The Lake Tahoe-Truckee area has always been known as a great area to enjoy the outdoors. With incredible mountain terrain and crystal clear blue water, there aren't many places on earth that have the varied outdoor opportunities this place offers. Ski areas like Squaw Valley USA have terrain that challenges the most extreme skiers in the winter and the most extreme runners, tri-athletes and bikers in the summer. Lake Tahoe offers the same type of challenging opportunities for water skiers, boaters and kayaks. While this area is known world-wide for it's extreme sports, it also offers a family friendly, more relaxed environment for the rest of us. That's why the opening of the new Lakeside Trail in Tahoe City is so exciting. It elevates the off highway trail system for walkers, casual cyclists and skaters to a new level by connecting the North Shore Trail, West Shore Trail and the Truckee River Trail. Before this stretch of trail was completed, riders would have to wind through downtown Tahoe City to get from one side to the other of the 19-mile trail system, dodging trucks, cars and delivery vehicles.
On June 21, 2012, TCPUD, Jake’s on the Lake, Auerbach Engineering, and Landesign, hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony at Jake’s on the Lake. Then on June 24th, a “Let’s Get Linked” celebration took place with a human chain one mile long with over 1,000 people. Why all the hoopla over a mile long stretch of bike and pedestrian trail? In addition to the value of this important link in the Lake Tahoe trail system, it's been 25 years in the making and was finished at a total cost of $12 million. Yikes! I guess you can tell this isn't just any trail. The $12 million in funding came from 12 sources, in grants and donations, including about $5.5 million from the California Tahoe Conservancy over 25 years for property acquisition, planning, design and construction. This was a major community effort! Because it's on the shore of Lake Tahoe and goes through many parcels, it required the work and cooperation of many agencies, businesses and private and public property owners. The trail follows the waters edge in Tahoe City with lighting, plazas, picnic areas, and many granite seat walls and overlooks, with views of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River, to make it feel more like a boardwalk than just a trail. Riders or walkers coming from Homewood or Squaw Valley (Highway 89) can now connect to North Lake Boulevard towards Carnelian Bay without having to negotiate Highway 28 through downtown. This is a major accomplishment the Lake Tahoe community can be proud of and helps reinforce our commitment to a healthy, green and fun outdoor lifestyle. Here are a few articles where you can read more about it:
www.rgj.com
www.sierrasun.com
www.tahoe.com
There are some upcoming events not to miss. Maybe you can bike to them on the new trail! Just don't drink and bike on the way home, you may get a BUI.
Art, Wine & Music Festival
Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 11:00 to Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 17:00
Squaw Valley's base village will burst with color, taste, and sound as fine artists, crafts makers, performers and musicians come to participate in this fun, two-day annual event. The Art, Wine & Music Festival features two performance stages, restaurants and shops, and walkways lined with fine art booths and exhibits. Join us in The Village from 11 to 5pm and wine tasting from 2 to 5pm.
‘Conversations with History' at the historic Vikingsholm Estate
Monday, June 18, 2012
Helen Smith will remember her summers at Vikingsholm in the Tahoe estate's intimate courtyard setting. Have a “Conversation with History” June 21, July 19 or Aug. 15.
Courtesy California State Parks
TAHOE, Calif. — The Sierra State Parks Foundation and California State Parks announce three rare opportunities to drive to the Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay for an enchanted evening on June 21, July 19 and Aug. 15. Tickets are $50 per person with proceeds earmarked to provide critically needed funds for the maintenance and repair of the Vikingsholm. Seating is limited to 30 guests and advanced reservations are required by calling 530-583-9911. Guests will meet at the Visitor Center at D.L. Bliss State Park at 4:45 p.m. and then be escorted to Vikingsholm, via carpool, for the two-hour event.
“Conversations with History” will feature a behind-the-scenes tour of the incomparable Vikingsholm. Guests will be treated to viewing areas of the house that are not on the public daily tours. Following the tour, guests will meet in the courtyard where wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Dr. Smith will host an informal conversation about her experiences spending 14 summers at Vikingsholm as the guest of Lora Knight, the original owner of Vikingsholm. Smith will present a signed copy of her book, “Vikingsholm,” to every guest.
Tours of Vikingsholm Castle are available seven days a week through September. The first tour of the day starts at 10:30 a.m. and the last tour at 4:30 p.m. All tours are guided tours and take approximately one-half hour. The tour fee is $8 for adults and $5 for youths 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free. The maximum number of people on a tour is 30. Visit www.vikingsholm.org or call 530-525-9530 to make access arrangements.
Guided hikes in July offered by Tahoe Rim Trail Association
With the start of the summer hiking season upon us, Tahoe's peaks, wildflowers and vistas are beginning to beckon. Tahoe Rim Trail offers free guided hikes in July. These hikes are great for all abilities, and shorter hikes are most appropriate for children. Participants must register in advance for these summer hikes. Online registration is now required for all TRTA programs and can be completed on the TRTA website at www.tahoerimtrail.org.
For more information, call 775-298-0012 or email Jaime at jaimes@tahoerimtrail.org.
Tuesday, July 17 — Hawley Grade History Hike (6 miles)
Take a journey into the past on hike on a portion of the original trans-Sierra emigrant route and Pony Express trail through the Sierra. Learn a little of the history of the early settlers as we hike from the Tahoe Valley floor near Meyers and climb to the junction with the Tahoe Rim Trail just past Echo Pass.
There you go, Why not try out the new Lakeside Trail in Tahoe City this week? Keep up to date with all that's happening at Olympic Village Inn and Olympic Valley by "Liking" our Facebook page. Have great week!
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