Friday August 31st 1979 Lake Tahoe
Gas 98.9 cents a gallon when we filled up before heading for Lake Tahoe along I-80. This highway just opened when I was here in 1964 and makes crossing Donner Pass like driving to Columbus- with better scenery. But we turned off at Squaw Valley exit. Along this stretch of the Truckee the rubber rafts were thick. River not too rough and it looked like fun. Stopped at Squaw Valley- watched ice skaters. In Tahoe City stopped to see the big trout protected for 1,000 ft where the river leaves take Lake Tahoe. Lake a clear blue with mountains all around tree covered. Stopped at Sugar Pine State Park for picnic under ancient Cedar- red bark could be mistaken for Redwood. Fed spotted squirrels and Stellar Jays and then walked to the Hellman-Ementer
“Cottage” in the 1900 style of Long Island. Built in 1906- 8 bedrooms 8 baths. Sold to state in 1965 by granddaughter of builder for half of the 6 and 1/2 million it was worth. A real gem. Has log cabin home of General ___? Built in 1872. Huge trees on slope to lake. Clear water & fish visible in 20 feet. Read Mark Twain- he says it best. Tour of house at 1 included tour of grounds first so we didn’t wait. Stopped along road and climbed among house-size boulders for view of Emerald Bay. At Trail to Bay took pictures but I didn’t want the one-mile hike and another mile back. Other stops for inspiring views of Lake. South Lake Tahoe completely commercial and the East Shore Drive not as personal as the West one. Back down over Mount Rose Highway- well-built grades, but no guardrails. Back into Sparks on Route 395 and home at 12:45 154 miles.