Buck's Lake Lodge
a local summer-wintertime year-round tourist attraction, fun to go to spot, grocery store, bar, dance hall and meet-up place is no more.
Wednesday morning, January 20, 2010, fire claimed its own in the depths of a winter night.
For me, its almost like losing a family member to a sudden unexpected death.
I don't have photos yet of the remains. At daylight I will try to trek up the hill (snowmobile required; I'm going to try to hitch a ride), and shoot some pictures.
I've had fun at this place since childhood. During summer back when I was a kid dad would get the boat and all the picnic gear ready for a weekend, or at times an entire week, on the lake.
We've been under the grip of a major winter storm up here in north California. Several feet of snow in the high country above 4000 feet.
Buck's Lake Lodge was up there in the 5000+ ft. elevation.
Many decades ago it was just a huge meadow and cattle ranch. Then Pacific Gas and Electric company (PG&E) came along, dammed the creek at the northwest end and created not only an electric generation source but also an incredibly beautiful recreation area.
I learned to water-ski on this lake.
The lake is still there, of course, and there is another resort still standing, Haskin's, but there will never be another place quite like Buck's Lake Lodge.
I have no interest in the property personally. Just so many fond memories.
My wife and I celebrated our fourth-year wedding anniversary up there back in September 2008. It was quiet, romantic, and restful. We rented a one-room cabin just across from the lodge. I took up my small fishing boat, and we motored end-to-end on the lake.
I shall miss those halcyon days. But they remain in memory, and perhaps the owners will be able to rebuild.
I'm not quite sure why this has affected me so. But if you've ever been there you would know what my heart is talking about.