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.
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"We had the best experience on our Kayak Tour! Our guide Emma was helpful friendly, professional and knowledgeable! The views were spectacular, the lunch was tasty, and we had a great time! My husband has had light to moderate experience, and this was my 1st time out, and I had not trouble at all. The location was easy to find as well. We will definitely be back! If you'd like to experience Lake Tahoe from the water we highly recommend the Tahoe Adventure Company and Emma! You wont be disappointed!" -Amanda C.
"Highlight of our Tahoe trip! We had so much fun in the half day kayak tour of sand harbor, we went back the next day for a paddleboard tour. Th guides added a lot to the fun of the sport with tons of cool information about the lake ecology and the history of Tahoe. Definitely recommend!" Frankie S.
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-- C Barbs.
"First time to Tahoe and first time on their trails, so we got a guide. John with Tahoe Adventure was awesome. It was my wife's first time mountain biking and he was very helpful and patient with her. We saw some incredible terrain, and were able to hike up to an area to get a great view of the lake. Incredible trip!" -Trip Advisor Review
-- Trip Advisor Review
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