Blue Haze

This picture was taken on June 28th, 2008, in Tahoe City near Commons Beach.

This photo shows how the smoke from the Northern California grass fires, that has somewhat been hiding the lake and the beautiful mountain views, is dispersing. The Tahoe area is getting back its normal and expected scenic views, just in time for July 4th and the influx of visitors for the summer season.

However, the accumulation of smoke has impacted the quality of the air, not just in Tahoe but across Northern California. As a result some outdoor sporting events have been canceled, perhaps most notably, the annual Western States Endurance Race. One of the oldest and most challenging ultra trail events in the World, the Run is conducted along the Western States Trail starting at Squaw Valley, and ending in Auburn, a total of 100-miles! 

Anyway, it’s good to see the heavy smoke, as seen in the previous published photo (Smoke On The Water), is clearing. It’s now more like a Blue (Tahoe) Haze!

Smoke On The Water

This photo was taken on June 24th, 2008, in the early evening from Homewood Marina.

There has been several grass fires started by lightening over the weekend in Central and Northern California, and as reported by one news channel, ‘at one time, more than 800 fires were burning from the Oregon border to Monterey County’.  When there are fires in Western California, and the winds are in the ‘right’ direction, Tahoe’s blue waters can be covered with a wall of smoke that shields the awesome views that everyone is accustomed to seeing.

Today is also a significant day in Tahoe to have the lake covered in smoke — it’s the one year anniversary of the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe. That fire cost 12.5 million dollars to fight and caused over 140 million dollars worth of damage. Officials believe that the cause was an illegal camp fire, but even today the culprit has not stepped forward or been identified.

I’m sure you would agree with me, our thoughts are with those that were impacted by the Angora fire, as they continue to rebuild their homes and their lives!

McKinney Bay

This photo was taken on June 19th, 2008, — the last day of spring — at McKinney Bay, Homewood.

McKinney Bay is one of my favorite Lake front areas. There is a specific view as you drive around the corner from Tahoma, where you first see the Bay glimmering through the trees that always catches my eye.

From this photo, you can see the Lake is increasing in it’s boat population. In addition, the roar of the motor engines is more evident around the Lake, a sign that Summer is here. However, at Obexers in Homewood, boat owners enjoying the Lake, are now paying $5.69 a gallon for gas!

What I really like about this photo is the skyline against the rolling forest tree-tops, and especially the way the clouds are being sucked back in to the Homewood hills. No rain today, thank-you!

Canadian Geese

There is a beautiful little meadow between Tahoe Vista and Kings Beach, that I have often driven past, but on Saturday, June 14th, I decided to stop.

The meadow is home to a number of wildlife and currently this includes three families of Canadian Geese. My timing was perfect, soon after I arrived the Geese meandered from the far side of the meadow to the middle (much closer for a photo) where they began feeding amongst the vegetation. 

It was an interesting sight, the heads of the Geese bobbing up and down as they enjoyed their feast. This photo captures the occasion well, and the overall colors and background reminds me of an impressionist painting.

Also, you’ll note that the parents were obviously keeping watch over their young, ready to dispatch any unwanted visitor or photographer!

Eagle Rock, Lake View

This photo was taken around midday on June 11th, 2008, from an eroded, dormant volcano, known as Eagle Rock.

For a small effort the walk to the top of Eagle Rock provides tremendous panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. It’s a very popular and accessible location on the West Shore. As you drive by Eagle Rock on HW89 you can often see people standing on the top admiring the stunning views.

This photo is looking south, to the right you can make out Homewood Marina and to the far left you can see Heavenly Ski Resort, and the now snow barren slopes.

Mountain Scene

This photo was taken mid-afternoon on May 29th, 2008, from the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area.

Having driven to Incline Village during the morning, on my return, I stopped at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. It was such a peaceful location and hardly anyone about, I sat and absorbed the view for awhile before capturing this image.

It’s amazing, that even after a Memorial Day weekend, where boats on the lake become more and more popular, snow is still visible on the mountains.

Rainbow Reflection

This awesome image was taken on a wet afternoon in the last week of May, 2008, from the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.

Driving back from Tahoe City this unique photo opportunity presented itself. Pulling to the side of the road, I gathered my camera and snapped a few photos before it disappeared.

Having driven this stretch of the road on the West Shore many times, this was the first time I had been lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Capturing the reflection of the rainbow cascading between the boats and cutting a distinct line across the sky creates a beautiful scene.

What a great way to start Tahoe Photos Blog!