A Place You Must Go At Least Once

Sand Harbor, North Lake Tahoe- July 30, 2013

We decided it was time for another little vacation but couldn't go too far, on account of class for me and work for him. Lucky for us, we live close enough to some beautiful places that leaving at 9 pm after our long days of schooling and work isn't a problem! The only problem was being restless all day wanting to be off and on our way to Lake Tahoe. A quick (for us) 3 hour drive and we arrived at Cal Neva.

Cal Neva holds some significance in my heart considering that my parents got married here. While looking at places to stay my mom discreetly mentioned this little fact, so obviously I had to stay there. My curiosity usually gets the best of me. I have stayed here before when I was little, but who remembers much of anything when they are young? I don't, I can tell you that. Surprisingly though, once we arrived and I saw these totem poles and fountain in the front I was brought back to when I was little and my mom took us here. Funny how that happens. It's always a weird feeling, and for me it was both happy and sad. 

Here she is! Looking as beautiful as ever on her wedding day next to her lovely mom (my grandma girl). July 11, 1987.

And my dad. Looking quite ecstatic on his wedding day. I love that smile.

Again, this picture leaves me feeling happy and sad.

It's weird to think that she stood here, in her wedding dress, and years later her 23 year old daughter would peek through those same glass windows to see where her mom got married. 

Then:

And now: 

What a difference. I don't think they even use this room for anything but storage now. What a shame that is, considering that at one point this room was used for some's greatest memories. 

My mom and dad had the rare privilege of meeting at just fifteen years old, falling in love, and getting married at the age of 25. Even with their many devastating ups and downs I can take comfort in the fact that he loved her until the day he died. And that counts for a lot, in my book.

Back to the present day!

We had one full day here and we made the most of it, as we usually do. Breakfast at The Log Cabin Cafe was a delicious way to start our adventure. He had gone here last year and raved about this breakfast spot ever since. Separately, my mom told me "There's a really good breakfast place you guys should go to at least once!" and it turns out it was the same place! My hopes and expectations were sky high at this point, and I must admit I was not disappointed. 

We sat outside, for obvious reasons, and frankly I don't understand why anyone would sit inside! The views and the smells are too good to be surrounded by walls here. And how cute is this little ice cream shop view from our table? I wish I could have had ice cream after my breakfast, just for the hell of it, but I decided not to be a complete glutton that day. 

And it was seen on the Rachel Ray show?! That's how you know it's amazing. 

Again, why would anyone sit inside? I wish I could be surrounded by these trees while I enjoyed my breakfast, and much needed coffee, everyday. Too good of an atmosphere to pass up. 

Even that tree is smiling.

Even the ketchup bottles here are much cooler than any I've seen. A tomato wearing sunglasses? Cool.

Mine. With "real" maple syrup. 

And his. With every ingredient in the scramble, which is the only sane way to eat a scramble.

(These calories were much needed later, little did we know)

This cafe even has a mini golf course across the street. And it's not just any mini golf course, it is a special one. Where you can pick from the cutest golf balls around and each game is a different theme. Not to mention harder than any little golf course I've been to. It makes for a fun time.

I picked a giraffe golf ball, for obvious reasons. And I mayyyy have taken a giraffe ball souvenir. 

Here, the atmosphere is too good to pass up as well. A 30-40 minutes truly well spent. 

I thought this one was fun/cute. Bowling and mini golf mixed together?! Yes, please.

Okay, so lets get to the part where that high calorie intake breakfast turned out to be much needed. 

We get to sand harbor around, ehh, 1 o'clock, maybe 2 (we're late risers, I can't help it) and the parking lot is full, and therefore, closed. Well, crap. Now what? 

We keep driving along the highway for what seems like a fairly short distance and decide to park alongside the road and walk. Instead of walking against the traffic, where we could possibly be killed, we decide to climb over the guard rail and hike down to the water. After getting scratched up by multiple bushes, we make it down to the water, where it is breathtakingly beautiful. But look over to that little sand area in the top right. That was our destination. And it was much further than anticipated. 

So we began to literally rock hike, with the occasional rock climb. This is where I became exceedingly thankful for my love of fatty breakfast food. Those calories didn't let me down!

Alone, miles away from shore, with only seagulls to keep us company. 

And the lucky people relaxing in their kayaks -_-

Getting closer! 

Ahh, and this is what made it worth it. Look at that water! For a second I felt like I was in the Bahamas.

I love this view. And I loved this little adventure/work out. I wish I could do it everyday! (But then I might get tired, or end up with that broken ankle.)

And this little rock boss cave man led the perfect way and was the perfect person to put all my weight on when I needed help. 

Because walking across perfectly placed tree stumps isn't the easiest of things to do. 

Not to mention I was wearing water shoes. Which I was happy about because I almost had to tread this path wearing only flip flops! Thank god I keep water shoes in my trunk! Which sounds weird, I know, but they come in handy.

We made it! Laying down, with this view, was heavenly.

And this view in the back? Psh. Can I become a beach bum now and reside in Sand Harbor during the summer? Then I'll just mosey my way down to San Diego for the winters.

No relaxing vacation is complete without a drink!

And a drink we got. Yum!

Just like the ketchup bottle, I also appreciate these little bear tray holders. Stop being so cute, Tahoe! I never want to leave.

And the best adventure of all the day's adventures!? Paddle boarding and kayaking over clear, bright, blue water.

It was his first time paddle boarding and he had to work his butt off!

While I lounged in my kayak. 

It was very fun to watch him and take in the surrounding views.

<3

After kayaking and paddle boarding for miles, suffering from blisters, exhaustion, and sore arms/legs from the day, we returned our stuff and realized we had to walk back to our car. Crap.

Not to mention we didn't have a beach bag or anything, because I am a terrible excuse for a girl. What girl doesn't bring a beach bag?! Luckily, I am in the company of a genius and we picked up this bag outside of a dumpster on the way. Because when you're tired, who cares. It worked splendidly and we made it back to the car alive! (After getting honked at a few times and me almost turning into a tired cranky butt.)

The views, the smells, the food, the drinks, the cardio, the company. 

Life is good.