The drive from Sonoma Coast State Beach to Lake Tahoe was relatively uneventful with the exception of a petrol station attendant who seems mesmerized by an Australian accent! The region is mostly wine making and farming/ranching country. As the Sierra Ranges came into view, the elevation above sea level increased to roughly 8000 feet asl and the temperature dropped to around 28F (-5C) with light snow falling.

The pass over the High Sierras is amazing to say the least. Lodgepole Pines and Birch trees covered in fresh snow greet you as you slowly climb the winding road across the pass. At the top of the pass visibility drops as snow clouds hover close to the road's surface. Unfortunately the crossing was made close to evening so photography was not possible.