Lake Tahoe

Fri, 8/19/11:
Goose Meadows NF Campground, Truckee, CA:  Drove all the way around Lake Tahoe today.  It’s 75 miles around.  The lake is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide.  It never freezes in the winter because of its depth.  The water is constantly in motion—the warmer water at the top sinking and the cooler water at the bottom rising.  The water is very clear.  You can supposedly see the bottom in 80 feet of water.  But it’s cold—39 degrees in the depths and 68 at the surface.  However, we saw some brave people in there    Some of the gated homes around the lake are amazing.  We made several stops to enjoy the views.  The southwestern side of the lake is much more rugged and still in its natural state.  Must be National Forest or State Park lands.  South Lake Tahoe in Nevada is probably the most developed town on the lake.  Several casinos and hotels.  Tahoe City near us is probably the second largest town.  The other towns that dot the shores are pretty small.  

Pictures don't do justice to the water colors and clarity.  They are amazing!