As we wrapped up our exploration of rugged and rural California, Alex and I headed northeast from Sacramento to the state's border with Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest in the United States, and known for its jaw-dropping alpine beauty. While visitor information for this vast body of water is generally divided into north or south, we chose to drive the full length of Tahoe, turning off interstate 80 and heading down a 72-mile journey. 

Stopping off at Camp Richardson to enjoy horseback riding and alpine food, we had to make the well-known stop-off at Emerald Bay and stop off at some of the historic buildings along the route. We also checked in at Truckee, a railroad town that is picture-postcard pretty, as well as Meeks Bay, the ancestral land of the Washoe Indians. We both agreed that it felt amazing to feel so much closer to nature on this trip.

Legend has it that mobsters often chose Lake Tahoe as the final resting place of their foes. At a maximum depth of 1645 feet, and with a noticeably convex surface due to it's impressive scale, it sure does make for a good place to disappear. Luckily for us, we enjoyed hours of swimming, diving, and waterside activities alongside the shoreline - no encounters with mobsters or their victims. Our favorite spot along the route was Meeks Bay, where

the forest meets the sand. Like most areas of incredible natural beauty in the United States, Lake Tahoe has a long history going back around two million years, as well as a deep connection to Native Americans. The lake is at the center of Washoe Indian territory, and we never felt closer to it than we did taking the trail up at Meeks Bay. This is a really special place to visit and we felt honored to be here. 

The natural Cave Rock formation along the Nevada state line is known to be sacred to the Washoe Indians, in part because of a face-like shape overlooking the lake.