I have lived in Sacramento for three years now and I am still uncovering the beauty that is not far from this city. In particular, my co-workers had always praised the Lake Tahoe area and I kept saying I would get there one day. They talked about the beautiful and scenic drive, beautiful lakes and beaches, and the great skiing in the winter. I honestly stopped listening when they said skiing (snow) and beaches (not hot beaches) because I am not a fan of snow or skiing and only want to sit on a beach when it’s ninety degrees or hotter. So when my boss and her husband decided to host their annual family gathering in Tahoe, my response was very lack luster.

The drive was exactly as my coworkers described it. It was full of beautiful trees and green hills and not to mention it was a beautiful day with crystal clear blue skies.  We stayed at the Ritz –Carlton Lake Tahoe Resort (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LakeTahoe/Default.htm) which sits at the top of a hill surrounded by more beautiful trees and mountains.  I went to my room to put my bags down and take a tour of the grounds with my boss’s husband. Every inch of this resort was beautiful, from the two pools, spa, inside lounge areas, restaurants, grounds and outside patio. I was definitely impressed with what I was seeing!

I have never considered myself an outdoorsy person but looking around at how beautiful it was there, I knew I could get use to this.  I started every morning off with a 5:30 am workout followed by a 7:30 am hike.  I was not prepared for what I was about see and smell (and yes, I said smell). I love the smell of pine and everywhere we hiked the smell was stronger and stronger. We hiked up and down hills, along the lake and in the mountains. It was all so breathtaking, I did not want to stop.  I think I was falling in love with Lake Tahoe.

I had a few firsts while I was in Tahoe for the weekend. I went zip lining, went on a 5- hour speedboat ride, and took the gondola into the city.  One night I sat by the fire pit and just took in the beauty that was around me. I could not get enough of Lake Tahoe. After the boat ride, I came back to the hotel and sat by the pool. I could see into the hills from where I was sitting. I looked at all the beauty that was surrounding me and I began to cry.  They were not tears of sorrow but tears of joy and thanks. I was so happy that God created this little slice of Heaven here on earth and I was able to enjoy it all!!

I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.  ~ E. E. Cummings