This week, Chris and I took Wednesday off and celebrated our 15 year anniversary!
Our day started out on yet another mountain bike trail. It was not the type of trail we were expecting (more of a dirt bike trail) but in the end, it was worth it if only to spend the time together. The days are getting hotter and the routes dustier, but the wild flowers are still as beautiful as ever!
We then headed to Reno and spent the rest of the day exploring, walking through the small eclectic shops in downtown, and enjoying a dinner date at one of the Casinos!
A night full of conversation and reminiscing about all that we have done and the life we have built over the last 15 years. It is hard to believe that each path we have taken in our lives has lead us to this moment, to this chapter in our adventures together and we regret nothing.
When the weekend finally arrived, I made plans to explore 3 of my “must see” beaches at Lake Tahoe. After a little research, I realized that we could start at Chimney beach and hike connecting trails to all of the beaches in one awesome hike!
Chimney Beach was first! At 0630, we were alone in the peace and quiet of nature! With no one else around, we had the beach to ourselves. The sun was just beginning to top the ridge line and cast the most beautiful golden glow on the rocks and crystal clear water!
I am not sure how this chimney came to be here but it was definitely a site to see.
Next was Secret Cove Beach. With it being a popular nude beach, my hope was that it was still chilly and early enough that we would have the place to ourselves before the “show” started. I was right, and our early morning arrival paid off!
This beach is known for its beautiful display of submerged boulders and crystal clear, aqua blue waters.
After spending a little time climbing the rocks and getting my feet wet, we then headed to our last destination… Whale Beach!
This rock formation in the middle of a cove clearly gave this beach its name. I had no idea how fond I was of rocks that look like animals, but my fascination with this place was palpable for sure! This was definitely my favorite beach and landmark. We found a quiet spot on the corner of the beach, freed ourselves of our daypacks and boots, and enjoyed some time taking it all in!
Still too cold to swim, I was up to my knees in the frigid cold water making my way from one rock to another.
Watson love the beach, but was not a fan of the water!
As the day started to warm up, the crowds started to fill the beaches and that was our cue that it was time to head home.
As we made our way back to our starting point, the crowds on the beaches were booming. Early morning hikes are definitely the way to go here- beat the heat and beat the crowds!
By the time we made it home, the temps were soaring and the shelter of our home-on-wheels was welcoming! My days in the Hospital are still very difficult but weekends like these make it worth it!
Keep following along every Sunday as I capture my Travel Nurse Adventures from week to week!
