900 miles

I had such a lovely day in Tahoe and evening at Rosanna's parents house in Reno.

Rosanna unexpectedly got sick from consuming too much nutmeg (who knew? But it's a real thing. She found out the hard way when the lid came off the nutmeg jar as she was putting it into warm milk) so she was unable to go hiking with me.

I drove to Tahoe City and went to Fanny Bridge, a museum and the visitors center. They suggested that I spend some time at Sugar Pine State Park, and told me where I could get a yummy sandwich to take with me. I drove down to the park which was only about 10 miles away, along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. The water is the most beautiful rich blue color I have ever seen. It's magical and sparkly. I paid my $8 and went into the park, found a shady spot for my car and set out along the trail. There is a cool old mansion that was built there in the 1800's, some old boathouses with vintage boats in them and the cabin of the very first settler in Tahoe. They have nice trails and interpretive signs. It was so gorgeous. I walked along the shore and there were lots of happy people picnicking, bike riding, hiking and swimming. It was a perfect day. I found some rocks and feathers that I think Julian will like.

I drove up to Reno in the afternoon to Rosanna's. Her parents, Mary and Larry are lovely people and they have a great home with the Truckee River running through the backyard. They were so comfortable to be around and made me feel very welcome. Rosanna was feeling better by the evening and she made a delicious stir fry with fresh veggies and poached eggs over brown rice. Larry opened some nice wine and we sat outside and talked and laughed. Mary made a fresh strawberry pie for dessert and we looked at photos and talked about our travels.

Rosanna's dad had made a great swing in the backyard and a platform that you climb up on, get yourself into the swing and launch yourself out over the river. I was scared to death, but I did it. My heart was in my throat, but I still managed to scream and laugh at the same time as I was flying through the air. It was fantastic. After the swing became still, I sat in it at twilight and watch the bats come out for their dinner of bugs along the river. More magic.  Larry has also built an outdoor bedroom by the river out of a picnic tent and it has a wood floor, a little table with a lamp and is so cozy. They definitely make the very best of their beautiful surroundings.

I slept well and had happy dreams before setting out this morning around 8:30. It was wonderful to see Rosanna again and to meet her darling parents. I drove for 10 hours today, listening to my books on tape and watching the Nevada desert go by. I enjoyed my drive this time. The last time I was on Interstate 80 was when Taylor was in labor with Julian and I was trying to get there as fast as I could, so not all that enjoyable. It was nice to just look around this time and enjoy the contemplative, meditative time as the miles rolled by.

I'm at my mom's tonight, tired and happy. I'm sure I'll sleep well.