Pope Beach State Park | Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe, California - We spent the
day at the beach! Not an ocean beach, but Pope Beach on Lake Tahoe. We had
water and little waves, like at a beach on a secluded cove at the ocean. We
did not have salt water. We did not have sea gulls. We had geese. Lots and
lots of geese. Pope Beach is about 3 miles long. Instead of palm trees, it
is dotted with pine trees. Plenty of places to find shade from the hot sun,
complete with picnic tables.
Beautiful Lake Tahoe
We arrived late morning and had the beach to ourselves. By
the time we left at 3 pm, the beach was very crowded. Still, we noticed only
about 20% of the parking spaces were taken, so on a hot weekend, the beach
must look like Waikiki. The water is so clear and such a beautiful color.
The beach is clean - with nice sand. During our beach visit, DT went for a
run along the adjacent bike path. After his exercise, he actually was brave
enough to swim in the icy water!
Pope Beach State Park
After this stressful day, we needed food! Late lunch or
early dinner... so we visited the local brew pub. The Brewery at Lake Tahoe
- purveyors of Bad Ass Ale - sits directly on the Highway. We had a good,
though noisy, meal at a Paul Bunyan-sized picnic table in the shade. DT
tasted their ales, and since they didn't serve my style of weenie-girl-beer,
I was forced to try another Tahoe favorite - a Rum Runner. Icy and fruity,
with a Meyers shot on top! We had crispy salads and talked with the outdoor
BBQ chef - David. (What is it with outdoor BBQ chefs being named David?) He
told us he had started working in a kitchen in Palm Springs when he was 13
and was still at it - 31 years later - having graduated from culinary school
years ago. David had worked for many years as the seafood chef at Harrah's
and is now BBQing his days away at the local brew pub.
After that rum runner, I needed a nap! We are going to stay-in this evening,
watch the Mariners and hit the road in the morning. Guess where we are
headed? Our most frequently-visited spot of course: Merced!
RV Park:
Tahoe Valley Campground