You know, one of my quirks is I like to get as much skiing in as possible during the year- considering the fact that I live in the Mid- Atlantic. This involves skiing locally as much as I can and going on a couple of ski trips during the year. This year, Janet and I took a late trip at the end of March to ski with friends in Lake Tahoe. There are so many great places to ski, and to have the opportunity to see the mountains along with the beauty of the lake is a real treat. But this year, I diverted from my norm and took a day off mid- week to do something different.

Our friends in Tahoe recommended a mid week snowshoe outing presented by the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science. We all jumped at the chance and even though the snowshoe outing was changed to a hike, we anticipated the outing as a break in the action from skiing which was again- against my norm.

As we entered the state park, we were greeted by some volunteers who did the usual sign-up sheets and gathered emergency contact information. But the leader of the group was a young gal named Sarah Hockensmith, who is an outreach director for the Tahoe Institute and is very well versed on the ecology of the Lake Tahoe area. Some of the information that was interesting to me was that most of the tree growth in the area is only about 170 years old. During the Comstock silver mining era, most of the land was cleared to provide lumber for the mines, housing and other requirements for lumber. After the mining era had come and gone, there was an effort to reseed the land and allow for some natural growth as well. So many of the trees are relatively new compared to the larger lodgepole pines and other large pine trees that survived the onslaught of the Comstock clearing.

Sarah also told us all about the turnover of the lake, how the volcanic granite soil acts as a natural filter to keep the lake so clean.( The cleanest lake in North America), and also the dimensions of the lake. She reviewed with us the native species of plants, animals and fish as well as the invasive species that have caused some issues. But suffice to say, the lake is super clean despite the traffic that surrounds it during high tourist seasons.

The natural waterfalls and the backdrop of the Sierras provided a wonderful picture for all of us on the hike. We all see the mountains when we go on ski trips and marvel at the majestic peaks as we ride the chairlift. But to have some of the nuances explained to us by a naturalist familiar with the area, was a rare treat and well worth the day off from skiing.

The beauty of the area and the natural attributes attracts some folks who have made Tahoe home. After going on that hike, and also looking at the mountains and the lake again during our ski times, I was reminded of why I like it so much. Janet had never seen it in the winter and had the opportunity to see it during a warm and sunny week. Full disclosure, she went back to Pittsburgh after a week, along with the Smiths and I stayed for a few more days. Had the opportunity to ski some powder as the weather changed right after Janet and the Smittys left. Felt kind of bad that they missed the powder as I pulled out my 107s, but you know what they say? No friends on a powder day. LOL!!!

An interesting side story is about the people who really value skiing in the Lake Tahoe area. The gentleman above is a friend of my friend who lives in Incline. Fred is 88 years old and skis about 5 days a week driving from his home and back to the Tahoe resorts. ( About a 60 mile commute) and one or two days he drives all the way to Mammoth ( 2 +1/2 hours each way) because he loves the Sierras. And- he is the first one in the parking lot each day. He told me an interesting thing on the chairlift. He said he has a real passion for the sport and the passion is fueled by drive. I love that statement. Passion fueled by drive. He is a beacon of light to me for my future in skiing.

This will be a wrap for the ski season for Janet and me. But I was wholeheartedly surprised at the wonders of the hike and so glad we took the time to do it. Sometimes you have to take a break from the skiing and enjoy the area and what it has to offer. I am not usually accustomed to doing that as I try to jam in as much skiing as possible. But don’t make my mistake. Take the time to see the mountains and the lakes. I have been to Tahoe many times but never took the time to really hear all about the beauty of that area. I also am impressed by people like Freddy who make the trek to be a part of the scene and my friends who live in Incline. They have chosen a wonderful place to live.

As I flew back to Pittsburgh, I thought about all what we had seen and how much fun we had. Can’t wait to go back. I love ski season and I love the mountains wherever I might find myself. Thanks for reading.

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