By Tim Hauserman
With the recent completion of the Legacy Trail between downtown Truckee and Glenshire, a great new avenue of access to the Truckee River has been created, and bikers and walkers in Glenshire will now have the opportunity for a safe and fun route into town.
Legacy Bike Trail, Truckee CA
From downtown Truckee, The Legacy Trail begins at the Truckee River Regional Park, or you can meet the trail by riding to the end of East River Street, and taking the bike bridge across the river. Either way, follow the river downstream as the trail gently twists and turns under the Bypass bridge, past the Truckee Riverview Sports Park, and through an open forest of pines. While the riding is smooth, it’s also a popular trail for dog walkers and stroller pushers so keep your speed under control.
Soon enough, you reach the recently opened section of trail, and marvel at the substantial rock wall that has been built to enable the trail to stay close to the Truckee River. You then pass through an open meadowy area to a bridge across Martis Creek. Opportunities abound to take a break and enjoy the sound of the river at one of the many benches along the trail. Finally, via a series of long, sweeping switchbacks through a humongous pile of basalt tailings, you climb up to the edge of Glenshire. Enjoy sweeping views of the Truckee River and the Sierra Crest before reaching trails end at the entrance to the Glenshire development.
View of the Truckee River on the Legacy Bike Trail
In addition to providing new access to downtown Truckee for Glenshire residents, the Legacy Trail gives Tahoe/Truckee bike riders another connection and opportunity for a longer ride. I left my house in Tahoe City and rode to the entrance to Glenshire in just over an hour (it took longer on the return because of a headwind and a few hundred feet of additional climbing). Except for the narrow shouldered section along West River Street, which is hopefully slated for improvement in the next few years, the whole ride was on bike trail or wide bike lane. Each year, new trails and improvements get added to the network of Truckee/Tahoe trails, and there are a lot of bikers that can’t wait to take advantage of these new opportunities.
Legacy Bike Trail, Truckee CA
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By Michelle Portesi
Nestled behind Royal Gorge Ski Area in Soda Springs is a series of lakes well hidden except for those who know how to find them. It’s about 4 miles of a bumpy ride to access them from Royal Gorge’s parking lot, but you will be well rewarded for your efforts.
I didn’t have to put my Suzuki ‘Tonka Toy’ into 4 wheel drive to get there, but a 4 x 4 is suggested- if for no other reason than its higher clearance. The road can be fairly rutted.
You will first pass Kidd Lake Campground, which is owned by PG & E and is also part of their hydroelectric system. Designed mostly for tent camping, there are spaces for RV’s in the parking area. If you would like to camp in the area while you explore, make reservations by visiting their website: pge.com
Long Lake, Soda Springs CA
If you’re just looking for a short day hike, continue on the road until it ends. You will see a Royal Gorge warming hut which marks the head of the Palisade’s Creek Trail. Note the Cascade Lakes reservoir to your left, which is also part of the PG & E hydroelectric system. Cross over the reservoir’s bridge. From there, it’s less than a mile to Long Lake. Hike along the granite shores, sunbathe on a rocky outcrop or go for a swim. In the distance are views of Granite Chief Wilderness west of Squaw Valley, Devil’s Peak and Castle Peak.
Rope swing at Long Lake swimming hole
How to get there: From Donner Lake, continue west up Donner Pass Road to the summit. Turn left on Soda Springs Road and right on Pahotsi. It turns into dirt road fairly quickly. Continue on the dirt road approximately 4 miles (supposedly it’s Kidd Lake Road, it isn’t marked as such) past Kidd Lake to Cascade Lakes. The map isn’t quite accurate, as the road does continue to Cascade Lakes. Park the car and follow the Palisades Creek Trail to Long Lake.
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Contributing writer, Michelle Portesi ~Kitchen, Bath and Interior Designer
So you’ve made the decision to sell your house. While it’s a simple task to call the real estate agent to get the house on the market (…like Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places!), appealing to potential buyers is a bit more daunting.
As a designer, the following suggestions seem incredibly obvious to me. I’m always surprised when it isn’t obvious to others. So here are a few tips.
Bite the Bullet. Call for a Dumpster.
GET RID OF YOUR JUNK
Seriously. I mean it. Homes accumulate an amazing amount of detritus. From random boxes to broken appliances and furniture, these items seep their way into every closet, garage, nook and cranny. Not only do they rob you now of useable storage, they give a buyer the impression that the home doesn’t have enough storage – in addition to making the place look like a candidate for one of those ‘Hoarders’ shows.
Outside, remove dead trees and weeds. Out go the old tires and rusted out swing sets. Don’t wait UNTIL the house sells to do this admittedly tedious task. You’re just prolonging the inevitable, and will inevitably prolong the sale of your house.
Bite the Bullet. Call for a Dumpster.
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…make it ‘go away’…
PACK UP YOUR ‘STUFF’
Home buyers often can’t see past your personal items and tastes to visualize themselves in a home. Make it easier for them. Box up your prized deer head collection, vast salt & pepper shaker fetish and the family photos. Trust me, you can live without them until your home sells. Keep the most spectacular art pieces and decorative items out for display. Just remember that less is definitely more.
In the kitchen, clear off your countertops and remove all items attached to your refrigerator door to cut down on the visual clutter. Try to keep the area mess free for real estate showings.
If your home looks more like the set of ‘Romper Room’ than a home an adult would feel comfortable living in, try to keep the kid stuff to a minimum. Remember, the whole idea here is to sell your house quickly, so your kids will be back to blissfully riding their big wheels at your new home.
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Take out about 50% of what’s in this room.
MOVE ‘EM OUT!
Remove some of your furnishings. Homes are often packed to the gills, and the sheer overabundance can make a house seem much smaller than it really is.
Take out items that are rarely used, and anything over-sized – like a sofa and loveseat combo that doesn’t fit the proportions of the house. Try living with just the sofa. Definitely remove anything that looks worse for wear.
Arrange furnishing into conversation areas, instead of fixated on the television. Walkways and traffic patterns should be clearly defined and should not run through the middle of your furniture zones.
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Sticker laden purple walls probably won’t appeal to a potential buyer.
TONE IT DOWN
Make the house appeal to as many buyers as possible. Realize that the majority of souls walking through your door may not be as enamored of the Barney purple walls as you are. Neutral paint colors like Kelly Moore’s Mission Tan has a warm medium tone that looks rich, makes artwork pop from the wall and goes with just about any decor. Add more vivacious colors with accent pillows and decorations.
DIY curtains from bed sheets
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS…
Making a house feel inviting doesn’t have to be expensive. Get creative! Avant-garde arrangements of manzanita branches or pine boughs create fresh floral arrangements that are readily available in most yards. Give your bedroom linens a feeling of sumptuousness with a homemade duvet cover and curtains made with inexpensive sheets. Capture a buyers interest enough to linger in the house. Keep it light, airy and clean.
…and Fresh Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh out of the oven doesn’t hurt either…
Make a house smell ‘homey’.
Shameless plug: And if you truly just can’t visualize the above, contact me and I’ll come over and stage it for you! ~Michelle
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YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES 