by mk1005 -- Last week I wrote all about my family’s adventures through California Gold Country, the region of the state lying just west of the Sierra Nevada’s. We discovered a beautiful area rich in history but were also eager to discover the Eastern side of the mountain range. Luckily, we did just that as we made our way south to return home.
After leaving the Grass Valley/Nevada City area we headed east along highway 80 through a mountainous forested area. It was absolutely beautiful and we had to stop at a vista point to take in the view...
After we cross the Sierras we made our way south to Lake Tahoe stopping for the night in the town of South Lake Tahoe.
The next morning, after days of complimentary hotel breakfasts, we decided to splurge on a restaurant meal and headed to Heidi’s Pancake House.
Open since 1962 it’s a delightfully kitschy homage to the famed Alpine maiden. But don’t think it’s all atmosphere – the food is actually quite good. We all ordered delicious pancakes and it turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip.
With our fully sated bellies we headed out to explore the lake.
It was crisp and cold and incredibly beautiful. As we explored we came across the Tallac Historic Site – a group of historic lakeside cabins belonging to some of the wealthiest families of the early 20th century.
Unfortunately, the buildings were already closed for the season but the grounds remained open and made for a picturesque nature walk.
We were hoping to then ride horses at the adjacent Camp Richardson but the stables were, unfortunately, closed...
