We had not planned anything; All we knew was that we were
going to Tahoe. Excited yet unprepared!!
None of us had any gloves, cap or shoes to be worn in the
Snow .Only precaution we took was the chain for the wheels to drive in the
snow.
We started from Hotel Strata at 6am, picked up N from Marriott.
Thus began our journey from West El Camino Real to Boreal (close to Lake Tahoe)
up the US-80.We stopped over at Starbucks to have our breakfast around
9am.
By 11am we were only 60miles away from Boreal when we came
to know there was a road block ahead. All the cars driving on US-80 were
getting diverted. The police instructed us that to reach Tahoe we should take
US-49 & 50.
Without losing any more time, B drove through the road
smoothly .As we took the twist and turns of the narrow way uphill, I started
feeling dizzy. The thoughts of seeing snow had taken a back seat for me now, as
I had to take medicines to ensure that I feel better.
One clear hairpin like bend and there ahead of
us was the first view of the snow and it was amazing. A white carpet spread all
over the Christmas trees. I felt I had entered the childhood fairy tale story
book, where the snow man with a carrot nose and the red cap would be standing
there alone amidst the miles and miles of snow. 
The view was amazing, so was the company.
We were following the trail of the cars. It was a single
lane and the cars were moving slowly and cautiously keeping to the right .Any
wrong move can be fatal. We noticed most of the people were stopping to put on
the chains.
All this while it was drizzling, when that mild drizzle has
transformed to snow fall. Awesome!!
We got off our car and stood by the road trying to relate to
reality. For us it seemed a dream come true. A drop in the corner of your eyes,
we were surely missing our dear ones!!
A road covered with snow on either sides, it was miles of
white carpet till where your eyes can reach. In all this whiteness trails of
cars of different colours moving slowly up the US-50.An incredible view
captured in B’s camera.
In the chilling cold, with the snowflakes dripping all over our
body these guys started the expedition of putting up the chains on the front
wheels. No gloves on, the fingers were going numb in few seconds. They would
take turns and get into the car to roast their numb fingers in the heater.
While I was cozily parked inside the car. That’s the Selfish me. But I actually
didn’t want to spoil the broth.
After a long effort of half hour the chains were finally on.
We were now ready to move up the hill to Sierra at Tahoe.
It was almost 8 feet of snow on both sides. The road had
sharp turnings. We had to take the hairpin like bends very cautiously and
definitely challenging for someone driving in snow for the first time. We were
in safe hands of our friend who drove through slowly not faltering at any
point. Cautious yet playful.
When we reached the top at Sierra at Tahoe, the clock said
it was 1.30pm
Moment we got off the car, the gusty wind seemed to be
sweeping our feet off the ground. The snow was piercing us deep within.We rushed inside straight to the second floor where
you get the ski boarding equipment. But unfortunately enough to our
disappointment the last training class for the day had started so it didn’t
make much sense to try skiing without any proper training and then land up injuring ourselves. They asked us to come back the next day. We
knew we had to wait till we come back again to Tahoe L
Not losing any more time, we hopped into the snow like
toddlers, throwing snowballs at each other!! Pushing each other in the snow
till we were out of breathe.
Soon we realized we were not appropriately dressed for the
snow. Our fingers couldn’t sense anything. Eyes half closed barely making
through that snow cloud. By this time we were hungry and thirsty too. We
decided to go up to the restaurant and refuel ourselves. On our way to the
restaurant we participated in a survey and won a free glass of Hot ChocolateJ
Once at the restaurant we helped ourselves with some yummy
beer battered fish and chips, sandwiches, Buffalo wings and pizza. Of course
there was red wine, Jack Daniels and some strong beer also.
Now
we were energetic again and also warm from inside to bear the blisters from the
snow. As we walked into the snow in the skiing area it was heavenly. The fresh
snow was lying everywhere .One step into it and you will sink in it for some
time. We played in the snow, rolled on it and danced around.
The snowflakes were piercing our skin still we were enjoying
nature’s bounty. The wind was too strong and chilly. Walking casually I slipped
into the fresh snow, immediately it was knee deep and I soon found myself
screaming for help. When i finally got pulled out of it I couldn’t stop rolling
with laughter. Fresh snow and Quick sand isn’t the same J
Clock was ticking away, and we had to head back before the
roads close down. Those deadly bends didn’t seem dangerous anymore. Having come
down a few miles we thought of having the chains removed. Pulled over close to
another van, seemed they had stopped to play in the dark woods covered by snow.
We could hear chirping of several kids in the darkness of the woods.
The guys got off and started several methods to take the chain
off but all efforts were in vain. Finally they sought help of the family ahead
of us. They seemed well equipped. While I was once again cozily parked inside
as that’s what my friends had told me to do, they relentlessly made efforts to
take the chain off. Sitting inside in
that comfort zone I stared into the
darkness next to me , trees standing like monsters , snow covered and deep
within me a fear of getting lost in that darkness. Overwhelmed by all these
thoughts initially I missed the sight of few hands waving at me outside the
window. Coming back to my senses I realized the whole gang was shouting at me
trying to say something waving
their hands…pulled the window
shield down and all I could hear was “Get Off” Get Off” “We need to take the
tire out”
Seems they were trying to take the tire off for quite some
time and were clueless what was stopping the car from moving up. It was me J Finally the tire was in K’s hand, the chain was pulled out
and I contributed by putting the chain into the box. Well applauded!!!
Waving a goodbye to our saviors in the Van we set forth
towards El Camino Real. Stopped over for a quick grab at McDonalds.
Post-midnight I finally found myself cozily tucked into my
bed, eyes closed and the snow princess taking me on a ride on her reindeer over
the white carpet once more.
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