Author – Abinash
Shifted through the winds that blow, down comes the soft and silent snow….
My 1st trip abroad to the US , mixed flow of emotions running through my mind excited, anxious, worried and definitely missing my love . I had only a Sunday to rest but the cold breeze outside the hotel was more tempting inviting me to take a walk, smell it and feel the weather. Called up Tushar (my colleague from India)to ask what’s his plan. We discussed a couple of places in and around Folsom and decided to drive to the Lake Tahoe. With GPS in the vehicle it was an easy job finding the route. We headed towards the Southern end of Lake Tahoe. The beauty of US roads no potholes, not much traffic, take an exit from the city and you are on a Highway. We caught SH80. In no time left Folsom and were in middle of scenic mountains. All I was missing a Bike . We were climbing up & up and I could see the elevation level shooting up on the GPS screen. Soon had glimpse of mountains covered with Ice and my excitement had no bounds. All these days I have seen such views only in movies. I wanted to get down of the car and feel the Snow in my hands , make Gola and throw here & there.
The traffic rules over there are very stringent & the fine amounts they charge is huge.Soon we found a Vista point(view point) . Jumped off the car immediately, I was thrilled . Like a kid rolled in the snow, amazed by nature’s beauty no words could ever describe my happiness. Captured few snaps .
We reached the south end of Lake Tahoe. A large lake surrounded by mountains covered with snow, a clear blue sky on the top ,cold windy breeze & few shops. It was no less than the beautiful landscapes they show in the movies. Facts & Figures of Lake Tahoe . It’s the 2nd deepest lake in USA 1645 feet(Crater-Lake being the 1st .will brief about tat in another blog)known for the clarity of its water formed and shaped during the ice ages. It is about 22 mi (35 km) long and 12 mi (19 km) wide and has 72 mi (116 km) of shoreline and a surface area of 191 square miles (490 km2). Most interesting point about the Tahoe is it never freezes .
We continued further towards the north end of Tahoe. I noticed huge vehicle wheels tied with Iron chain meant to move the ice blocks from the road ,seemed as if it had snowed in the morning. Few bikers passed through us soon followed by few more. I tried capturing them but before I could they were gone. Suddenly the temperature felt by 4-5 degrees followed by cold wind and I could see it snowing. For a moment everything stood still, it was like soft white cottons dropping fresh from the trees and driven by the wind. One of the dreams of my life got fulfilled.
Had 1-2 more stops on the way, got mesmerized by the beauty of Lake-Tahoe. Took SH50 and headed home with memories to cherish life long.
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