My Lake Tahoe Legend

There is a legend. There is a lake-where people from all over the world come together during times of peace or war to experience gambling, hotels, shopping, snow skiing, water skiing, camping, and the spectacular scenic views that make up the Lake Tahoe experience.

My Camping And Training Trip

I came to camp out and train for the World's Toughest Triathlon--a race that challenges and tortures its participants with a freezing two mile swim in the lake, followed by a grueling 110 mile bike ride, and a choking high-altitude 18.5 mile run.

Am I totally insane?! Absolutely.

Lake Tahoe straddles the California and Nevada border. It keeps good company with the Sierra Mountains--with altitudes as high as 9000 feet.

It was August. I drove to the south side of the lake from San Francisco, in my clunker, which I slept in at night while I stayed in the middle of nowhere, out in the wilderness, denying myself the comforts of a soft bed and a hot shower offered by one of the many hotels or motels in the area. You won't believe how much money I saved!

If you're a tightwad like me, camping out is definitely the way to go.

My favorite spot is the Inspiration Point rest stop. It is on top of a mountain that overlooks the lake. The view is stunning! (Don't forget to bring your camera, film--and don't forget to take the cap off the lens.) It is about a 20 minute drive up the road from the Raileys Shopping Mall. (OK! I admit I broke down and bought groceries. I didn't live off the land.)

My race training schedule was a three day cycle: On the first day I would wake up around 7:00 A.M., drive to the beach, put on my wetsuit, then swim in the lake. (You see, years ago, someone told me to go jump in the lake. I took it literally.)

Lake Tahoe's water is so clear! I was swimming in water that was about 30 feet deep, and I could see the rocks lining the bottom. The beaches have GOLD sand. They are gorgeous! A park ranger explained to me that the gold color was caused by iron oxide (rust) mixed in with the sand. (You can amaze your friends at parties with that bit of trivia.)