Woman Dies at Eagle Falls

     A Lake Tahoe visitor died over the past weekend when she slipped on the edge of Eagle Falls.  Witnesses say she stepped back to capture a better site line for a photo, slipped on the wet surface and plunged over the falls to her death.  It is a sad commentary on the need for greater care when visiting the beautiful landscapes we take for granted in the basin.  Lake Tahoe is surrounded by natural beauty; the most attractive locations offer opportunities found nowhere else in California.   Eagle Falls is well known and is high on the list of tourist stops when driving around the lake.  Emerald Bay is at the foot of the falls and folks most often combine a hike to the shores of Emerald Bay with a stop at Eagle Falls because it is readily accessible along Highway 89.
     Erecting more barriers, signs, guards and caution notices would detract from the natural beauty.  Reasonable people are aware of the obvious hazards associated with the site and take precautions.  However, it's difficult to rein in those aggressive care-free types who want the "best " picture possible.  Hmmmmm.  There's another lesson here:  be prudent, be safe, be smart, be careful.