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Published: July 10th 2011
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Unfortunately, when we headed out to explore Lake Tahoe the winds were still at full speed so a steam boat trip was out. Instead, we drove along the lakeside between Zephyr Cove and Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed parts of the lake. Whilst undeniably beautiful, I found Lake Tahoe to be bit of a tourist trap. And, like any place out of season, it had a somewhat deserted feel about it. But dinner that night did take the edge off our disappointment. We went to Tahoe Keys (a recommendation in one of the magazines in the room) and had a stunning meal at The Fresh Ketch. This little place overlooks the Marina and served us some of the best calamari and crab cakes we have ever tasted. The staff were incredibly friendly as were the locals. So much so, they allowed Si to keep one of the English footie matches on one of the TV screens around the room. Inspite of him being the only one watching!
So to summarise - the food and drink is a good reason to go back…and the views out onto the lake and mountains are stunning even in low season…so maybe I’m
willing to give it another go. Next time in high summer or mid-winter though.
Bright and early on the 26th April we headed out for Yosemite but were waylaid 2 miles down the road when the pick-up truck in front of us accidentally dropped some debris on the road; resulting in a spectacular tyre blow out. Unfortunately this meant that we didn't arrive at our destination until dusk. But what a sight at sun down! I had some high expectations of Yosemite but it completely surpassed them. It is completely awesome (in the true sense of the word not the over-used american exclamation) and we couldn't wait to get exploring first thing the next day.
27th April – Yosemite: in passing
Be Bear Aware. That is the key information drummed into you as soon as you hit Yosemite. And they make you keenly aware that bears can smell food – even unopened food – in tents, cars, bear bins etc. The former two are apparently particularly easy to get into. Good to know. The information overload at dusk resulted in an uneasy night as my unconscious mind informed me that we had an unopened packet of crisps in
the boot. Images of a bear ripping open the Jeep like a tin opener played over and over until I was convinced that we were going to awake to complete wreckage and a large insurance bill.
On waking the Jeep was, unsurprisingly, untouched (clearly sour cream chips are not a favourite in these parts) and we were able to head into the park as soon as it opened. Due to another of our scheduling mistakes (i.e. we did not anticipate blocking out time for a tyre blow out) we only had the morning in the park before heading to Las Vegas. So we had to resort to the most ‘touristy’ thing ever – the park drive-tour. In our defence, the park is just as well structured for the day-visitor as for those who want to stay longer. We still got some great pictures of El Capitan, the Half Dome and Yosemite Falls but, no, we didn't do it justice. But it is now on the top of the ‘must do again’ list - next time with a stay in the tented area called Curry Village. It looked much more fun than the hotels and would better facilitate Si’s desire
to be Bear Grylls for a day or so.
Alas, a decent bed for 3 nights with sheets that have an actual thread count and no insects lurking in them awaited us in Las Vegas. Eight hours later, via Clovis, bakersfield and a huge wind farm, we arrived at the Vdara All-Suite hotel overlooking the Bellagio fountain and the Paris Hotel’s Eiffel Tower. I could have wept with joy at the 2 TVs, panoramic windows, bathroom with walk-in shower and…yes oh yes... a fully stocked mini bar! Now that’s how to celebrate your wedding anniversary – Vegas style.
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