Archive for the ‘Summer Recreation’ Category
By Tim Hauserman
I’ve been enjoying mountain biking in the Tahoe and Truckee areas for over twenty years, but realized when I made my first trip to the dirt trails near Tahoe Donner Cross-Country that there are always more trails to discover. We found sparkling views of Frog Lake Cliffs and waves of wildflowers. There were steady climbs on dirt roads, and flowing single track with a seemingly endless string of switchbacks. It was fun, accessible and whatever you wanted it to be.
I connected with a Truckee friend to show me the ropes, but you can wander around and make your own pathway without much danger of getting lost, especially if you have skied a few times at Tahoe Donner. I’ve spent many winter days huffing and puffing my way up Sundance and across the northern face of Hawk’s Peak on my skis, but this was a first on a bike. The climb seems easier on wheels, but the views are equally sublime. We made our way to Hasting’s Crossing where tucked away in the trees we found the Mother Lode Trail, a single track designed for mountain biking. It was a series of flowing rolling turns winding it’s way down the steep slope. While some of the hairpin turns were near the edge of my ability to roll through on this first trip, the trail was smooth and a blast to ride. Next time I’m going to nail it! Before we knew it the trail dropped us onto Firewalker, where another single track, Hidden Gem, began on the other side.This one was narrower and a bit more rocky, but still delightfully rideable. It traversed through fields of mule ears and lupine at the peak of lushness. Take the time to stop to take a gander at the amazing mountain vistas.
Then bada bing, bada boom, we were in Euer Valley, where a quick jaunt across the meadow led to a dirt road opening up a whole new set of riding opportunities. Take your pick based on your time and energy level, knowing that eventually you do need to climb back out of the valley and make your way back to the lodge.
Trailhead: Start out wherever you live in Tahoe Donner, or at the Cross-Country Lodge and find your level of fun and adventure. Look for maps at several intersections.
THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
www.lynnrichardson.net
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By Michelle Portesi
Shakespeare at Sand Harbor has been a much looked forward to summer event for what seems like forever. Locals have been long familiar with the fun, food and entertainment that is part and parcel of this yearly month long theater extravaganza. If you’re a visitor or a new resident, this may be all new to you – and you’re in for a real treat!
From Shakespeare at Sand Harbor website
Located on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe at Sand Harbor State Park, the venue is a natural amphitheater – albeit one with sand under your feet instead of concrete. You’ll view the stage while overlooking the lake’s light sandy beach and crystal clear aqua waters, making this one of the most magical spots at Lake Tahoe to spend a summer evening of entertainment.
Romeo and Juliet. Photo from Shakespeare at Sand Harbor website.
This year’s Shakespeare play is Romeo and Juliet. You’ll be swept away to another place and time, although what is truly fun about the theater groups interpretation of Shakespeare’s plays, is that the time is not necessarily of the Elizabethan era.
Also, much to our enjoyment, the festival has added much more to the nightly entertainments than just Shakespeare’s plays. Looking for something with a little less drama? This year, The Fantastics, the World’s longest running musical, has been added to the playbill. On Mondays, which is the theater group’s night off, there are a variety of other entertainments as well. Among some of the shows will be the Ballet version of Romeo and Juliet (I saw Giselle a few years back, and it was wonderful!)
The well respected Reno Philharmonic will also be performing two separate shows: ‘Broadway on the Beach’ and ‘Beatles on the Beach’. (I’m down for those two! Who’s coming with me?!!!)
There are many different seating options, some including dining service, so do go to their website for more information. There is great food and drink available at the venue too, but as us long time viewers know, packing a picnic basket full of good eats to go with your good friends and good wine is half the fun!
Beatles on the Beach. Photo from Shakespeare at Sand Harbor website.
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To view the calendar of events at Shakespeare at Sand Harbor and to order tickets, go here: laketahoeshakespeare.com
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THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
www.lynnrichardson.net
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
By Michelle Portesi
The summer season at the Lake Tahoe Basin is officially kicking off this week. Lots of Food, Fun and Festivities are scheduled throughout the area, so be sure to put these on your calendar.
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS
July 2-4th. Incline Village hosts Red, White and Tahoe Blue, 3 days of celebrations including Wine and Cheese tasting, a day on the Village Green and The Reno Philharmonic concert set to the fireworks and more. For information and to purchase tickets, go here: redwhitetahoeblue.org
July 3rd. Kings Beach does their annual Beach Party on July 3rd from 4-10 p.m, with food trucks, beer/wine/mixed drinks garden, music and activities planned. The event is free, but if you don’t want to fight the crowds for a prime seat, they offer preferred seating for the fireworks display for a nominal fee. For more information, go here: NorthTahoeBusiness.org
July 4th. Tahoe City hosts their annual fireworks display on July 4 on Commons Beach. This year’s theme is Bell Bottom Beach Bash. Food, music and activities scheduled before the fireworks show. For more info, go here: www.visittahoecity.org/events/
July 4th. Truckee kicks off the July 4th celebration with their annual parade along Donner Pass Road between Hwy 89 S and Old Downtown at Bridge and Church Street. (Plan to use West River Street if you need to get around, as Donner Pass Road will be closed to through traffic.) The Parade starts at 10 a.m.
Donner Lake. The Truckee Donner Community Parks District is hosting their annual fireworks event on the West End Beach. Tickets available to Truckee homeowners and residents, with food, music and activities throughout the day. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Not a resident? Not to worry. You can view the fireworks from some of the many public piers along the lake as well as at the lookout on old Hwy 49.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go here: tdrpd.com
Photo from visittahoecity.org
A word to the wise. Walk or bike to your preferred viewing venue if possible, as traffic can be a nightmare. Plan for long, car conga lines and delays. Be sure to have a flashlight to find your way back in the dark if you’re hoofing it. Bring a jacket. It’s hot during the day and has been hot lately in the evenings, but that’s not the norm. Temperatures can drop dramatically once the sun goes down, so plan accordingly. Wear lots of sunscreen. DO pack a picnic. If you bring alcohol, decant into plastic containers. No one likes broken glass on the beach and some places will not allow any glass items entirely.
Activities throughout the area abound this week, but sometimes, just lazily relaxing on the beach while surrounded by the beauty of the Sierra’s just can’t be beat.
And most of all, be safe, and have fun!
THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
www.lynnrichardson.net
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES 