Lake Tahoe

We spent most of a week up there in a rented house on the west side, with a million-dollar view (first photo). Hiking, swimming, paddling. Tahoe is overcrowded, especially on the weekend, but as is so often the case in the Sierra, walking an hour from the road usually solves the people problem. In most years the northern Sierra wildflower display would be at or near its peak... this year, everything was pretty crispy. Still, Paige Meadows was covered in soft white yampah blossoms and nodding grass heads, and the hike to Ellis Peak, with its commanding views and little Ellis Lake nestled below, was super. Lightning sent us scurrying off the crest. I saw some lichens too.