It’s easy to get stuck in a box, or mentally trapped when a routine goes on for too long. So, in an effort to rewire our brains and start thinking outside of the box, again, we went for a road trip.
For years, I had dreamed of exploring Highway 395, starting at Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay and making our way south to a little lake off the beaten path called Convict Lake.
With a perfect weather window and just enough time over a long weekend, we packed up the van, stock the fridge with all sorts of goodies, and loaded up our Oru Lake Kayaks.
Day 1:
Our first morning on the road was early, arriving at Emerald Bay for the goal of a sunrise paddle. Underestimating the time it takes to walk to the water from Eagle Falls, we arrived just after sunrise.
Setting up the kayaks in under ten minutes, we were on the water and headed for the island centered in the bay.
I was blown away at the clarity of water in Lake Tahoe. The water was so clear we found the sunken ship 30 or more feet under the surface of the water.
As my mind began breaking down the boxes' walls, we drifted into the island of Emerald Bay where it’s rumored a woman enjoyed tea daily in the house sitting atop the highest point. Inside the roofless teahouse, I gazed out and fancied the idea of sipping tea with the spectacular view every day.
Pinching myself back to reality, Kristin and I headed back for a bite to eat and our next destination, the east shore of Lake Tahoe for a sunset paddle among the rocky shoreline.
After a stellar first day, we were already feeling the benefits of this road trip. The mental reset was beginning and we were ready to step outside of our box. As we drove south, smiles started to beam. We were feeling refreshed.
Day 2:
Arriving at Twin Lakes, just outside of Bridgeport, CA, in the early morning we pulled the kayaks out from the back of the van and paddled all morning. The lake was gorgeous, still with a view of jagged peaks as the backdrop. Among those peaks are a few classic rock climbing routes that we will have to return another day to enjoy.
Bouncing down the dirt road, we had made good time.
Immersed in nature, with fewer distractions, we are able to breathe. The views are grand and we have room to stretch out both figuratively and mentally. By being in the van and paddling everyday, we have changed our routine. Instead of waking up and sitting behind the computer, we are immersed in sunlight, taking in the ambient sounds.
One of the stops I was looking forward to most was Owen’s River. While the name may sound a bit daunting, the water is practically still as it winds through the grasslands towards Owen’s Lake a mile away.
A few years back, I had stopped at this river and told myself I would return to do something on it. The place was far too gorgeous not to, so, here we are. Ready to paddle down the winding Owen’s River at sunset.
After dinner, I stepped outside to have a look at the night sky. To my surprise, the milky way was lurking overhead, proud. I just stood there. Taking in its beauty.
Day 3:
Morning came fast. We were on our last full day of the trip, but wanted to make the most of it. Waking before sunrise and eager for a morning of pampering, we headed for hot springs.
Bouncing down yet another dirt road, we landed in the parking lot and quickly headed for the the wood planked path towards our soaking paradise. Dipping a toe, then sinking into the hot spring, we were in heaven.
Enjoying coffee and hot water, we sat together and chatted. Making time for each other. Listening to stories and talking about the future. Our busy lives had distracted us from what really mattered, each other.
Taking in this reset, slowing down, appreciating the innate beauty often overlooked.
Our last evening was spent lakeside reading a book, paddling, getting sunburnt, and taking time for the present. If we had not made this trip, we would have remained in our routine. Stuck in a box. However, we committed to making this happen, thankfully.
As the night faded into an explosion of a sunset, the creativity was at an all time high. After seeing the milky way high in the sky last night, I had the idea of putting fairy lights into the clear kayaks and going for a night paddle under.
Floating atop the water felt wrong. The light from the kayaks made it so we could see into the water, but it felt as though we were floating among the stars.
Day 4:
While this trip was originally a dream a few years back, it has now become a reality. Breaking down the walls and stepping outside of the box, we were able to shift our perspective and sink into what really matters. Each other.
While neither of us wanted to go home, we knew we needed to, but we had one last stop, Convict Lake. Waking up before sunrise, we made it to this stellar lake for sunrise and paddle all morning until we had to pack it in and drive home.
On the drive home we reflected on the hour floating on the water, paddling into sunsets and sunrises, the wounds from the daily grind have been healed. For now, each breath is filled with life and clarity is ever-present.
I just hope the next trip isn’t years away.
