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 such a fun adventure for our family and friends! The guide was so kind and knowledgeable and put everyone at ease. Kayaking in Lake Tahoe was an amazing experience! We would absolutely do this again!" -Lisa L.
"We recently went to Lake Tahoe for R&R. I love to hike and decide to hire a guide for one day. Tahoe Adventure Company was wonderful their customer service and guides are very professional. Our guide Robin new about all the flowers, trees, wildlife and brought a book so we could look up flowers, fish, trees and more. She even brought a picnic along for the day! I would recommend Tahoe Adventure Company for anyone interested in hiking, and water activities. When we return for future summers in Tahoe we will be booking more hikes with Tahoe Adventure Company!" -Tracy M
"Took a stand up paddle board tour. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Tons of interesting information about Lake Tahoe history. Provided lunch was as good as I've had on any guided trip. We had a great time and would go again. I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a guided leisurely afternoon paddle." Debbie V.
"We loved our adventure! We kayaked to Thunderbird Lodge. Our guides, Collin and Bailey, were kind and competent making for a great day!" Sean N.
-- Sean N.
"We had the best time exploring Lake Tahoe with our guide, Will! He was super knowledgeable about the lake, surrounding geography, and local history. Getting to experience the lake by kayak was a no brainer for us. Highly recommend Tahoe Adventure Company. You won't regret it!" -Caitlin W.
-- Caitlin W.
"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.