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August 31, 2006

Training in Chile

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.

Hola Reno,

Just a quick update, I'm in Chile training right now and it has been unbelievable. We are about an hour away from Santiago at a little resort called El Colorado. It is a really beautiful spot with 3 resorts connecting to each other. It doesn't quite compare to what we have at home with the lift access and the steeps that we have grown so accustomed to but it is definately sweet just to be skiing and training on winter snow in the summer. Plus it has been warm and sunny everyday, making for perfect soft moguls and soft landings for the huge jumps that we have built. I've been working on a lot of new techniques and consistency so that when we start the season in December- I'm ready. As for the US team, it has been a really good vibe- we have a bunch of new athletes since some of the veterans retired after the Olympics and also now that the pressure of the Olympics are off everyone is getting along better and are friends again- makes for some good water polo, snow soccer and wiffle ball for when we aren't training.

Other than that, I think it is going to snow tonight so hopefully I will get in atleast one powder day before I come back home and start class at UNR on Monday.

Adios,
Shelly Robertson
US Freestyle Ski Team Member

Posted by Nadia at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)

On The Road Again

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.

Two and a half weeks ago I flew back to Reno from the Outdoor Retail Show packed up my stuff for two months, grabbed the dogs and started the cross country drive. As long as the drive was it actually went very well. I arrived on the Ottawa River three days later and have been here training, competing, fishing, and running my dogs ever since.

Last Wednesday was our U.S. team Trails. I was able to make the Team again, now for the 6th year. It was a tough flow at a wave called Garborator. The wave came up and the wave was very flushy. Combine that with the fact that I hadn't really been on a wave in six months made for a stressful event for me. Relying more on my ability to compete then my current skill on a wave I was able to pull it out and make the team.

Since then I have been practicing as much as my body will allow as the first World Cup event is on that same wave this weekend. I have been making lots of progress and hope to be again paddling well come competition day.

So, that's it for now. I will update you again after the weekend.

Posted by Nadia at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)

August 29, 2006

Enjoying a Lazy Day on the Truckee

Rafting at Tahoe City

Beware of rocks

While the new Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno has garnered considerable attention in the past year, there's another spot on the Truckee that long has been popular for a more leisurely kind of rafting.

The stretch of the Truckee River between Tahoe City and River Ranch has offered quality, river floating for many years. In fact, two companies, Truckee River Rafting/Mountain Air Sports and Truckee River Raft Company, lease all the stuff needed for a trip on the river.

Both operate from Tahoe City and offer self-guided floating excursions that include a large, commercial raft, paddles, lifejackets and a shuttle ride back to the launch point.

So, we recently decided to try to get in one last rafting trip before the season is over. We packed some water and soda, slathered on the sunscreen, slipped on the water shoes and headed to Tahoe City.

We launched just below the dam at Lake Tahoe and began a meandering path through the tall pines. It was marvelous as we passed beautiful meadows filled with colorful wildflowers. Lying on the raft, enjoying the bright sun overhead, the rich, blue sky, the gentle rocking of the water-it was pure heaven.

Not that it was all sunshine and flowers. Since the river frequently rushes around large rocks and boulders, we had to be prepared to use our paddles to maneuver around these obstacles and keep from getting dumped into the river.

Highlight of the journey was probably the rapids near the end of the trip. We rocked and rolled over the boulders and even slammed into one large rock before bouncing sidewards into another boat and correcting our course.

After the rapids, we reached River Ranch--and the end of our journey, which had gone by too fast. As we climbed out of the water at the restaurant and resort, located near the Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, we decided to have some lunch before returning to our car. Good thing we wore our shoes.

For reservations (highly recommended for weekends and holidays) or more information on using the services of one of the commercial rafting businesses check out: Truckee River Rafting/Mountain Air Sports, 888-584-RAFT, or Truckee River Raft Company, 530-583-0123.---Richard Moreno

Posted by Rich Moreno at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)

August 23, 2006

WANDER GENOA TO FIND NEVADA'S ROOTS

The historic Genoa Saloon

Nevada's earliest years are recorded in the streets of Genoa.

This picturesque hamlet, located about an hour south of Reno via U.S. 395, played an essential role in the state's development. It was Nevada's first formal town as well as home of the state's first printed newspaper and site of the first territorial government meetings.

Today, you can wander the narrow streets of the town to find that nearly every house and building has a story.

The Mormon Station State Historical Monument in the center of Genoa is the most prominent reminder of Genoa's place in Nevada history. Here, you can find a replica of the original Mormon trading post and fort, which was built in 1851 to provide goods to travelers on the Emigrant Trail.

The Mormon Station is generally recognized as the first permanent building in Nevada. The replica fort, constructed in 1947 on the site of the original, which burned in 1910, contains interpretive historic displays about the area and includes a beautiful, shaded picnic area.

Despite fire and the raves of time, plenty of pieces of the old town have survived, including the Genoa Bar, located in a building that is said to have been built in the 1850s. The bar, which boasts uneven wooden floors and a hodgepodge of historic political posters on its walls, claims to be the "oldest thirst parlor" in the state.

At the corner of Carson and Main streets is a brick Victorian home built in the mid-1850s by William J. "Lucky Bill" Thorington, a gambler, shrewd businessman and, allegedly, a polygamist.

The Raycroft/Depot House, located near the Thorington home, can trace its pedigree to the 1850s. The original building, which has been covered-up by later additions, served as the law offices for Senator William Stewart, one of Nevada’s first U.S. Senators, and was later a newspaper printing plant, a butcher shop, and a stagecoach depot.

The Pratt House, located on Nixon Street adjacent to the Genoa Community Church, was built in 1872 by local newspaper publishers A.C. and Alice Pratt. Now known as the Genoa House Inn, a bed and breakfast, the two-story Victorian is one of the most photogenic homes in Genoa.

The Genoa Courthouse Museum at Main and 5th streets, is a two-story, brick structure that was built in 1865 and served as the Douglas County Courthouse until 1916, when the county seat was moved.

For the next four decades, the building was used as a school. After 1969, it has been a museum. The courthouse, which has been restored, contains dozens of exhibits describing the community's rich history.

For more information about Genoa, contact the Genoa Genoa Courthouse Museum, 775-782-4325.----Richard Moreno

Posted by Rich Moreno at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)

August 16, 2006

Explore Tahoe's Tallac Site

Valhalla Estate at Lake Tahoe

Beautiful gardens can be found along the Tallac Historic Site trail

There's nothing like seeing how rich people live. Exploring a huge mansion or the grounds of a sprawling estate built by a wealthy person offers a vicarious thrill, especially for those of us unlikely to ever live in such a manner.

The Tallac Historic Site at Lake Tahoe is such a place. There, it's possible to catch a glimpse of the lifestyles of the rich and famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Tallac homes were built by some of America's wealthiest individuals. At one time, the site was also the location of Tahoe's first casino-hotel. While many of the structures have disappeared over the years as a result of neglect and progress, a few have been preserved and are now managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

The Tallac Historic Site is located on Route 89, north of Camp Richardson. A wonderfully scenic two-and-a-half-mile-long bicycle and hiking path winds through the area.

Riding through the historic grounds is an opportunity to pretend that you've gone back to a time before automobiles and airplanes, when only the super-rich could afford to build seasonal homes in a once remote place, such as Lake Tahoe.

The setting is remarkably peaceful and very beautiful. The trail is lined with tall pine trees filled with chattering birds and, as you ride along, provides glimpses of the clear, blue waters of the lake.

While the main path is paved, there are several dirt tributaries that snake through the reserve and lead to small, hidden beaches or particularly scenic tree groves.

Development of the Tallac area started in the 1870s, when Yank Clement opened the Tallac Point House on the south shore to accommodate visitors. "Yank's" inn also offered steamboat rides, a saloon and dancing.

In 1880, "Yank's" was sold to Elias "Lucky" Baldwin, a California entrepreneur and professional gambler. Baldwin transformed the sleepy lakeside inn into a 250-room resort that included a casino, ballroom, four bowling alleys, sun parlors and billiards rooms.

Meanwhile, in 1894, George Tallant, son of one of the founders of California's Crocker Bank, built a rustic summer lodge adjacent to the Baldwin estate.

Five years later, Tallant sold his property to millionaire Lloyd Tevis, who expanded and renovated the home, making it the largest and most luxurious in the area. Tevis added servants quarters, a dairy, stables and a shaded, garden with Japanese tea house and arched bridges.

In 1923, Tevis sold the compound to George Pope Jr., a San Francisco lumber and shipping magnate. To reflect Pope's ecumenical name, the estate was nicknamed the "Vatican Lodge."

Also in 1923, another prominent businessman, Walter Heller purchased the land south of the Pope estate. Heller began construction of what would become the last great Tallac mansion, an impressive stone and wood lodge named Valhalla, which is now used for concerts and special events.

The early 1920s marked the heyday of the magnificent Tallac homes but was also the end of "Lucky" Baldwin's resort. In 1920, Baldwin's daughter, Anita, closed the casino-hotel and demolished the buildings. Later that same year, Dextra Baldwin McGonagle, Baldwin's granddaughter, constructed a beautiful single-story home on the family property.

Today, the 2,000-acre Tallac Historic Site includes the historic homes, a museum, gardens, trails, picnic tables and several public beaches including Kiva Beach and Baldwin Beach. For more information, contact 530-541-4975.---Richard Moreno

Posted by Rich Moreno at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)

August 12, 2006

GETTING UP CLOSE TO LAKE TAHOE FROM THE M.S. DIXIE

The M.S. Dixie beckons.

It's hard to find a better view of Lake Tahoe than the one you can get from the decks of the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler.

In fact, the M.S. Dixie II is perhaps the best place to enjoy the panoramic views of a place that writer Mark Twain once described as "the fairest picture the whole earth affords."

The Dixie II cruise starts out from a dock at the Zephyr Cove Marina, which is located about 20 miles west of Carson City via U.S. 50.

As passengers stroll down the long, wooden dock that leads to the paddlewheeler, there is an air of anticipation, which only seems to intensify after having a photo snapped (souvenir shots can be purchased) and being led across the gangplank and onto the ship.

Once on the Dixie II, you can either choose a seat inside of an enclosed, climate-controlled deck or the open air upper decks. Within a few minutes, the engines begin to throb and the big craft pulls out into the clear waters of the lake. An informative narration begins that describes the history and geology of Lake Tahoe.

The M.S. Dixie II is a relatively new paddlewheeler, having gone into operation in 1994. It replaced the original M.S. Dixie, which was a smaller, older paddlewheeler that had operated on Lake Tahoe from 1972 to 1994.

The new stern-wheeler, which has three decks and is 151-feet long, can accommodate more than 500 passengers.

From Zephyr Cove, the ship glides across Lake Tahoe, offering marvelous views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Tallac (the tallest mountain directly west of Lake Tahoe). It's a peaceful journey.

About 45-minutes into the trip, the boat enters Emerald Bay, which is the most photographed spot on Lake Tahoe. The sheltered bay is beautiful on the day of our journey. Surrounded by steep mountains covered with tall pines, it is a perfect scene.

At the western edge of the bay is Vikingsholm, a castle-like mansion constructed in the 1930s, which is now a California state park.

In the middle of the bay is Fannette Island, which is topped by a quaint, small stone teahouse, visible from the boat. The Dixie II lazily circles Emerald Bay before heading back out into the lake for the return voyage to Zephyr Cove.

For more information contact M.S. Dixie II, 800-238-2463.----Richard Moreno

Posted by Rich Moreno at 09:03 PM | Comments (0)

August 01, 2006

Tahoe's Scandinavian Castle

Views of Emerald Bay

The hike to Vikingsholm

We saw magnificent mountain scenery from the trail

Lora Knight's masterpiece

Vikingsholm easily could have been named Asgard, legendary home of the Viking gods. Nestled in tall pines, this magnificent house, built to resemble a Scandinavian castle, sits on the lip of beautiful Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe, making it place fit for Odin and his brethren.

It had been awhile since we'd visited Vikingholm, so recently we drove to Lake Tahoe and made the trek to the three-story landmark. Originally a private residence, Vikingsholm has been part of the California State Park system since 1953 and is open for tours during the summer months.

To reach it, travel south of Reno to Carson City and then head west on U.S. 50 to Lake Tahoe. Continue around the south end of the lake on State Route 89 until you reach the scenic overlook at Emerald Bay. Vikingsholm is located about 35 miles from Carson City.

From the park lot, which offers some of the best views of Emerald Bay, you'll find the trail leading downhill to the home. The walk is a fairly steep one-mile journey through tall pines that passes by a handful of scenic, seasonal waterfalls.

Vikingsholm was the creation of Lora J. Knight, a wealthy Illinois woman who, in 1928, purchased 239 acres at the head of Emerald Bay (for $250,000). She decided to build a summer home on the site and hired Lennart Palme, a Swedish architect and her nephew, to design the house with a Scandinavian influence.

Following a trip to Scandinavia to gather ideas, Mrs. Knight authorized construction to begin in the summer of 1928. Work on the house ceased during the winter months but restarted the next spring. Amazingly, the house was completed by the end of the summer.

The house was constructed of locally cut pine and fir with local granite boulders and rocks that were embedded in mortar. Interior walls were hand planed and accented with delicate, hand carvings.

Mrs. Knight stayed at Vikingsholm for 15 summers, until her death in 1945. A few years later, it was acquired by the state of California and became a park.

The best way to learn about Vikingsholm is by taking the guided tour of the house, which is worth the admission charge. If possible, try to take one given by Helen H. Smith, who, as a child spent 14 consecutive summers as a guest at Vikingsholm. She has also written an excellent booklet about the house, which is sold at the end of the tour.

Tours of Vikingsholm are offered on weekends from Memorial Day weekend to July, then daily until late September or October. Tours are offered between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, call 530-525-7232.---Richard Moreno

Posted by Rich Moreno at 01:56 PM | Comments (0)