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
I want to thank you for a wonderful Thunderbird Lodge Kayak Tour. I hesitated spending the extra money for the Lodge tour, but everyone in our group seemed very pleased with this extra. Seeing the estate from the water and then leaving our kayaks of the sandy beach while doing the tour felt special. Mark was knowledgeable and the timing was relaxed. Having lunch in the gazebo was a nice touch. Kori was personable and we enjoyed her description of the geology and history of the area. We spoke highly of the trip to Stefanie of the Cedar House where we were staying.
Thanks for a great trip, Ruth A.
"I went out on the Sunset~Full Moon tour with TAC this week and it was just an exceptional experience, one I'll cherish for a long time. Safe and socially distanced, a great group of folks all visited easily which I attribute to our guide Tyler. He was so welcoming to all of us from the get-go. Organized. Streamlined. Professional. Lots of good information about the lake, the area, and just great upbeat vibes all around. Thank you, TAC!" -Cheryl L.
"My daughter’s first snowshoe trip was so much fun with Tahoe Adventure Company! Tyler was such a great leader, teacher and all around fun-expert! Imagine being in a winter wonderland, outdoor science class but not a boring class, a really fun one and with a guide who is super cool. It was like that. Priceless and so memorable!! Thank you!" -Heather B.
I went kayaking today with a youth group I volunteer with, ages 10 to 14. We had a great time! The instructors were helpful and knowledgeable, and made everyone feel safe. We paddled out into Tahoe Lake individually, including a boat race, and then the kids got to swim (with their life vests) in the lake, or play games between the kayaks. The bottom wasn't more than 30 feet deep. We spent about 2.5 hours on the water. On the way in, we linked all the kayaks and paddled as a chain. Nice teamwork! Overall a great experience. I hope to return again. -Chris C.
-- Chris C.
"I've been there twice and attended both the North Shore tour and the Sand Harbor tour. The two guides I met are both awesome. They are professional, patient and helpful. Definitely recommend this to everyone." Jill O.
-- Jill O.
"We had a wonderful adventure to Thunderbird Lodge. The kayak trip to the lodge was beautiful and at a casual pace. Our guides Bailey and Collin were very informative and shared their knowledge of the history, nature & geology of Lake Tahoe. The tour of Thunderbird Lodge was interesting and thorough. We then had a great picnic lunch on the grounds before paddling back to Sand Harbor. We would say that if you could only do one thing at Lake Tahoe, that this trip would provide some of the best Lake Tahoe has to offer." Angie R.