At first glance, the photo at the left doesn't look like much. At second glance it looks like something brown and green with a red, snake-like line on it. So, let me explain: While enjoying a 2-night, 3-day stay at one of South Lake Tahoe's finest resorts (Thanks BLK!), we decided to explore the beautiful scenery a few miles south of Tahoe. When we informed the resort's concierge of our plans, she replied, "Oh, there's nothing out there!" Right! Nothing but nature's beauty. And, oh, is it breathtakingly beautiful! (Maybe the young lady at the concierge desk meant "there are no video games or racy bars with loud music -out there?).
This is a satellite's eye view of the mountain peak at Monitor Pass -less than 2 miles from the Nevada State line (or about 8 miles by road). On the peak there is a fire look-out station. A narrow and boulder laced road leads to the station from the pass. We decided that OBABIE could handle being Off road BABIE if we drove slowly and carefully. By slow I mean 1 -2 MPH and zig-zagging between boulders. No harm done. Unfortunately there was a locked gate near the summit. Now, do we hike the remaining 300 yards up to the station in 45 degree air at 9,000 feet? Compromise: we walk about 100 yards, take a couple of pictures, and retreat to the car.
Now, the red line: I turned on my wrist GPS gadget while we ventured up the road on foot, and left it on until we reached the Monitor Pass road. The vistas looking down on California, Nevada and Lake Topaz in between were incredible!
Dull, huh, Ms Concierge lady?!!? ;-)
OBTW: for those of you who can access Google Earth on your PC, type in "Monitor Pass, CA" When the view comes up, you can click on the camera icons and get several views of the area.
TTFN,
JJ
