We knew it would be a lot of work, but we didn’t anticipate all of the projects that would come with buying a traditional log cabin that was built in the 60s and left basically “as is” until we came along.  In addition to the obvious (flooring, paint, furniture), there were hidden issues--things like uninsulated pipes.  As the temperature dropped, we started to research how to “winterize.” We took it for granted that, in all those years, someone must have insulated the exposed pipes beneath the house.  A quick look confirmed they had not. Uggh. So, on a recent weekend, Eben drove up after work, armed with boxes of insulation. 

This wasn’t a technically challenging project, but crawling around the cabin’s foundation is dusty, dirty work.  At the end of a long workday, Eben snuck away to Sand Harbor State Beach, just over the border in Nevada, for a dip in the now-frigid waters.  It’s a pretty drive from Happy Cabin, 20 minutes or so, to this picturesque harbor with unique rock formations and charming inlets for kayaking, snorkeling, diving and swimming.  In summer, Sand Harbor is bustling with activity, including the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, with outdoor performances right on the lake from early July through August. In late-October, Eben had the place almost to himself.  He took these stunning pictures in the mid-afternoon light, before getting back to the cabin.  And back to work. 

To visit Happy Cabin during your trip to North Lake Tahoe / Tahoe Vista / Kings Beach, click here.