We were in Lake Tahoe for three days, two nights this week. Absolutely glorious up there what with the grandeur, the great fall weather, the autumn colors, the all night buffets at the casinos…On the way up, we also stopped in Placerville, CA and decided we liked the local flavor shopping there as much if not a bit more than in historic Folsom. Anyways, Priceline got us a room for 54.99 a night at Horizons Casino. Not the greatest place to stay by any means, but we were looking to get away on the cheap and take advantage of the between-season calm up at Tahoe. Maybe next trip we’ll head up to the north part of the lake and stay at the Hyatt Grand Regency. That looks like the best place to stay if you want to feel like you are “somewhere” vs. being in a hotel. With weekday non lake view rates going for about 170 a night — that’s a bit too much for us right now if we want to eat or shop as well.We did some shopping, spent a little money gambling but the highlight this trip was seeing the Kokanee salmon making their spawning run at Taylor Creek. I’ve never really smelled / felt verdure before, but I did at Taylor Creek. It seems odd to say, but the place just smelled fresh on top of the stunning beauty of the forest / meadow / marsh / stream / lake.
As for the creek itself, its crystal clear and filled with Kokanee Salmon (<– big image) making their spawning run.
Each autumn, from late September through mid-October, one of biology’s clocks sounds an irresistible alarm. Mature kokanee salmon, transformed from a silver-blue color to a fiery vermilion, twist their narrowing way upstream from Lake Tahoe to spawn in the gravels of Taylor Creek, near South Lake Tahoe. The sight of the blazing salmon draws many spectators, who can observe the fish at close range in several places. The kokanee’s commitment to its nature is compelling. People tend to stop for a brief look, then become transfixed [Full Article].
We were among the transfixed. But that could not shut us up either“These guys are dying to have sex.”“That’s commitment.”“Look at that one, I think she died a virgin…”etc…
Absolutely amazing picture of the kokanee!