Winter Wonderland

     Lake Tahoe is nestled among the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is one of the world's largest fresh water lakes. We didn't go thirsty during our stay. They have the tastiest, freshest tap water.

    In the winter, Tahoe is a very popular destination for skiers. Heavenly Mountain Resort is known for its majestic views and described by some as, "the most beautiful place to ski." At a bit over six thousand feet elevation, the air is thin and dry. Even though the temperatures are just above freezing, the snow remains fresh and powdery.

     "Jesse, I got tickets!" My sister-in-law shouts. "They just came up online." Last minute plans are being made to go skiing the next day. We are to be gone from the house we rented by 10:00 AM. Ski lift tickets are not in our budget this year, besides, who would take care of our little Niko?

     It's a mad rush in the morning getting everything packed. It's 10:15 and we get a call from the owner. "The cleaners will be there in 15 minutes. There can't be a cross over because of Covid." The last of the totes are hauled up the stairs and we are on our way.

     "Hon, see if we can get some gondola tickets." Dad suggests. Mom checks the Heavenly website as I do the same. I quickly make a purchase for our little family. It takes mom a little longer to put in all the information for the 6 tickets she buys.

     Snow boots and coats are pulled on as we arrive at the parking lot. Anticipation mounts as we watch the gondola cabins rise up the mountain. We make our way to the ticket counter and collect our tickets. Each gondola cabin will seat 6 people. Craig and I decide to go ahead of the rest.

     We settle in our seats as the pulley system carries our gondola out into the open sky. Squinting from the sun's brilliant reflection, our eyes feast on the majestic view. The lake becomes more visible as we rise higher. White-capped mountains reflect their grandeur on the glassy water. It's quiet, except for the occasional gust of wind that rocks our cabin and when we pass the steel poles of the pulley system. I look for any bears or wild life as we skim over the tops of the evergreens. Snow mobile tracks wind down the mountain below us. Lake Tahoe is now fully visible. The mountains seem to proudly stand guard. They are the ones that nourish the lake, giving of their snowmelt each year. We rise even higher, topping the mountain. What a beautiful view, undoubtedly a winter wonderland.