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May 31, 2006
Getting Eye-to-Eye With Tahoe's Fish
There's a place at Lake Tahoe where we were able to look eye-to-eye with fish without getting wet.
The place is the Stream Profile Chamber at Lake Tahoe's Taylor Creek Visitor Center on the lake's southern shore. The center is located on Highway 89, about three miles north of the intersection of U.S. 50 and Highway 89.
The Stream Profile Chamber offers the chance to get an underwater view of Taylor Creek, one of the many natural streams that flow into Lake Tahoe.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows in a special, underground exhibit present a one-of-a-kind view of the creek, which is home to trout, Kokanee Salmon, crayfish, frogs and a variety of water insects. In addition to offering a fish-eye perspective, the chamber contains displays describing the various fish, plants and animals found in or around the creek.
The chamber, however, is only part of the reason to visit the Taylor Creek facility, which is operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Several short trails wind through the area around the visitor center.
My favorite is the Rainbow Trail, a half-mile paved loop route that leads to the Stream Profile Chamber. This trail starts at the visitor center and soon leads into a small grove of quaking aspen. Interpretive signs along the way describe the natural history of the area. At about the halfway point, you reach Taylor Creek, a natural trout and salmon-spawning stream.
The creek is peaceful and beautiful as it meanders through the trees, heading toward Lake Tahoe. A wooden walkway has been built over the stream and affords a nice place to just stand and enjoy the lush surroundings.
The trail leads into the Stream Profile Chamber. Exiting out the other side, the trail continues into the trees before winding its way through green meadows and over several smaller streams.
If you look behind you on the trail, you can see majestic Mount Tallac in the background (it's the mountain with the snow that is shaped like a giant cross on its southern face).
In the summer months, the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Stream Profile Chamber are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge.----Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 09:59 AM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
DISCOVERING THE WORLD'S OLDEST TABASCO BOTTLE AND OTHER STUFF
Check it out---the World's Oldest Tabasco Bottle (or a reasonable facsimile)
Most of us are fascinated by superlatives. We can't wait to see something that is said to be the world's oldest, biggest, smallest, best or first.
And so it was when I recently decided to scope out the exhibition, "Havens in a Heartless World---Virginia City Saloons and the Archeology of the Wild West" at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City until June 18.
The show displays artifacts uncovered between 1993 and 2001 by archaeologists excavating the sites of four 19th century saloons in Virginia City.
I, however, was interested in one object in particular that had been discovered---the world's oldest Tabasco sauce bottle, which is part of the exhibition. Archaeologists had dug up fragments of the shattered bottle on the site of the Boston Saloon, which had operated in VC between 1864 and 1875. The bottle dates to about 1869 and was reassembled at the University of Nevada, Reno's archaeology lab.
I really wanted to see this bottle, about which even the Louisiana-based Tabasco sauce company had made a big deal. I looked up the story of the bottle on the Tabasco sauce Web site and discovered that the company's official historian had certified that it was the earliest surviving form of a bottle used by the company, which began producing the hot pepper sauce in 1868.
Not surprisingly, once I was there I realized that the bottle was only a small part of a much larger presentation. A dozen displays and placards told about the archaeological digs, what they produced and what they tell people about early Virginia City.
As I wandered through the displays, I gained more of an understanding about the role that saloons played in Virginia City's rich history (they just weren't for getting drunk).
It was all very enlightening. And, yes, I did see the world's oldest tabasco sauce bottle. Too bad it was empty.
"Havens in a Heartless World" can be viewed daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Nevada State Museum. There is $5 admission charge for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children under 18. For more information, call 775-687-4810.----Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 11:24 AM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2006
Camping in Central Nevada
This weekend I discovered another great thing about living in Reno -- not only this area is filled with cool places to explore -- but also the entire state of Nevada has more adventure opportunities that you can even imagine!
We went camping to Central Nevada, just a few hours east of Reno. We left on Friday night with a bunch of friends and stayed at Ione. On Saturday we visited the Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park where we went for a mine tour and ghost town tour, we rode our bikes and had a great time exploring the area. Then we went to Big Creek, where we spent Saturday night. Some of the guys even went backcountry skiing on Sunday morning!
Me pregnant riding my bike to the State Park
On our way back to Reno (probably around 90min from Reno) we discovered some sweet hot springs in the middle of nowhere! So for anybody visiting Reno-Tahoe, I recommend checking out these hot springs and also Sand Mountain for some sandboarding fun! Sand Mountain is located only 83 miles east of Reno on U.S.50.
Checking out the hot springs
Hubby enjoying the hot springs
Posted by tele girl at 04:25 PM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2006
Finally Summer!
The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place. Shelly Robertson, who lives in Reno, is a member of the U.S. Ski Team, and was the 2004 U.S. dual moguls champion.
Summer is finally here!!! Hope everyone had the opportunity to make it down to the Reno River Festival this last weekend! It was great to see the number of people there, as well as the level of competition, and to top it off the weather was perfect. Hopefully it inspired some of you to take Kayak lessons. I actually learned last year in the kayak park and have floated the Truckee River 4 times since then- it's a great sport, a little scary at first but really fun. Reno is very lucky to have the kayak park in such a convenient location and there are a couple of great schools, such as DSK that can teach you everything you need to know to get started.
If kayaking isn't your thing then get out your bike and get outside because this is the best time of year- before it gets too hot. Keystone canyon or White Creek are both really good trails or if you want something a little more mellow, the path along the Truckee River is always a good choice. Anyway, hope everyone has a great weekend- have fun and enjoy all that Reno has to offer!
Posted by Nadia at 03:08 PM | Comments (0)
May 17, 2006
ALMOST SUMMERTIME AND THE BIKING IS EASY
With the nice, warm weather last weekend, a sign that summer is almost here, we decided to break out our bikes for a short ride along the Truckee River in Sparks. We headed to Cottonwood Park, located at 777 Spice Island Drive, in the industrial part of Sparks.
The mostly-paved Truckee River Bike Trail, which passes by the park, stretches for about seven miles from downtown Reno to the east end of Sparks. The trail is generally pretty flat and runs parallel to the Truckee River. Flooding last January washed out some portions of the trail in Sparks but it remains passable.
As soon as we unloaded our bikes, my daughter jumped onto hers and began scouting out the area. Eager to ride, she rode in circles around us, urging us to get moving.
Cottonwood Park was actually filled with picnicking and barbecuing families, so we made our way through the people, cautiously trying to avoid any collisions with the frisbee tossers and wandering small children.
A few yards from the park and we were suddenly alone. As we leisurely rode on the trail, we took in the pleasant surroundings. The Truckee River continues to run extremely high, so it's quite a sight to behold, and serves as a perfect backdrop for the ride.
My daughter stopped after a couple of hundred yards to scamper down some rocks to look more closely at the river. She told us that next time she was going to remember to wear a bathing suit so she could check out the inviting water in a nearby eddy, where the current wasn't so strong. She watched a couple of ducks riding along on the river current and heard a variety of other birds hidden in the thick foliage that borders the channel.
To the north of us is the Sparks industrial area, an unsightly mess of warehouses and businesses, but to the south was the river and, on the other side of it, open fields with cows---the University of Nevada farm. A bizarre thing was that we could not only smell the delicate scents of wild flowers and shrubs in the air but also the faint odor of baking dry pet food from the nearby Ralston-Purina plant. Weird.
We rode on for awhile, chatting as we went about the nice weather, how my daughter's school year was soon coming to a close, and whether any animals lived inside of the virtual forest of low-growing bushes that lined the path. We stopped at one point to search for an animal lair and found a large opening deep inside of the shrubs that looked promising.
After about 45 minutes of casual riding, with frequent stops to admire the views of the river, my daughter suggested we turn around and return to our car. She was suddenly hungry and all we had brought was bottles of water. Come to think of it, I was also a little hungry. I was still thinking about some of that delicious BBQ I had smelled back at the park.----Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2006
Reno River Festival 2006
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.
The third annual Reno River Festival was once again a great success. We couldn't have asked for better weather and the local community as well as the kayaking community was there in full force. I am not sure of the numbers but I am sure that the foot traffic was well into the thousands.
This year we had high water and the freestyle competition was moved upstream to number two. It seemed to work well as a competition feature, and was certainly better then a lot of holes that I have competed in. I paddled well all day, never having a ride below 112 points, but in the end finished third. EJ and Steven Wright paddled awesome, as usual, and were able to finish first and second. Yet another Jackson Kayak sweep! The women also paddled really well and were very competitive. Tanya Faux finished first, Nikki Kelly was second, and Emily Jackson finished in a strong third.
Today was the Boater Cross and it was really fun to be part of and to watch.
Like most Boater Cross events it was full on racing and constant entertainment. EJ put his speed to good use and won, Bryan Kirk was second, and once again I was third.
I seem to have the third place curse going so far this year. At the Brush Creek Extreme Race I finished third; At the American River Fest I finished third; At the Reno River Fest freestyle I finished third: At the Boater Cross Time trial I fished third; and at the Boater Cross final I fished third. It is kind of frustrating but I know that I am paddling well, so I expect the curse to be gone by the next time I compete.
Posted by Nadia at 09:46 AM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2006
Strolling Reno's Riverwalk
The sun was out, the Truckee was running the highest I've seen in years and there were lots of people strolling along the Truckee Riverwalk.
Last weekend, my wife, daughter and I decided to take a break from yard work and head to downtown Reno to enjoy the river. The incredible snowfall of the past winter is melting so there's plenty of water running in the river, which winds through the center of the city.
In fact, the river is so high that the lowest steps on the West Street Plaza, behind the movie theaters, are underwater. We were fascinated watching how the ducks coped with the swiftly moving waters of the Truckee. A pair landed on the river, then fought mightily against the current as they swam to the opposite shore.
The kayakers, who never seem to be bothered by the weather and are on the river year-round, were practicing their maneuvers in the Whitewater Park area. As we leaned on the railing to watch the kayakers on the river, we listened to a young man with dreadlocks playing his drums. Nearby, a group of five young people kicked around a brightly-colored "hacky sack" footbag. A young woman bounced a tennis ball off a wall and her dog jumped into the river to catch it. Summer is almost here.
We crossed one of the wooden bridges that lead to Wingfield Park, passed the outdoor amphitheater and several folks sunbathing on the lawn, and continued to the south side of the river. We headed east on the Riverwalk, enjoying the sun, the river, the animal sculptures, and the small water features.
Ahead, we could hear piano music floating out of the Dreamer's Coffeehouse. After grabbing a cup of coffee for my wife, we crossed the river at Virginia Street and looped back to our car. Our break was over. There was still yard work to be done.---Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 03:45 PM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2006
Joe Bob's & Area 51
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.
2 weekends ago, Steven Wright and I headed up to Oregon for a couple of dealer visits with Alder Creek, and some great paddling. Saturday we visited the Portland store and then later headed up to Joe Bob's which was epic. It was the best feature that I have ever seen at Bob's and we had a great time.
Sunday morning we visited the Alder creek store in bend, helped out with a big boat demo, and then went kayaking at a hole called Area 51. I could tell you how good it was, but its called Area 51 for a reason.
We drove back to Reno late Sunday night and have been paddling here ever since. (Except for when Lisa and I have been doing yard work.) The river is high and it is hard to say for sure where the competition will be, but it will be great regardless.
Last Saturday we had a Jackson kayak Fun Tour event here in Reno. We met at the white water park at 1:00 with most of the Team, demo boats, high water, warm weather, and it was generally a great time.
Posted by Nadia at 03:28 PM | Comments (0)
May 02, 2006
Biking, hiking and rock climbing
Yeah!!! Spring is finally here!!!
Tele girl is seven months pregnant by now... but still as active as before. This weekend we had a blast in Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place!
Saturday we went for a beautiful bike ride with some friends. We started at Davis Creek Campground and rode gorgeous Franktown Road to Washoe Lake, where we had lunch while we enjoyed the sunshine and outstanding views of the Sierras . I was surprised to see so many people already camping at Washoe Lake State Park.
Franktown Road
Washoe Lake State Park
Sunday we hiked the Ophir Creek Trail with our friends who are also expecting a baby this summer. As much as I love skiing, it felt so good to be outdoors with no winter gear and just shorts on! We hiked until we hit snow and then turned around for another adventure... rock climbing!
Ophir Creek Trail
Getting prepared
My hubby climbing
Posted by tele girl at 09:03 AM | Comments (0)
May 01, 2006
Going Underground in Virginia City
The Ponderosa Saloon in Virginia City is home to an underground mine tour.
Virginia City's Best and Belcher Mine makes more money today than it ever did when it operated as a mine more than a century ago. Tourists, however, are the reason the mine is lucrative these days.
The Best and Belcher is one of the best examples of a mine that was a genuine money pit. Established in 1869, the mine's shaft was located between the fabulously rich Gould and Curry and Consolidated Virginia mines.
More than $1.6 million was spent developing the Best and Belcher. But despite nearly 40 years of digging, dynamiting, timbering and drilling, the mine was never as profitable as surrounding mines and was finally abandoned in 1917.
About 30 years ago, however, the owners of the Ponderosa Saloon in Virginia City, which is located in the historic Bank of California offices, discovered that the old Best and Belcher shaft ran through the hillside behind the building, which had been built in 1864.
A horizontal tunnel was dug from the rear of the saloon into the old shaft and opened for tours. Since then, thousands of visitors have walked the 315 feet from the saloon into the shaft and caught a glimpse of Comstock history.
The Ponderosa Mine Tour is one of the best ways to get an up close look at the source of Virginia City's fame and success. You catch the tour in a waiting room just beyond the saloon's wooden bar.
During a recent visit, the guide, who wore a protective helmet (mostly for effect), began the tour by ushering us through metal doors into a timbered map room. Pointing to a large underground map of the area, he explained how Virginia City is crisscrossed with old mine shafts and noted that if all were placed end to end they would stretch more than 750 miles.
From the map room, we moved into a dirt tunnel (wear shoes that you don't mind getting muddy) that led into the heart of the Best and Belcher shaft. We passed an old powder room, which still contained a few old, wooden dynamite boxes.
The guide said that during the 1870s Virginia City's miners were the highest paid miners in the world, making $4 a day (the equivalent of about $230 a day today).
Near the end of the tunnel, we were told that we were about 52 feet underground and that the temperature year-round is a cool 50 degrees. The guide walked to a partially caved-in ventilation tunnel, which he said was the original entrance to the shaft, and lit a small candle.
He extinguished the electric lights and showed us what it was like to work in the mine during the 1870s. The single candle barely illuminated his face, let alone much of the shaft.
Smiling, he said the biggest problem for the miners was a sudden breeze coming in from the ventilation shaft and blowing out the candle. Then, of course, blew out the candle.
After flicking the overheads back on, he added that sometimes miners would bring canaries in small cages down into the mines with them. If the bird suddenly died, it was a sign that the air was bad from methane gas, and the miners would quickly exit.
And from here, so did we.
The Best and Belcher mine tour is offered daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4.50 for adults and $1.50 for children under 12. The Ponderosa is located on C Street in Virginia City. For more information call 775-847-0757.----Richard Moreno
Posted by Rich Moreno at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)