We were shocked when we received the news of Annie’s passing! It was totally unexpected! I was planning to go on a Backroads bike tour of Oregon with her and husband, Tom, in September. A celebration of life was planned at Lake Tahoe and I knew we had to be there! A life rattling event like this is so emotional on many levels. For Tom this was his amazing partner and fellow traveler on adventurous roads around the globe. They had gone on over 80 bike and intrepid exploration tours on every continent! They were our neighbors in Colorado for 20 years before moving to Tahoe. They attended parties with our grandsons and Wesco Fabrics’ events. On our first week-end visit to see their new home on the lake they even invited my Mom! Annie was a bigger than life energy force and will be missed by many!

Tom courageously talked about Annie and their life together beginning with their first meeting when he was a naval officer during the Viet Nam War. Many of her friends shared often humorous Annie stories. Everyone in the room at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Club were moved by the memories of this amazing lady. Annie’s ashes are now in the lake she adored and called home. She is the quintessential Queen of the Lake.

Marla and I felt the powerful pull of our own lives together and the importance of this moment,… right now! This is the “time”,… as we have no control on our own karmic dice,…or when it is our time to depart this astral plane.

Marla and I reminisced about our trip in 2012 with Annie and Tom in Bali. We all stayed at the Royal Pita Maha Resort in Kedewatan, Bali.

Our driver took us to Bridges Restaurant in Ubud.

Marla and I loved sharing the “Ogoh ogoh” parade for Nyepi, the Balinese New Year with them.

After our adventure together, they continued to explore the island on a bike tour. It was not unusual for them to go on 3 or 4 big adventure trips a year!

Annie and Tom at the entrance to the “Healing Pool” at the Royal Pita Maha.

Memories kept cascading of my own history with beautiful Lake Tahoe growing up. My parents loved the Lake we often visited. This is my Grandmother and Grandfather departing Oakland California for Lake Tahoe in 1918! My Grandmother was 28 at the time.

This is my Grandmother at Emerald Bay around 1915.

The morning was clear and crisp as we began a hike near the Tallac Historic Site. The water level was down, always a worrisome event at the Lake.

The feeling I was experiencing on this trail cannot be easily put in words. Sublime!

We explored cabins built by Anita Gibson and her daughter Dextra Baldwin in 1915.

We passed the ruins of the old Tallac Casino built by “Lucky” Baldwin in 1901. The story of how they hid the illegal gambling equipment is fascinating! The image shows how high the water level was at the time.

This old photograph shows wealthy visitors on a boat near the casino around 1910. I am fascinated by how formally everyone dressed in this era, even out in the wilds of Lake Tahoe.

This wonderful photo is from 1897. The attire for fishing is just amazing!

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Cafe Fiore.. Love this restaurant!

I love breakfast and often find good spots by chatting up the locals. This was the Getaway Cafe near Meyers outside of south Lake Tahoe.

The post COVID world has resulted in oodles and oodles of people traveling! This is one of my very favorite places at Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay. Look closely to see a traffic jam…of boats!

Our family camped near this area when I was young.

One beautiful day ends…and another beautiful day will begin soon. These are moments to hold on tightly and to treasure!

Yes,….this is OUR moment! And, yes,…I am looking forward to the Oregon bike tour!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Do not share without permission.