2010 Camping: Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California

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"!

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!

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.