Driving to Reno
Driving down Interstate 80 to Reno from Truckee, you descend about 1,500 feet from 5,900 above sea level to 4,400. Nothing too dramatic. But you travel through the Truckee River gorge from the west side of the SIerra Nevada range to the east side, and this is dramatic. In just 30 or so miles you go from Tahoe National Forest, with lots of pine trees, to the Nevada desert. Here is a shot taken through the windshield to show the transition from forest to desert.
There’s something very impressive about following this river with the mountains surrounding you and the vista becoming more and more open as you near the desert plains.
Travel theme: Wild, Alpine Meadows on a summer evening
Theme inspired by Where’s My Backpack?
Alpine Meadows California, June 24 2013
An April evening at Lake Tahoe
Enjoy good Mexican food and a great view across the street from Commons Beach in Tahoe City.
Wildflowers and Tahoe, Pacific Crest Trail, Barker Pass to Alpine Meadows, 2011
Not much needs to be said here. Enjoy!
The beauty of dead trees, Alpine Meadows in summer
Same stump, different years. The snow pack of 2010 lasted all the way into July, feeding the high Sierra wildflowers. The feature picture was taken in September, 2012. Which is more interesting? Prettier? 
This is near a mountain lake. There is some greenery. 
On the back side of the ridge line, more severe and dry conditions. Which one affects you more (if either!)?
Nicci Carrera 