Horses, Chowder & Bears Oh My!

August 31st, Tahoe City, CA

We woke up this morning in the deep forest of the William Kent Campground, nestled under a canopy of towering pine trees. We are just across the road from the Lake which is surrounded by the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It is a glorious place in which to spend time camping with loved ones.

Lindsey, Jon and Porter emerged from their tent this morning grateful for the pot of coffee and other comforts we can provide, thanks to Rhoda. We visited over a lovely breakfast and made plans for the day.

We explored the nearby town of Truckee and had a light lunch there before the day's big event...horseback riding. Lindsey and I have ridden all of our lives. Some of you may remember my wonderful horse, Blue. Jamie is a recent convert to riding but Jon has only been on a horse once or twice as a child. He was a bit nervous today but as soon as Jon met his horse, Sarge, he was enthusiastic, confident and ready to go.

We had a beautiful ride through the Tahoe National Forest. All of our horses were gentle and surefooted and we all enjoyed ourselves, especially Jon and Sarge!

We got back to the campground ready for margaritas (except for Jamie who is a Coke Zero guy) and supper. Lindsey & Jon just returned from Cape Cod and brought the world's best clam chowder from Capt. Parkers in West Yarmouth. It was an exotic meal to have in Lake Tahoe, CA and was absolutely delicious.

We ate dinner outside like we usually do when camping but tonight we were extra careful in our cleanup. Our campground is experiencing high bear activity. Lindsey found bear scat near her tent this morning.

Every campsite is equipped with a bear locker. Anyone staying in a tent must store food and anything else with a smell, such as lotions, in the locker. We have to keep our truck locked and make sure there is no food or even candy wrappers inside because bears break into vehicles if they smell food, We lock Rhoda's doors too. .It's serious business. Once bears learn to associate people with food, they lose their natural fear of humans. Bears that have no fear of people become dangerous and may have to be destroyed. Far too many of these glorious animals lose their lives as a result of human carelessness.

We've taken all necessary precautions so we can all be safe tonight...bears and people alike. Sweet dreams from all of us On The Rhoda.