Happy Family after XC skiing to Fallen Leaf LakeOur second Christmas as northern California residents was upon us already. So much had happened over the past year, not the least of which was moving into a new home in Sonoma Valley. We had come a long way from our previous digs – living in our motorhome in a KOA.

Although we do love our motorhome, there are limits to my affection, so last year, after cooking our traditional Christmas Eve feast in Andrew’s apartment in San Francisco, we had headed to Yosemite to finish off the Christmas celebration. It was incredible, so much so that despite having a home now to spend the holidays in, the bar had been raised, and it was my job to create an equally memorable experience.

The pressure was on. Not being terribly creative in my planning, I booked the last cabin in Half Dome Village (the old Curry Village) in Yosemite. The only problem was that it had no bathroom, and the thought of stumbling out in the snow in the middle of the night trying to find the restroom without my contact lenses in, was not an appealing thought. I would hold onto the cabin for now (the cancellation policy was quite generous) until I came up with a better idea.

Skiing on Baldwin BeachTommy suggested Tahoe, so I called Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe to see if any of their rustic cabins were available. At first she said, “Oh no. They were all booked a long time ago,” but then she added “Wait a minute. I just had a cancellation, but it is only for the nights of 12/25 and 12/26.” I couldn’t believe my luck – this was exactly the nights I was looking for. This obviously was meant to be. She then proceeded to describe it – sleeps 8, full kitchen, gas burning stove, and it is right on the lake. Plus at $178 a night, it was only slightly more expensive than my bathroom-less cabin in Yosemite. I grabbed it on the spot.

Spirits were high!!