Visiting Lake Tahoe in Winter brings to mind skiing, sledding and generally playing in the snow. Last week, we discovered how amazingly fun, beautiful and educational it can be to take a cruise on the M.S. Dixie II in the Winter. 
M.S. Dixie II Captain, Ozzie Gonzalez, greeted us at the gangway with a delightful smile and an eagerness to share his knowledge. Captain Gonzalez began his career on this boat, in 1994, when the it was new.
Our kids did the interviewing. Here's what we learned during our voyage: The boat travels an average of 7.5 miles per hour during its 2 hour journey.
There are 3 levels to the boat. Guest enter the boat on the first level, where you'll find plenty of indoor tables and chairs. The indoor tempature on this level is set at a cozy 72 degrees ferenheit. There is a small outdoor deck on the first level bow (front of the boat). There is no seating outside on level one.
By taking 12 steps up, either indoors or out, you can access the second level
bow of the boat. Indoors, on the second level, is where the food is. (and it's good family-food too) In addtion to the snack bar and grill, the second floor also has restrooms and abundant indoor table/chair seating. You can place your order at the counter and your meal is brought to your table by friendly staff.
bow of the boat. Indoors, on the second level, is where the food is. (and it's good family-food too) In addtion to the snack bar and grill, the second floor also has restrooms and abundant indoor table/chair seating. You can place your order at the counter and your meal is brought to your table by friendly staff. 
The third level is entirely outdoors, and provides an awe-inspiring view of the lake and surrounding mountains. We were dressed for snowplay, and were always warm and comfortable while seated on the outside decks.
Our kids agreed, without hesitation, that their favorite part of our adventure on the lake was the paddlewheel, located at the stern. They were intrigued to learn that the paddlewheel rotates towards the boat when going forward, and away from the boat when backing up.
For me and my husband, the highlight of the two hour cruise on the the M.S. Dixie II came as we approached the mouth of Emerald Bay. We had seen Emerald Bay in the Summer and Fall, but this was our first view of this magnificent area in the Winter. It was a completely different experience.The first thing my husband noticed was how much 
more majestic Emerald Bay is when you are aboard the only vessel in the bay. In the Summer, the bay is filled with many boats. On this day in February, however, the bay was void of other boats. It was quiet, except for the sounds of our slow-moving boat and excited children.
more majestic Emerald Bay is when you are aboard the only vessel in the bay. In the Summer, the bay is filled with many boats. On this day in February, however, the bay was void of other boats. It was quiet, except for the sounds of our slow-moving boat and excited children.
As the history of Emerald Bay, from how it formed to the construction of 
the Vikingsholm, played on the speakers on the boat, we we treated to the rare beauty of Emerald Bay in the Winter.Subscribe to Elizabeth Sedway's column by clicking on the "subscribe" button on the Lake Tahoe Examiner page.
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