December 23rd: we loaded up Dolly’s SUV and headed north. I have always welcomed the opportunity to see snow and spend time with my B.F.F. Living in Southern California leaves you longing for seasons – and I dig snow fights!

We hit Lake Tahoe by 4pm on the 23rd, after a long and kind of boring drive. We exchanged turns driving and were well rested upon our arrival. First things first - Since this trip was planned at the last moment, no lodging plans had been made. I had been to Lake Tahoe once before, mostly for a semi-business reason. However, looking forward to return one day - just for fun. Back then, I had stayed at the Harrah Hotel and Casino.  It was great, but for this trip I wanted something more out of the way where we could enjoy nature. Then I remembered my sister bragging about the Hyatt Regency, Lake Tahoe. After getting directions from locals, we found ourselves driving around huge mountains while being awed by the views of the sun setting upon the most majestic lake I’ve ever seen. It was breathtaking and equally hard to watch the road while we were heading up the mountain.
 
After turning off the main highway into heaven, we drove down a residential street with fairytale homes on either side of the friendly road decorated by a brush of snow. We were both mesmerized as we entered an enchanting lodge called Hyatt.

Snow Flakes were sprinkling about and rolling out the welcome mat. We were fortunate to have found such a lovely space, and that most of the Holiday travelers were checking in and out.  As we looked around the lobby, we knew that this would be a fun place to hold up for the night.

Once we walked into our well-appointed toasty room, we both decided we should have made plans to stay for a while. Keeping on task, we decided to order room service, get to bed early and start out fresh to pick up doggy and head home.

When we awoke, we noticed the snowflakes had turned to snow chips against the morning sky. We both drew a deep breathe as we got a glimpse of the huge sparkling lake. As we rushed to pack our overnight kits while confirming the puppy pick-up later in the afternoon, we decided to stay and play in town.  After we checked out of the hotel we had a cool time exploring shops and placed to get snacks throughout the day.  Dolly left two Rock Traveler™ rocks along the way and wrote in her journal about the wonderful day she was having (she shared it with me).

It was hard to leave, the peaceful and stillness offers such quiet splendor one can only find in a painting.
As we set out for lower ground, the snow was buzzing our window.
We wondered if the storm chatter in the quaint village caused alarm for a safe passage down the mountain and to our destiny to meet a new family member.

As we approached the decline leaving Lake Tahoe, we sighed as traffic grew to a halt. We could see flashing lights ahead. As we crept up to a handsomely suited officer, we were in full form of laughter and flirtation. The Police Officer informed us that there was an imminent blizzard heading straight toward us. Warning all vehicles to turn around – no one would be leaving Lake Tahoe tonight; and waved us to the side of the road to install our newly bought snow chains.  

We hesitated, thinking of alternative escape routes, but caution of unknown mountainous roads and the threat of experiencing a freak blizzard, we decided to follow orders and sit patiently in line while the rough and tough-looking lumberjacks installed the snow chains.

High with excitement and staring into our colorful cell-phone while changing our plans, the time passed quickly and we were soon waved through by the Highway Patrol…. only then did we realize that we were smack dead in the middle of a whiteout. The snow was coming down so hard; we could not see ten feet ahead of us. Though it was still daylight, it appeared night-like. We had called neighboring motels, not wanting to drive far under these conditions, but soon learning that our fellow travelers had done the same. Since all economy digs were booked, we decided to take the hour-long drive back to Incline Village and return to heaven.  The hotel we just left was our best choice.  The drive was pretty scary but when we finally pulled in to the warmest hearth in town, we felt darn lucky. Even though the blizzard had brought back many travelers, we were still considered “guests” of the hotel, welcomed, and placed in pleasing accommodations.

Hungry, and stuck in an inspiring yet record-breaking blizzard, we felt safe, warm and sheltered, and decided to dine at the famed Lone Eagle Grill. Adjacent to the hotel, we attempted to hike. The snowdrift was so deep that a compassionate employee suggested we take the hotel shuttle the approximately 1000 feet to the bar and grill nestled close to the waterfront.
We climbed in to a warm shuttle with happy people, heading off to a breath-taking restaurant trimmed with white twinkling Christmas lights. I have only seen such beauty in brochures, but never in person. The setting resembled the charming cover of a Christmas card. I lingered on the outside appreciating the view of this magical structure dusted by pristine snowfall. The overhead snowstorm pounded our curious faces as we entered the most magnificent restaurant on planet earth. While waiting for dinner, we engaged in the most romantic setting ever. Warming our appetite by an incredible stone roaring fireplace and the enticing conversation of handsome skiers, and drinking a Cambria all while enjoying a playful game of Backgammon. We were in the zone. I could not have ordered a more perfect night – my best friend ever, looking alive and vibrant as we laughed and told stories and met great people.
When we woke up the next day, we continued the adventure enjoying a delicious country breakfast still amazed at the sights of white powder covering the land. Our first snowstorm had been exciting and fantastic and so was our exiting ceremony, even though it was the second time around. The roads were clear and the snowstorm had passed, and people were plentiful as they performed snow chores and played games.

Finally, we arrived at the breeder and our Teacup Poodle was happy to greet us. We named her “Snow” even though she is black as coal…...now Snow will always to there to remind Molly and Dolly of their thrilling and unforgettable blizzard adventure!  Grandma loved the puppy and Christmas day was filled with happiness and joy.  From Molly and Dolly Rock Travelers – we hope everyone at Rock Traveler™ has a great holiday!

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