Lake Tahoe

Heading to Lake Tahoe fulfilled several aims. Most importantly it was a chance to catch up with the Weinshenker side of the family. Dan was undertaking the century bike ride with Team in Training.

Team in Training raises money for Leukemia & Lymphoma research. Leanne, Dan's wife, has recently undergone several months of intensive treatment for lymphoma. Supporting Dan and his friends was really inspirational. As with most events once you start supporting you can not stop cheering on all the people taking part. The ride is known as the most beautiful bike ride in America. The organisers were not wrong. Not only was the route around Lake Tahoe stunning but very hilly. Taking into consideration that those taking part are also riding at over 6000 feet makes the ride even more impressive.

Shannon and I 'camped' in a State Park. To be honest we were not really roughing it the wilderness with amenities close by. This did not however stop us from taking the relevant bear precautions storing all the food beer boxes. Shannon drew the line in letting me bring some boat paddles into the tent just in case a beer visited. We have come to the conclusion that we enjoy the great outdoors but are essentially urbanites with our fear of sharks and bears.

I also had my first s'more experience. For the uninitiated, (the Brits), essentially a s'more is cooked marshmellow sandwiched with two sweet biscuits and Hershey chocolate. After several attempts I perfected the cooking of marshmellow under the close supervision of the s'more guru Shannon.

Both Shannon and I enjoyed the chance to spend some quality time with Dan and Leanne before they headed back to Denver. Lidia is a little live wire and kept us entertained throughout the day. Having started our get fit regime the altitude provided the opportunity to kick start out training. The runs were slow and breathless- it will take a while to get into shape again.

Returning from Lake Tahoe we stopped off in both Benicia and Marin County. It was lovely to pop in to see Kerry, Sammy and Katie in Benicia. T-ball in the garden,and hide and seek kept us on our toes.

Marin County is just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It looks great for cycling with great views, undulating hills and not too much traffic. The small towns and villages are a million miles from the hustle of the larger cities.