The Sunday was going to be eventful. Zephyr Cove marina opened for our day. Another beautiful south lake Tahoe beach with multiple activities from lake cruises, diving spots, boat rentals to para-sailing. We headed for the most exciting one, para-sailing. "It is extremely windy today so water sports, parasailing and kayak rentals are closed" she said with a smile and iced it with an apology. I forced a smile, nodded and hunted for the guidebook from my bag to call up another marina for similar enquiry. "We are not renting anything today, however you can enjoy a private boat experience overboard our cruise vessel", thank you. Having paid the exorbitant parking fee at the marina, we decided to enjoy the close to the beach experience for a while before we decided the next move.
"Lets go to Cave Rock," I pointed to the map and we wasted no time.
Lake Tahoe is a 'sacred place at the centre of the universe' for the Washoe Indians and Cave Rock or dc'ek wadapush is symbolic of this spirituality where the Washoe Shamans or doctors consulted spirit advisors to administer cures for their people. The practice continues till date. It was an haunting dive into aboriginal history and exciting climb over and around the rocks...one missed step and may be the lake is your abode...if you reach it!
On the way to Cave Rock we had already reserved our cruise tickets so we headed straight towards Blue Wave marina. Fewer people onboard was the key to a more private experience compared to other cruises and the obvious reason for the choice. I was thrilled as anchorage was set loose. Soon as we gained velocity, water splashed on the deck forcing people into the cabin. We were the lucky few to have a front view of the deck with our camera still sheltered from the water, inside what looked like a captain's cabin with a solid brass steering wheel at my disposal. Satisfied with the photographs taken, we came out to enjoy the ride. Soon we were in the middle of the lake, only ACROSS its southern part and I couldn't help noticing that the water was the deepest blue all around. This was the farthest we could see from the shore. The captian's narrative was informative and entertaining. An hour of ride enjoying the splashing waves, wind gushes and admiring the seemingly 'glacier carved' mountains surrounding the lake, we reached Emerald Bay. As we entered the Bay, the water magically turned from being navy blue to a deep emerald green. Mesmerized, I wondered if it was underwater vegetation, rocks or else? More strikingly, another sharp transition to blue occurs once we are inside the bay area. The Fannette Island was now close with a tiny outpost at its tip, divers on its coast and cheering people by the beach. The Vikingsholm castle on the beach was in sight. 'Built by a wealthy lady in 1929, it is a classic of Scandinavian architecture in the United States', was the gist of the long narrative while its rounded granite walls and exquisitely shaped windows is what I fancied. It was something like a fairy-tale illustration.
We spotted the Rubicon Point, the deepest point along the shoreline, Tahoe city, and several other beaches before we turned towards the marina. A strange nostalgic charm took over as I looked back towards the bay. I will remember this trip a lot in the days to come....
My horse was named Blue! After the truly captivating cruise experience, I was at Camp Richardson Corrall for my horseback riding adventure. Five people and one Guide; the horses were disciplined to follow each other along the trail; Jack, Morom, Yutaah, Blue and Henzel followed our guide on Jody. Probably Yutaah's periodic droppings disgusted her or Henzel's attempts to 'overtake' annoyed her; so she decided to stop stubbornly for a snack. Cry Hoopp! Go Blue Go! Those in vain...a kick on the sides and the tap on her rear and then she moves! She was nice horse though. Very majestic with a shiny leather and deep eyes. It was a dusty but thoroughly enjoyable ride through the woods which gave a true rustic life experience. Just a couple of lessons; stoop when you go uphill and lean back when on slopes ; and you make a good rider. I actually did! We stopped at the highest point along the trail to view the lake from there and then turned back towards the ranch.
A single stop to buy dinner and we were at the Lake side beach again. This time waiting for the Labour Day Fireworks to begin. It was a spectacular show; the best of what we have ever witnessed; the crowd was unanimously elated.
The sky was clear and the stars shone bright overhead. The moon was a shy bloke unnoticed behind the tress before I spotted it. A quiet stroll on the beach was interrupted by the beach security announcing closure in five minutes. It was a memorable Sunday.
Its Monday morning. One last look at the lake, the beach, the pine woods and then an inadvertent plunge into the swarm of cars....
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