EMERALD BAY

PICTURE PERFECT

      Friends advised that we go up to the Emerald Bay overlook when they learned of our first trip to Lake Tahoe.

   The magnificent scene was created by glacial melt, leaving Tahoe's only island, Fannette where the Vikingsholm Tea house perches.  The Vikingsholm Castle, built in 1929, nestles on the facing shore, wrapped and hidden by towering pines.

   The owners hired a retired British Royal Navy sailor as a caretaker during the hard winters.  Tough old salt that he was, he would take a dinghy several miles to Tahoe city for supplies and a stop in the tavern.  Once a storm tossed him and he bound himself to his small boat and rode out the winter blast, later amputating a couple of his own fingers.
After another round in the tavern a winter storm dumped him and his body was never recovered.

    Thanks to our pals for the great tip.  Emerald Bay is an extraordinary scene.

     See you down the trail.