Meeks Bay Hike with Tom & Dianne

Dianne feeding some getting to know you treats.

Sometimes the dogs will change positions so they are
in a better spot as she goes around the circle.

We've been excited for today because we are spending some time with Nancy's friends who have a cabin on the west shore of Lake Tahoe in Tahoma.

Tom and Dianne's cabin.

We arrived at 2pm and we were warmly greeted by Tom and Diane and their three Shelties. After introductions, get to know you dog treats and some shoe changing for hiking, we were off on another new adventure.

Meeks Bay Trailhead sign.

Today I was trying something a little different with my dogs by giving them Zukes Power Bones frequently during the hike. They are not use to constant exercise and lack of daytime sleep, I was trying to help their energy level similar to what I do with GU.

Hiking with Tom and Dianne. 

It was nice on this hike to be going down this dirt road, the forest was still beautiful and remote feeling and the wide path made it so we could walk side by side and visit.

View during the hike.

Beautiful meadow we hiked past.

When we came to the beginning of another trailhead into Desolation Wilderness we turned back. Our older dogs had hiked enough for the day. Stats: 3 miles

Tom holding "Paul Newman", Basie, Diane and Shelby.

Our gang.

By now you've noticed one of the things we love to do is line all the Shelties up for group pictures. Since our dogs for the most part have pretty good stays, then the challenge is to get them all looking at the camera at the same time. Sometimes we use treats, words, noises or movement. Or all of the above!

L-R: Glitter, Chip, Tinkerbell, Aiden, Shelby
and Basie. Laying in front, Gizmo.

Glitter makes an unexpected stop to rest in the wildflowers.

Driving Directions:  From the cabin take Hwy 89 to the Meeks Bay Resort. (498 Log Cabin Road marks the location of the Meeks Bay Trail Head). Parking is located across the highway from the resort in a small dirt parking lot.

Hike Summary: Meeks Bay is more than just the trail head for the classic Tahoe to Yosemite backpacking trip; it also stands on its own as a excellent trail head into the beauties of the Desolation Wilderness for shorter moderate day hikes. A much quieter, less trafficked hike this trail and builds to its summit slowly and leisurely. The hike takes you along the northern most part of the unofficial Tahoe-Yosemite Trail. A day use permit is required and available at the self-service station at the trailhead.

Hiking Directions:  The Meeks Bay trail head is to the right of the seasonal permit cabin and the information board. After following a road for approximately 1.3 miles, the trail passes a small spring, parallels Meeks Creek which flows through Meeks Meadow and continues upward into a forested valley. 

Special Features: Meeks Meadow is spectacular and brimming with many different kinds of beautiful wildflowers. Mallow, iris, meadow aster, buckwheat, wandering daisy, yarrow, yampah, phlox, scarlet gilia, monkshood, flax, and lupine fill the meadow and are just some of the variety you can see in full bloom (peak bloom is in late June to July).

Geocaching:

"Mile Marker # 61" GCW3TA

N 39° 02.202 W 120° 07.567

Hint:  Zig zag, lets go down to the borderline.

"Meekly Speaking" GC1ZZEC

N 39° 02.177 W 120° 07.766

Hint: At the heart of the matter. 

"Magestic Giant" GCR2DQ

N 39° 01.463 W 120° 08.719

Hint: When you arrive at the location, you will understand the name.