 |
The summer recreation newsletter
from tahoe.com and reno.com
• Summer rafting on the Truckee River
• Groovy Gear
• Mountain Mutt's Tip o' the Week!
• See the latest Mountain Mutt photo contest winner
• More about the outdoors
Summer rafting on the Truckee River
By The Mountain Mutt, aka Dana Turvey
It's summertime, and high thermostats draw scores of wilting Lake Tahoe and Reno visitors to the cooling water. And yes, lakes are everywhere in the Sierra -- but consider the rivers, too. Rafting various sections of the Truckee River is a fun change, and choices range from a leisurely float to heart-racing rapids.
The Truckee River exits Lake Tahoe at Tahoe City, flowing northerly before aiming east along I-80 into and beyond Reno. The most low-key section is at the Tahoe City start, with a five-mile stretch that winds down to the River Ranch restaurant, where you can enjoy a post-float lunch or cocktails on the deck. Rather than raging rapids, plan on bringing a cooler, pulling onto a sandbar and enjoying a slow, relaxing float on crisp water.
It's a perfect outing for families with smaller children, and the river is wading-depth in many places. Plan on wearing swimsuits, water shorts and some sort of sandals, and remember lots of sunscreen.
Click here to read the rest of the story
Groovy Gear: Walkin' on the water ...
OK, "in" the water
 Water sandals have come a long way since the first flat-soled Tevas -- remember how the Velcro would wear out in a summer? And although you can float a mellow river in just flip-flips, they do float away given any chance. Although Velcro has improved, better water sandals replace it with sturdy buckles, the straps are cushioned with neoprene and the footbeds have arch support. The soles are coated with an anti-stink material (thank goodness!) and the outer soles grip well on wet granite. Every brand makes them, expect to pay from $45 to $100. Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com.
What kind of shape should I be in to raft?
Mountain Mutt's Tip o' the Week!
On most guided rafting trips, you can be as active as you wish. If your trip is using a paddle boat, you'll be an active source of power to move the boat through the rapids. Your guide will teach you the commands you need to help maneuver the boat. You don't need to be a tri-athlete, but you should be fairly healthy and must be able to fit into the life vests supplied by your outfitter. Paddling can be tiring, but remember, you're not doing it alone. If you're have any questions about your fitness to go rafting, check with your doctor before you go.
Mountain Mutt photo winner of the week!
 Bear, a baby Sheltie, is shown here scaring off the squirrels in the woodpile. Of Bear's name, owner Mary Burczyk writes: "Because even when he weighed only 3 pounds, he'd growl at you if he felt he didn't get enough treats." We know how you feel, Bear. Burczyk wins a Mountain Mutt T-shirt and is now entered into the grand prize drawing for a $100 Petco gift certificate.
Think your pup has what it takes to be a Mountain Mutt? Then send us your best photo of your dog out and about in the Sierra Nevada summer. We'll post the photos each week in our Mountain Mutt gallery, plus we'll pick a weekly winner and send a collector's item Mountain Mutt T-shirt (designed by Reno eNVy). At the end of the summer, one lucky dog will be crowned this year's supreme Mountain Mutt and that pooch will win a $100 Petco gift certificate. E-mail your photo to info@TahoeRenoOnline.com. Oh, and we don't discriminate; we love pure bred pups too! Good luck!
More about the outdoors
from reno.com and tahoe.com ...
Tour de Fat spins into Truckee on July 28
New Belgium Brewing's cycling circus, a ballyhoo of bikes and beer, with environmental sustainability at the very heart of it all.
Big Blue 24-hour race returns as Kit Carson Race, Aug. 11
Die-hard adventure athletes can conquer the hills of Lake Tahoe and Carson City over a demanding 80-100 mile adventure course Saturday, August 11.
Wakeboard World Championships in Reno, Aug. 23- 26
The best riders from around the globe will take to the waters of Sparks Marina.
Five easy Tahoe hikes with spectacular views
Looking for an easy afternoon workout? Want a view but don't have time to climb a peak?
 Win tickets for the Tahoe Music Festival finale!
Aug. 4 at Homewood Resort. Wrap up an unforgettable "Season of Classics" with Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony" as performed by the Lake Tahoe Music Festival Orchestra at Homewood Mountain Resort. This season finale also features special soloist and Sacramento Opera Chorus performances. To enter, send your name, email address and phone number to info@tahoerenoonline.com. A winner will be drawn Monday, July 30! Good luck!
|
|
|
|
from our sponsors
Tahoe Keys Resort
Enjoy your Lake Tahoe vacation in a waterfront home or condominium at the Tahoe Keys Resort, a private marina community on the south shore. Properties feature boat docks with lake access just steps from your door! Many properties are pet-friendly so even Fido can enjoy the adventure. Call (800) 698-2463 for reservations or additional information.
Tahoe Keys Resort website
The Belvedere:
Luxury Condominiums
A luxurious new condominium project is taking shape in downtown Reno. THE BELVEDERE will add two prestigious new towers to the dynamic Reno skyline. Designed for the lock-and-leave mentality, THE BELVEDERE presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of Reno's active lifestyle.
The Belvedere website
Lake Tahoe Music Festival, July 14-Aug. 4
2007's Season of Classics brings you one headlining act after another: David Benoit, Kenny Loggins, The David Sanborn Group, Craig Chaquico, Franc D'Ambrosio, and our fabulous Festival Orchestra with Maestro Timm Rolek.
Lake Tahoe Music Festival website
|
|
upcoming events
July 28
Tahoe Trail Fest in Tahoe City
July 29
Hike all 165 miles of the
Tahoe Rim Trail
July 30-Aug. 5
PGA-Tour's Reno-Tahoe Open
Real estate and rentals
|
|
• Reno real estate
• Tahoe real estate
• Tahoe.com vacation rentals
Get your exclusive Mountain Mutt t-shirts here!
Mountain Mutt T-shirts, designed by Reno eNVy, are ready for action. Take your pick of hiking, biking or kayaking logos or choose a plain shirt if you can't decide. Hiking shirts come in Olive Green; Biking shirts are in Indian Orange; Kayaking shirts are in Indigo Blue; and the "I'm every sport" plain-sleeve shirts are in Desert Tan.
Gotta have one? Take a look ...
Buy your shirts on our secure server here!
Win a free iPod Shuffle!
 You know you dig the Mountain Mutt, so why not share him with your friends? If you do, you could win a brand new iPod Shuffle.
So forward this email to all your friends, and we'll put you in a drawing to win one of three iPod Shuffles, just because you're so cool. And get this; if your friends sign up, they'll be eligible to win a great getaway package! That's how cool we are!
Hurry! Contest ends soon! Winners for the iPod Shuffles will be drawn on July 31.
|
|
Click on "Forward Email" at the bottom of this newsletter for your chance to win an iPod Shuffle!
Coming up in Mountain Mutt on Aug. 1 ...
Blisters no more: Tips on how you too can have a hike with no blisters.
|
|
printer friendly
email this story
