Leon Turnbull Photography

Last day of the recent summer storms so I thought I would head up to Lake Tahoe again for a sunset.
It seemed like it could be a very good one as I headed up over the summit. There were plenty of clouds, and the sun was breaking through, but where would the best color be tonight, if anywhere?

I hiked up to Granite Lake where I thought there would be a good view overlooking Cascade Lake and Lake Tahoe (and indeed, there was!). I realized, as I started the hike, that I did not have my headlamp with me. Doh! That could be quite serious because I would be hiking back down in the dark. However, it is only a mile up to the lake, the trail is easy to follow, it would be all downhill coming back, and I had my iPhone flashlight with me (though it is not nearly as bright as my headlamp, and the battery level was down to 50 percent). Anyway, it should be no problem, right?

When I got up to Granite Lake, I passed by some campers at the lake, who were right in my path for getting to the end of the lake. They and their dog seemed friendly enough, but I took a semi-shortcut on the way back so I would not have to pass right by them in the dark – but I could smell their smoking on the way back nonetheless, and I assure you it was not anything legal.

I climbed up on the ridge behind Granite Lake, and worked my way to a viewpoint. I had to climb a bit further up than I anticipated to get a clear view with no trees blocking the way. From this spot, I could see the two lakes, as well as Fallen Leaf Lake, and I could also see Upper Cascade Falls (but not the lower Cascade Falls). Cascade Creek was just trickling, but if it was flowing strong then the view of the upper falls would have been a very sweet one.

It was about a half hour before sunset and things were looking good as far as the clouds were concerned. But then, about 20 minutes later, a rain storm moved in from the south, blocking the clouds that were starting to color. I thought it was going to drench me as well, but the rain did not come my way; nonetheless it seemed I was going to be skumped yet again by Lake Tahoe. Craning my neck, I could see lots of good color on the north shore of the lake. Of course. At the very end, however, the sun tried to make a comeback, and the clouds started to color up again. It was not overly impressive, but it was enough to get a shot. Not too shabby.

I packed up quickly and headed back down the hill. When I got to the main trail I jogged all the way down to the car. I probably did not need to do that, but it was good exercise anyway, and I did end up having to use my iPhone flashlight once it got too dark. I arrived back at the car 30 minutes past sunset. All was good.

This is the fifth waterfall on the Middle Fork San Joaquin River. It is perhaps the smallest, about 20 ft. high, but it is a purdy one and quite unique looking.

It is summer time, and in the drought not much is happening. The latest news about El Nino is that it continues to increase. It is almost up to moderate strength now, and we are still praying it continues to increase so by winter time it is up to strong strength. There have only been four strong El Ninos since 1950, three have resulted in above average precipitation for California, and the fourth one was an average year. I will take average after the last four dismal years, but let’s hope and pray this drought is finally busted this year.

So there apparently were great sunsets all week at Lake Tahoe. Except the day we were there of course.

It looked like it might be another good one when we headed up to the north shore on Thursday after work. There were plenty of clouds, the possibilities looked very good, but alas there were too many clouds. It was raining when we arrived, and it was a good drenching, even though it apparently only rained 0.1 inches. Well, we had dinner, then walked around, got ice cream, before heading back to the lupine fields.

I had seen and heard plenty about these lupine fields along the shore of Lake Tahoe, and was wanting to get a good sunset photo from here. Well, this is the most color that ever showed that night. It is not a bad photo, really, and Tara and I had a very nice date night, so it was all good. But I’ll be heading back here some day again.

This is the fourth waterfall on the beautiful Middle Fork San Joaquin River, 30 ft. high.

June has been awfully hot, much too hot to go hiking, and there is no end to the heat in sight. I’ve been taking it easy at home on the weekends lately. I don’t imagine July or August will be any better. The waterfalls are already done for the year. What am I going to do all summer? Stay home and get fat? No no no.

This is number three of eight significant waterfalls on the Middle Fork San Joaquin River (above Devil’s Postpile – there are more below). That is just one awesome river. This falls is about 40 ft. high. I have pictures of some of the others but unfortunately not all. A long story but essentially I thought I was going to be back on the river the next day in better light, but we changed our planned route, so there are two falls that I missed getting pictures of. Anyway, enjoy this beauty. And I hope you are enjoying the hot weather. I sure am not!