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.

Years ago (many years ago,) when I was just beginning a career in real estate, a wise and experienced teacher, Danielle Kennedy, taught that a good Realtor should move every 5 years just to stay in touch with the stress, fear and excitement that our clients will go through during a transaction.  Empathy will go a long way into shaping one as a great Realtor.  Well, Ms. Kennedy, I am here to say that after moving twice in a year, I am about as empathetic as one can get.

Moving in or out of a home in Lake Tahoe has its own unique qualities.  The weather for one!  On one hand, I have always been taught that it is a blessing to have rain on moving day.  What is it when one has a mixture of sun, rain, snow and wind?  You know the adage in Lake Tahoe.  ”If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.”  Here are a few tips that I learned (the hard way.)  

1. If you are renting a moving van, book at least a month in advance and call two days in advance to confirm.  

2. DO NOT try to take care of a change of address through an online program.  Go straight to the post office on Al Tahoe and Lake Tahoe Blvd. and personally ask for the change of address forms, fill them out and hand deliver – at least two weeks in advance.  

3. Collect boxes at least a month in advance – there just aren’t that many in Lake Tahoe.

4.  Plan of staying at the new location for at least 48 hours to hook up new utilities.  Help comes from out of area and the expected time of arrival is something like, “between 8am and 5pm.”  Grab a good book and just relax.

5.  If you are not tech savvy, find a pro and ask them to just hang with you.  

Fortunately, the entire moving experience is a beautiful experience – it’s Lake Tahoe!!  How can you miss??

One of the strongest memories of my childhood were the gatherings of friends and family members all coming together with musical instruments (could be just a bongo or a pair of spoons) and belting out songs at the top of their lungs.  A hometown hootenanny, if you will.  Trust me, other than one uncle who was actually a member of a barbershop quartet (yes, they showed up as well) no one could carry a tune.  Never-the less, singing and dancing by all ages lit up the night.

These memories returned in flood stages this past weekend when a few friends and family members of my own decided to visit a local restaurant to hear another friend perform.  It was lightly snowing outside, the room was packed with casual diners and soon the music began.  And what music!  Guitars, fiddles, mandolins, harmonicas (just two musicians) pulled together to present a lively and wide range of tunes.  ”What do you want to hear?” encouraged Ike.  ”Call ‘em out!”  ”Requests” And boy, did they.  Johnny  Cash, Neil Young, Elton Bishop, Britney Spears (yup) and on and on.  Old and new.  And before you knew it, the entire audience was singing along at the top of their lungs, sharing in the simple joy of music.  Heck, my new young friend Aaron (my guess is age 12ish?) downloaded a Zippo lighter on my IPhone so that I could join in on the waving of the light.

It was a great night. Living and working in Lake Tahoe can be such simple joy.

Early morning Lake Tahoe snow

Folks that live in snow country either LOVE it of HATE it.  Those that hate it generally look for greener (year round) pastures within a few years.  Others love it for about a month and then they HATE it and going looking for those greener pastures (in a seasonal manner.)  Those that LOVE the snow learn to ride the roller coaster fresh powder ride.  When is it coming?  When is it coming?  This weather report said that, that weather report said this.  When is it coming?  AND THEN, we awake to a foot of fresh powder in the yard.  Christmas all over again.  It’s as if Santa came once more.  

Then the frenzy begins.  Make those necessary phone calls, rearrange the schedule, grab the skis, (snow shoes, snowmobile – whatever the choice of winter recreation) and GO.  OUTDOORS.  Winter is back and the Lake Tahoe locals are euphoric.  This is why we live here.