"Now, I Can Picture You In All My Yesterdays"

Well, it's been a while--Decided it was time to salvage some much-needed travel, getting away from our hectic work schedules.  Tahoe/Yosemite has been on our list for a while, and even with just 4 days (and no one available to watch our dog), we carved out plenty.

Lake Tahoe: A Patriotic Paradise with Pooch Perks

Our adventure began in the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tahoe, where the sparkling blue waters and majestic mountains provided a stunning backdrop for our 4th of July celebration. Patriotism was in the air, with flags waving and festive decorations adorning every corner. Traveling with our dog made the trip even more special as we discovered just how dog-friendly this beautiful area is.  The ONE caution I will throw out--holiday weekends are BUSY around Tahoe  (took us 1.5hrs to drive 20 miles)

Kiva Beach

Kiva Beach was our first stop, and it did not disappoint. This serene, dog-friendly beach offered a perfect blend of sandy shores and mountain backdrop. Our pup enjoyed splashing in the water while we soaked in the stunning views of the lake.  Don't forget the sunscreen!  The elevation in Tahoe 6,000+ and gave my back an extra-crispy kiss.

4th of July Airshow Over Lake Tahoe

The highlight of our Independence Day was the spectacular airshow over Lakeview Commons (South Tahoe). The 129th Rescue Wing performed a thrilling rescue demonstration featuring Pave Hawk helicopters and their pararescue team. The sight of these powerful machines soaring above the lake, combined with the patriotic atmosphere, made for an unforgettable experience.

Great Dinner at Basecamp Pizza (South Lake)

Lots of great food in South Tahoe area, but our favorite was Basecamp Pizza. I normally wouldn't recommend ANY pizza in California, but theirs has tremendous quality and flavor. (along with an assortment of add'l Italian dishes)  The lively outdoor atmosphere, friendly staff, and dog-friendly patio made for a wonderful evening.

Truckee Float

One of the most relaxing and enjoyable parts of our Tahoe trip was the Truckee Float. We rafted down the slow-moving Truckee River, our pup happily lounging in the raft. The river was dotted with friendly people, making for a social and pleasant journey through the picturesque landscape.

Bodie, CA: A Glimpse into the Past

On our way to Yosemite, we made a fascinating stop in the ghost town of Bodie, CA. This once-thriving gold mining town, now preserved in a state of arrested decay, offers a unique glimpse into the past. Bodie was founded during the Gold Rush in the late 1800s and quickly grew to a bustling community. However, as the gold dried up, so did the town's fortunes, leaving behind an eerie yet intriguing snapshot of history.

The terrain to Bodie is rugged and remote, with dusty roads winding through desolate landscapes. It's easy to imagine the challenges faced by the original settlers as they made their way to this isolated town in search of fortune. NOTE: it's a bumpy, mountainous road, not for weak stomachs!

Yosemite National Park: Nature's Grandeur

Our journey continued to the majestic Yosemite National Park, where we were greeted by some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world.  (again, I'd recommend not going on a weekend holiday; took about 2 hours to get within the park entrance)

Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point offered us a panoramic view of the park's granite landscape. The vista was breathtaking, with sweeping views of the valley below and the Half Dome in the distance. Our pup enjoyed exploring the rocky terrain, and we marveled at the beauty of this unique vantage point.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View provided one of the most incredible views of Yosemite Valley. As we emerged from the tunnel, the expansive vista of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall took our breath away. This spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking to capture the essence of Yosemite's grandeur.

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall was a stunning sight, with its cascading waters creating a misty veil that shimmered in the sunlight. The short hike to the base of the falls was well worth it, and our pup enjoyed the cool mist on a warm day.

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, was another highlight of our trip. The thunderous roar of the falls and the sheer volume of water tumbling down the cliffs were awe-inspiring; a MUST-SEE

Wawona Meadow Loop

We concluded our Yosemite adventure with a leisurely tour around the Wawona Meadow Loop. This peaceful, dog-friendly trail meanders through lush meadows and towering trees, offering a serene escape from the more crowded areas of the park.

Our trip to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, all made even better by sharing it with our furry friend. From the patriotic festivities in Tahoe to the mesmerizing landscapes of Yosemite, every moment was a reminder of God's incredible beauty that lies within our own backyard.  Blessed to have taken this trip and hopeful to visit again, but until then...I'm comin' home, baby!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Lake Tahoe

• Kiva Beach
• 4th of July Air Show - Lakeview Commons
• Truckee River Float

Bodie, CA

• Gold-mining ghost town of the late 1800s

Yosemite National Park

• Olmstead Point
• Tunnel View
• Bridalveil Falls
• Yosemite Falls
• Wawona Meadow Loop

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Visit during off-peak times to enjoy a more-peaceful stay, if possible; It was VERY crowded choosing to go over the 4th of July holiday--1.5 hours to drive 20 miles!
• If bringing your pup, research the areas prior to visiting that are dog-friendly.  We ran into an issue trying to hike Emerald Bay State Park (only dog-friendly near the entrance)
• This map offers dog-friendly trails in the area: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/us/california/tahoe-city?b_tl_lat=39.28454315741848&b_tl_lng=-120.40826764019826&b_br_lat=38.91633459365411&b_br_lng=-119.6447178355107&mobileMap=true&f[]=dogs
• SUNSCREEN- Apply early and often. At 6,000+' elevation, you feel that extra burn
• Beach Gear--Specifically, Water Shoes- the trails have rocky terrain and the beach sand is EXTREMELY hot. We longed for our water shoes we'd left at home
• Stay hydrated and bring snacks for energy boosts!
• Yosemite reservation: during certain peak dates, Yosemite requires a reserved time-slot to enter the park.  These can get booked FAST so make sure you check the availability beforehand.  If you can't get an entrance reservation during your visit there's a workaround; you can book a campground (whether you choose to camp their or not) which automatically gives entry to the park.  We went this route, when all of the entries for peak hours were reserved.  It cost around $35
• Weather can be unpredictable, so pack for different seasons.  We quickly experienced 113° drop to 60° in a matter of hours.