Truckee Vaycay

Tak and I spent last week up in Truckee. VAY-CAY! It was supremely awesome. Our first day there, we did some kayaking at Donner Lake.

We were sad to leave the foggy bay to enjoy the gorgeous mountain summer weather. NOT.

The sales guy suggested we check out this little stream with calmer waters.

We had to turn around when we got to the big rocks.

After a little chill time. 

Here's our kayak. So sporty.

The speed boats created some rough waters, but luckily we are good rowers. 

We kayaked right up to this little beach and had a picnic!

While on vacation, I subjected Tak to 5 hours of The Bachelorette. (What? It was the Bachelors Tell All special, the FINALE and After The Final Rose!) He also worked on his braiding skills. 

On day two we hiked up Squaw Valley. 2,000 feet up!

We found some snow on our way up, so I felt right at home.

There is a little waterfall behind us, but you can't really see it. 

You can also take this cable car to the top and hike around there. We only saw one other person hiking up. We are so rugged.

High Camp

The view from the top.

We rode the cable car back down for FREE! Hiking up is a $58 dollar value (for two)!

Hello, other cable car!

Cool mountain rocks

We hiked beyond that peak to another, even high peak.

Then we made pizza for dinner!

The next day we took a scenic drive. I took lots of really excellent shots of Lake Tahoe from the car, but here's one from the vista point.

Tak + Rachel + Lake Tahoe

More scenic shots, on the way to ...

RENO, the biggest little city in the world.

As a little reprieve from nature, Tak and I decided to hit up one of the casinos. We chose the Peppermill for its rainbow sign.

Cloud-painted ceiling = just like nature

I always forget how crazy and overwhelming casinos are.

Guess what? They had Kitty Glitter, my favorite!

We won $20 on this pride slot machine! (We may or may not have lost that and a bunch more right afterward ...)

After too much time at the Peppermill, we decided to head back to Truckee for our favorite sampler at Fifty-Fifty Brewing Co.

We tried to go to Emerald Bay, but too many other tourists had the same idea. So, I settled for this pic from the car and we went to Sugar Pine Point State Park. 

Despite this warning, we braved the waters. Tahoe has nothing on Lake Superior. 

Pretty pretty, huh?

I also liked this mossy tree.

Lakeside picnic for two.

Paddle boarder

Tak on a tree

Water so clear you can see to the bottom (hundred thousand dollar cars, errbody got 'em).

Venturing out ...

It was actually super nice. We wished we'd brought our swim suits, but instead just got our clothes really wet.

Drying off

That night we went to a little street fair in downtown Truckee and saw these singing cowboys.

It was really fun! We visited the shops, food cars and beer garden (complete with cover band).

On Friday we decided we were ready for another hiking adventure, so we headed over to Northstar.

We did a little hike over to Sawmill Lake.

And had another picnic. We love picnics!

The rest of the resort was nearly overrun with mountain bikers.

So we got to see lots of sick jumps.

They also let us ride the chairlifts up to the top!

All week, we'd been checking to see if the Dam Master had released water into the Truckee River. It was my summer goal to go tubing down the river. And finally, on Saturday morning he did it!

Rafting was AWESOME. Definitely one of the trip highlights.

Lazy river

Tak decided to take a little break while I (wo)maned the ship.

Senior pic

 We hit some rapids at the end and got stuck on a big rock, but luckily another raft came along at just the right moment and bumped us off. After the big river adventure we hit the road back to Berkeley. Fine holiday fun.