Tioga Road, Lake Tahoe, and the Gift of Serendipity, CA

Another early morning start and a new adventure to create.

I am thrilled that Tioga Road opened in time for me to travel to Lake Tahoe through Yosemite.

The morning is quiet on Tioga Road. As I climb in elevation, the evidence of snow along the roadside becomes more profound. It is colder on that side of the park.

I find a small picnic area near a creek to begin my morning routine. I welcome the sun and her warmth as I sit to enjoy a cup of coffee next to the roaring stream. The melting snow creates a powerful presence of music in the air.

It is a game changer to have my own toilet setup in the minivan. It is a very simple setup: a small bucket and a trash bag filled with cat litter. When I have the luxury of complete privacy, I can even open my side door to enjoy a view :)

I stop at Olmsted Point to wave goodbye to Half Dome. From this vantage point, she looks so tiny that it is almost impossible to comprehend her mighty size.

It is a great photo spot of Yosemite Valley. I have a love for photography. It is as if I can feel my photos before I take the picture. I enjoy sharing my creative eye with strangers, and I often offer to take people’s pictures when I see them trying to take a selfie.

That is how I met Nancy and Don from Minnesota. A delightful conversation gives us a sense of simple connection. So simple and so beautiful!

I continue my scenic drive along Tioga Road to my first stop: Tenaya Lake. It is not a large lake, but the surrounding mountains create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

The blue water is so inviting that I put on my bathing suit, thinking I will go for a swim. Twice now I have jumped into glacier lakes and found it an incredible, amazing feeling. The first shock is quite a thing, but afterward, it is so refreshing that your whole body comes alive.

Somehow, I forgot that both times, the heat of the day helped me make that jump. Even though it is sunny today, I am at a high elevation (8,100 feet), and the temperature is in the mid-60s with a gentle breeze.

I do go in and squat down.  It feels so good, but I convince myself not to jump, as there are many rocks around. Between you and me, that is just an excuse :) Maybe next time, I will be braver.

I continue my drive and make another stop to walk along the lake. What a blessed day, meeting beautiful souls on the road. Els is originally from the Netherlands. Our conversation has deeper meaning, as we are both immigrants. We both came to this country in our early twenties and feel a deep connection to it, with love and respect. Our goodbye is a sincere and loving hug between two strangers full of hope.

After two days of enormous crowds, I welcome the gentle flow of people and the stunning views that Tioga Road provides. Most visitors drive only as far as Tenaya Lake. Keep going! The landscape becomes absolutely breathtaking as you enter the alpine zone.

I arrive in South Lake Tahoe early in the evening. After almost two weeks of camping in my car, I give myself a break and book a motel room for two nights (campgrounds are not that cheap anyway.)

The location of the motel is perfect; just a few steps from the main street. The room is clean and recently renovated. An evening walk to get familiar with my surroundings, accompanied by a scoop of gelato, is always a lovely way to end the day.

I have a full-day plan to hike and experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe. However, as the sun rises, all I want to do is stay in bed and take it easy. So that is what I do.

The last three days have caught up with me. I take my time journaling about Yosemite, and later in the day I head out to catch a glimpse of Lake Tahoe.

I drive along the east side of the lake and stop at Memorial Point Scenic Overlook. My plan to make roadside stops is challenged by construction vehicles taking up much of the side parking, and the rest of the lots are full. At least Memorial Point gives me what I asked for: a blue lake, snow-capped mountains, and a big smile.

I take another evening stroll, this time to treat myself to dinner. There are so many choices, but my hunger leads me to a corner restaurant, Kalani, which offers Hawaiian eats and sushi rolls. I order a salad and a sushi roll. My taste buds are delighted by the pleasure of exquisite flavors.

I am seated at the bar. To my left is a young man, occupied by his phone. Two seats to my right are two ladies. And yes, somehow, a spark of conversation creates another gorgeous connection with strangers.

Leslie is a local gal, and Nalani is her long-time friend visiting from Hawaii.

The pure joy I am constantly gifted on my journey—meeting strangers—is nourishment for my soul.

Leslie, like so many people I have the privilege of meeting, extends an invitation for the next time I find myself in their hometown. We exchange phone numbers—you never know…

Last night, when I arrived at my campsite, I had a short but meaningful conversation with my neighbor Carolyn. This morning, I received a text from her inviting me to visit if I am ever in the Yosemite area again.

At this point, I feel that if I put a pin on a map for every welcome invite, I could easily circle the U.S. and Canada with a room and a shower. :)

Tomorrow is a looooong driving day, or as I prefer to call it, my Landscape Movie Day.

My next destination is Great Basin National Park.

With love and peace.