Stargazing Sessions
Fridays and Saturdays
Stargazing at High Camp is one of Squaw’s most popular summer activities. Light pollution-free skies at 8,200 feet create an excellent opportunity to view astronomical phenomena not regularly seen by the naked eye: constellations, planets, satellites, galaxies, nebula, star clusters, double stars, the Milky Way, and even meteor showers. Professional astronomers Paul and Gigi Giles bring high-powered telescopes for sky watching, and will give short seminars on astronomy. Stargazing Sessions will take place Friday and Saturday evenings in July and August, excluding July 18 and 19 (full moon dates). Free with the purchase of a cable car ticket. After 5 p.m. tickets are $12 for adults, youth, and seniors, and $5 for children. May be cancelled due to wind or inclement weather. squaw.com, 530-583-6985.
Staycation
This Summer
Save money on gas, and pitch a tent near home. Enjoy North Lake Tahoe and Truckee in a lakeside or wooded campground, toast up s’mores, count stars, and fall asleep under the night sky.
Lakeside campground options in North Lake Tahoe:
• D.L. Bliss State Park, adjacent to Emerald Bay, boasts one of the West Shore’s finest beaches, 530-525-7277.
• Sugar Pine Point State Park, south of Tahoma, home of the historical Ehrman Mansion, 530-525-9782.
• Tahoe State Recreation Area, walking distance from Tahoe City, 530-583-3074.
• William Kent, just south of Tahoe City with a large sandy beach, 530-583-3642.
• Lake Forest, offers a boat ramp, 530-583-3796.
• Sandy Beach is near North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista, 530-546-7682.
• Kaspian Campground, directly across the street from Lake Tahoe on the West Shore, leads into Blackwood Canyon, an extremely popular location for biking and hiking, 530-583-3642.
• Meeks Bay Resort and Marina, on Highway 89, south of Sugar Pine Point, offers private cabins in addition to campsites and activities, 530-525-6946.
• Meeks Bay Campground, run by the U.S. Forest Service, with easy access to hiking in Desolation Wilderness, 530-583-3642.
• Emerald Bay Campground lets campers sleep within steps of the historic Vikingsholm mansion and gives first-class views of the renowned Fannette Island. Boat access only, 530-541-3030.
Along the Truckee River, between Tahoe City and Truckee:
• Granite Flat, 530-587-9281.
• Silver Creek, 530-587-3559
• Goose Meadows, 530-587-9281.
In Truckee:
• Donner Memorial State Park, east end of Donner Lake, 530-582-7892.
• Alder Creek Campground, on Alder Drive off 89, north of I-80, 530-587-9462.
• Martis Creek Lake, Highway 267, 2 miles south of I-80, the hidden facet in the jewel of Lake Tahoe, 530-587-8113.
Recreation.gov, campingguidenevada.com and reserveamerica.com are three helpful websites to check availability and make reservations.
Trail Fest Tahoe City
July 19
Tahoe Rim Trail Association hosts Lake Tahoe’s annual Trail Fest event, celebrating all of the trails of Tahoe. An outdoor equipment expo with more than 20 vendors features merchandise from Mountain Hardware, Jet Boil, Salomon, MSR, Chaco, Lowe Alpine, and more. The event at Commons Beach starts at 9 a.m. with free, guided hikes, cycles, and paddles, and will continue to 4 p.m. with live music by The Saddle Tramps, beer tasting. and an outdoor BBQ. Trail Fest will conclude with a raffle with great prizes: tents, stoves, and other outdoor gear. Become a Tahoe Rim Trail member or volunteer. tahoerimtrail.org, 775-298-0012.
Tahoe Rim Trail Association guided hikes:
• Family Hike from Common’s Beach towards Paige Meadows
• Page Meadows Wildflower Hike (8 miles)
• Tahoe City towards Brockway Summit (8 to10 miles) moderate to strenuous
• Galena Falls Waterfall Hike near Mt. Rose
• Brockway Summit Vista Hike (4 to 5 miles)
• Backcountry Bike Shop’s Mountain Bike Tour at Burton Creek State Park is a moderately challenging ride through miles of single track, pine and High Sierra meadows. Mountain bike experience is required. Bring your own helmet and bike. Demo rentals will be available. 2 hour ride. Sign up at Tahoe City Bike Rental, 530-581-5861.
• Tahoe City Kayaks will lead a guided kayak tour, geared towards the novice kayaker, of Tahoe’s magical west shore. Learn about the rich history of the area while paddling this water trail. All kayaking gear is provided. Sign up at Tahoe City Kayaks, 530-581-4336.
• Olympic Bike Shop offers a challenging ride for seasoned riders with big rewards. Be ready for a climb to lake views and beautiful Paige Meadows. Bring your own helmet and bike. Demo rentals are available. Sign up at Olympic Bike Shop, 530-581-2500.
• Alpenglow Sports 7-mile Trail Run from Tahoe City to Paige Meadows. Open to all levels and abilities. Sign up at Alpenglow Sports, 530-583-6917.
Fire Restrictions In Effect
Tahoe National Forest announces that fire restrictions are in effect. Forest Supervisor Tom Quinn said, ‘Fire danger in California is especially high. The combination of on-going lightning fires and the very dry vegetation have caused us to initiate fire restrictions. For the Tahoe National Forest, abandoned, escaped campfires are the primary source of wildfires other than lightning.’
• Campfires and charcoal barbeques are only permitted in designated campgrounds and other recreation sites (in the metal rings/grills provided).
• Smoking is only permitted in an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site, or in a 3-foot area cleared of all flammable material.
• Internal combustion engines including OHVs can only be operated on roads or trails, except for the Prosser Pit Off-Highway Vehicle Area.
• Possession of fireworks is illegal.
• In the backcountry, portable stoves and propane-type barbeques, including those that use gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted with a valid campfire permit. Campfire permits are free, and can be obtained at any Forest Service, BLM, or CALFIRE office.
‘If you come across an abandoned campfire, please help us by putting it ‘dead out’ and then reporting its location to the nearest ranger station,’ concluded Quinn. Forest Service offices in Sierraville 530-994-3401, Truckee 530-587-3558, Camptonville 530-288-3231, Foresthill 530-367-2224, and Nevada City 530-265-4531.
Bats, Birds, Trout and Waddle
Saturdays
Martis Creek Lake has scheduled a series of wonderful lectures for the summer.
• July 12 – Bats. Norcal Bat Rescue presents a must-see program to learn more about our bug-eating friends. 8:30 p.m.
• July 19 – Birds of the Tahoe Area. Bob Goodman with Reno Audubon Society presents a slideshow of birds. 8:30 p.m.
• August 2 – Waddle Ranch Acquisition. Truckee Donner Land Trust and the Truckee Trails Foundation will discuss the new acquisition, trails of the area, and future plans for both. 8:30 p.m.
• August 9 – Trout Unlimited’s David Lass. A program about fishing, preserving endangered fish habitat, and Trout Unlimited’s role. 8:30 p.m.
• August 16 – The Bear League. Living in harmony with bears. The Bear League has a new show and a new bear educator. 8:30 p.m.
Martis Amphitheater, located in the center of Martis Creek campground (off Highway 267, two miles south of Truckee). Park outside of the campground and walk in. Amphitheater entrance road just past campsite #8. 530-587-8113.
Bear Canisters
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) rents bear canisters for backcountry trips. TRTA strongly advises all backpackers to carry and use bear-resistant food storage canisters to help eliminate bear-human conflict and protect personal property, food, and the bears. Taking proper precautions with bears keeps them wild rather than attracted to or dependent upon people for food. BearVault canisters are lightweight, have a 7-day capacity, built-in tie-down straps, and a super rugged transparent Polycarbonate housing which resists impacts. tahoerimtrail.org, 775-298-0012.
NASTC Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a great summer cross-training sport. The whole-body workout relies on strength, endurance, agility, and balance – key elements in the sports of skiing and snowboarding. The North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) offers courses and guided rock climbs throughout the summer season for a variety of levels, from beginner climbs where you learn how to use equipment and basic climbing techniques, to Grade IV and Alpine levels. Instruction rates vary. Private lessons, children, large groups, and corporate retreats. Guides are AMGA certified, highly experienced, and familiar with the great climbing spots in the area. skinastc.com, 530-582-4772.
Songs of the Earth
Save September 6 and 7 for Trails and Vistas. The 2008 theme ‘Songs of the Earth’ honors music and stories of the land with over 30 artists and performers, including Emmy Award-winning musician Chris Spheeirs and the InnerRythms dancers. The journey promises to transform every participant. Tickets are on sale now. Last year’s shows sold out. $25 for adults and $10 for children 5 to 12 years old. Children under 5 are free. Tickets will be $10 more at the gate. Purchase tickets at the Truckee Chamber of Commerce 530-587-2439, Riverside Studios 530-587-3789, or for ticket/lodging packages the Cedar House 530-582-5655. trailsandvista.org, 530-582-0427.
What You Put in Tahoe Stays in Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Emergency Alert from the Tahoe Area Sierra Club Group: over 17 lakes and reservoirs in California and Nevada are infested with Quagga and Zebra mussels, which have caused billions of dollars of damage – clogged water intake pipes, ruined boat engines, and beaches made unusable by razor-sharp shells and a horrible stench. They cause irreversible damage to native species and habitats. For maximum protection do not bring your power boats, kayaks, inflatables, tubes, wet suits, water shoes, etc. to Tahoe if they have been in any other body of water. Once the mussels get into a lake, there is no known way to get rid of them. Either dedicate your watercraft and accessories exclusively to Tahoe or leave them at home and use the gas money you’ll save by not hauling a trailer to pay for renting equipment at Tahoe. At a minimum, completely wash all watercraft and accessories and dry them out for at least 30 days after they’ve been in another body of water. Flush engines with 140-degree water and use chlorine solution in bilges and storage compartments to kill all larvae. Quagga mussels live up to 30 days on dry surfaces and indefinitely in standing water where they reproduce. Truckee’s agricultural inspection station found quagga mussels on four boats last summer, with at least one of them headed for Tahoe. We have a lake and a way of life to save.
Eco-Nights at The West St. Market
Wednesday Nights
Reno’s West Street Market features 20 unique vendor tents every Wednesday night for 10 weeks (July 9 through September 10) with quality and original environmental services and goods. Nevada EcoNet will also host workshops and presentations about living a sustainable lifestyle. Get information on local products and resources. Themes tie together the weeks’ featured vendors with workshops, special guests, and other Reno events. From 5 to 9 p.m. Between West First and Second, cityofreno.com.
July 16 – Eco-Wild. Protecting and Living with Wildlife
July 23 – Eco-Building. Build it Organic
July 30 – Eco-Tourism. Exploring Nevada
August 6 – Eco-Transport. Offset the Carbon Footprint
August 13 – Eco-Education. Green your classroom
August 20 – Eco-Camp. Zero Waste Burn
August 27 – Eco-Health. Beauty Doesn’t Hurt
September 3 – Eco-Waste. Cradle to Cradle Less stuff more recycling
September 10 – Eco-Energy. Energize your Conservation
Wooden Boat Week
August 7 to 13
2008 marks the thirty-sixth year of the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance and social events offering participants and spectators an opportunity to enjoy their wooden boats and beautiful Lake Tahoe. The weeklong event attracts as many as 6,000 visitors to North Lake Tahoe.
The Concours d’Elegance is a three-day competitive and educational event designed to encourage and teach new standards of wood craftsmanship, finish, and detailing on classic watercraft. This year’s Marque, or featured class, is ‘Boats of the ’20s’, showcasing boats built between 1920 and 1929. A burst of affluence in the American economy following WWI provided the American middle class with more leisure time and money, and as a result, the marine industry flourished. Judges expect to see several large, triple-cockpit entries – a popular boat design from the 1920s. Up to 110 boats are judged on a 100-point system where points are awarded for all facets of authenticity. The group of judges represents the highest level of knowledge and experience in the restoration of vintage mahogany boats, and reads as a ‘who’s who’ of the wooden boat restoration industry.
The Opening Ceremony and V.I.P. Preview Day is August 7, from noon to 4 p.m., and is open to the public. Ticket holders can take part in an official ‘opening’ with vintage flying boats and float planes, where they will be able to leisurely stroll the docks and preview the boats during judging, and enjoy gourmet cuisine, wine, and libations. Thursday’s ticket holders will also be treated to private rides on some of Tahoe’s most spectacular wooden boats. Tickets are $100, with sales limited to the first 500.
The Concours d’Elegance continues August 8 and 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sierra Boat Company, Carnelian Bay. $25 for a one-day ticket, $30 for a two-day ticket purchased in advance. After July 15 and at the gate, prices go up $5. Seniors 62 and over get advance ticket sale price at the gate. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation donates the proceeds to projects and non-profit organizations in the Lake Tahoe area, which promote and develop an expertise or understanding of maritime history or skills. During August 7 to 13 – Lake Tahoe Wooden Boat Week – events take place throughout Lake Tahoe’s North and West Shores. For more fun, see schedule of events at LakeTahoeConcours.com, 530-581-4700
Squaw Mountain Run / Hike
August 2
Join the annual pilgrimage to the top of Squaw Valley, and enjoy a great workout with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra while benefiting the Auburn Ski Club Junior Nordic skiers and cancer prevention programs in the Tahoe Truckee region. Starting at the base of Squaw Valley (6,200 feet), the course climbs the 3.6-mile mountain run to High Camp (8,200 feet) where awards, raffle, music, refreshments, and beer are provided. Participants run, hike, Nordic walk (hike with poles), or let the cable car do the 2,000-foot elevation gain and participate in the 3-mile flower walk on easy, rolling terrain. All participants are entered in the raffle for great prizes. Awards for the uphill competitors are given to top 3 places in 5-year age categories. 9 a.m. Registration for adults costs $25, those under 21 are $10. Register throughAugust 1. squawmountainrun@gmail.com, 530-426-3313 x 103..
