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
All people involved had a great time. Your guides are awesome also. I was going to call you about the pictures so I am glad you have the disc. Thanks again! -Doug, Levins Auto
Hi, I just wanted to follow-up with you after our family trip to Lake Tahoe and the Sand Harbor Kayak Tour we did through your company July 31. It was fantastic! Our guide gets a thumbs up and we'd ask for him again. It was my favorite part of the trip. It was very cool too that a photographer from the Times was there to document all the fun...Again, thanks for a great experience. -Kristen Runke
We did both the rock climbing and the North Tahoe Single Track Mountain Biking. The kids say the mountain biking tour was the BEST thing they have ever done. The trails were fantastic and they thought that Micah was so totally cool. The rock climbing with Chris was great and they loved when he took out the blindfold for them. They were so amazed they did it without seeing what they were doing. Thanks for making our trip special. -Alisa
"My husband, 15-year-old daughter, and I booked the Friday, December 28 sunset snowshoe tour with Tahoe Adventure Company. It took a while to confirm but once I spoke with Katie we were all set. We were a bit nervous for the tour as the day was a dark 20 degrees with howling winds. We met our guides 30 minute late, but they were kind and patient with us. Once we got geared up and hiked the icy road under the freeway, then we were off. The Pacific trail was in deep snow and out of the wind. We were comfortable the whole time. Our guide spoke about the terrain and glaciers that formed the area. Michelle took some awesome photos of us with the mountain peaks at sunset. All in all, it was a beautiful experience." -Trip Advisor Review
-- Trip Advisor Review
Had a great time on the North Shore Kayak last Monday. This is the second time I've used your company. Our guide, I think his name was Kerry, (he grew up in Sacramento) did a fabulous job and was very patient with 2 novices, myself and a friend. It was just the three of us, so we had great one-on-one attention. He excels in customer service skills, which is a lost art these days. The day was perfect and the lake was beautiful so it was a win-win all around. -Patti L.
-- Patti L.
I wanted to let you know that the vendor you had suggested when I first talked with the Northstar group sales office a year ago, Tahoe Adventure Company, was terrific. The two events we did with him ....Orienteering + Kayaking...were fun, community building, and a learning experience. Many people within our group voiced their appreciation for he and his staff. -Clark Family Reunion