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
"Great people and location. Priced so you can enjoy the lake and not break the budget. Afterwards, the beach is a great spot to chill and enjoy what nature has to offer." -Jeff B.
"My daughter and I had a great time on our kayak tour! Eric was our guide and was very patient and kind to my daughter, who had a rough start, and he ended up towing her at one point. After we reached our halfway mark and stopped for a break, he encouraged her to try again for the way back and she improved greatly and enjoyed herself. We both agreed it was one of our favorite parts of our trip to Tahoe." -Mindy E.
"Went Kayaking today with Tahoe Adventure Company, it was a fantastic time! We had called multiple kayaking companies beforehand and they all were closed, luckily we found this place!! So glad they were open because it was a great day to kayak. The weather was beautiful, not too hot and a bit overcast. Nolan was a super welcoming and helpful kayak representative!! He answered all of our questions and helped us, additionally he let us wash off our feet afterwards. Thanks Nolan for all of your help! Thanks for staying open Tahoe Adventure Company!" -Sydney M.
My wife and I stayed with you this past weekend and went on the Full Moon Snowshoe tour. I just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone involved for a wonderful stay! The property was fantastic and was only outdone by the courtesy and friendliness of the staff. Everything was perfect (with the exception of the weather for the star tour) but even that was made up for with the presentation by Tony. As parents of a teenager we don't get the chance for romantic getaways very often but thanks to you all this was a very memorable and fantastic experience. We absolutely are looking forward to the next time we can get away. -Ken Irwin.
-- Ken Irwin
"This is the 2nd year we have done this kayak tour with Tahoe Adventure Co. Jill, our guide was incredible! She is very, very knowledgeable about Lake Tahoe, Thunderbird Lodge, and all aspects of the greater Tahoe area. She took lots of photos of us and air dropped them to all of us. The company is very thorough with their emailed instructions and information. The logistics of everything was seamless. Thank you once again!" Karen T.
-- Karen T.
"We had a fantastic snowshoeing tour with the very friendly and knowledgeable Tyler! The sights and area was beautiful, and Tyler was always accommodating, offering insightful advice and info along the way. Couldn’t have asked for a better first experience snowshoeing and would love to return again one day!" Lori C.