Tahoe

Snow fell steadily as I drove up the mountains and into South Lake Tahoe. It was midday Thanksgiving day and the roads were busy but traffic moved quickly. Knowing I had a few hours to kill before I could check into my hotel, I decided to explore the town a little. I navigated the icy streets of Tahoe until I found a small side road that led right up to the lake. Pulling into a little lot I climbed out of my car grabbing my heavy down jacket. Having just driven up from Sacramento, I was woefully unprepared though for the cold that slammed into my body. It wasn't long before I was digging through my suitcase for my heavy socks, boots, gloves, scarf, etc. People walking by laughed at me as I sat on the backseat tugging on socks and heavy boots. One of the shoes and both socks I'd just taken off flew out of my hands and landed in the snowbank next to my car as I fumbled to change. By the time I'd finished I was warm from the effort of pulling on my shoes while wearing my coat, had, and scarf. I pulled on my gloves, fished the lost shoe and socks out of the snowbank and shoved them into my bags and slammed the trunk shut. Finally done changing, I felt a little warmer and was confident I could happily wander the lakeside for a good amount of time before the cold got to me.

I made my way down to the footpath just a short distance from the lot I'd parked in and stared out at the lake. It was beautiful. I snapped some photos and enjoyed the view and then the cold started to seep in. Despite the layers and good boots I'd donned, the cold was still sneaking in. I walked a little further and started to feel the cold. I wanted more pictures and still had a couple hours to go before I could check into my hotel. A little further down the path I went before my nose revolted and became a leaking sieve. I blew my nose but didn't want to stop. My fingers joined the rebellion and I started missing the button to take pictures on my camera and instead kept turning the camera off (honestly why do they put those two buttons so close to each other?). Finally, my whole body rebelled and I started to shiver. Determination lost its hold on me, I sighed and lowered my camera. I gave the lake one more longing glance then turned back to see my car was still in sight. I really hadn't gone that far after all. "Screw it." I muttered. "I'm going to Starbucks for a peppermint mocha."