One day, we came across a 2.4 mile Gondola ride that departed from Heavenly Ski Resort so up we went!
The farther up we ascended...
...the more the ride lived up
to it's "heavenly" name!
South Lake Tahoe below.
to it's "heavenly" name!
South Lake Tahoe below.
The gondola stops at an
observation deck about halfway up where
majestic views and brilliant blues abound!
observation deck about halfway up where
majestic views and brilliant blues abound!
The observation deck includes the small
Cafe Blue with places to sit outside
and relish in the dazzling sights.
Cafe Blue with places to sit outside
and relish in the dazzling sights.
It reminded Middy of the Caribbean,
and it does indeed look like it!
and it does indeed look like it!
These two signs on the
observation deck explain those blues.
A glorious pano view!
We exited the gondola at this location
where a lodge, ziplines, a tubing hill,
a climbing wall, and more are
offered as you can see from the sign.
We immediately purchased tickets for
the ski lift and continued to the top.
Mountaintop view.
Jack & Middy opted to hike back down to where we purchased the tickets. Geo and I decided to take the ski lift back down to Tamarack Lodge and wait for them there.
I'm taking a photo of Jack & Middy
while she's taking a photo of us on the
ski lift as we head back down to the lodge.
When we got back to the lodge it was late in the day, and the restaurant & bar had just closed. Thankfully, it was open to sit inside which we did for a little while before moving to the chillier outdoors.
Jack & Middy came along
after about 30 minutes or so.
We loved this Heavenly place, and want to
return another time but earlier in the day.
return another time but earlier in the day.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On our final day, we drove to the tiny western town of bygone days, Virginia City, NV in the foothills of the Sierra-Nevada Mountains. The population is 855 as of 2010. It was a highly recommended destination by family & friends who previously visited.
The Street Vibrations Fall Motorcycle Rally was in full swing when we arrived making it inconvenient to wander through shops and other businesses on the main street which is C Street (Hwy 341).
You can view a map of the city here.
It was quite noisy as they raced
up and down C Street, mostly one at a time!
Perhaps to show off bikes?
Or riding skills?
According to one of the store owners,
adult beverages have something to do with it!
We walked through
And hopped aboard a 35-minute train ride...
...on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.
We also took a stroll through the
While at the train depot, we had asked for a good place to eat that was away from the hustle and bustle.
We were directed to
The restaurant was busy but the bar was empty so we spent some time there enjoying a tasty meal.
My lunch was served in a pot.
I can't remember what I
ordered and it's not on their
online menu. It was very good though! 
After lunch, the owner was kind enough to show us the upstairs which was a boarding house back in the day. We took some photos out on the balcony while we were up there.
Looking back into town.
The other direction toward the school
(tall building on the left).
We saw several cute furry friends.
Since we weren't able to explore very many shops, museums, saloons and other interesting places, a return trip is in order!
Tahoe was a spectacular trip!
A visual party!
A splendid journey!
A visual party!
A splendid journey!
AND
We look forward to returning!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Chewy & Elmer hope you had a
Very Merry Christmas!
George & I do too!
See you soon.
May Your Day Be
Smiley & Bright,
D~~~~
May Your Day Be
Smiley & Bright,
D~~~~
