Bears at Taylor Creek

I find the changing of the season here in Lake Tahoe quite wondrous. Born and raised in Southern California I have never really experience “seasons”. They were just something we heard about down there. This will be my third winter, so am hardly an expert but it seems to me we really have six seasons up here in the mountains.

The year starts off with the winter white wonderland, everything blanketed in white. The contrasts off the deep blues in the sky and lake are incredible.

Spring can’t really come into its full glory until the days are warm enough for the snow to melt, this can be much later in the year than many other places. Once it does, the greens are so vivid, the flowers begin popping up everywhere. The spring bulb display here at the Stardust is amazing.

Summer can also take its time getting here, but when it does, what fun! Longer days and warmer nights mean fun in the sun at the beach and songs by campfire.  Don’t forget the stars!

Fall can be quite variable, for winter can come early, or summer can hang around much later. However no matter what the weather is doing, the Salmon always make their run in October, the color changes usually will too. The bears stocking up for winter at Taylor Creek are not to be missed.

I would add “early spring” and “late fall” to the traditional four, for they are distinctly different. Early Spring can be mid March to Mid May and everything is still in transition. It is not as pretty in some respects, but still rather amazing as you see what an enormous cycle our plants and wildlife go through. Daffodils and Crocus popping out through the last bits of snow are just not something you get to see in most areas of California.

We are just starting the season I call ” Late Fall”. The colors have made their run, and are fading away in the higher altitudes. They are still quite glorious on the drive up Hwy 50, however. The animals are very busy, making their last efforts to stock up for what they know is ahead. The air is crisp and cool, but the days have been bright and beautiful. It is still quite nice out for hiking, and biking.

Come and enjoy the seasons with us, or think about a quick weekend getaway and see if I am right about “Late Fall”.

Hope to see you soon!