Shoulder Season Makes Way for Lodge-to-Lodge Kayak Tours

Lake Tahoe Lodge based Kayak Tours

Outdoors: Kayaking In Slow Motion

Newsweek and Tahoe Adventure Company By Paul Tolme Calm-water kayak tours are like a nature hike on water, offering the chance to see wildlife and view landscapes unreachable on foot. Void of running rapids or raging surf, calm-water tours are ideal for first-timers. Here are a few locations where beginners can get their paddles wet. Lake Tahoe's legendary clarity and aqua-blue color allow visitors to see down 70 feet and draw comparisons with the Caribbean-that is, until you touch the brisk mountain water that flows down from California's Sierra Nevada and Nevada's Carson ranges. Navigate around giant rounded boulders deposited by glaciers and land on a secluded beach for lunch ($85 for a five-hour trip; tahoeadventurecompany.com). Sunset, Full Moon & Astronomy Paddles Are Popular Summer Fun at Lake Tahoe Float in a kayak on the clear blue water at Lake Tahoe while the sun sets the sky on fire! Watch the stars come out while you skim across the water. Increase your knowledge of astronomy with jaw dropping views. Cap it all off with some hot drinks, snacks and more stargazing on the beach with the Tahoe Adventure Company. "Sunset and Evening Astronomy Paddles are more popular than ever," says Kevin Hickey, owner of the Tahoe Adventure Company. "If you want a full moon paddle, make your reservations now." Full moon tours are offered June through October and paddles are possible a few days before or after the actual full moon. When the moon isn't full, the paddles focus more on viewing the stars and constellations. Several different Kayaking Adventures are available through the Tahoe Adventure Company. All one-day paddling trips cover comprehensive paddling instruction and day paddles include an impressive lunch on a secluded beach. "You get a unique perspective of the area from a kayak," Kevin explains. "Once we get out on the water, we're away from all the crowds." Knowledgeable guides point out lake ecology, geology and natural and human history. "The scenery is remarkable," he says. Depending on the route you choose, you can explore the undeveloped coastline of the East Shore with its picturesque beaches and giant boulder fields or get a glimpse of some of Lake Tahoe's most beautiful water front homes along the North Shore. Inspiring High Sierra paddles start at $60 with either two or 4 person minimums, depending on the type of adventure. Also available: Customized Mountain Biking, Hiking, Rock Climbing and Multi-Sport adventures as well as creative Teambuilding Programs and Corporate Events. For more information visit www.tahoeadventurecompany.com, call toll free 866-830-6125 or 530-913-9212. All adventures available with 48 hours notice.

All around Tahoe

Published Sunday, Jul. 26, 2009 When you circumnavigate Lake Tahoe's 72 miles of shoreline by car, the question is not "What do we do?" Rather, it's "What do we do next?" North Shore The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society offers a free 90-minute guided walking tour of Tahoe City, with emphasis on practical information for families (activities, restaurants, bike rentals), plus history and local lore. The tour will start at 10 a.m. Aug. 8, 15 and 29 at the visitor information center, 380 N. Lake Blvd. (530-583-1762 and www.northtahoemuseums. org). In Tahoe City, Highway 89 crosses Fanny Bridge and heads north toward Truckee while Highway 28 follows the lake toward Kings Beach. An option is to stay on Highway 89 (turn left) and detour to Squaw Valley USA (530-583-6985 or www.squaw.com) and/or the Resort at Squaw Creek (530-583-6300 and www.squawcreek.com) for shopping, dining, activities, events and a general look-see. Along the way, look on the left for the River Ranch Lodge on the Truckee River (530-583-4264 and www.riverranchlodge.com). The patio hosts a nonstop party scene all summer. If you make that left onto 89, turn right at Fairway, just past the Chevron station. A few blocks down is the trailhead to one of the legs of the Tahoe Rim Trail. We turned onto Highway 28 and stopped at the lakeside Boatworks Mall. Inside, Jake's on the Lake has a solid menu served in an indoor stone-and wood restaurant and on the sunny deck (the place to be) overlooking the marina (530-583-0188 and www.jakestahoe.com). Upstairs is Tahoe City Chocolates, where the blueberry-pecan-jalape o cluster in dark chocolate is amazing. East Shore We cruised along Highway 28, enjoying world-class views, and came to Captain Jon's restaurant in Tahoe Vista. The compound was built in 1903. The main restaurant and the deck are fine for dinner (seafood and steak specialties), and the Boathouse is ideal for a casual lunch and happy hour. It sits over the water, next to a dock (7220 N. Lake Blvd., 530-546-4819). The Cal-Neva Resort in Crystal Bay straddles the California-Nevada state line. Literally, you can swim from state to state in the hotel pool and stand in the Indian Room with one foot in California and one in Nevada. Though the "Lady of the Lake" is looking sleep-deprived, she's worth a visit because of her legendary past. Such as the drama during the 1960s involving Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Marilyn Monroe, John and Bobby Kennedy, and Chicago mobster Sam Giancana. The Celebrity Showroom is dark, but the hallway leading to it is lined with photos of the stars who appeared there. The Circle Bar used as a set in a few movies sits beneath a marvelous glass dome made of 7,000 pieces of hand-cut German crystal. In Incline Village, we turned right onto Lakeshore Boulevard and drove past multimillion-dollar homes to the gorgeous Lone Eagle Grille. The showcase restaurant is reminiscent of a massive Old Tahoe stone-and-wood lodge, but the shaded outdoor patio is better yet. As waves lapped the beach, we found the slushy tequila-based Golden Eagle cocktail to be the best of its kind on the lake. Signature dishes include wild salmon, buffalo tenderloin and seared elk chop (775-886-6733 and www.loneeaglegrille.com). Yes, Sand Harbor State Park is home to the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (through Aug. 23), but don't overlook its boulder-strewn coves and sandy beaches. If you want a swim, it's one of the best sites on the lake (775-831-0494). On the outskirts of Incline Village is the incredible Thunderbird Lodge, built between 1936 and 1940 by the late multimillionaire eccentric George Whittell Jr. The 40,000 acres of lakeside property he bought is why the East Shore is largely undeveloped to this day. If you have time for only one special event, make it a tour of the multi-building compound. There's no parking at the lodge, so arrange your visit via a reservation through www.tahoe.activitytickets.com or www.thunderbirdlodge. org. The Tahoe Adventure Company sponsors guided Lake Tahoe kayak tours out of Sand Harbor to the Thunderbird Lodge at 9 a.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 30 (other times and dates can be arranged). Once kayakers land at the beach, they get the full tour of the compound, followed by lunch. The price is $124. Information: (530) 913-9212 and www.tahoeadventurecompany.com. As Highway 28 approaches Highway 50, look on the left for Spooner Lake State Park (775-831-0494). The two-mile loop trail around the tranquil lake features shaded benches and informational signage. On westbound Highway 50, headed back to the South Shore, be on the lookout for Sam's Place on the left (775-588-2844). The pizza is good, the burgers are better. And while we're thinking about it, barkeep, we'll have another pitcher of cold beer. It's been a very long day.

Lake Tahoe Water Trail and Tahoe Adventure Company

Despite legislative delay, plans continue By Joanna Hartman Sierra Sun September 5, 2007 Article The dream of a kayak and canoe trail around the shores of Lake Tahoe continues to move forward, despite recent delays in California legislation. Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, scored an apparent victory in April when his Lake Tahoe Water Trail Bill, AB 1227, passed through the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. Sponsored jointly by the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee and the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, the assembly bill would have authorized the creation of a kayak and canoe trail around the 72-mile perimeter of Lake Tahoe. But the bill has since been waylaid and will likely be re-introduced by a new legislator next year, said Executive Director Patrick Wright of the California Tahoe Conservancy. At a Tahoe City Public Utility District board of directors meeting Tuesday evening, Wright explained that even though a state mandate would have to wait another year, water trail plans are moving forward. With or without enabling legislation, government agencies and interested parties have started to collaborate on how to establish the water trail. What's a water trail? A water trail is mostly defined by public access points, officials say. Not too different from the Tahoe Rim Trail, advocates want to see an official water trail around Lake Tahoe. The designation gives it the extra footing it needs for tourism. "The idea of easy access for portable boats to Lake Tahoe is one that has just exploded," said Sue Rae Irelan, recreation specialist with the California Tahoe Conservancy. A map of public access points, campgrounds, lodging and points of interest already exists. It was created a few years ago by the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee - a group of volunteers dedicated to coordinating information about nonmotorized boat access points around Lake Tahoe. But signage, directions and more official information would come with the water trail if mandated by the state. "Kayakers as a whole are a pretty conscientious, respectful group of people. With a trail designated with where you can and can't go, kayakers, I think, would obey that," said Kevin Hickey, owner of Tahoe Adventure Company and a kayaker. "I can't really see a reason not to have a [designated water trail]," he added. Promoting sustainable recreation Kayaking is exploding in popularity, the sport's advocates say, and a sanctioned water trail on Lake Tahoe would provide an opportunity to explore the shoreline with access points, resting places, campgrounds, lodging, points of interest and other facilities accommodating kayakers and canoeists. Chesapeake Bay, Lake Champlain, rivers in Pennsylvania, and the San Francisco Bay are among the few places with designated water trails. "It's one thing to have a trail network, it's another to have this designation," said Wright about the state legislation. "It makes all the difference to the tourism industry." Kayaker Kevin Hickey, owner and director of Tahoe Adventure Company, agrees. "As kayaking itself has been growing as a sport, there are other water trails that exist and are very popular and successful as far as people using them," he said in a phone interview Wednesday. "We should be promoting sustainable recreation ... Getting out on the lake paddling is an awesome way to see Tahoe." Advocates say that an organized trail with signage and directions would address anticipated problems between motorized and nonmotorized boats, although it wouldn't restrict either group's use of the lake. "This is not an attempt to produce preference to one user group over any others," said Sue Rae Irelan, recreation specialist with the California Tahoe Conservancy. Additionally, a state designation can help significantly when it comes to funding, advocates say. "If this is official through the state of California, it allows us to compete better for implementation money," Irelan said. "And it charges us to make sure we work with all the interest groups in the basin." Beginning in 2003, volunteers formed a nonprofit organization, the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee, in an effort to coordinate information about nonmotorized boat access points around Lake Tahoe. They also produced in 2005 a trail map and trip-planning guide that are for sale throughout the region. "A lake like Lake Tahoe is the perfect venue for a water trail - it's scenic, it's a lake whose water quality is threatened," Hickey said. "I think promoting nonmotorized recreation is certainly helpful for that cause." - The Tahoe Daily Tribune's Adam Jensen contributed to this report.

Bachelor parties get more relaxed, PG

Date Published: 2006 By Andrew DiLuccia The bachelor party has long been a clich for wild debauchery and adult entertainment. But as the years have gone on, many men are finding that scantly clad women and a lot of alcohol is not the only way to send their friends on to matrimony. The days of getting the groom the night before his wedding and taking him out on a world-wind tour of adult fun has transformed to weekend trips a few weeks or so before the nuptials that involve many activities. While the strip club and adult-themed bars are still a standby, golfing trips, poker parties, sports games, weekend trips and outdoors adventures are getting higher on the list of priorities. Kayaking on Lake Tahoe is one of the many things you can do when going on a weekend trip run by the Tahoe Adventure Company. THINGS TO DO Outdoor Adventure: Tahoe Adventure Company; 530-913-9212 "It kind of seems to me that the stripper thing is not quite as popular as it used to be," said fishing guide J.D. Richey, who charters several bachelor party fishing trips each year. Richey gives the groom to be a fun day out on the river, and can accommodate any size of bachelor party. Fishing tournaments and teasing amongst the groom's party are some of the highlights on Richey's trips, and he finds that more and more men are choosing this type of activity. You can check out Richey's guide service at www.thesportfisher.com Being close to the Lake Tahoe area, there are plenty of outdoors adventures to be had, and the people at Tahoe Adventure Company are happy to oblige. "I think the travel market has grown by leaps and bounds the last few years," said Kevin Hickey, owner of Tahoe Adventure Company. "We had a group of guys last summer, only seven of them. They came out and we did a two-day multiple sports trip." Hickey's company, based in Tahoe City, offers everything from lake kayaking to mountain climbing and biking. He can also accommodate groups as large as 130 people. Check them out at www.tahoeadventurecompany.com. And of course there is always the big draw of destination trips like heading off to Las Vegas or even Reno, where there are many bachelor activities.

Moonlight kayaking a quiet adventure on Lake Tahoe

MERRIE LEININGER RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL Posted: 9/22/2006 The smoke from California wildfires crept over the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, threatening views during our astronomy-themed full moon kayak trip on a Thursday night. I stood on the beach of Tahoe Vista Recreation Area with my friend, Jessica Caughey and our guide, Kevin Hickey, and looked at the hazy sky. Our fears were confirmed as the sky darkened -- but the smoke gave us something, too -- a sunset full of pink and orange clouds, and a huge red moon that reflected off the water. The other lights lining the shore and the glow sticks taped to every paddle, dipping up and down, comforted us as we made our way out into Lake Tahoe in the dark. Hickey, who owns the Tahoe Adventure Company, led the group of about 15 people in double, sit-on-top kayaks out past the moored boats and toward Tahoe City. Before we started he had provided a short lesson on paddling and getting in and out of the water and provided everyone with warm drysuits. Hickey says you can wear anything under the suits as long as it isn't cotton. Cotton stays wet once it gets wet, while synthetic materials wick water away from your skin to keep you drier and warmer. Once on the water, Jessica and I tried to coordinate our paddling and soon found a rhythm. Following Hickey, we enjoyed the sunset and he paused to let everyone "ooh" and "aah" at the moonrise. While we sat, Hickey talked about the importance of the moon and the stars to ancient cultures. These pauses for astronomy lessons make the trip easy enough for anyone to take part -- even if you have never kayaked before or are not sure if you are in good enough shape to keep up with a group. Hickey also discussed the positions of the stars, the north star, and constellations. Despite the smoke cover, we did catch sight of a shooting star. Hickey, who also leads daytime kayaking trips on Lake Tahoe, team-building adventures and snow-shoeing tours in the winter and hiking and biking in the summer, kept an eye on everyone and made sure we didn't sit long enough to get cold. The round-trip of an easy two miles soon ended, though, and once back on shore, Hickey provided hot tea, cocoa and cider, along with some cookies and snacks. Jessica and I were thankful for the warm drinks because, despite feeling fine while paddling, once we stood up, we were wetter than we realized and started to shiver. Hickey said the early cold temperatures this fall might mean that our trip was the last moonlight kayaking tour of 2006, but it depends on the weather. Contact Hickey to sign up or confirm there will be one final moonlight tour. Otherwise, check out his Web site at www.tahoeadventurecompany.com for information about his other winter and team-building trips.

NY Times and Tahoe Adventure Company

By CINDY PRICE ~ New York Times Published: August 18, 2006 NY Times Article POLITICS and religion aside, 200,000 people can't be wrong. According to the California Tahoe Conservancy, that's the estimated crowd at Lake Tahoe on a busy summer weekend. That's enough people to make you rethink your vacation plans, but Tahoe never feels too frantic. Maybe it's the enormous mountain lake standing center, proudly straddling California and Nevada, that lets you know right away who's in charge, but the weekenders who flood the 72 miles of shoreline instinctively bow to nature's pace. And there's that other little fact, too - far less provable, but widely asserted: There's nothing quite like a weekend spent circling Tahoe. The endless activities of summer are standard enough, but they're set to a Sierra backdrop of soaring evergreens and crystalline water worthy of a thousand poets. Throw in the late-night siren call of the Nevada casinos, and it's a tough act to follow. Friday 3 p.m. DEEPER SHADES OF BLUE "It's just like the Caribbean!" the tour guide, Kevin Hickey, is shouting over his paddle. "Until you dip your hand in." Wordsmiths have beaten themselves silly trying to capture the true color of Lake Tahoe, so take your pick - cobalt, azure, electric, sapphire. Suffice it to say that it's pretty darn blue. And cold. Even in late summer, the water averages 65 to 70 degrees, given the many mountain streams that slither into it. Judge for yourself on a guided kayak trip out of Sand Harbor, Nev., with the Tahoe Adventure Company (866-830-6125, www.tahoeadventurecompany.com), which offers individual tours that are part geology lesson and part history lesson. Paddle out past the children cannonballing off the rocks, and learn about the lake's underlying fault lines, or that a tsunami may have burst forth there in the last 10,000 years.

Tahoe Adventure Company now offering Kayak Rentals on the North Shore

The Tahoe Adventure Company has opened a Kayak Rental Concession at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area & North Tahoe Regional Park on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Adventure Company provides both single and double kayak rentals on the beach at the newly completed Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. Paddle right from the beach and explore the North Shore at your own pace. Tahoe Adventure Company also leads high quality adventure trips including guided kayak, hiking and mountain biking tours that focus on learning about the natural and human history of the area as well as getting out and enjoying the Lake and the surrounding forests. Kayak Tours originate from the beach in Tahoe Vista, Sand Harbor State Beach on Lake Tahoe's East Shore or King's Beach. Popular tours include Sunset, Full Moon and Astronomy paddles, as well as mountain biking and hiking tours on local trails that can be chosen based on guests' ability levels. Trips can be customized to the desires of groups of any size and can include BBQ's, deli spread lunches and one or a combination of activities chosen to suit a variety of experience and fitness levels. Tahoe Adventure Company can also lead group and corporate events and activities as well as providing team building as a separate adventure or incorporated into adventure activities chosen by the group. For more information visit: Call 866-830-6125 or 530-913-9212. NTPUD residents showing their local's card receive a 10% discount off standard services offered by Tahoe Adventure Company. This discount is not valid with any other offer.

Full Moon Kayaking

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.

Team Building Adventures

Effective Team Building Adventures Available Minutes From The Office Whether you want to foster better communication between sales teams, achieve a heightened level of trust between team members or you want your team to bond, focus or think "out of the box" when problem solving you can accomplish it and keep everybody laughing throughout the process. And you don't even have to travel far to do it. Tahoe Adventure Company offers a world class setting for effective team building adventures, only minutes away from northern Nevada offices. You can choose from more than a dozen Beach or Lawn Olympics activities or select Custom Frisbee Golf through an Orienteering Challenge Course. Olympics options include some serious team building challenges. Using a section of half round pipe to move marbles may sound easy but there are challenges along the way so teamwork is essential. Getting an object from point A to point B may seem like it will be a piece of cake but if only one member can see, only one member can talk and one member can move communication is vital! Keep everybody on a piece of "magic carpet" presents a different challenge, when the entire group has to move to the other side of the carpet. Pitching a tent becomes more challenging when half the team can see but they can't touch the tent. The blindfolded people are the ones who put the tent up following instructions from their sighted colleagues. "There's always a lot of laughter during the team building challenges," says Kevin Hickey, owner of the Tahoe Adventure Company. Candace Snyder who planned a reunion at Lake Tahoe and utilized the Tahoe Adventure Company for activities wrote, "...we did Orienteering/Frisbee Golf with 27 people and Kayaking with 24 people. It was a fun as well as a community building and learning experience. Many people in our group voiced their appreciation of Tahoe Adventure Company staff." If companies would like a half-day of kayaking between meetings or would like to create a major event for a corporate incentive package, the Tahoe Adventure Company can arrange it. Lake Kayaking, mountain biking (easy to moderate or all downhill), natural history hikes, rock climbing, and fully outfitted multi-sport trips are becoming more popular with businesses. Teambuilding elements can be added to any activity. For more information on the Tahoe Adventure Company Team Building Programs, Corporate Events and Customized Adventures, visit www.tahoeadventurecompany.com or call toll free 866-830-6125 or 530-913-9212.