Hike at Zephyr Cove

After a picnic lunch at Camp W, we spent some down time on the lawn waiting for the Zephyr Cove hike to begin. Zephyr Cove is right on Lake Tahoe and we love to go down to the lake. Beach access is always fun. And ALWAYS very noisy with 5 barking Shelties. (Jan uses earplugs.)

Playing fetch on the beach,

We drove in the familiar caravan of cars again, with Sandy in the lead. Upon arrival at Zephyr Cove we unloaded and leashed up all the dogs. After we were a short distance from the parking lot it was off leash time. Our dogs love to run with no leash. It was an easy hike to the shoreline where we found an unoccupied section of beach. Then the noisy fun began. There is not as much sandy beach this year, the lake is up about 10 feet. 

Tink on the beach.

Check out the beautiful color of the water

One of the things Sandy loves to do is help dogs learn to swim. She is very good at instilling confidence in them. Water safety is good, even for dogs. And swimming is a good skill to have.
The majority of Shelties are NOT water lovers. Even getting their feet wet is not a fun experience. Ours are getting better about wet feet. Last year we swam Glitter, she did not like it and by her expressions we knew not to do it with her again. She was a little frightened and a lot ticked off. Chip, well he will go near water. We have to be happy with that. Tinkerbell will get her feet wet, but she isn't keen on it. Since she is still young, she gets a "Sandy Swimming Lesson."
This year Sandy waded out into the lake and set each dog on a rock in the water, close to shore.  She gets them a little wet. Then the owner calls the dog. Sandy helps them to swim if they have trouble.

Tink coming out of Lake Tahoe.

The first time she carried Tink out to the rock I was not prepared with the camera because as soon as Sandy let go of her on the rock she flew through the air and almost landed on the shore! Here she is walking out of the water. I thought I had a dock diving dog.

Sandy placing Tinkerbell on the rock. 

Tinkerbell flying through the air the second time.

Second time I was ready. And yes, she again flew through the air, although not as far, I was able to take a picture of her in the air. After two times in the water her recall wasn't working very good. I guess I understand why.

Nancy was able to capture Tink as she hit the water.

Aiden also had a swimming lesson. He was a little slower to leave the rock. Nancy was able to take several pictures of him on the rock but both of us missed a swimming picture.

Aiden on the rock, ready to swim to shore.

We hiked over to a second area of beach. It was hike downhill to the beach and Nancy and I opted to stay at the top. Jan went down to see the beach, Aiden, Chip and Tinkerbell went with him.

Jan my beach man.

Stats for the hike: 1.49 miles & lots of water fun!