It was another great week in Tahoe. The wildfire smoke has continued to diminish and the temperatures are ideal. We continue to see lots of wildlife. On the weekend, Glennis and Kyle visited. We rented a speedboat, and after touring the south and western portions of the lake, we anchored in Zephyr Cove. Some of us were brave enough to expose ourselves to the chilly water. (max temp 61 degrees!) On Tuesday, we drove to Reno to pick up Margeaux and Nestor from the airport. They didn’t arrive till after 8p.m. so we went early and toured the National Automobile Museum in Reno, which was fascinating and fun. Then we hung out at a coffee shop and had dinner before heading to the airport. Naturally there were slot machines in the airport! Glennis drove up early next day. Tom, Margeaux, and Nestor went kayaking, while Glennis worked on line and Paula hung out at home. The trio did a short hike in the neighborhood in the Truckee Marsh to see some slightly smokey mountain views. That night we were joined by Kyle and had dinner at Friday’s Station Restaurant in Harrah’s. Afterwards we hit the casino. Kyle was the big winner of the night and we all had fun.

Next day we hiked the Rubicon trail on the mountain overlooking Emerald Bay. The trail started on the side of the mountain and descended to the Bay. On the beach of the Bay is a famous Swiss-designed castle, called Vikingsholm, built in the 1920s. That night the kids made an amazing dinner of chicken and vegetable shish-ka-bobs and an arugula, goat cheese, strawberry and candied pecan salad. It was awesome!

We then all decamped for Kyle and Glenny’s place in Folsom. Another gourmet meal was created by Glennis and Kyle: a warm chick-pea spinach dip and marinated pork on skewers. Next day we enjoyed a day on the patio with friends of Glenny’s and Kyle’s complete with pulled pork, homemade pasta shells and cheese, quinoa salad, watermelon, vegetables and dip. There was also a large blow-up kiddy pool to cool off in.

This morning we hiked around the very diminished, but still beautiful Folsom Lake. We will continue to enjoy family times. Margeaux and Nestor will fly home from Sacramento tonight, and we’ll return to Lake Tahoe tomorrow morning.