Tahoelodging

For a new view of Lake Tahoe, nothing is better than getting on the water.  It will change your perspective, of the lake, your life, and anything else that is running through your head. 

 The easiest way to get on the lake is to kayak.  Either bring your own or rent one.  Kayak rentals are available all around the lake from many different companies in many different locations.  With the sea kayak, paddling is almost effortless and any one can do it.  

On Saturday, September 6, 2008, the Fall paddlefest 2008 will be held at El Dorado Beach from 8:30 am – 2 pm, hosted by the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee.  There will be safety and paddle demonstrations, lunch, new boat demos and beach activities.  And of course, kayaking.

 The entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for those under 18 includes lunch.  Advance registration is required by September 1. For more information, call 530.543.3001 or visit www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

Kayaking allows you to see areas of Tahoe where most of the public don’t or can’t get to.  It’s better to stay closer to shore, the farther out into the main body of the lake, the more choppy and cold the water gets.

 You can rent the equipment and rent a guide, or rent the equipment, take a class, go on your own, or bring your own and put in where you like. Make sure you have a life jacket. 

Want something a bit more speedy?  Rent a boat, either sail or speed.  These are also available for rent from the many marinas around the lake, south, west, and north shore. 

Or rent a jet ski. It’s great way to get cool, and experience the lake in a very close, not to mention wet, personal way. It’s also a lot of fun and easy to learn.  The biggest issue with jet skis is safety.  One can get caught up in fun of it and not pay attention to other water craft in the area.  So rent one and be smart and safe.

Want a great view, be on the water and get a slight thrill?  Go parasailing! The Ski Run Boat Company and the Tahoe Keys Boat Rentals both offer parasailing.

As with any of the water crafts, one must be responsible. That means being aware of where you are in relationship to other water craft, wearing a life vest, and being sober.  So pay attention, be responsible and enjoy the many types of water activities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-kRx1c0Pt0

Fire flowers

Wow.  It’s unbelievable.  We’ve all heard that forest fires help to promote the growth of new plants. Every nature program that comes down the pike regarding fire talks about the benefits of fire and the regrowth, but still.  It’s amazing to see. 

Last year the Angora fire blew through the neighborhoods under Angora Ridge and burnt  254 homes and 3500 acres which contained shelter for numerous forest creatures.  It was a shock to see when it was over. Emotionally devastating walking through a forest of ash and burnt sticks.  We all mourned the loss of our beautiful back yard.  For weeks after, planes dropped a sticky grey-green ground cover over the area, designed to keep the ash and dirt from running down the mountain when the fall rains and winter snows fell.  The constant drone from 7 am to 7 pm was a daily reminder that our forest was damaged.

 But now, eight months later, it is a very different picture. No one was prepared for the amazing amount of wildflowers that grew out of the ash, especially along the stream.  even in mid-summer, it is a mass of color, lush and vibrant.  The best and most clear sign that there is life after death.

 Of course the standard flowers have shown up, Lupine, Jewelflowers, Indian Paint Brush, Wandering Asters, Clarkia, Pussypaws, Phlox, Mountain Spirea, Penstemon, Mules Ears.  Those are pretty on their own. The yarrow has tripled its presence and goes for miles. Also making an appearance is Mountain Monardella, Marsh or Bog Mallow, Camas Lily, Bitter Dogbane, Larkspur, Cinquefoil, Monkeyflower, Geraniums, Cow Parsnips and Corn Lilies as far as the eye can see, False Solomon’s Seal, Nude Buckwheat and my own personal favorites, Pretty Face and the Mariposa Lily. And there is of course, fire flower. This is by no means a complete list, this is just what I remember.

So take a hike through the burn area.  Wander along Angora Creek and let the sight lift your spirits.