Tahoe

[Martin Miller <scts@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

    In sept. '97 I had the pleasure of staying 7 nights on lake Tahoe.
The biggest shock came from driving on those mountain roads.
This is the middle of fall mind you, none of that snow stuff.
We (wife & I) rented a GM sunfire or something? At first the interstate
seemed fun then I drove on the two lane back roads, let me tell you,
the pucker factor was high! We drove down to Yosemite and came
through Tioga Pass at 9941 vertical feet, and dropped to the valley
floor in 50 or so miles. I can only dream what this must be like in
my '93 325isa, for I had no idea that such vehicle existed at the
time.
    On the way back to Tahoe we came up through California.
The  "Official Map of California"  shows 3 passes to cross all
of which are the same style or type of  road which is a very
nice 2 lane w/good size shoulders. We pick "Ebbotts Pass".

    I had a good feel for fuel consumption in the 500 or so miles.
Needed to return the car on empty to "save money", so here
we go down a nice two lane road which suddenly becomes a
ONE lane road. Wife remarks, "We must have made a wrong
turn". Then we see a sign that reads "next town 34 miles". I
look at the gas gauge which reads 1/2 full (or empty), and
declare "We are on the correct road".
    Little did I know this would be the 34 miles from hell. This road
has 180 degree switch backs that drop 30-40 feet!!! The asphalt
is actually formed around trees that have been shaved thin by
passing vehicles. There are miles of 3000 foot drops with no guard
rail. No nutten. You would be a bear snack.
    Now its dark, 1/8 tank still up, down, up, down, finally there is a gas
station, at 8:00pm, it's closed. 10 Miles ahead there is an open mom
& pop with fuel.
    In hindsight its funny, in reality I was very lucky.
    There are  many beautiful, wonderful twisty roads in and around Tahoe!
The need for ultimate speed is appreciated, sometimes the journey is
far more fun and memorable.

- --Martin Miller
'93 325isa sport pkd. silver on black and a whole lot of FUN!!!
P.S. Would consider a road trip for P'fest III.

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