I haven’t written a post for a while, feeling unsure during these difficult times about what people might want to read.

Springtime in Provence?

But then I’m not actually there, and like most people can’t even get there.....

Life on the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe?

Perhaps that would sound too idyllic? Living on the ski slopes at Lake Tahoe's ski resort, Northstar, especially now, has been very special. We've felt blessed to be surrounded by such breathtaking winter beauty, able to ski from our front door, but even here, life has been restricted and often lonely.....

Then I thought about comparing life under COVID in Britain, California and Provence? But despite the glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel, would people really want to read any more about COVID?

I started to question why I even write this blog, that perhaps my silence had driven my readers away?

And then I received two comments on posts I’d written several years ago. One about the WWII American Air base at Greenham Common in England (written in 2018) and the other about Changi Gaol in Singapore (written in (2015). Both very personal and both connected to World War II. A reminder that however challenging and for some tragic, this last year has been, we haven’t had to endure the horrific challenges of war ~ the tyranny of occupation, the terror of being bombed or despair of parting with our loved ones leaving to fighting a war no one ever wanted……

That these people had reached out to me also helped me realize why I write; connecting with others, that my ramblings get found and resonate. I often fret that my focus should be about sharing useful information, travel related or otherwise, when in fact the posts which receive the most love are often those about the journey of life, written from the heart. So forgive me, here are some seasonal, heart-felt perspectives about my three special places.

Provence in the spring

I've been in Provence in the spring many times and of course it’s beautiful!  Like many other places at this time of year the air smells fresh and crisp, the buds and leaves are bursting, Provence's abundant fruit trees kissed with blossom petals. These cherry blossoms bloom outside our front door, hence the name of our house ~ Maison des Cerises ~House of the Cherry Trees.

All across the region, throughout the sprawling vineyards, the vines' gnarly fists begin to show the promise of the coming season's abundance as the leaves of surrounding trees unfurl into a canopy of green.

Spring flowers splash cheer along the roadside heralding new life, brimming their radiance in the market stalls and shops. Lourmarin's delightful florist 'Une Fleur M'a Di' welcoming the season with a whimsical touch.

And in Provence's markets, bright yellow bouquets of Mimosa take center stage.

El-fresco diners flow onto the cobbled streets where below the clay tiled rooftops and shuttered windows the ambience of this ancient place is so beguiling.

The video art spectacle Carrières de Lumières resumes next month, April 3 2021, one of my favorite places to visit and take our visitors. This year it will be profiling the work of Cezanne and Kandinsky. Even though Carrières de Lumières' stunning Van Gogh production is  now being shown in other cities, including San Francisco, its' setting at Les Baux-de-Provence in an old bauxite quarry cave, nestled under the crumbling ramparts of a medieval Provencal village perché, is somehow more enticing!!

There’s been some changes in the 13 months since we've been in Lourmarin. An impressive new shop for our wonderful bakery ~ Boulangerie de Stéphane Riquier ~an even shorter stroll from our house! And next door Lourmarin has been blessed with the addition of a butcher, Boucherie de Lourmarin ~ Avenue du 8 mai 1945 Route d'Apt 84160 Lourmarin ~ thanks to the wonders of their social media posts I know I'm going to be a regular customer! I so hope later this year we can return to our enchanting Provencal village.

England in the spring

In early March the British Isles become resplendent with spring flowers and blossoms, stunning banks of primroses tumbling throughout the woodlands. My own Home thoughts from Abroad, so aptly written by Robert Browning, years ago, resonate deeply ~ “Oh to be in England now that Spring is here”

Fields of baby lambs.

Normally at this time of year pub gardens get busy, people happy to be able to enjoy a pint and lunch outside. Sadly, this year, during COVID, they'll have to wait, hopefully only until mid April.

And in spring, English gardens everywhere burst into life.

A tad cooler than Provence, but that same feeling of expectancy, with blossoms sprinkling a confetti of petals across the tree branches.

Lake Tahoe, California

When we first arrived in Lake Tahoe in mid-November, just the highest slopes of The Northstar Ski Resort, where we've been living, were dusted with snow.

And then the snow came and the resort sprung to life. Thanks to Northstar's efficiency and their COVID precautions, the resort has stayed open and we've felt safe enjoying skiing in this stunning place.

Those initial days of powder were soon followed by winter storms. The view from our window became a blanket of winter white.

Not without its challenges for those that needed to travel!

But making the magnificent views across the lake from the top of the mountain even more spectacular.

The nearby town of Truckee became carpeted with banks of thick cotton wool.

And we watched in delight and pride as our our 2 year-old granddaughter became competent with her tiny boots and skis for the first time ~ "More Grandpa! More!"

And then there's Lake Tahoe itself ..........

My three vey special places in the early spring. I hope you are reading this from somewhere you love as much, stay safe, things are getting better!

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Download Travel Guide for Lake Tahoe California PDF version here or read it below:

How to get to Lake Tahoe

DRIVING FROM SAN FRANCISCO

Take the ‘80’ Freeway East, traffic dependent it will take about 3-4 hours. To avoid heavy traffic start your journey before 1pm, bottle necks are typically near Fairfield and Sacramento, they can lengthen your journey time by several hours.

On route Break your journey by visiting the gold rush towns of Auburn, Grass Valley and Nevada. Auburn is by the ’80’, Grass Valley and Nevada City, 25 miles North East of Auburn, they are 5 miles apart on historic Route 49.
From Nevada city take Route 20 for 30 miles rejoining the ‘80’ freeway at Yuba Pass.

If you have an extra 3-4 hours stay on scenic Route 49, a beautiful tree lined drive though the mountains passing the very first gold rush town, Downieville, well worth a visit!
Why go there? Quaint, historical towns with small museums and original mining equipment on display. Read more about Downieville here

FLYING INTO RENO

Reno airport is 40 minutes from Lake Tahoe; either follow I-580 N for 5mins to I-80 W or take I-580 S and NV-431 W/Mt Rose Hwy to Incline Village via 431. This is a stunning mountain drive over Mount Rose Lake Tahoe’s highest peak, down into Incline by the lake where you either continue east to south Lake Tahoe or west into the north shore just 10 minutes away.

WHERE TO STAY IN NORTH LAKE TAHOE

We always stay in North Lake Tahoe. The south is mostly in Nevada where gambling is permitted, hotels tend to be larger and most have casinos. The scenery is still beautiful with the lake and the mountains but there is a very different vibe.

WEST SHORE

West Shore Café 5160 West Lake Blvd. Homewood CA 96141 Tel: 530 525 5200 Price: from $250 per night Comments: On the lake! 6 gorgeous, beautifully decorated suites & 2 villas, some with lake views.

Sunnyside 1850 West Lake Blvd Tahoe City CA 96145 Tel: 530 583 200 Price: from $175 per night Comments: Rustic charm on the lake.

INCLINE VILLAGE

The Hyatt 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, Nevada, USA, 89451  Tel:  775 832 1234 Price: from $180 per night Comments: Large rustic lodge style, full service hotel on the lake.

NORTHSTAR

The Ritz Carlton 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, California 96161 Tel: 530 562 3000 Price: from $220 per night Comments: Fabulous, right on the slopes at Northstar.

The Village at Northstar Truckee, CA 96161 1800 Tel: GO NORTH  Price: from $180 per night Comments: Superb 1,2 & 3 bed suites in the village!

SQUAW VALLEY

The Village at Squaw 1960 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Village CA 96146  Tel: 866 818 6963  Price: from $180 per night Comments: Central to everything in the village 1,2 & 3 bed rooms.

Plumpjacks 1960 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Village CA 96146  Tel: 530 583 1576 Price: from $250 per night Comments: Lovely place to stay in Squaw.

The Resort at Squaw Creek 400 Squaw Creek Rd ,Olympic Valley, CA 96146 Tel: 530 5836300 Price: from $200 per night Comments: Upscale with easy lift access to the main ski runs.

For other lodging: Booking.com, Trip advisor & airbnb.com. For a cabin rental: homeaway.com & vrbo.com

WHERE TO EAT in NORTH LAKE TAHOE

WEST SHORE

West Shore Café 5160 West Lake Blvd. Homewood CA 96141 Tel: 530 525 5200  Lakeside, accessible by boat.

Sunnyside 1850 West Lake Blvd Tahoe City CA 96145 Tel: 530 583 200 great patio on the lake.

Fire Sign 1785 West Lake Blvd Tahoe City, CA 96145 Tel:530 583 871 Great for breakfast.

TAHOE CITY

Bridge Tender 65 W Lake Blvd Tahoe City CA 96145 Tel: 530 583 3342 Riverside for lunch!

The River Grill 55 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA 96145 Tel: 530 581 2644 Fabulous happy hour!

Christy Hills 115 Grove St, Tahoe City, CA 96145 Tel: 530 583 8551 Great food & lake views.

Wolfdales 640 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145 Tel: 530 583 5700 Wonderful fusion style food with lake views!
CARNELIAN BAY

Garwoods 5000 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140 Tel: 530 546 3366 Lakeside, accessible by boat, famous for its ‘Wet Woody’ cocktails, often half price on a Wednesday!

KINGS BEACH

SpindleShanks 400 Brassie Avenue, Suite B, Kings Beach, CA 96143  Tel: 530 546 2191 Tasty!

Caliente 8791 N Lake Blvd, Kings Beach, CA 96143 Tel: 530 546 1000 Great Mexican!

The Soule Domain 9983 Cove St, Kings Beach, CA 96143 Tel: 530 546 7529 Delicious home cooked food in a European cabin setting!

INCLINE VILLAGE

Bite 907 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451 Tel: 775 831 1000 Delicious, small plates!

The Hyatt Lone Eagle Grill 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, Nevada, USA, 89451 Tel: +1 775 832 1234 Good traditional American.

NORTHSTAR

The Ritz Carlton 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, California 96161 Tel: 530 562 3000 several choices - The Village at Northstar:   Mikuni,   Petra,   Tavern 6330

SQUAW VALLEY again a few good reataurants to choose from including: Grahams, Plump Jack Café, 22 Bistro & Bar

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Skiing what's not to love?,
The fresh pine scented air, trees kissed with soft, white icing sugar powder.
Breathtaking mountain vistas above the clouds, which literally make your heart stop.
The mystical silence as you glide effortlessly down a snow covered slope.
Just you and nature connecting in a way that is only possible on a pair of skis (well possibly on a snowboard too)
A magical experience......
or is it?!

Before you can actually hit those slopes there's quite a bit of preparation involved; the ski clothes, the equipment, never mind knowing how to actually ski! Not to put any novice off, the initial experience is, well, interesting, challenging for sure, dare I say difficult and that's before you even hit the slopes!?

Possibly some of you might recall those early skiing days ~ you’ve kitted yourself out in the sleek, specially designed outfit which cost, well quite a lot actually, and already the thermal undergarments are making you a tad hot but that’s a tiny detail, you’re by the car and it’s time to put on the boots. Yes, those lovely, shiny, new boots, ones you spend ages deciding upon, which also cost you, well, quite a lot, but ones, which according to the sales person, will be guaranteed to make you a skiing pro immediately....

Next, feeling slightly cumbersome in your ‘ski outfit ’and trying to keep your balance, you attempt to get your boots on. This requires a huge amount of effort and unlike in the shop they feel really awkward, heavy and not very comfortable! They immediately pinch your ankle and squash your toes and make you like look Frankenstein when you walk, well actually you find you can’t walk but only clomp! The clomping becomes unattractively exaggerated by the two plastic planks you then struggle to carry on your shoulder which have nasty poky things attached to them that prod you viciously unless you position them really carefully. In addition, you find yourself juggling 2 sharp, pointed sticks, not to mention gloves, a neck warmer, ear warmers, goggles, a helmet, sunscreen, your mobile phone, your wallet, a camera and maybe a packed lunch!

Soooooo, after you have plodded through the snow and ice, along with hoards of other similarly clad clompers, trying very hard not to slip and seriously injure yourselves, it gets worse, the pain that is.

You have to put all the clobber down, carefully, without poking someone in the eye as you do so and without getting anything wearable covered in snow because that nice, white, fluffy stuff will melt and make you wet and miserable when you put it on your body!

Now, brace yourself for you’re about to make those boots, which, by the way, you already hate, even more excruciating by tightening the clasps! Yes, it’s mandatory to crank down all four of them, guaranteed to cut off the blood supply to your feet! Then to make sure your agony is complete, you’re required to tug at the strap around the top of each boot so that it is really, really tight. Now you can try to stand up, retrieving the gloves, (hopefully not full of snow) BUT before putting them on you must check that all the other ‘stuff’ (the helmet, the goggles, the neck warmer, the ear muffs, the face mask, your mobile and your camera, your lip salve, your wallet on yes and heaven forbid your ski pass!) is in the right place on your person. THEN and only then, can you encase your almost frost bitten fingers into the gloves, pick up the sticks and try to stab your poor, booted feet into those plastic planks!

Sooooo, finally, you’re ready to start to move through the snow, on the plastic planks, using the sticks to propel you, to join a line of other ‘Michelin men’ looking people. Only you can't see them that well as your goggles are all steamed up from all the exertion of getting this far and before you know it you find yourself being propelled forward to sit, with a thud, onto a moving chair! Yes, one that doesn’t stop, which if you don’t pay attention will smack you in the back and send you flying, to become a discombobulated mess on the ground AND the most hated person around as the chair will have to be stopped to disentangle you!!

Hopefully though, that doesn’t happen and your bottom somehow arrives on the freezing, snow covered plastic. Phew, but just as you start to feel some tiny sense of relief, you realize (OMG!) you are being lifted up into the sky to hang precariously on a metal rope hundreds of feet above the ground! The wind and snow start to sting your face and you close your eyes tightly praying that this whole ordeal will soon be over!

Fear not, for that particular terror (especially challenging if you don’t like heights) only lasts minutes (well maybe at least 5) by which time your feet, in those boots, are totally numb but the chair mercifully slows and the ground becomes within inches of your feet and you stand up and hey you’re actually skiing, well, sort of!

Sadly your triumph is only momentary because within seconds you find yourself at the top of a terrifyingly sheer, snow covered cliff which people are disappearing down like lemmings, one which you are going to have to get down too! You can’t run away, no your feet are completely trapped, as are you, balancing on those plastic planks, so brace yourself, it can’t be that hard, everyone else is flying passed, and this is meant to be fun! Be brave you've got this far, let yourself slide forward…………....

Wheeeee you’re off, frantically remembering what you’ve been told, ‘turn your body down the hill’, ‘dig the edges in’, ‘hug the tree’, ‘press the magic button’ and if you succeed in doing all that, guess what, YOU are finally skiing!!!
Oh, and in case you are wondering, I do actually enjoy skiing, despite all that pain and torture!

For who wouldn't with the stunning views and corduroy slopes

at Northstar, Lake Tahoe, in the brilliant California sunshine, it really IS fun!!

Download the Lake Tahoe, California Travel Guide PDF here

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I have always wanted to cycle beside the shoreline at Lake Tahoe and take the bicycle trail along by the Truckee River. Last weekend we did both; what began as a leisurely bike ride by the lake to get a coffee became a 20 mile cycle from the West Shore to Squaw Valley! Once we'd started we couldn't help but keep going, it was just so beautiful! The following day we rested our somewhat sore behinds and cruised the lake; two wonderful ways to enjoy this incredibly special place!

West Shore Lake Tahoe from the bicycle trail

The trail through the trees by the Truckee River from Tahoe City

The Truckee River

Looking down the Truckee River towards Squaw Valley; this year sadly very parched!

Entrance to Squaw Valley

The bicycle trail next to the river heading back towards Tahoe City.

On Lake Tahoe

Sugar Pine Point, West Shore Lake Tahoe

Moored on the lake!

A Tahoe classic.

Lunch on the deck of the West Shore Cafe

Emerald Bay, approaching Fannette Island, the only island on the lake

A tea house was built on Fannette Island as part of the Vikingsholm Estate, (the Norwegian style property on the shore of Emerald Bay), in 1928-1928. Mrs. Knight, who owned Vikingsholm, would occasionally take her guests by motor boat to serve tea by the small fireplace in her tea house on the island.

Making our way out of Emerald Bay.

"I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords" Mark Twain

Download the Lake Tahoe, California Travel Guide PDF here

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When hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail one is following in the footsteps of many; winding your way through the sequoia and pine trees to every so often catch glimpses of Lake Tahoe glistening in the distance. Walking beside Mother Nature like this restores the soul, every day trivia gets put into perspective, how splendid to have little else to think of apart from where your path might lead!

The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile long hiking trail around Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada and Carson ranges. The trail ranges in elevation from 6,240 feet at the outlet of Lake Tahoe, to 10,338 feet at Relay Peak in Nevada. About 50 miles  of it, above the lake's west shore are also part of the much longer Pacific Crest Trail.
We joined it at Highway 267, about a 5 minute walk away along the fire road, you easily find the well sign posted Tahoe Rim Trial.

This is a walk in the footsteps of many others. Inexperienced hikers should not be discouraged as this part of the trail is only about a 30 minutes walk through just moderately difficult terrain which drops you back onto the fire road from which it is an easy but serene hike back to the car park!

Hiking thought the sequoias and pine trees one can't help feel the spirituality of being so close to Mother Nature and becoming wrapped in her embrace

We drove the fire road by Tahoe Rim Trail from route 267 to Tahoe City.

The views back across the Sierras towards the alpine ski resorts of Northstar, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows  were stunning!

As we drove back home, east round the lake from Tahoe city, the shore line next to the Cal Neva Resort glistened in the late afternoon sunshine. Such a life time away from the heady days when Frank Sinatra owned it and and Marilyn Monroe was one of the illustrious glamours guests who stayed here.

Further along Lake Tahoe's East shore, the Hyatt Regency's catamaran, Sierra Cloud, headed off into the sunlight for her last cruise of the lake for the day.

Download the Lake Tahoe, California Travel Guide PDF here- my suggestions for where to stay, dine and play!

If you would like to learn more about hiking at Lake Tahoe click here on the Tahoe Rim Trail's website where you'll find maps and information

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Early morning on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, California; the breathtaking beautiful vista is utterly beguiling, Mother Nature at her finest. Gazing out across the lake your toes sink into the soft, silvery sand which circles the shoreline like a diamond necklace. The crystal clear water sparkles, as tiny fishes twirl their way through brightly glinting gold flecks almost winking at you as they dance with delight. A haphazard collection of smoothly worn granite boulders protrude like large sleeping turtles. On the far horizon the majestic mountain tops of the Sierras soar into the azure skies, their steep foreboding faces guarding the lake from unwanted intruders. The air, perfumed with pines is fragrant and fresh; apart from the occasional bird song the world is silent, at peace; almost as if you are at the very dawn of creation.

Under a cornflower blue sky, consuming your soul no matter where direction you gaze. Dazzlingly clear water, a wondrous, natural spectacle.

An early morning paddle boarder

finds a companion,

who earlier had paddle boarded with her best friend!

Someone cooks a mouth watering breakfast on the beach,

all is as it should be, beauty and peace at Lake Tahoe California with friends you love..........

Download the Lake Tahoe, California Travel Guide PDF here- my suggestions for where to stay dine and play!

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I remember for my 9th birthday treat going to the cinema with my family and some friends from school who all came home for a birthday tea. In those days you actually got dressed up to go to the cinema, especially on your birthday! I felt very grown up as the film, although a musical, had serious 'tough guy' actors in it; Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood; that 1968 film was 'Paint your Wagon', re-telling the gritty story of the Californian Gold Rush. Of course I had no way of knowing then, that one day I would live in Northern California and on a regular basis chase up the freeway to Lake Tahoe, by-passing the small mining towns and trails from those early pioneer years. It's a journey we have probably done more than any other but this time we abandoned the four lanes of incessant traffic to follow historic Route 49. It twisted and turned its way through some stunning scenery, every hairpin a delight for my chauffeur, who gripped the wheel of his beloved German automobile in sheer delight! Set against a back drop of distant mountains, the narrow meandering route 49, lined with towering pines and sequoias followed the path of the bubbling, chuckling Yuba River; it reminded us of similar drives in France, Switzerland and Italy; maybe it was prophetic that the song I remember most from 'Paint Your Wagon' was the gravely tones of Lee Marvin singing 'I was born under a wandering star! Serendipitous perhaps that our journey took us through Downieville, the very heart of the Gold Rush and probably what the fictitious 'No Name city' was modeled on.

Scattered along the route were small 'one horse' towns, their long ago abandoned buildings offering the promise of a new venture for a modern day pioneering soul!

The route climbed and then descended before making its way up again, unlike the gradual ascent on the '80' freeway. It followed the Yuba river, originally the home of the Nisenan people who for thousands of years had lived in small villages ranging in size from 15 to 500 people, by the streams and rivers of the Sierra foothills.

Eventually we were above historic Downieville,

about to embark on a charming journey back to the 19th century.

When gold was discovered here in 1849, Downieville became the most important gold rush town in the area. By 1850 it had 15 hotels and gambling houses, 4 bakeries and 4 butchers and 5000 people!

When Sierra County was established in 1850 and a bid was made for the state capital, Downieville received only less than 10 votes than Sacramento, how different history would have played out!
Back in 1849 gold was everywhere, reportedly a house wife discovered $500 worth just on sweeping the earth on her kitchen floor!

Route 49 runs right through its center, passing by the local theatre.

Evidence of the town's rich mining past is scattered through out the town,

all so crucial in their time, now just reminders of a bygone era.

A sixth sized scaled down model of an old gold ore grinding machine.

Route 49 led us out of town across the single lane 'Jersey Bridge' where the gold was first discovered.

After Downieville we continued to climb up into the Sierras
We continued on through Sierra City, passing it's 19th century country store.

Eventually the Sierra Plains peeked through the sequoias,

wide open spaces full of grazing cattle stretched for miles.


Route 49 finally met up with highway 89 and were on familiar territory heading towards Truckee, Lake Tahoe.
If you have the time it is so worth taking this journey back in time through California's history, it's beautiful scenery and spectacular vistas in what my father always told me is 'God's country'.........

Download the Lake Tahoe, California Travel Guide PDF here

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We all know how a plane journey can transport us to a different world in a matter of hours. I have spent the last three Saturdays, just three weeks apart, in three completely different places thanks to the miracle of flight. From the sophistication of a glamorous, world class, capital city; London, to the breathtaking beauty of the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe, to the sun drenched beaches and palm trees of Southern California.

London, from the Embankment

A '747' jet had carried me the 5000 miles home to England and my beautiful capital city of London. On a crisp February morning, under clear blue skies overhead we strolled along the Embankment admiring the view and the famous sights of this iconic city.

 Admiralty Arch by Trafalgar Square

Lake Tahoe from  Northstar, ski resort

A week later another '747' had returned me back to where we live. The skies were a deeper blue, the air was considerably colder and the view was also of water, this time of a lake not a river; from the top of the mountain it was quite breathtaking!

The corduroy runs were mostly man made but surprisingly good considering the dismal lack of precipitation. The camera pointed in one direction showed near perfect slopes for a day on skis, yet you only had to turn 180 degrees and  the reality of months of dry weather was revealed. Without the man made powder there would be no skiing whatsoever! The pine trees wore a mantel of dark green and were prematurely bursting with new growth, it seemed as if the white world of 'Narnia' had gone forever!

Yet how the world can be transformed in 12 hours by just one winter storm!

Giant caterpillar snow ploughs soon got to work to clear the roads.

And I wondered if we were completely crazy to try to return home and to brave the freeways in such blizzard conditions.

We found our way home safely and within just another week I found climbing into another plane, only this one was considerably smaller than a '747'!

A view of the wineries of The Livermore Valley, Northern California

At 3000 feet, being navigated south, as the small, single engine plane lurched and bounced through the turbulence I did wonder whether sitting in a commercial plane might be preferable!

Within an hour we had sped across the Central Valley and were high above the Grapevine where the '5' Freeway wound its way through the hills down into the Los Angeles Basin.

Minutes later the sprawl of Los Angeles was below us.

Famous landmarks were clearly visible.

 'The Rose Bowl', Pasadena

On the ground at Orange County's John Wayne Airport, the jets arrived next to us.

When we arrived to return home our 'Vans RV6A' looked very tiny parked up next to a Gulfstream G5 jet!!

Southwest Airlines taxied ahead of us,

we had to wait for them to take off first, it was quite impressive!

The Los Angeles Hills from 9000 feet

Approaching Mt Diablo

Livermore Airport on descent

the miracle of flight!

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As the year draws to a close a new one to begin, it’s a time to reflect and think of what’s been.
Good days and sad, all part of life, happiness and joy, trouble and strife.
Maybe teardrops fell, like rain down your face, and at times, nothing appeared in its place.
Clouds of sorrow might have covered your heart, your whole world seemed to be falling apart.

Did you open your eyes and looked all around, up to the heavens and down to the ground?
Wasn't the sky still blue, the trees still green? Weren't lake waters ruffled, no clouds to be seen?
A new beginning is outside your door, the future needn’t be a worrisome chore.
Find peace in the love a trusting friend can bring.
Simple things that can make your heart sing!

However burdened with pain your life might be, there’s joy to be found if you let yourself see.

Sing out loud when you feel alone. Remember the places you found yourself roam.
Don’t stop believing in things your hold dear, some will come true, maybe this year.

Be kind to others, loving and true and most of all be kind to you.

Happy New Year, to all I hold dear wherever you maybe..................

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF ABOUT LAKE TAHOE - my suggestions for where to stay, dine and play!

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To ski or not to ski, and why is that a question? For the keen enthusiast it probably never is, but for me it depends; largely on how favourable the conditions and how kind my fellow skiers are likely to be! I do adore to ski but I have a love/hate relationship with it, maybe because I only started skiing in my mid 30's. I seldom embrace the thrill factor (aka the fear factor) and have no great desire to scare myself witless. There is no joy in finding myself at the top of a slope which looks impossibly steep and terrifying. The scenario is always the same; I feel angry for being in the situation (normally as a result of some one else's persuasive skills !!) and frustrated that I am less competent than I would like to be! However, the only way 'out' is 'down', so I grit my teeth, push off on my poles and make the turn, my heart pounding, praying that I will stay upright; silly really to be so worried as although it might not look elegant, I rarely take a tumble! The most irritating thing is that I know in my subconscious that I can actually do this and on occasion have! It really is all in the mind, the knowledge of which just adds to my misery as I ask myself why do I do this, to ski or not to ski......next time I have to make the decision, that will be the question!

Skiing, like many things, is about feeling confident. It is much easier to be confident when the conditions are polite; when the sun is streaming encouragement upon glistening, corduroy tracks, when there is no cold or biting wind to grapple with, when that smooth, groomed terrain is silently and patiently inviting you and your skis to create neat 'S' patterns down the mountain side and of course when the boots are being cooperative. On those days, especially in California's stunning north shore of Lake Tahoe, I dig deep, I push myself, perhaps going a little too fast but, exhilarated by my own prowess, I am suddenly able to battle greater challenges and joy of joys, find myself believing that I can do this, that I am a skier!

Then there are days when struggling with inclement weather, with wet, heavy snow, when even if there are hopeful glimpses of the sun I don't find myself coping so well. Runs full of churned up 'ice cream' like bumps, sap my confidence, my legs start to hurt, my feet swish about in boots which suddenly no longer fit and I want to give up. At the top of one of those 'impossible' slopes I almost revert to the childish behaviour of throwing down my poles and bursting into tears ...... Consumed with guilt about potentially spoiling others' fun I pull myself together and try to rally, normally looking for the first opportunity to escape for the comfort of hot chocolate. You never know who you might find in the ski lodge!

People on the deck clomp past me in their probably equally as uncomfortable ski boots, struggling with trays overburdened with food, juggling helmets, gloves and googles. For the most part they seem smiling and happy, I decide that these are the real skiers and feel like the pretender, all dressed up but not wanting to go!

So why do I? I often ponder that very question! Not to scare or thrill or conquor the mountain. The simple answer for me is that skiing affords a unique opportunity to be amongst nature when she is at her most beautiful. Surrounded by soaring slopes draped in a winter mantle of ermine and towering green pines whose boughs bend low with 'peppermint frosting' generously dolloped over their branches, the air crisp and sweetly fragrant, like newly laundered sheets, your senses consumed as the ground sparkles beneath you. There is a feeling of being connected, almost glued to the earth, depending on how well your ski's are waxed! You move along in a manner like no other, gliding and turning in silence. The snow gently melting on the trees sounds like feint drizzle, the scraping of snowboarders behind you sounds like momentary fear but for the most part it is just yourself and nature in winter; it is called skiing and I love it, well most of the time, and you what about you? I'd love to know?!
Download the Lake Tahoe, California Travel Guide PDF here my suggestions where to stay, eat & play!

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