Hidden Treasures in Lake Tahoe Neighborhoods
We recently moved from one local South Lake Tahoe neighborhood to another. And while I was looking forward to some of the new amenities (pool table, hot tub and high speed internet included,) I was starting to mourn the loss of my wonderful forested trails on the edge of Montgomery Estates. From outside my door, I could head up the road and enter a magical forest of pines, granite boulders, creeks and waterfalls. One hour of strolling and I felt as though I had had a couple of days away from the office.
Now, with no more excuses, it was time to get out and try walking in the new hood. Somewhat bummed, I started out along the various roads keeping my eyes and ears posted for traffic with crisp air, blue skies and chirping birds and squirrels accompanying me.
About the time I was to begin the homeward turn, I noticed a vacant lot that appeared to be bordering some kind of meadow. It also looked as though I may have discovered a shortcut so I decided to give it a try. What a surprise! I had discovered a stunning meadow studded with lupine, mule’s ear, Indian paintbrush, wild irises and a multitude of flowers whose names I simply do not know. Truly! And to highlight the wonder of my discovery, I realized that this hidden treasure was adjacent to Highway 50 in Meyers. I have lived here since 1992 and had no idea that there was yet, another treasure waiting to be discovered.
The more I thought about it, the more I pondered if there was a neighborhood in the South Shore that didn’t have a slice of Paradise right in its’ backyard. Was it possible? To seek some answers to my questions, I sat down with a map of the South Shore and sure enough, every neighborhood had at least a meadow, forest, river, golf course or park – something that could be accessed by foot within a short distance. “That’s it,” I decided. From this point on, whenever I take clients to look at homes, I am going to also point out the neighborhood “escape” route. After all, there is a reason we choose to live in Lake Tahoe. Now, we just need to continue rediscovering the glory.
[SinglePic not found]Rediscovering Simple Joy
With today’s struggling economic conditions, many of us here in Lake Tahoe are experiencing the same stressful and life-altering circumstances as those found throughout the country. As real estate professionals, we are finding that just about every aspect of our profession is filled with a heavy intensity that we haven’t experienced in years. Yet we are finding, much to our delight, that with these new realities are rediscovered joys.
Lately I have been reflecting on how these changes in our lives remind me of the lyrics of a Jimmy Buffett song, “Changes in Latitudes.” When you think about it, nothing does remain quite the same. And if we didn’t laugh, we just might go insane. So, in looking for ways to continue laughing while changing a lifestyle in which dollars flowed with a bit more ease, we have been discovering not only wonderful alternatives to lifestyles, but a great deal more joy and laughter. Following are just a few examples.
Dining out has been replaced with potlucks. Yup, good old potlucks. And guess what? Potlucks provide a better environment to visit with loved ones and a heck of a lot more laughter. For example, a few years ago, a group of friends got together to form a “gourmet club.” Once a month between Labor Day and Memorial Day (opposite season of Beach Night Dinners – see Beach Night Blog) we gather for a scrumptious, off-the-charts, pot luck dinner. Themes have varied from country cuisine to famous chefs. And for very little expense, we all indulge ourselves into a fantasy meal with lively conversation (no waiter shushing us) and no tips to cough up.
In lieu of movies and shopping, we have find ourselves spending more time canoeing (free & exercise,) walks in the forest (free and exercise,) reading juicy novels (free and stimulating) and partaking in those artistic endeavors we all said we “would like to do if only we had more time” (free and no one has to see them.)
One of the great advantages of living in Paradise has been the shifting of vacations from far-away travel to backyard excursions. We discovered “commuter camping” (more details in Commuter Camping Blog) which involves going to work during the day and heading out to a campsite or cabin in the afternoon to spend the night. You’ve got to try it. We even spent a week in the tranquility of the High Sierra’s sleeping under the stars and soaking up the quiet bliss. (Okay, we’re old now and we had mules carry in our luxuries.)
Best of all, we find ourselves spending more time with family and friends And, quite frankly, there has been nothing more joyful than rediscovering the awe and wonder of the world through the eyes of our one and a half year old granddaughter, Aubrey. Oh, and what eyes they are.
Indeed, less is appearing to be more, each and every day.