I got going fairly early this morning so I could get to the Eagle Falls Trailhead while there was still parking available. With the RV, parking is always a bit more challenging. When we got to the parking area Lake Tahoe was still covered in fog which made for a nice picture.
Abbey and I had a nice hike up to Eagle Lake, about a mile of somewhat steep climbing. The trail is really well-maintained, though, so it was pretty easy for both of us. The lake, with the snow-capped mountains in the background, was beautiful. We took a few side trails around the side of the lake until it got too rocky for Abbey to continue. It was so nice I just stayed there a while and enjoyed the scenery. 
I was in no rush because after we got back down I headed into town to do laundry ' my first time doing it in a laundromat in years. They haven't changed much. Later on I took a drive around Fallen Leaf Lake to check out a trailhead and to find a place to let Abbey in the water. The road around the lake is a one lane road that was the busiest one lane road I've ever been on. It's not really meant for an RV. I'm getting the feeling I should've gotten something smaller and more rugged because I tend to take the RV on roads that it wasn't really meant for. Oh well, I'll have to get by with it for now.
I found a new campground, Fallen Leaf Campground, at the south end of the lake closer to the trailheads where I may hike tomorrow. I say "may" because while I was making dinner tonight I stepped on the edge of Abbey's bowl (which is ceramic) and it flipped up and hit me in the ankle. It's swelling up pretty good so hiking may be out for tomorrow. I am still going to try because I was really looking forward to a nice hike, after getting Abbey out for a short walk and possibly a swim. The scenery around here with the alpine lakes and the rocky peaks is one of my favorite types. I'll just have to figure something out.
Yesterday, I stopped at a caf?? with internet access and updated the blog, but I ran out of time and didn't get to post this recipe. Steve Kupec requested my chili recipe (actually it was Mary Beth's concoction). I had made it while at their house to take with me on the road and I left some behind for him. The recipe leaves a lot of room for experimentation and adaptation to your own tastes. The secret to it, in my mind, is the special types of chili powder that I got from Central Market in Austin. Hopefully, they will last me a while. If you know anyone in Austin, ask them to send you some.
Chili con Carne
2-3 lbs. of ground turkey or beef (or a mix of both)
garlic minced
olive oil
3 bell peppers chopped (I usually use red and/or yellow)
3 large onions chopped
4-6 stalks of celery chopped (optional)
1 28oz. and 1 15oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 or 2 cans red kidney beans (depending on your preference. I usually use 1)
1 can black beans
1 can white beans (great northern or similar)
1 lb. tofu cubed (optional ' if used, then use only 2 lbs. of meat)
1-2 tsp. of chili powder (to start and add more as desired)
?? tsp. chipotle powder (it's hot, so add more or less to your taste. Can substitute another hot chili powder if you can't find this. Cayenne pepper might also work)
Saute a lot of garlic in oil in a large frying pan, and then quickly add onions and saut??. Put in a large stock pot and set aside when tender. Add a little oil, if necessary, and brown meat. Add to stock pot. Saute peppers and celery and add to the stock pot. Then add the tomatoes and beans to the pot and mix well. Then add the tofu and chili powder and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least an hour, and adding more chili powder if necessary. When serving I like to add a few spoonfuls of sour cream, lowfat yogurt or cottage cheese on top.
Emerald Bay
From Nevada Side