Snowshoeing: More than just a trek through the snow by LJ Bottjer
Full moons have been reported in fact and fiction to make people dance under them and werewolves sprout hair. During the current lunar phase this Friday and Saturday night, Tahoe Adventure Company invites all to don a pair of snowshoes. Then atop a winter wonderland where moon rays cause the snow to glint and gleam, participants can tramp across the frozen paradise.
On the Friday, Jan. 29, the nocturnal expedition leaves at 5 p.m. from the North Tahoe Regional Park located one mile north of Tahoe Vista. The Saturday, Jan. 30 night journey in the Donner Lake locale also includes a dinner at the Cedar House in Truckee. Each tour, like the tours offered during the day throughout the winter months, offers more than just a trek through the snow.
Knowledgeable guides highly versed in the history and naturalist aspects of the region lead the tours. Often stories of long-ago Washoe Native Americans can be mixed with talks on the vast array of pine and fir tree forests surrounding the Lake. Astronomy, the study of all things celestial, will be a special highlight during the full moon tours. Mars, the red planet, is scheduled to make it's closest 2010 approach to Earth on Friday, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Whether gazing skyward or looking in other directions, snow shoeing is an activity the entire family can enjoy, notes Tahoe Adventure's Kevin Hickey. "If one can walk, one can snowshoe," he said. He urges all participants be at least 10 years old. Following the initial meet-up, everyone will be outfitted with equipment and the basics of the sport will be covered.
Hot, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will be available during the tour that ends at 9 p.m. The food and drink is included in the $70 tour price.
Future tours will occur in February and March. A sense of wonder is guaranteed to all who trek the Tahoe high country under the gaze of a full moon.
Visitors Love To Adventure With Us
Hi, I just wanted to follow-up with you after our family trip to Lake Tahoe and the Sand Harbor Kayak Tour we did through your company July 31. It was fantastic! Our guide gets a thumbs up and we'd ask for him again. It was my favorite part of the trip. It was very cool too that a photographer from the Times was there to document all the fun...Again, thanks for a great experience. -Kristen Runke
"How lucky we were to have a full moon on one of the few nights we were in North Tahoe. An amazing evening on the water paddling out into the lake, watching the sun set over the horizon on one side and then oh so dramatically the moon rise on the other. A serene experience we would definitely recommend!" Jackie C.
"Sophia was our guide and we absolutely loved the experience! She was kind, knowledgeable, friendly and obviously skilled with a kayak. She also snapped this great photo of our group." -Ashley B.
We had 2 tours with this company both were perfect. The kayak tour guide was really informative, funny, and friendly. Made the experience better then if we were to just rent a kayak at the beach. The 2 hour kayak trip felt like 30 minutes we were having a lot of fun. The hiking tour guide was great as well she made sure no one was left behind and kept us entertained the whole hike she was also very informative, funny and friendly the 4 mile hike was much better having someone experienced showing us what every plant and landmark was and supporting our group along the way. If you make your way to Tahoe definitely book with these guys you won’t regret it.
-- M. Ahmed
Kevin - we had a great time yesterday on one of your Guided Snowshoe Tours. Marin was a wonderful guide. She provided a nice balance of keeping us engaged in the environment we were in, guiding us safely, and giving us plenty of space to enjoy being with our family and dogs. Thanks for accommodating our last minute tour - it was well worth it. All the best, Renee
-- Renee
All people involved had a great time. Your guides are awesome also. I was going to call you about the pictures so I am glad you have the disc. Thanks again! -Doug, Levins Auto