful views and photographs. We continued down Highway 89 to Vikingsholm Trail. We parked at the top of the trail, then walked the 1 mile trail down the mountain to see Vikingsholm, a summer home built in 1929 in the style of a Scandinavian castle. The authentic architectural details include intricate woodcarving and even a sod roof on the servants' quarters. Most of the furnishings are the originals and our tour guide was Helen, a woman who had been a guest for 14 summers when Vikingsholm was owned by Mrs. Knight. The trail was very steep coming back up, but we all made it and can say it was worth the sweat and exertion! That evening, we ate at The Charthouse, a seafood and steak restaurant overlooking the lake. We had a wonderful view of the sun setting over the lake as we enjoyed our meal - which I have to say is the best steak I've ever eaten!
Wednesday morning, after getting help carrying our luggage down the 105 steps to our cars, we went into town one last time for brunch at Heidi's, a very Scandinavian-esque pancake house. We hit the road about 12pm, a little later than planned, but very satisfied with our vacation. Will had a good time with his grandparents, and although he doesn't seem them often, we could tell that he thoroughly enjoyed them and our visit to Lake Tahoe.
No comments:
Post a Comment