Lake Tahoe rocks.
The million-dollar homes are jaw-dropping,
but nothing compares to the pristine beauty of the water.
We were fortunate to nab a last-minute camp site in Emerald Bay...
and here's a peek at our trip!
The kids taking a moment to explore the campsite while
mom and dad "make camp"!
mom and dad "make camp"!
After a quick set-up,
it was time to hit the trail.
This was strictly a brief exploratory mission,
our big hike was scheduled for the next day,
but a trip down to the water is ALWAYS in order!
Owen.
The reason my arms are so buff!
Dinner
Roast Beef Subs
Mozzerella, Basil, & Balsamic Vinegar
The hubby approves... :)
Breakfast
Scrambled Eggs
&
Maple-glazed Sausages
Here we go...
Vikingsholm
via
The Rubicon Trail
3.4 mi. round trip
See,
if you put your mind to it,
you can do anything!
Vikingsholm
In 1928, Mrs. Lora J. Knight of Santa Barbara purchased this isolated site at the
head of Emerald Bay. Knight instructed Lennart Palme, a Swedish-born architect
and her nephew by marriage, to design a home for her.
Following a trip to Scandinavia,
the two decided to use elements found in Norwegian farmsteads
and wooden stave churches without disturbing a single one of the Emerald Bay
site’s magnificent trees.
Vikingsholm’s construction methods
and materials, including granite boulders in the foundations and walls, are the same
as those used in ancient Scandinavia. Towers, intricate carvings and hand-hewn
timbers were used to create the castlelike home. The sod roofs, with their living
grass and flowers, are copied from sites in Norway.
Many of the furnishings that
Mrs. Knight wanted for Vikingsholm were so historically significant that their export
was forbidden by the Norwegian and Swedish governments. She had authentic
furnishings duplicated in detail, down to the measurements, colorations and aging
of the wood.
Vikingsholm was completed in September 1929. Mrs. Knight spent her
summers at the home until her death in 1945.
We learned that Mrs. Knight was an avid entertainer and
frequently had guests to stay at Vikingsholm.
We were amazed that she created a tea house
on the island in the center of Emerald Bay!
Owen would have loved an invite!
On the way back from Vikingsholm,
we continued to experience light showers & wind.
But Ava reminded us that we had promised they could swim in the water,
so despite the dropping temperatures,
we gave the okay!
These girls are nuts!
It is FREEZING!
Our Ava...
...our little polar bear!
Though he stripped down to his swim trunks,
I don't think Owen actually ever touched the water!
Gabriel,
the only one with enough sense to keep his clothes on!
{Plus, he's a baby and I wouldn't let him change!}
Don't let the sunshine fool you!
The clouds burned off for a moment,
but it was still plenty chilly.
Ava,
crazy child,
was shivering like crazy
so I gave her my shirt to add some extra warmth.
Needless to say we were all ready for a hot meal!
Dinner
Hawaiian Haystack
All the way!
Yes!
Fire time!
We were all looking forward to dessert!
We had purchased those obscenely super-huge marshmallows
that make the regular marshmallows
look like mini's!
Yum!
I like mine extra well-done!
A mother's work is never done!
Samuel takes great pride in setting me up
with a super-functional kitchen!
Thanks, babe!
with a super-functional kitchen!
Thanks, babe!
Breakfast
Toasted Ham & Cheese Crossaints
Fresh melon, Powdered Sugar Donuts, & Hot Cocoa
Yes, son.
I know I struck a home run with those donuts!
Owen
Taking care of business.
Yup.
They're dirty.
And more than a bit scraggly.
But they're mine!
And they're as sweet as sugar in my book!
Lucky for us,
our last day dawned bright, clear,
and was full of sunshine!
This time we were all ready for some water action!
Boo
Exploring.
Nothing like some sandy cheese!
Or a sandy husband!
Woo hoo!
Bella played photographer and took some shots
of mom and dad!
Shortly after this,
the Elmer family was never heard from again.
It's true.
All that remained,
and only for a very short time,
was this heart drawn in the sand.
It's speculated that pirates still lurk about Emerald Bay,
and that the Elmer's were captured...
But that may well be an old wives tale!
Owen
The boy makes the same face
every time we buckle him up to go home.
He can't believe we'd ever leave "camping"!
Don't worry, Owen.
We'll be back!
I promise.
