North Tahoe Lodge

Tuesday 30th July – Sunday 4th August.

 

The Lake Tahoe area is a popular ski resort in winter, with many splendid ski lodges built to accommodate the winter visitors.  These ski lodges are of course still there in summer, and Laura and Arend had booked one for their wedding, and also a few days beforehand, so that family and friends who had come from many different places could spend some time together.  

 

Our lodge looked deceptively compact from the front.

 

However, the only section of our lodge at street level was the garage, one apartment above it, and the entry porch.  Dropping down the steep hill behind this level were three more levels of accommodation, with yet another balcony area below that, where the wedding ceremony was held.  Each level revealed stunning views across the valley below.

Beside Pat are three lockable bear-proof garbage bins.  The round black object near the front door was a flaming (gas) torch, which could be turned on to welcome guests.

By the time of the wedding, there were about 20 of us staying at the lodge.

 

Laura and Kirsty check out the view from one of the back decks.

 

The three small brown objects across the middle of this picture are deer, which we could often see from our decks.  (Killing myself I didn’t have my zoom lens.)  We also saw squirrels and chipmunks, and on several occasions a tiny hummingbird came to our dining room window.

On our first morning at the lodge, Pat was on the deck outside our room, and called to me that he could see a chipmunk.  Not having seen one before, I was so excited I ran straight through the screen door (which was unfortunately closed at the time), knocking it right out.  But I did get to see the chipmunk.  They are very cute – smaller than I expected, about the size of a rat, and very fast, so no pictures.

 

The lodge included many features which added to the enjoyment of our stay:

• Barbecue on the deck (we had to supply the three manly chefs)
• Outdoor heated spa (very popular and well used)
• Sauna, steam room and plunge pool with waterfall
• Movie room (this actually became known as the flower room, as Laura and her competent assistants assembled all the bridal party bouquets and floral arrangements from flowers which she had delivered and stored there)
• pool table
• bar (unstocked, of course, but included a coffee machine)

 

Relaxing in the comfortable lounge.

 

Anna puts Zoe to sleep in her new surroundings.

 

Sunset over the valley.

 

Sunrise the next morning.

It was wonderful to have this time together before the wedding with family and friends.  These memories will be treasured.