Photographer Thomas Bachand has a unique take on the Tahoe environment: His photos have a dreamy quality, often taken with long exposures to capture movement in nature … colorful yet subtle.

Bachand’s work reflects Tahoe’s delicate balance, so it is fitting that his new book “Lake Tahoe, A Fragile Beauty” works from that perspective.

In addition to photos illustrating the lake’s insurmountable beauty – they range from “Donner Summit Bridge” to handsome, simplistic shots like “Shadow light upon the Truckee Marsh” – Bachand writes of the dangers of development and climate change to this natural wonder. Those who know Tahoe’s history have witnessed the tense decades-long struggle to balance development with environmental preservation.

The book includes an introduction by preeminent Tahoe research scientist Dr. Charles Goldman, a poem by former U.S. Poet Laureate and 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Hass, and historical content by literary icon Mark Twain and 19th Century photographer Carleton Watkins.

“Lake Tahoe, A Fragile Beauty” is a must for any Lake Tahoe enthusiast’s bookshelf. Buy the book from Bachand’s Web site and check out more of his amazing photography.

- Submitted by Jessica Glasgow

Last year marked a record-setting ski season for U.S. resorts with 60.5 million skier visits, according to the National Ski Areas Association. As travelers begin thinking about where to find the best deals and the most snow for the upcoming season, Orbitz predicts Lake Tahoe will be this year’s most popular destination.

“While ski vacations are more popular than ever before, the current economy presents new challenges for travelers on tighter budgets than in past years,” said Heather Leisman, senior director of merchandizing for Orbitz. “Travelers looking for ski season savings need only a bit of expert advice on when and where to travel, and Orbitz has the insider knowledge to help them hit the slopes.”

2008-2009 Orbitz Insider Ski Index (Ranking* and average daily hotel rate**)

1. Lake Tahoe, CA/NEV    $116
2. Breckenridge, CO    $225
3. Park City, UT    $239
4. Vail, CO    $286
5. Aspen, CO    $227
6. Keystone, CO    $149
7. Winter Park, CO    $193
8. Whistler, BC    $292
9. Banff, Canada    $189
10. Steamboat Springs, CO    $204

*Based on hotel and vacation package bookings from 11/1/08 to 4/30/09 for bookings as of 10/14/08
** Based on average daily hotel rates from 11/1/08 to 4/30/09 for bookings as of 10/14/08

Some people say it’s the end of the summer but I don’t buy that. In Reno-Tahoe America’s Adventure Place summer is here until the end of September so we still have another month of summer activities!

We’ve really enjoyed this summer with 2 little ones (we have a 2 year old and a 5 month old baby) — lots of camping, hiking, beach volleyball, bike-riding… the kids love the outdoors, they play with each other and learn to enjoy nature from a young age. I couldn’t think of a better area to grow up in!

Our favorite camping spot for families with young kids is Fallen Leaf Lake Campground. We took our German friends tent camping for the first time a couple of weeks ago and they absolutely loved it! The weather was perfect, we had a fire and roasted Marshmallows, checked out Fallen Leaf and took our kite to Baldwin beach.

Check out what the US Forest Services has to say:
Fallen Leaf Lake Campground is uniquely situated 1/4 mile away from Fallen Leaf Lake and offers easy hiking around the lake. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is directly across Hwy 89 and has interpretive programs, guided walks on the Rainbow Trail and to the Stream Profile Chamber. The first weekend in October, the annual Kokanee Salmon Festival is held at the Visitor Center.

Also near by are:

Tele Girl