Enjoyable weekend at Tahoe

[SactoCampers]

Thought I would document our latest outing in the hybrid. Spent two nights at north shore Tahoe this weekend. Hung out with the In-laws and relaxed at the beach. This time of year is beautiful at Tahoe and it's much less crowded.
 
We stayed at a small private campground called Sandy Beach campground. I hadn't heard of it before until this past week. It's a decent little place, feels like camping as opposed to an RV park. They have about 20 E/W sites and another 20 dry sites. Location was great...we just played Frogger, I mean, walked across the street to the beach. Ever seen that opening scene from the discontinued sitcom, "Yes, Dear"? You know, the one where they're crossing the street with their stroller filled to the rim with beach stuff? That was us.
 
Temperatures dropped to the mid 30s, but the Vornado kept us toasty warm, even for me....way out at the front of the bunk. Of course I was double layered, but still, the heater did a good job.
 
Managed to bonk my head a few more times on the cabinets above the rear bunk. I wished they'd have just eliminated those cabinets and made the bed a queen. My noggin would be happier for it.
 
I did have a problem with the stove, couldn't get a propane from it. All other appliances worked fine. Noticed the stove was loose, so I'll take it out tomorrow and see if I can determine what's going on. Wasn't a problem because we ate out dinner both nights.
 
Found the bracelet I bought Mrs. Sacto but which she lost on the last trip inside the hybrid. I knew it was in there somewhere. In the meantime, she bought another just like it. Now we have two :mad: .
 
The minivan did an admirable job towing up the Sierras on I-80. Figured I had to try it sometime. Held at least 50 mph on all grades except the one just before Nyack. There it's about 4000 ft elevation and opens up to three lanes and is a long, steep grade. Dropped to 45 mph, not because of lack of power but because engine temps began to climb. So I turned off the AC and turned on the heater for a bit, which quickly stabilized the engine temperature. Still, I passed several big rigs, two Class C motorhomes, and a pickup/5th wheel combo. Don't get me wrong, it was a tough grade, but it was a tough grade for a lot of other vehicles too. All other grades, including the final climb to Donner Summit at 7000' I was able to maintain at least 50 mph without engine temperature problems. Pedal was depressed only 2/3-3/4 on all climbs because I try to take it easy on the TLC, I mean T&C.
 
So, in summary, it was a good trip. Both the little SactoSquirts did a good job traveling, but we had to take away the TV/DVD player on the ride home because Sactotoddler was expressing a "sense of entitlement" as only a near 3-year-old can do. :p :eyecrazy:

[dee106]

sounds like a good trip