Just for fun, I — like millions worldwide — decided to try the artificial intelligence tool called ChatGPT to answer a question that’s been bouncing around in my head for years. I had to edit it a bit to make it make sense, but this is the answer it came up with.

Mooring buoys at Lake Tahoe can be expensive due to a variety of factors. Some of the reasons may include:

1. High demand Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for boating and water sports, which can drive up the demand for mooring buoys.
2. Limited supply The number of mooring buoys at Lake Tahoe is limited, which can also contribute to the high cost.
3. Maintenance costs Mooring buoys require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe and functional, which can add to the overall cost.
4. Government regulations There may be government regulations and permits that need to be obtained in order to install a mooring buoy, which can add to the cost.
5. Environmental impact Lake Tahoe is a sensitive ecosystem and measures need to be taken to minimize the environmental impact of the mooring buoys, which can also add to the cost.
6. High land values The Lake Tahoe basin is a high land-value area with high property prices that might reflect on the cost of the buoys.

It’s important to note that prices can vary depending on the location of the buoy, dinghy access and public parking available nearby, so it’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a decision.

It doesn’t take artificial intelligence to understand what’s on my mind, sitting here with a hot cup of coffee on a very wintery and cold (27º F.) day here in Reno, with my boat under a foot of snow at 5,886 ft. elevation. I’d better get on the horn and get something going to secure a mooring for the coming sailing season. Until next time,

Fair winds and following seas. DB