April 17, 2009

by: Elizabeth Sedway, TahoeKidsGuide.com

Spring at Lake Tahoe is so beautiful.  Just today, the tempatures were in the high 50's, and the sun was shining on the snow-capped mountains.  Unable to stay indoors, I ventured down to Skylandia Beach, near Tahoe City to take pictures.  The lake was perfectly still, people were laying on the beach in bathing suits and the nearby creek was teaming with snow run off.

After taking a few pictures, I ventured around to the other side of the lake, at Zephyr Cove, to jump aboard the M.S. Dixie II. M.S. Dixie II Captain, Ozzie Gonzalez, greeted us at the gangway with a delightful smile and an eagerness to share his knowledge. Captain Gonzalez began his career on this boat, in 1994, when the it was new.
 
The boat travels an average of 7.5 miles per hour during its 2 hour journey. There are 3 levels, each providing unique features. Guests enter the boat on the first level, where you'll find plenty of indoor tables and chairs. The indoor tempature on this level is set at a cozy 72 degrees ferenheit. There is a small outdoor deck on the first level bow (front of the boat). There is no seating outside on level one.

By taking 12 steps up, either indoors or out, you can access the second level bow of the boat. Indoors, on the second level, is where the food is. (and it's good family-food too) In addtion to the snack bar and grill, the second floor also has restrooms and abundant indoor table/chair seating. You can place your order at the counter and your meal is brought to your table by friendly staff.

The third level is entirely outdoors, and provides an awe-inspiring view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Some kids I spoke with agreed, without hesitation, that their favorite part of our adventure on the lake was the paddlewheel, located at the stern. They were intrigued to learn that the paddlewheel rotates towards the boat when going forward, and away from the boat when backing up.

For me, the highlight of the two hour cruise on the the M.S. Dixie II came as we approached the mouth of Emerald Bay. I'd seen Emerald Bay in the Summer and Fall, but this was our first view of this magnificent area in the Spring. It was a completely different experience.

The first thing I noticed was how much more majestic Emerald Bay is when you are aboard the only vessel in the bay. In the Summer, the bay is filled with many boats. On this day, however, the bay was void of other boats. It was quiet, except for the sounds of our slow-moving boat.


 

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