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
"This was our first time snowshoeing. Jill was very patient with us, friendly, and knowledgeable. She made a big difference in our enjoyment of the tour. The scenery was beautiful, especially the views of Donner Lake." -Ron P.
"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.
"I found Tahoe Adventure Co to be extremely organized, passionate, and flexible when I brought a bachelor party to them for a sunset kayak tour. The main guide on our tour -- Erica -- was friendly and outgoing; giving the effort to make conversation and ask questions with everyone in our and other groups. The sunset tour is an accessible option for folks who have rarely/never done paddling water sports." -Gordon C.
-- Gordon C.
"We rented a tandem kayak from Tahoe Adventure Company. The rental was quick and easy. You walk up and scan the QR code on your phone, fill out the waiver on your phone and send it in. They have large and small dry bags for rent for $5. We took the large one, which fit our towels, our picnic lunch, and a number of other things that we didn't want to get wet. The kayaking itself was great! After leaving, we headed left approx. an hour to the rocky area, which was nice to explore. We found a rock near enough to shore that we could easily get out of the kayak to swim and then sit on the rock to eat lunch before heading back. Overall trip was 3 hours and the scenery was beautiful (in spite of the haze due to the wildfires around CA). We would definitely do this again." -Katie G.
-- Katie G
"Great people to work with. Our company partnered with the Tahoe Adventure Company on a promotion, and Katie & Kevin (owners) are extremely professional and have a rock solid reputation in the community. When our vacation rental guests want a guided adventure tour we sent them to the Tahoe Adventure Company!" -Jeff S.