There is plenty of snow in my neck of the woods and, while I do love to ski, lift tickets are expensive.   So, this weekend, I opted to enjoy some nature via snowshoes.    My friend and I headed out toward Carson Pass, south of Gardnerville, NV, up into the California hills and went for a hike above Red Lake off of Highway 88.   The area is near where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the highway and has tons of options for fun in about any direction.   Here’s a good map and directions:   CLICK.  I am trying out a new point and shoot camera (Nikon Coolpix AW100) and a couple of the shots are also from my phone.

People actually ice fish here. No way.

There were lots of tracks from skiers and boarders that had been here before us when the pow-pow was freshy.

The view from above Red Lake back into Hope Valley.

Earned.

After the hike, we drove back to a neat spot to have lunch.   Sorenson’s is a cute, little resort right on the road that has a variety of private cabins that you can rent throughout the year.   There is a tiny restaurant (six tables) that serves amazing, chef-inspired dishes.   I’m sure a million people drive by this place without giving it a second glance.   They are missing out on the good stuff, for real.

Burgundy beef stew for lunch … only $9!

steaming berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream

completely shareable size — but just save room and hog it all for yourself!