Lake Tahoe developed over the years first as a source of timber for the gold rush mines and also for fishing. It then became a summer retreat and a winter ski field for wealthy families from the coast. Developers eventually moved in and now a lake-side block is worth $millions. Rafe and Dianne were lucky to get in before the prices went up, but the GFC hit them for six and they were considering selling the house at one stage.
Rafe had organised a barbeque for the "Gang" that evening and they gradually arrived one by one.
Don and his son Sean had ridden down on their Harleys from Alberta in Canada.
Barry arrived on his Yamaha Super Tenere and not a Harley ( he rode a different bike every year we were told) Dick the Orthodontist and Joe (who owned restaurants with Rafe in the past) both lived in Tahoe Al came from I know not where on his very quick Harley. Finally Billy and Dan arrived with the highly amusing story that Billy had gone to pick up his rented Harley only to find that his Drivers Licence had expired. So Dan had to drive into Reno and hire it for him. Billy was a lawyer to boot! Dan was the musician and brought his small guitar for entertainment. He lived in Lake Tahoe and his wife Janice was there too.
There was another guest Larry, who was just back from the "Burning Man" festival, but was not going on the ride. This is a big alternative life-style festival that culminates in the burning of a huge figure hence the title. Larry entertained us with stories from the festival. He had the job of helping at the steam baths where most of clients (men and women) were naked - tough gig!
We ate the barbeque in the gloaming at the end of Rafe's jetty and everyone was going to be ready at 7 am to take off the next day. We were to meet up with Steve and his son Jake in Springfield near Zion Canyon in a couple of days.
Dick, Don, Dan, Janice, Sean, Barry, Billy, Al, Dianne, Larry and Alan on the jetty
Larry, Rafe, Alan, Al, Barry with Dick and Billy in the foreground
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