Archive for the ‘Lake Tahoe’ Category
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It’s been anticipated for months, and now this Sunday, September 22nd, it’s here: The Lake Tahoe Marathon.
In case you are out of the loop, the Lake Tahoe Marathon begins with a 2.4 mile swim in the early morning chill of Lake Tahoe, followed by a 112 mile bike ride from Kings Beach to Tahoe City to Truckee and then it fiddles around in the hills around Northstar before heading back to Kings Beach…before doing another lap and a half to end up in Squaw Valley. Oh, but they are not done yet, then they get to run a marathon.
Who would want to do such a thing? A lot of people in fact, and they paid a pretty penny for the privilege. Included amongst the participants are a fair number of locals, testing their meddle to see if they can be Ironmen…although most of the locals who are participating should more properly be called Ironwomen.
We’ve been watching the athletes prepare for the event all summer. Riding their bikes over the top of Brockway Summit, swimming in groups off the shore of Kings Beach, and running along our beautiful trails. Now they are tapering their training and getting ready for the big event this Sunday. And our community is getting ready as well. Hundreds of local people will be working the volunteer stations for hours on end helping the athletes, and cheering them on. I’m excited that I will be out there with my daughter Skyler’s cross-country running team, helping bikers figure out which way to go.
Ironman also means road closures of course. For the latest info just Google Ironman Lake Tahoe and once at the Ironman site, review the Traffic Impacts section. Then get out there and watch these incredible athletes giving it all for their dreams.
For more information and maps, please go to:
http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/lake-tahoe.aspx#axzz2fOMpntJh
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
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It’s that time of year again. Summer is waning and there is a bit of a nip in the air. While we here in the high country hope for a long ‘Indian Summer’, you just never know what the weather in Truckee/Tahoe will bring – or when.
The local plant nurseries are winding down for the season, and the majority will close completely until next spring. That’s good news for locals and second home owners alike, as it means deep discounts, parking lot sales and special deals on perennials, shrubs and trees. The timing is perfect for adding to your landscaping and outdoor curb appeal. Planting in the fall gives plants a chance to establish root systems in their new surroundings before winter’s snowfall and the plants go dormant. (Planting in the spring can sometimes send a plant into shock just when they’re about to start their new growth spurts or set blooms for the season.)
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And who doesn’t love adding some fall color before the snow flies? Colorful, golden mums and flowering kale make wonderful fall bedding displays and are resistant to the seasons chillier weather. Adding some pumpkins, corn stalks and creative scarecrows to the mix can make for some stunning front door displays.
Once you have your new shrubs and trees in the ground, fertilize to give them a head start on next springs growth, make sure to mulch around them to protect their roots from a hard freeze, and DO twine up the branches to keep winters heavy snows from breaking them. Come spring, you’re sure to have a happy plant that’s ready to burst forth into the season in all its glory.
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
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No, I’m not trying to tell you to get lost. The high Sierra are filled with many wonderful places to explore the beaten or unbeaten paths, back country, hidden lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, or just enjoy nature while getting some exercise and fresh air.
One of the favorite hikes is what locals call the ‘Shirley Lake’ hike. Located at Squaw Valley, you can either take the tram up to the top and hike down (you’re now committed to doing the entire hike. No taxi to pick you up if you decide you’ve had enough fun halfway down), or you can start at the bottom and hike up as far as you like, and turn around when you choose to. (Take the road that is right of the tram building. Follow the road straight until you see some boulders in front of the dirt trail head veering off to your right. Follow until you meet up with the main trial head which will veer to the left and start rising uphill).
The bottom half of the hike is relatively easy, and even most kids can manage it. It’s the prettiest part of the hike as it follows Squaw Creek and there are waterfalls aplenty for most of the way…depending on what month you do the hike. Some years bless us with ample winter snowpack and the creek is flowing well into the fall. On years that mother nature gets stingy with the white stuff, the creek can stop flowing by August. Hike early in the summer and the water rushes and gushes. Later in the summer and you can hike up the middle of the falls while water gently flows around you.
Wild shooting star columbine and thimbleberry
Wildflowers greet you throughout the hike. Look for columbine, penstemon, squaw carpet and thimbleberry, among many others along the trail.
Partway up the hike you enter the area we call ‘the enchanted forest’. Here the trees are thick and the area heavily shaded and mysterious. It has the look straight out of an illustration for any given book of fairy tales. One half expects to greet little red riding hood along the trail or a few pixies peeking out from behind the flora.
The top of the hike is much more strenuous. Most of it is above the treeline, so it can feel pretty toasty up there on a hot summer day as you scramble across granite sheets of rock. Wear plenty of sunscreen. You’re at altitude and can burn easily here…and don’t forget plenty of water.
You eventually will come to Shirley Lake, which is at the bottom of one of Squaw Valley’s famous ski runs. After taking some time here to relax and catch your breath, hike the rest of the way up to Squaw’s high camp for some refreshments, swim in their pool, and/or to take the tram back down. Make sure to bring money or a credit card. You’ll need to pay to use the pool or take the tram to get back to the bottom again. Otherwise you’re hoofing it all the way back down again.
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
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