Long-time readers may recall that I have had a yearning to do a Lake Tahoe circumnavigation, spending the better part of a week visiting different areas of the lake. This dream has been a long time in coming, mostly because Debbie and I have still found it difficult to sleep comfortably in the “stateroom” she calls “the MRI machine built for two.” But, I am determined to do the circumnavigation, so I have recruited my buddy Jamie Filbin to embark on said cruise the week of July 20, 2015.

We went out for a planning sail aboard Splendido last Thursday afternoon. Winds were light and warm, as high pressure was building, but we still got some good mileage in as we made our way to the south end of Sugar Pine Point State Park, hanging out for a while near the Ehrman Mansion and just enjoying the beautiful weather.

I first met Jamie in 1986 when I graduated college and moved out to see my folks in Fallon, Nevada. Jamie was stationed at Fallon Naval Air Station, and we met through another buddy who gave us a ride into Reno to visit the nightclubs and who then ended up ditching us, so Jamie and I had to hitchhike the 70 miles back to Fallon in the wee hours the next morning. Long story short, we’ve been friends ever since — in fact, Jamie was my best man when I got married to Debbie — and we have reconnected since Jamie and his wife Carolym moved back to Reno a few years ago.

So, we’ve set the date for the circ and made sure we both got clear on what we wanted out of the trip. I am looking for sailing, relaxation, good food, and conversation, as well as some “off the boat” adventures to include a few hikes and maybe some shore excursions to check out the local color. Jamie’s vision for the trip is very similar, and he’d like to get to know Splendido and get comfortable sailing along the way. We’re going to split the heavy lifting, with Jamie doing the chef work at dinner time (he claims to have a Chilean Sea Bass recipe that’s out of this world), and I am happy to do the swabbing up afterwards. Jamie’s leaving the route planning to me, so the map above is my anticipated float plan, but I’m leaving it loose because of the low water in some of the coves we intend to visit. We’ll be carrying two anchors for secure mooring, and we’ll be towing the dinghy along as well.

Last weekend, Debbie and I rigged a neat “boom tent” from a 13′ x 13′ geosynthetic “shade sail” we found at Costco for $19. For the circ, I’m a little concerned about being exposed to so much sun, especially when we’re on the hook in the mornings until the winds come up at 1 p.m., so we tried it, out and it works great. In fact, I really look forward to catching up on my reading and catnaps, sitting comfortably in the shade while still having a “filtered” view of the beautiful Lake Tahoe.

All that remains is a few minor fixes aboard and the prospect of provisioning for four days aboard. First thing on the list is lots of Clausthaler N/A/ beer for me, casks of red wine for Jamie, steaks, seafood, sunscreen, and fresh black coffee for that kickstart in the morning. I’d like to get in lots of swimming to work off some of the “table muscle” I’ve put on from my desk job, so I’ll add lots of waterproof sunscreen to the list.

More on the 2015 Lake Tahoe circumnavigation as the date draws near, plus regular updates if I can figure out a way to post from the boat. Until next time, fair winds and smooth sailing! DB