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
"My brother and I really enjoyed a guided mountain biking tour by Tahoe Adventure Company on our last visit, and we were not disappointed the second time around. This time we rode the Emigrant Trail to Stampede Reservoir, a woodland out-and-back trail with technical climbs and quick downhill segments. Our guide, Tyler, was great -- friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the sport. We had sandwiches and snacks when we got back." Chelsea T.
"Did the Sunset Tour and it was great, the weather was in our favor. The tour guides were friendly, it's not rushed and they don't bombard you with non stop information, just enough to keep you interesting and for you to enjoy." -AVP.
"Booking process was seamless, and received good comms after booking. The kayak tour was in the a.m., followed by a delicious lunch under the pines and an afternoon sail that they booked for us thru a third party. Our kayak tour was the absolute highlight of our visit, and our guide Tim was awesome. Tim was incredibly knowledgable, but also a very fun guy to hang out with for a few hours...wish we could have hung out with him longer! Tim also went so far as to give us some advice on a driving tour around the lake the following day that turned out great! Thanks Tim!!" Barry A.
Kate was our guide. She was patient, informative and very personable. Loved hearing the Lake Tahoe myths and stories. The two hour tour was plenty of time for us, heard there was a 4 hour tour that may get tiring from paddling so much/long. For groups, I recommend sharing the kayak (2 person kayak) as it just made it easier for us to enjoy the experience with each other (communication, pictures, etc.).
Thanks for a great experience, Kate! 100% recommend! -Sarah L.
-- Sarah L.
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 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.