There are not enough positive words to describe how great this tour and the people (Keith and Robin, the owners) behind the tour are. I had a last minute trip that I scheduled to meet mileage requirements for an airline to upgrade my status that took me to the Reno area for two nights, and only one FULL day. I discovered that Lake Tahoe was very close, so I added a rental car to my trip and decided to stay in that area as it had much more to see. I had free nights at Harrahs, but there was
no way that I was going to stay in a Casino all day and not explore Lake Tahoe and see the nature and landscape in that area. A couple days prior to arriving, I started looking up tours in the area, and came across this photographic tour that had rave reviews. Knowing that my visit was in the middle of the week, it was last minute, and I was going solo, I had a low expectation of actually being able to book this tour. I inquired via email, and promptly received an email back from Robin, and we then spoke a couple times on the phone. They were able to accommodate my request for a tour in the middle of the week and their customer service and communications prior to the tour was something you don't see much anymore, and was greatly appreciated. Because this was a mid-week tour on off-season, I was also the only person going out that day.
The day of the tour, Keith picked me up at Harrah's Casino and we started a journey that I will remember my entire life. It wasn't just the amazing scenery that I saw in this day long tour, but it was the passion, history of the area and life story that I heard from Keith about all that he and Robin have done over the years. You will never meet more honest, caring and passionate people in your life, and it was a great reminder for me that so much good still is out there in people. In part of a day I was able to fit in so many areas of Lake Tahoe on two opposite ends of the lake and discover the beauty of the area.
At the half way point, we stopped for lunch, and Robin met us at the restaurant and we talked some more about their background and the area. Then back out to explore! We took so many pictures and saw so many sights, I cannot believe how reasonable they are. Essentially, you're not only going on a tour, but you're getting your own professional photographer to go out with you for a half or full day as well. Keith showed me a lot of his portfolio, and I was blown away by his nature shots and the wildlife photos. He has them in art galleries and is very well known throughout Lake Tahoe. All of that and you would expect someone very aware of his abilities, and instead you get someone very humble and modest about his fascinating life. I was especially interested in the many shots he took with the bears and lion, and the stories he told around those.
I left out many amazing details of this very special experience because I'm sure that they may not be able to do all the special "touches" when during the busier peak season tours, but suffice it to say, they will make you feel very special and leave you with a memory of the Lake Tahoe area that nobody else could. Keith and Robin, I cannot express how much this tour meant and how much respect I have for you both. I hope that I'm able to return in the near future to have my wife and son experience it! I would fly there specifically just to do this again with my family! I spent 6-7 hours with Keith, and I felt like I knew him my entire life. While I believe it's simply his amazing personality and kindness that he shares with everyone, I consider him a friend that I look forward to taking more tours with. Keith and Robin - Thank you for the memories!