Is there a full moon? Then it's time to hit the kayaks! By Judy Green -- Bee Staff Writer Published 2:15 am PDT Thursday, August 18, 2005
Lapping water and dipping paddles may be the only sounds kayakers hear if they take a full-moon tour this weekend on a lake or along the coast. Away from city lights, they can expect to see the bright lights of Venus, Jupiter, Scorpio and Sagittarius - even by the light of the moon.
Paddlers of all abilities can enjoy nature's monthly bright light on Lake Tahoe through a tour planned by Kevin Hickey of Tahoe Adventure Co. in Tahoe City. The cost is $60 per person.
Company owner Hickey said first-timers often are amazed at how easy the sit-on-top boats are to maneuver after a short lesson. "Ninety-nine percent of people fear it's too hard, and most are surprised and wonder afterward what they were worried about."
Tahoe participants will meet on the beach for outfitting and a short paddling lesson before slipping a single or double kayak into the water and following the guide to make basic turns. Depending on the group, Hickey will guide participants out about a half-mile or farther, paddling a total of about two miles.
"We start out at just before sunset," Hickey said from Truckee. He expects the air will be cool and the sand warm from the day. The water will be calm and quiet as the wind dies down and other boats button up for the night. Kayakers can anticipate watching the sunset's colors glowing and changing as the sky fades to dark.
Although visibility will be fair in the moonlight, Hickey attaches green glow sticks to the bow and stern of guests' boats, and red ones on the guide boats and paddles, for safety.
After about two hours on the water, paddlers go back to shore and warm up with hot drinks and snacks.
Visitors Love To Adventure With Us
"Thank you Jill for leading our bachelorette group of 7, such a great experience!!" -Kaitlin G.
"What a fabulous experience! None of us had ever snowshoed before and Zach did a fantastic job of guiding us based on our ability level. He was patient, knowledgeable, communicative, and wonderful. Would do again!" -Katrina B.
"My boyfriend and I did the Sand Harbor Kayak Tour in late August. Cannot recommend the kayak tour enough while you are in Tahoe. Of everything we did in Tahoe (and this was my second trip) this was by far our favorite activity. Sammy was our tour guide and she was spectacular. We kayaked to a small beach, went swimming and rock climbing and when we came back Sammy had set up a whole picnic. She taught us a ton about the area and is a great photographer, she took our favorite photos from the whole trip. The picnic set up, everything we learned about Tahoe and the area, and overall the whole day were fantastic. Sammy was a phenomenal tour guide and made our trip the best. Overall 10/10 would recommend." -Janice D.
I just wanted to take a minute of your time to say thanks for a wonderful time. Micah was a terrific guide; he was really patient and thoughtful. My whole family had a ton of fun, and learned to love a new sport. We will definitely keep Tahoe Adventure Company on our short list of activities for our next Tahoe vacation, and have already referred your company to several others at our resort. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness, informative emails, and great tour. -Jean B.
-- Jean Bridwell
We had a wonderful time in Tahoe - our guide was amazing! We will definitely be back and will be in touch for another adventure! Our guide was very encouraging and made us all feel so comfortable. The reservation clerk was also very helpful and pleasant...your staff is to be commended, everyone was friendly and went out of their way to encourage us and make our adventure the best. -Joan
-- Joan
I just wanted to let you know that we had THE BEST time last week while on our Mountain Biking adventure with Kevin. It was the highlight of our visit to Tahoe and an amazing day that our whole family will fondly remember. -Diane