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January 31, 2006
Good Times at Mt. Rose Ski Resort
All ready for the slopes.
My daughter, Julia, and her friend, Waverlee, hit the lift.
Waverlee boards to the bottom.
Julia races down the slopes.
On Sunday, my 11-year-old daughter, Julia, hooked up with her friend, Waverlee, to do some downhill skiing and boarding at Mt. Rose Ski Resort. Both have been skiing/boarding for about five years, so they're no experts but can stay upright most of the time.
The weather was a little brisk but the sun peeked out periodically, which made for a pretty nice day for hitting the slopes. For those who haven't had a chance to check out the skiing in Northern Nevada this year, it's been awesome. The powder is great, the slopes are nicely groomed, and, in general, it has to be considered one of the best ski years in recent memory.
Once we arrived at Mt. Rose, the two girls quickly strapped on their respective gear--my daughter prefers skiing while her friend likes to snowboard--and headed to the Ponderosa lift, which leads to some of the better beginner and intermediate runs.
They started out on the Bronco run, part of the resort's Wild Horse Adventure Trails, then hit the Mustang, Galena, and Ponderosa runs. They wandered downhill through something known as the Enchanted Forest and cruised on another fairly tame trail called, appropriately, Easy Street.
Each time they reached the bottom of the hill, where the non-skiers like me hang out, the first thing out of their mouths was "Let's go again!" Then, they raced back to the lift to return to the slopes.
I lost count of the number of times they swooshed to the bottom of the mountain and eagerly jumped back on the lift to start all over.
Of course, if you're not a skier you spend time in the lodge, where, in addition to the hot chocolate, the best thing may be listening to the hardcore skiers talk about their conquests. Last year, Mt. Rose opened an area known as the Chutes, which includes more than two dozen very steep, challenging, expert-level runs with evocative names like Cutthroat, Nightmare, Charge and Chaos.
The hardcores toss all the Chute names around, boasting which is the most wicked epic and how many times they wiped out.
But all good things come to an end and after much of a day of riding the snow down the mountain, with only a nourishment break, they decided to call it quits.
Not to say the two girls had had enough snow. They spotted a group of other kids sliding on their backs down a steep embankment next to the lodge and begged to give it a try. It was another half-hour before they tired of that and decided to head home--a little tired but finally played out.
"Can we come back next weekend, Dad?" my daughter pleaded as we packed up to leave.
I had no doubt that the answer was going to be yes.---Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 11:57 AM | Comments (0)
Back From Africa
The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he's done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.
Well, I am back from Africa. It was a great trip. I spent the first week on the Nile on the day one section at a really nice camp called Nile River Explorers. The second week we moved downstream to the day two section and the great wave, Nile Special. There we stayed at a camp called the Harry Lemon.
The water level on this trip was a lot lower then when I was there last, but it was still very good. I found myself on the first day just trying to get used to the massive volume of the river. You adjust quickly though, and a couple of minutes later it just feels normal, like rivers should feel. Nile Special was amazing and I had the chance to learn a few new tricks. Everyone one our trip was paddling so well that for the first time in a long time a really just felt average. It was pretty awesome to watch and to be part of. Eric was shooting two new instructional videos and I can't help but think that they are both going to turn out very well.
Unfortunately for me I re-injured my neck, again, a couple of days before it was time to leave. So, tomorrow I am heading over the mountain to see my good buddy Jay Patt, whom I believe to be the best chiropractor ever.
Hopefully he will get me all straightened out and I can start to be pain free for the first time in months.
Also, while in Africa it was really great to see the results from all of the hard work, fund raising, and money given out of pocket, by Emily Jackson and Jessie Stone. They have both been very involved in the creation and support of a new health clinic there along the river, as well as the on-going process of Malaria education. It was very inspiring to say the least. It can be really easy to look at major problems in the world and justify not doing anything because it hard to believe that one person can really help. Well, luckily for the world there are people out there like Jessie and Emily who believe that they can make a difference, and they are.
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)
January 30, 2006
Bluegrass, Bombs, and Boosting It
When you find a big mountain chain in close proximity to the largest ocean on the planet, it is inevitable that you will experience variable conditions. What amazes me is how often the Lake Tahoe area produces fantastic conditions despite its physical location.
Saturday started off windy and overcast in Tahoe, so I elected to spend the day in Reno dealing with all of things that have built up over the weeks of skiing. One of the things I love about Reno is that the sun can be shining in the valley while it is absolutely nuking up in Tahoe. Finished my chores, went for a mountain bike ride, and then headed up to the Crystal Bay Club to catch some free bluegrass. Crashed at my buddies place in Kings Beach and awoke bright and early Sunday morning with 7-10 inches of fresh on the mountain.
My friend and I b-lined it to Alpine Meadows, put our boots on in the parking lot to the sound of many bombs being detonated by ski patrol, scored first chair at Scotts, and barely stopped to rest the entire day. The wind loaded much of the snow in various gullies and trees, so it just took just a little bit of poking around to find some really good places. One of the things I really like about Alpine is that if you have the motivation to do some traversing and hiking you are bound to score fresh turns throughout the day.
The light was a bit flat with the sun coming in and out from behind the clouds, so it made it a little difficult to catch good pics. Nonetheless, I came out with a couple of good ones. Hope you enjoy.
Posted by rpayne at 10:37 AM | Comments (0)
January 25, 2006
Backcountry Skiing
While I enjoy the convenience and comfort of a high-speed ski lift just as much as the next skier, there is something unique and special about scoring fresh turns under the power of my own devices. Backcountry skiing, or snowboarding, leads those adventurous enough to pursue it off of the beaten path to areas less skied by. The Lake Tahoe region possesses countless miles of exceptional terrain with breathtaking views only further enhanced with the back drop of that big, blue, beautiful lake that so many people travel whole continents to see.
The past couple of weeks have delivered stellar conditions with light fluffy powder falling upon the Sierras foot by fantastic foot. The resorts have been excellent and the backcountry exceptional. I still marvel at the ease at which I can wake up at my house in Reno and so quickly am in the midst of such awe-inspiring mountains filled with so many options; and deep turns.
This past weekend I chose to spend one day on the West Shore hiking Mount Tallac, and the next day hiking and skiing in the area adjacent to the Mount Rose Ski Resort. Both days were phenomenal. The climb up Tallac took approximately three hours, but it was definitely worth it. The views into Desolation Wilderness and out across Lake Tahoe would have been rewarding enough for the effort it took, but then the big payoff came when I actually got to ski the roughly 3,000 ft of vertical back down to the car.
Despite being quite exhausted from the day before, the next day proved to be equally impressive. The area around Mt Rose is filled with varying lines that offer many different levels of pitch and position. My friends and I skied a few different lines, and each run brought giant grins to our faces. What is especially cool about this area are the mixed views that you see. On one side you can look out over Reno, Washoe Valley, and beyond, and on the other you can see Lake Tahoe and the Sierra chain as it stretches south towards Yosemite.
If you choose to venture out into the backcountry, please remember to carry the essentials: water, extra clothing, a beacon, probe and shovel. While backcountry conditions in Lake Tahoe are generally safer than places such as Colorado and Utah, avalanche dangers are always still a factor. Be prepared! All of these items are available from such stores as Reno Mountain Sports and The Backcountry up in Lake Tahoe. Avalanche classes are often conducted at REI, Patagonia, Squaw Valley and Kirkwood. Additionally, places such as The Backcountry even offer guided tours.
Until the next hike, I am eagerly keeping an eye on the weather – looks like more snow is on the way!
Posted by rpayne at 06:31 PM | Comments (1)
January 23, 2006
High Water in the Truckee
The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he's done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.
Well, the last week in Reno has been great. The Truckee River White Water Park has been really high and it seems that all of the features have changed a little bit due to the flood. For me, this is very exciting, as it means the opportunity to play in all new spots, and I'll never complain about that. The water today was the lowest that it has been in the last couple of weeks (1400ish) and the "new" hole at the bottom is still really fun, as well as a small pocket hole at number two.
Selfishly, I hope that the hole at the bottom (number five) is left alone, but I understand that at lower water it may become a bit trashy. No problem for me though, just good fun. So, all of this excitement has keep me busy lately and that is perfect as far as I am concerned.
Other then that, I am starting to think about getting some things together as I leave Friday for Uganda. Oh, I also got my new Super Star today with the 2006 outfitting. I can't imagine paddling anything else. For those of you in a leaky and uncomfortable play boat I only have one thing to say - you need to treat yourself better.
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)
Grab some ice at Reno's Rink on the River
Downtown Reno's cool Rink on the River.
The rink attracts skaters ranging from beginners to would-be Olympians.
The weather has been relatively sunny and nice recently, so we decided to check out the "Rink on the River," a seasonal ice skating rink in downtown Reno. The rink sits on the former site of the Mapes Hotel on the corner of First Street and North Virginia Avenue and overlooks the Truckee River.
The set-up at the rink is simple: pay an admission fee, rent a pair of ice skates, strap them on, and hit the ice.
Of course, it's never quite that easy if you don't know how to skate. However, you shouldn't worry about looking bad; during our visit we saw plenty of people who were just learning how to stay upright on the ice.
In fact, one of the best things about the rink is that you'll see all levels of skaters there. During our visit, we watched an elegant, silver-haired man in his '60s skim across the ice with great style and flare as well as at least a half dozen people sort of shuffling around the ice just trying not to fall down.
We saw a young girl dressed in an outfit that would have fit right into the Ice-capades practicing her twirls, as well as two teenagers, who had dreadlocks and wore baggy jeans, laughing as they bounced from wall to wall to keep from hitting the ice.
There were families, couples, sisters, singles and friends on the ice. For a time, we followed the adventures of one particularly cute skater, who seemed to be about three or four years old, as he gamely marched with choppy, little steps around the edge of the rink. Every once in awhile, he would fall on his bottom, then quickly scramble to his feet to continue his journey.
My daughter spotted two other kids from her school, so she had someone to hang with. As for me, people watching was almost more fun than actually skating. Particularly when you're as bad as I am on skates!
The rink will remain open daily until Sunday, February 26. Admission for adults is $5 and only $3 for kids (3-12) or seniors (over 55). Skate rentals are $2.
There are a couple of special promotions scheduled in February, including one penny skate rentals on Sunday, February 12 (for Lincoln's Birthday) and 25-cent skate rentals on Wednesday, February 22 (Washington's Birthday).
Rink hours are:
Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Check it out for yourself.---Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 01:53 PM | Comments (0)
January 17, 2006
Recent Snow Means Great Sledding
We received a pretty good dumping of snow this week and decided to do a bit of snow sledding. Our 11-year-old daughter, Julia, didn't want to drive too far from home--she wanted to get as much play time in the powder as possible--so we opted for Galena Creek Park, which is close to Reno.
Located about 10 miles southwest of Reno via U.S. 395 and the Mount Rose Highway (Route 341), Galena Creek Park is also a popular spot for backcountry cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing.
After parking, we bundled up warmly and looked around for a good hill. Julia was so excited about the snow that she didn't wait for the hill. She found a nice mound beside the parking lot and was soon sliding down it and across the ice-covered pavement.
The rest of us scanned the hills for a nice open spot. About a quarter-mile from the parking lot we spotted a fairly steep incline without too many obstacles, like trees and boulders, which had already been pretty packed down by cross-country skiers.
Both of our kids climbed the hill with the sled, trying to decide which one was going to go first. Apparently, Julia won because before we knew it she had climbed onto the sled and was gliding downward on the slick, smooth snow. She raced past us and gained a little air on a small mound of snow near the end of her run. She spilled at the end but was unhurt and laughing as she lay sprawled in the powder.
Next up was our son, Hank, who climbed the hill even higher than this sister. Soon, he was skimming down the snow, hanging tightly onto the plastic sled to keep from losing it on the ride to the bottom.
Soon, we were joined by a couple of other families with young children, who had also been looking for somewhere to sled. Within minutes, the air was filled with the shrieks of sledding kids, all having a great time enjoying the hill and the snow.
Hank found a spot a little away from the others and used the sled to plow a new run in the dry, loose snow. After pressing a fairly lengthy, smooth channel in the snow that resembled a luge run, he claimed first ride.
Lying on his stomach, he pushed off from the top of the small hill, gained a little speed and plummeted down the incline. In seconds, he reached the end of the run he'd made in the snow and hit a mound of loose powder, which caused him to spill. He jumped up, dusted himself off, and took off for another ride.
After an hour or so, everyone had had their fill of sledding and wanted to head back home for a little R & R.
But we'll be back soon.-----Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)
January 11, 2006
Reno-Tahoe Snow Alerts Now Available
I just wanted to let all of you know that Reno-Tahoe now provides snow alerts and road condition updates via text message to your mobile phone. Be the first to know when there is a good snow dump so that you can get fresh tracks!
Sign up for Snow Alerts here.
Let us know what you think of text alerts by leaving a comment below. Also let us know if there are any other text alerts you'd like for Reno-Tahoe to offer!
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 02:45 PM | Comments (0)
January 10, 2006
Blue skies, great snow
Tele girl had a chance to get some turns in this weekend. The snow on North facing slopes was great on Satuday! Of course, South facing slopes were icy -- but we managed to stay away from them!
On Sunday we took our friends from Florida cross-country skiing for their first time. They couldn't believe how good of a work out it was!
And as usual, the views of the lake were outstanding...
Posted by tele girl at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)
January 09, 2006
Donner Party Tragedy Memorialized
Pioneer Monument at Donner Memorial State Park
Nature Trail
Murphy Cabin site
During a recent drive through the Sierra Nevada range on Interstate 80, I found myself thinking about the Donner Party tragedy, which occurred a century and a half ago.
Most folks know the basic facts: in April 1846, George and Jacob Donner, along with family and friends, set out from Illinois for California. Eventually 20 wagons and 89 people became part of the group.
The party set out in early November to cross the Sierra Nevada but became snowbound near the lake now named for them, which is just west of Truckee. Several efforts to cross the mountains failed and the party was trapped for months with little food.
When the first rescuers finally reached the Donner Party in late February, they found half-starved survivors and the remains of several people who had died from starvation. They also found evidence of cannibalism.
The last survivor wasn't removed from the camp until April of 1847, almost exactly one year after the party had set out with such promise and optimism. Only 47 of the original 89 members survived the ordeal.
With that in mind, I decided to stop at the Donner Memorial State Park near Truckee. The park encompasses several former sites of structures used by members of the Donner Party, including the Breen and Murphy cabins.
The first thing you see at the park is the towering Pioneer Monument, located on the former site of the Breen cabin. The massive bronze sculpture was built between 1901 and 1918 to honor those who made the arduous journey on the California Trail.
The monument also provides some idea of the enormous difficulty faced by the Donner group. The base of the monument is 22-feet high, which represents the depth of the snow during the winter of 1846-47.
Adjacent to the monument is the Emigrant Trail Museum, which serves as a visitor center for the park. There, you can view a 26-minute video about the Donner Party and view displays about the history of the region.
A developed Nature Trail begins south of the museum and leads into the surrounding forest. In addition to winding through flora and fauna, the trail leads to the former site of the Murphy cabin.
The cabin was built against a large boulder, which formed the western side of the building.
It was a crude structure, about 25-feet long and 18-feet wide, with a dirt floor. Sixteen members of the Donner Party lived in the cabin for several months.
Just east of the trail is scenic Donner Creek, which is swollen from recent rains.
The park, operated by the California Department of Parks & Recreation, is open year-round and offers a variety of activities including cross country ski and snowshoe trails, both particularly popular at this time of year.
The park and museum are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the museum there is a $3 admission charge for adults, $1 for children. Cross country skiers and snow-shoers can obtain a day use park permit for $6. For more information, call 530-582-7892.----Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 03:06 PM | Comments (0)
January 06, 2006
Happy New Year
I got a cold on New Year's day so I had to look at the powder from my living room window. Very painful!
However, my hubby got to go play in the snow while he took our friends from Florida sledding for the first time in powder.
It looked like so much fun! Check out the pictures.
My hubby in a hole!
Posted by tele girl at 08:47 AM | Comments (0)
January 05, 2006
Surfing the Truckee
The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he's done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.
OK, all of the holiday traveling is done!!! I had a great time meeting Lisa’s family in Canada and I had a great time with my family up in Oregon, but I couldn’t be happier to be home.
While in Oregon I paddled the McKenzie with Taylor Robertson and Jason Bowerman at over 7 feet. It was actually the first time that I had ever done it that high. When I lived in Eugene and the water was that high we would always go run something warmer in the Coast Range. The surfing was “top shelf” and I definitely woke up sore the next day, which is due to the fact that I didn’t paddle the whole time in Canada. I went to the gym and ran everyday with Lisa during those two weeks up North, but there is really no way to properly condition all the smaller paddling muscles in the gym.
I just got home about 5 hours ago. I hurried to unpack the car, ran Porter at the dog park, and then gathered up my gear and headed to the river. While I was gone the Truckee flooded and reached flows of nearly 20,000 cfs. I would have loved to see that! Tonight it was running around 3000 cfs and there was a wave/hole at the bottom that was in my opinion, world class.
Surely the river bead has changed a bit and it will be interesting to see how things look when the water recedes. Hopefully that won’t happen anytime soon though.
The whole West Coast is going off, but the way things look right now, there is no reason to leave Reno. So for at least the next few days I will be spending the majority of my day surfing on the Truckee. And after that, who knows. All I know is that I will be on the river every day until I leave for Uganda on the 13th. And I will be throwing down!
Posted by AdventureGrrl at 03:52 PM | Comments (0)
January 03, 2006
Escape to Carson City's Nevada State Railroad Museum
The locomotive, the Inyo, was also known as "Brass Betsy" because of its shiny brass accessories.
Visitors can explore the interior of the Inyo, which was built in 1875.
The Joe Douglass may be the smallest locomotive you'll ever see, but it was actually used by a mining company.
The brass bell and dome on the locomotive named Inyo shine brightly. The giant drive wheels on either side of the engine look new. In fact, the Inyo probably never looked this good back in the 1870s, when it was pulling loads to Virginia City.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City is truly one of the state's historic treasures. Railroad fans find it offers everything from magnificently restored engines to a well-stocked gift shop.
And it's a great place to visit when the weather gets a little dicey---like it's been lately!
While the museum is devoted to the history of all of Nevada's railroads---and over the years, there have been about 60 in the state---its primary focus is the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.
The bulk of the museum's collection of more than 60 locomotives and cars are pieces from the former V & T Railroad. The stock was purchased by the state of Nevada in the 1970s from Paramount Studios. The movie company had acquired the pieces in 1937, when the V & T was experiencing financial difficulties and sold most of its equipment.
Today, when you wander the museum grounds, you'll be able to see original locomotives and cars, most of it marvelously restored, that helps to tell the state's rich railroad history.
For instance, inside the brightly-lit main museum building the first engine you encounter is the Inyo, a wood-burning Baldwin locomotive that was built in 1875.
The Inyo was used on the V & T line for more than 50 years. After it was sold to Paramount, it appeared in numerous movies including "Union Pacific" in 1938 and "The Virginian" in 1946. Its last star turn was in 1965, when it was used on the "Wild, Wild West" TV show.
Adjacent to the Inyo is V & T Caboose No. 9, which was built in 1873. Originally a 22-passenger train car, the No. 9 was rebuilt into a 60-passenger coach in 1891, and later used as a crew car. Like the Inyo, it was sold to Paramount and appeared in several films and TV shows.
Another popular piece in the museum's collection is the Joe Douglass, a narrow guage locomotive built in 1882, and used on the Dayton, Sutro & Carson Valley Short Line Railroad.
The Joe Douglass may be one of the smallest engines you'll ever see. This mini-locomotive, which seems to be half of the size of a standard engine, was used to shuttle cars of ore between the mills that once operated along the Carson River.
The museum also has a fine exhibit on the role of the Chinese in constructing western railroads. Be sure to check out the reconstructed Chinese Joss House, which served as a community center and place of worship.
The museum grounds offer a couple of other treats including restored Wabuska Depot as well as a typical railroad worker's cottage, and a reproduction of a square, bat-and-board style water tower, a type that was used in the 19th century.
Visitors shouldn't overlook the museum gift shop, which has a large selection of railroad books, videos, posters, shirts, and other rail-theme gift items. Admission to the railroad museum is $4 for adults and free for children under 18.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum is located at 1280 South Carson Street in Carson City. It is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 775-687-6953.----Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 02:26 PM | Comments (0)