Ann Marie Brown blames Lake Tahoe, at least in part, for her inability to hold down a regular nine-to-five job—and her resultant career as a freelance outdoors writer. Tahoe's prolific recreation opportunities were what first lured her away from a stable desk job and a regular paycheck.

In her 20s, Ann Marie learned to downhill ski on the slopes of Mount Rose and Alpine Meadows, and survived a beginner's rock climbing lesson at Lover's Leap. Soon thereafter she reeled in her first kokanee salmon at Fallen Leaf Lake, and fell off her mountain bike multiple times on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Throughout her 30s, Ann Marie spent many beautiful days hiking and backpacking in the Desolation Wilderness, and perfected the art of reclining on Tahoe's East Shore beaches. These days she is often found near Carson Pass, where she cross-country skis in winter and admires wildflowers in summer.

When not hiking, biking, skiing, or otherwise playing around Lake Tahoe, Ann Marie can be found at her home on the South Shore. In addition to Moon Tahoe, she is the author of 14 California guidebooks. For more information on Ann Marie's work, visit www.annmariebrown.com.