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Welcome Aboard
Lake
Tahoe’s Water Trail
By Katherine E.
Hill
 The
Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee released a new edition
of its “Lake Tahoe Water Trail Map & Guide” earlier this
summer, and if you haven’t picked up a copy, you need to
get one.
The map is
a waterproof and tearproof map of Lake Tahoe and Fallen
Leaf Lake that was specially designed for kayakers to
help them navigate on their own around the lake. The map
is an ingenious idea and features GPS waypoints, put-in
points (including boat ramps, marinas and spots to put
in by car) and a list of local sites of interests. But,
probably the most useful information is the guide that
lists lodging, boating, camping, picnicking, dining and
other useful information to aid in your trip around Lake
Tahoe.
While
originally designed with kayakers in mind, any one that
spends time on the water will find this map a great tool
to have with them.
The map is
wonderfully detailed with lake depths and cleared marked
shorelines, with both public and private lands clearly
marked. I have a collection of Tahoe maps, and this is
one of the best-produced and most useful maps I’ve ever
seen.
As I was
reading my copy of the map recently (and, I love to read
maps), I marveled at the amount of time and energy that
has been devoted to this particular guide. The Lake
Tahoe Water Trail Committee, a group of paddling
advocates, has compiled 294 places to help kayakers
navigate the lake from public beaches and campgrounds to
restaurants and lodging that can be accessed by the
lake.
There are
also historical points of interest including the
Thunderbird Lodge, Tallac Historic Site, Sugar Pine
Point State Park and many others. They also include a
list of local outfitters accessible by water in case you
need supplies and interesting points like the underwater
barge in Emerald Bay or the Lakefront Wedding Chapel in
South Lake (I guess in case you decide to be wed during
your trip around the lake).
The map
features a point with a color-coded key. On the back is
detailed information on each site including a key that
will tell you if there’s a pier, fuel, lodging, camping,
restaurants, restrooms, local transit, outfitter,
showers, phones and much more. As well, they provide
local emergency information and contact information for
local visitor’s centers to help you on your trip.
The maps
retail for $10.99 and are available at most local
outfitters and bookstores. For more information on the
map of the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee, visit
www.laketahoewatertrail.org.
Zebra &
Quagga Mussels
The
Committee also includes information on the map about the
zebra and quagga mussels, two invasive species that the
TRPA is trying to keep from infecting Lake Tahoe. These
mussels can be transported from infected waterways to
Lake Tahoe, causing significant damage to clarity and
will clog and damage boats and municipal water systems.
These
mussels can survive for weeks in standing water or on
any wet material from kayaks to PFDs, wet suits,
clothes, shoes and other equipment. The most effective
way to prevent their spread is to clean, drain and dry
anything that has touched the water. If kayakers launch
at a public boat launch, they are required to have an
inspection, which is provided free for all non-motorized
vessels. If you’re not sure about your equipment, please
take the time to have this free inspection done.
(There’s a fee for motorized vessels.) For more
information on the mussels, visit www.protecttahoe.org.
To find a local inspection site, see the list of public
launches on our Marina chart in this edition.
Lodge to
Lodge Kayak Tours
Tahoe
Adventure Company is offering the first Lodge to Lodge
Kayak Tour along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail from Sept.
24 to 27 and from Oct. 1 to 4.
The tours
feature a multi-day kayak and stay package along the
West, North and East shores of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy the
glassy, clear waters with early morning guided paddles
spotting local wildlife and learning the unique natural
and human history of this special region.
In
addition to thorough instruction, guides will inform
participants about natural and human history topics such
as wildlife, geology, ecology and native peoples.
Kayaking is at a leisurely pace, allowing time to see
the sites and enjoy the crystal clear water. Each day's
paddle starts after breakfast, finishes in the afternoon
and is suitable for beginners. Evenings are enjoyed with
delicious meals at local restaurants.
Space is
limited. For details, call Tahoe Adventure Company at
(530) 913-9212.
Emerald Bay trip
Truckee-Donner Parks and Rec. and Tahoe Diver’s
Conservancy is offering a trip on Sept. 11 to Emerald
Bay to visit one of the sites where the Tahoe Diver’s
Conservancy is working to eradicate invasive species in
Lake Tahoe.
Learn
about zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand clams, curly
leaf pondweed, millefoil and other species that are
threatening the Lake. Participants will be able to
observe conservancy divers at work on the site. The trip
is 9 a.m. to noon and is limited to 14 people. The cost
is $52 per person. The trip, without divers at work,
also will be offered on Oct. 2. To register, call (530)
582-7720.
Kayak
Safety Class
The U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary wraps its series of safety classes
with a Kayak Safety class on Oct. 10. The class will
include an introduction to kayaking, selecting a life
jacket and protective clothing, recommended safety
equipment, cold water hazards and more. This class is
$30 per person and will be held at the Coast Guard
Station in Lake Forest. To register or for more
information, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334.
Katherine E. Hill may be reached at
editor@tahoethisweek.com or visit
www.tahoeboating.blogspot.com.
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