Hello, and welcome back! I spent the week in Yosemite National Park then took the 5 hour trip to Lake Tahoe. I lived in Reno for 2 years and went to Tahoe frequently, but it was always just day trips to the beach. I tried snowboarding a few times at Northstar, and that was a disaster. Jake had never been, and I really wanted him to see it. Lake Tahoe is still the prettiest place I think I’ve ever seen.
A couple of park tips, it does take about 1.5 hours to get to the majority of the popular spots in Yosemite. You do need a reservation and park pass. We got the $2 reservation online in advance, and the $35 park pass at the park entrance.
It wasn’t too busy, but when you go to the spots in Yosemite Valley, most people take the shuttle which was packed the entire time. They tell you to wear a mask indoors inside the park, but most people didn’t.
The face of El Capitan is insane in person…just insane. We hiked up to artist point on day one for a better view. We also did the Mist Trail hike. We checked out Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadow, the Merced River and drove all around taking photos and enjoying. There was SO much more to do, but we had limited time. I do think I preferred Glacier, but Yosemite was wonderful. I will say the Mist Trail was insane. It is truly uphill the whole time. I realize most hikes are haha, but I am not a hiker! I prefer a level hike!!! lol This is the carrier Jake used to hike with Olive.
Lake Tahoe
We stayed in Glendale in Lake Tahoe. The VRBO is linked here. We had 10 adults, so we split this. It would be too expensive for just me and Jake. It was steps to the beach and had a paddleboard and kayaks. It was amazing. We made all meals at home other than our bowling day when it rained. I have to share Jake’s Uncle’s simple salsa below. People always ask where to stay, and there isn’t a bad spot truly. Popular spots are near Zephyr Cove in South Lake, Truckee/Kings Beach in North Lake…Sand Harbor is beautiful. It’s just a stunning lake all around. Lots of rocks, so bring water shoes if you have them.
Jake’s Uncle’s Salsa
Jake’s uncle makes this salsa which is simple and great to eat with chips or just put on top of like grilled chicken/fish. It’s SO fresh!
Ingredients chopped into super fine/small pieces (I asked for exact amounts, but he just “eyes it”, so I’d say look for a good mix:
Red Pepper
Jalepeno (I didn’t think it was spicy at all, but you could remove this)
Pineapple (Canned is fine)
Mango
Kiwi
Cilantro
Red Onion
Squeeze Lime over the top/bit of pineapple juice
Cute Gift Idea
I went to the Minnetonka Farmers Market a couple of weeks ago with my mom, and a lady was selling these “bea tea” stands. I cannot find her card anywhere, but I would say check her out there. She takes teacups and you stick them in your yard. She has red ones to attract and others for bees. You just add sugar water to them to feed bee/hummingbirds. Of course mine has already attracted wasps…grrrrr…but I thought it was such a cute/unique gift idea. Maybe just because I love bees? haha It was $23.
I’ll share some tips on the trip to Salem I took last year in next week’s newsletter. Let me know if there is anything else you’d like me to cover in my newsletter. Thank you for reading!
Your friend,
Falen
Great news letter. Thanks for taking time out of your busy life to give us Great information. 😃
I love all your travels! Can you rate all the trips you've taken from best to worst in a future newsletter?