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
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
"This was such a fun adventure for our family and friends! The guide was so kind and knowledgeable and put everyone at ease. Kayaking in Lake Tahoe was an amazing experience! We would absolutely do this again!" -Lisa L.
"We have been using Tahoe Adventure Company for fun adventures for the past 5 years. They are always just the best!!! Their booking is efficient, their equipment always great and their guides are wonderfully informative and enjoyable." Anne T.
-- Anne T.
"Our guides Tyler and Rich were awesome delivering out fun facts on the lake and the history as well as keeping the group together and even chiding us with a little Jaws music. Ha!" Helen L.
-- Helen L.
"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.