Baldwin Beach & First Time Camping in South Lake Tahoe

On Saturday, I went to Lake Tahoe with a friend. I was quite excited since it was my first time in Lake Tahoe. I was supposed to go to Lake Tahoe with a group of my friends around this time, but they never finalized the details so it hasn't happened yet.

So, me and my friend originally planned on leaving Sacramento and head out to Lake Tahoe at 6am. I didn't get out of work until 5:08am though. I decided to just fill up on gas and pick up stuff and leave. I didn't feel tired while driving to #LakeTahoe, but the sun was shining so brightly on my eyes! I couldn't drive very fast since I couldn't see much of the road ahead of me. It took my about 2 hours to drive to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento that morning. There were lots of passing lanes, which I appreciated.

I was amazed by the scenery of Lake Tahoe on the drive to the destinations. I love how the tall height of the trees. I like the mountains. I was terrified at one point when I was driving because I noticed how high we were on the mountain. It was magnificent though. 

Our first destination was Baldwin beach. I knew that I definitely wanted to go to a beach in Lake Tahoe. I researched a few beaches and there were a lot of beautiful beaches. I think I decided #Baldwinbeach because I read that it was more secluded and it seemed closer. I also like the view of the mountain and lake at the same time. 

When we first got to the beach, we noticed a hot air balloon. I thought it was cool, but wished it was closer, so that we would have a better view. I think we were the first ones at the beach that day! The parking lot was completely empty until we showed up.

I also noticed some grills and tables that are just right off the parking lot. Too bad, I didn't get to see anyone use them that day.

I dont know why, but I enjoyed the small walk to the beach. I didn't like the sand as much though.

Since we were the first ones on the beach, we had it all to ourselves for a bit, which was nice. The view far from us looked gloomy, but nice nonetheless.

 There was paddleboats, canoe boats, and other stuff already on the beach when we got there. It wasn't long until staff came to assist those who wanted to rent the boats and other items.

I really like the water at the Baldwin beach. It was clear and clean. The waves weren't too strong. It was cold, but eventually I got used to it. I'm glad that when I first arrived I took a dip in the water.

For lunch, we had burgers, soda, and some chips. I ate 2 burgers and some chips, but I was still kind of hungry, but I was ok for at the moment.

While swimming and looking at the scenery, we notice others starting to come in and participating in water activities. It looked so cool and something fun to do.

I think jet skiing was probably the most fun looking activity.

Lately, I been spending more time on Pinterest and one of my favorite things to look at is things to do and travel. I remembered that I saw a hair flip picture on Pinterest and knew that I just had to do it sometime.

Ah, there's no other feeling that being in nice water. I'm glad that the water wasn't that deep. I'm also glad that there wasn't that many rocks there, which made it easier to put my feet in the sand. I didn't go to far though because I didn't really know how to swim well.

I think around 11 was when the beach started to get really packed and there was people all over the beach. I sort of wanted to walk along the beach, but then again I know that walking on beaches can take a long time from my experience at Limantour Beach in Point Reyes.

 At noon, we decided to leave and look for a walk in camping spot. When we were leaving the Baldwin Beach parking lot, one of the rangers waved at us, which was cool. I also noticed that there was a long line of cars waiting to get in since the parking lot was full and I think that a car only gets to come in once another car leaves.

I haven't ever went camping before, but I wanted to go. We first tried calling places around us. We originally were going to go to Mount Rose, which was over an hour drive from the current spot, but I didn't exactly feeling driving further, so we contacted closer campgrounds. I believe it was DL Bliss Campground that told me that they still had spots open and couldn't sell spots until 12pm, so we drove to there only to find out they were full. The volunteer then suggested that we head to the US Forest Forest which was pretty close and would be able to tell us more about camping places, so we headed there.

When we reached the center, I noticed that there was lots of stuff to do there. There were hiking trails, beaches, and other possible places which I didn't really take the time to explore because I wanted to make sure we had a camping spot.

Now that I think about it, it would have been cool to explore that place. It looked great.

The ranger recommended that we head to Camp Richardson, which was like pretty close. So, we headed there. I stopped at the first #CampRichardson sign I saw and it was actually a horseback riding destination. We then found out that the campground was right after it. That area was where there was the most traffic. In addition, at the area was when I first smelled campfires when I first reached Lake Tahoe.

We were lucky enough to have a camping spot without a reservation. The camping fee was $35, which I found reasonable although I never been camping before. I really liked that there were other people around instead of us because that made me feel safer. Also, I liked that we can drive our cars right at our camping spot and set up from there.

 At nighttime, we lit up a fire with the pit that they had installed in the park and made some s'mores. The s'mores were so delicious and fitting camping.

I was really hoping to see stars, but there was so many trees surrounding us that we didn't get a good view of the stars. We did get to see the moon for a few minutes though until the view was eventually blocked by trees.

It was so cold at night, I really should have brought more blankets and created more layers for comfort. Oh well, at least I know what to next time. I really hope to explore Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, or other destinations soon with friends.

When we came back to Sacramento, the drive was more smooth, especially since the sun wasn't as bright. When we were back in Sacramento, we ate at Bangkok at 12. It was my first time there although I used to frequent the area. The food was delicious. I think I will definitely be back.

 I loved the fried roti with condense milk and coconut ice cream. My friend said that he didnt like curry, but read the reviews of the mango curry and wanted to give it a try. My friend tried the curry and was very happy about it and was glad to know that curry can be so delicious. Ah, now I cant wait for more thai food and fun adventures :).

Paduacee and Jessey's Birthday

On Jessey's and Paduacee's birthday, we went to Golden Corral for lunch. I thought it was interesting that that the place had cotton candy and fondues. Other than that, it's just a regular old buffet. The only dish that really stood out to me was the mashed potatoes. Those were really good.

During the evening, we all met up at Paduacee's place. Paduacee and Jessey both opened up their gifts. They both seemed to like their presents.

After opening gifts, we went to the Park Ultra Lounge. We probably waited for about 15 minutes until we got inside.

When we got inside, everyone ordered a long island iced tea. We got there pretty early, so there was like no one in the dance floor yet.

We spent most of our time talking, taking photos, and trying some drinks.

I only had 3 drinks while I was there. I had the long island iced tea, gummy bear shot, and sex on the beach. It was my first time trying long island iced tea and I thought it was alright.

It was Paduacee's first time clubbing and she thought that the experience was ok. It wasn't my first time, but each time that I went I have enjoyed my experiences.

My friend ordered this blue drink she saw someone had and said it was called AMF. Later on I noticed my friend got another blue drink and wondered if it was the same one. I looked up drinks name and realized they both got the same drink, Adios (AMF).

Paduacee and Kha had a challenge with Jessey to get some girls numbers. I remembered that when we were at the club and I pushed Jessey away a few times and told him to not come back unless he had some numbers. Jessey managed to reach his goal of 5 numbers that night, which was cool. I also got Jessey to take some pictures with some hot ladies.

I liked dressing up, especially since I don't have the opportunity to dress up.

It was nice seeing some familiar faces and it was pretty fun. I went on the dance floor too, but I didnt stay for too long.

I wished I had a better camera that night because most of my photos are dark.

 Overall, I had lots of fun. I believe that Paduacee and Jessey did as well.  I can't wait for out next gathering together.

Walking through the UC Davis Arboretum

Yesterday,  I walked through the whole arboretum with Xeng. It was my first time ever doing it. I've walked it before, but not the whole thing. Before we walked to the arboretum, we grabbed pastries at Konditori.

I remember during my university days, I used to walk to In-n-Out Burger whenever I had a craving while studying. I would take the trail on the arboretum because it's a nice view and I think it was shorter.

The weather was pretty hot yesterday and I'm glad that we didn't go too late in the day. I saw some pretty nice collections, but I think my favorite was the Redwoods collection. It really made me feel that I was in a different place. I loved that there were picnic benches in the redwood collection. Maybe I will go there and have a picnic on day.

 

 

You saw that owl? Wait, I don't think it's an owl. But, its pretty freaky.

Among one of my favorite sightings yesterday was a cactus, a trunk, and the bridges.

While walking through the trail, I decided to create a montage video using the Montaj app. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the experience walking through the arboretum. But, I think one of the best times to walk through it is when its pretty cool and misty and after it rained. That way it wouldn't be so hot and I like how nature looks like when its been touched by rain.