Tahoe Eclipse with the Girls

This set of journal pages swells with some of my fondest memories . . . with beautiful women and amazing scenery.

My dear friend, Lena has been for years, inviting me up to check out her Tahoe "cabin" as a possible Retreat venue. Finally, I got it together, found a weekend Lena was available and was even able to get two of my "best-est" artist buddies to join us there too! Renie and I take off from Oregon around 10am, arriving at the Tahoe address (which we missed several times - Lewis & Clark we are not!). What a spacious, well-lite and elegantly homey atmosphere we found in the home. We trekked into South Lake Tahoe for a modest dinner (at Rosie's where the swinging front door was levered to close by the weight of a dangling pair of ski boots!!!).

Next morn, Renie and I drove round the lake to visit one of my favorite places in the Tahoe region, Fallen Leaf Lake. Before we came upon the small, crystal clear lil' lake, this meadow came into view. When I stopped to take photos, tears flooded my eyes and I began to cry. I'd not realized how much I missed seeing split rail (well, almost) fences, snow capped mountains and my quaking aspen trees. It still moves me to see the photo. So, you further know what a softie I am for nature's beauty. And I don't want to change.

Later that afternoon, Jean arrived from Bodega Bay and then Lena to create our fab four. We dined at home and giggled and laughed over a silly movie. Early to bed for a day outside together.

Our destination was Sand Harbor. I'd never stopped there and Jean raved about it ... once there I was dazzled by the views. I'd passed the turquoise water in vehicles but, being in the setting with white granite against the water was magical. Immediately I was drawn to the rocks that seemed to people the shallows. We all split up to spend painting time ... here's my family of rocks from right on site. When the sun chased me away, I moved over to sketch the sweet cove where the white sand was cuddled by rocks dotted with bold trees. I didn't want to stop painting. But the eclipse was drawing near.

We positioned where we could best have a clear view of the sun. Silly as we were, we'd not brought proper eye gear, but a gentleman had one extra pair of safe eye ware and gifted it to us. It was fascinating watching the bright, clear light change to an eerie yellow haze. I attempted to capture the event with this lil' time lapse sequence. And the sun really did appear that color through the 'magic' glasses. A special time with my precious friends. And wet or not (because some of us had to wade into the water even if we were wearing pants!) we caught dinner out en route home, savoring the vision of the lake and the rich companionship.

The following morn was the all-to-early ending to a delightful time. Lena and I took a long hike before packing up and cleaning the abode. Renie and I were the first to leave ~ we had the longest drive home. And g'byes were bittersweet. I could have lived like this forever ... such wonderful energy, encouragement and joy danced between us all. But change is inevitable ... and we launch on our trek homeward. Smiles and yummy memories re-running through our minds.

Thanks again, Dear Lena for this opportunity to share time and your beautiful home in Tahoe. It's a life event I'll never forget.