Meeks and Rubicon bays at Lake Tahoe offer some of the most exciting sailing, in my experience, and this summer has been no exception. This clip shows Splendido sailing close to the wind in 17-21 knots on an 84º F. afternoon about a week ago. I’d gone out for a fun afternoon of single-handed sailing as Debbie had some business to take care of in town, and then I decided to boat camp after this heart-pounding reach south toward Rubicon Bay.

Our sailing pals Ancil and Tina aboard La Crapaud showed up right before dark, so we hung out for a bit chatting and enjoying drinks while their dinner cooked in the oven and the visitors on the beaches slowly packed up their stuff and headed home. Splendido was anchored in about 11 ft. of water near shore and I slept pretty well, getting up a couple of times during the night just to watch the brilliant stars and Milky Way overhead. Looking at the heavens in this majestic place always makes me think of the romantic poets and the idea of the sublime, as in William Wordsworth’s “Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey” (1798):

—Once again
Do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs,
That on a wild secluded scene impress
Thoughts of more deep seclusion; and connect
The landscape with the quiet of the sky.

I planned to go boat camping again yesterday with my buddy Jamie, but then I noticed this weather forecast with gusts to 35 mph, which is not what you want to see at Lake Tahoe. Violent gusts like that can literally knock down a 27-ft. sailboat like ours, which is no fun for anyone.

So, instead, Jamie and I opted to hike the 2.25 mi. Hunter Creek trail up to the waterfall, and it reminded me once again what a gorgeous place we live in and how fortunate we are to be able to get out and enjoy it. It’s a moderate hike with a steady 1,200 ft. elevation gain. I was amazed to see the variety of people, from little kids and their parents to college students to seniors out enjoying the canyon. If you go, start early, wear your hat and sunscreen, and bring lots of water, as much of the hike is on an exposed single-track on the west side of the canyon where you’re in bright sunlight for nearly two miles of the hike.

Looking forward to more adventures before fall comes around. Until then …

Fair winds! DB