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.
Visitors Love To Adventure With Us
"By far the absolute BEST adventure I have ever chosen! The Company does an amazing job at keeping in contact with you, frequently providing keen information for the tour; directions, parking permit, appropriate attire, answering any and ALL questions you may have! Our tour guide Zach was beyond AWESOME (if we could give 12/10 rating, would so would!) My boyfriend and I are from Miami, where we all know there are no mountains. The hike itself is do-able with frequent breaks. Zach was so patient with us, provided some great historical tips, and never stopped motivating us to get to the top!!! After the hardest climbs, came the best views. Seriously book this tour with NO hesitation." Carolyn H.
Our group had a fabulous time on the Historical Tour to Truckee and the group that went to Squaw Valley both days enjoyed the history on the drive up there. Your hospitality truly made everyone feel welcome and we received many compliments of your knowledge of Lake Tahoe and your friendly service. Thanks again for a wonderful experience. -One Beacon Insurance
We had a wonderful time in Tahoe - our guide was amazing! We will definitely be back and will be in touch for another adventure! Our guide was very encouraging and made us all feel so comfortable. The reservation clerk was also very helpful and pleasant...your staff is to be commended, everyone was friendly and went out of their way to encourage us and make our adventure the best. -Joan
"This was my first visit to Lake Tahoe, and my experience with the people at the Tahoe Adventure Company was great from start to finish. I received prompt responses from both the online info request and a phone message. Our starting point on the lake was easy to find, and the people onsite were immediately helpful and informative and had everything we needed. Robin was our guide - laidback, friendly, helpful, and full of tips and info!!! Our group of seven family members had never done this before, but we had a blast!!! We will definitely use them the next time we are in town." Tom S.
-- Tom S.
I want to thank you for a wonderful Thunderbird Lodge Kayak Tour. I hesitated spending the extra money for the Lodge tour, but everyone in our group seemed very pleased with this extra. Seeing the estate from the water and then leaving our kayaks of the sandy beach while doing the tour felt special. Mark was knowledgeable and the timing was relaxed. Having lunch in the gazebo was a nice touch. Kori was personable and we enjoyed her description of the geology and history of the area. We spoke highly of the trip to Stefanie of the Cedar House where we were staying. Thanks for a great trip, Ruth A.
-- Ruth A. (& 11 others)
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.
