Summer Issue 2018

summer 2018 VOLUME11 ISSUE 4

MAGAZINE

O T E D I U G R U 8 1 YO 0 2 R E M M U S

which tahoe beach is best for you

with so many different options, there's a beach for every occasion this summer

creating your summer playlist

Put together the ultimate combination of songs from your favorite genres for the perfect road trip mix

tips for vacationing on a budget

It's no secret that going out of town can be expensive.

Let us help you plan your next trip for the right price

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I

from the editor

f you're spending the summer in Reno, you're in luck. Reno and Tahoe are my favorite places to spend summer days.

With pretty much endless outdoor activities and ample sunshine, there's always something fun to look forward to.

One of my favorite things to do is kayak around Crystal Bay in North Lake Tahoe. If you go around noon, there's a point during the day where the sun is directly over the lake, and the crystal-clear blue water looks like it's glowing from the bottom up. Although the water may be a bit chilly, it feels like it has healing qualities. After diving in, it seems as though all of your worries simply melt away. You let go and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Once you've spent a day earning your tan lines, it's time to enjoy a filling burger, a cold beer, and a summer night spent with your best buds. Whether it's a Reno Aces game, a concert at Cargo, or a backyard BBQ, Reno doesn't disappoint. It's the simple things like being able to walk around in flip flops or going outside at night without needing a jacket that make summer so special, to me.

This year Insight has put together a guide with the best that Reno and Tahoe have to offer, especially for students on a tight budget. From our writers' favorite food events to art, music, and more, we hope you'll enjoy reading about some of the many things to enjoy this summer in Northern Nevada.

staff

Andrea Heerdt

Taylor Harker

Ana Hurt

Editor-in-Chief Social Media Director

Copy Editor

Contributors Elizabeth Pearson Mac Frost Cira Craighead Crystal Pulido-Lugo Erin Lucas Josie Steehler Nikki Moylan

Kellie Sasso

Photography Editor

Angela Lujan

Marina Leigh

Staff Writer

about the magazine You hold in your hands the latest iteration of Insight Magazine. We hope that you will enjoy it. Not only is this issue the result of a tremendous amount of hard work, but it is also a representation of a student publication over a decade in the works (with origins as the Artemisia, the former yearbook of UNR dating back to the 1800's).

Thank you for supporting us. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. If you're interested in getting involved with us, visit insightunr.com > Get Involved.

corrections Insight Magazine works to correct any errors. If you find a mistake or misprint, please contact the editor at insighteditor@asun.unr.edu.

CONTENTS The discovery museum is not just for kids 5 The Discovery Museum has created several events specifically for adults to enjoy this season

By Angela Lujan

creating your summer playlist 6 Put together the ultimate combination of songs from your favorite genres for the perfect road trip mix

By Crystal Pulido-Lugo, Josie Steehler, and Marina Leigh

Reno is artown 8 Artown is an awesome event to enjoy in Downtown Reno for an entire month

By Cira Craighead

nic's picks: Summer reading recommendations 9 Young Jane Young, Everything You Want Me to Be, Home Sweet Home, and Difficult Women

By Nikki Moylan

how to customize your drum kit 10 For drummers out there looking for a great summer project, learn how to customize your drum kit

By Mac Frost

reno's summer food festivities 12 Food Truck Friday, Biggest Little City Wing Fest, Rib Cook-Off, and Tahoe's best burger joints

By Josie Steehler

which tahoe beach is best for you 13 With so many different options, there's a beach for every occasion this summer

By Taylor Harker

tips for vacationing on a budget 14 It's no secret that going out of town can be expensive. Let us help you plan your next trip for the right price

By Cira Craighead

best outdoor treasures in reno and tahoe 15 Find your ultimate outdoor activity close to campus or in South Lake INSIGHTSteehler 4

By Josie

Photo by Kellie Sasso

the

DISCOVERY museum

is not just for kids

Words by Angela Lujan Photos by Kellie Sasso Illustration by Elizabeth Pearson

W

hile The Discovery was once a children’s museum, it’s not anymore. Patrick Turner, the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The Discovery, said, “Over the last five years or so we’ve made a strong effort to reposition the museum as a science center that serves a broader demographic.” The Discovery has created several events that are for adults only, in order to better serve this broader demographic.

Best Bang for your Buck Social Science (21+)=$20 for non-members/$15 for members The Social Science series is a quarterly, themed event held at The Discovery. This series is a great deal at only $20 per ticket for non-members. Turner said, “A ticket to Social Science includes heavy hors d'oeuvres prepared by Whole Foods. They also sell beer and wine that’s included with your ticket price. You get two beverages with your ticket price.” Past events have focused on topics ranging from robots to attraction, and Turner said, “As of late, we’ve allowed our audience to pick a topic, so they’re free to nominate topics through our exit survey that we do at each Social Science.”

Nice Price Science Distilled (21+)=$15 for non-members/$10 for members Science Distilled is a lecture series, held regularly at Patagonia. The Discovery has partnered with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) to create this event. Turner said, “What Science Distilled let’s us do is tap into all the great research that’s happening at DRI, and bring those scientists to our audience and let them talk about their research.” According to Turner, this event varies from panel discussions to traditional lectures to round table discussions. Turner said, “We’re trying to keep it lowkey, so it’s in kind of a laid-back atmosphere. We partnered with Imbib Custom Brews, so they serve beer at the event.

Definitely not your stuffy lecture series, like a lot of people might expect. ”

Big Ticket Event annual event Chemistry of the Cocktail (21+)=$95 for non-members and members Chemistry of the Cocktail is The Discovery’s annual fundraiser. Turner said, “Because it’s our annual fundraiser, it has a little bit higher ticket price. It’s close to $100 a ticket, but it is a fundraiser, so the cost of the ticket is part of what benefits the museum.” According to Turner, this event takes a look at the science behind mixology and cocktail making. Turner said, “It’s this really fun event because it let’s us bring in outside bartenders and mixologists, and they present all these interesting topics related to cocktails.” In addition, the event features live auctions and many local vendors.

5 INSIGHT

Creating Your Summer Playlist Playlist

Rock

Created by Crystal Pulidolugo

Rock soothes the soul, and it surely soothes mine. Soothe your soul and play some rock with your buds on the road to adventure this summer. Like Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin once sang, “It’s been a long time since I rock and rolled,” but don’t let it be a long time for you!

Burning Down the House The Talking Heads Plastic Fantastic Lover Jefferson Airplane Damaged Goods Gang of Four Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ The Velvet Underground Hey The Pixies Baby, You’re A Rich Man The Beatles Lola The Kinks San Francisco Nights The Animals Good Times Roll The Cars Call On Me Big Brother & the Holding Company ft. JanisJoplin

Playlist

Indie

Created by Crystal Pulidolugo

Summer is for bonding, drinks, and laughs.

Summer is for fun, but remember it’s for relaxing, too. Indulge on a poolside read, road tripping under the colors of the sunset, and exploring the oceans and mountains with these chill Indie tunes.

On Blue Mountain Foxygen Come On Mikhael Paskalev Naked Kids The Growlers Nancy From Now On Father John Misty Haters Homeshake Let My Baby Stay Mac Demarco Seven Words Weyes Blood Wolf Like Howls From the Bathhouse Sonny Smith Tiger Mountain Peasant Song Fleet Foxes I’m On Fire Awolnation (Bruce Springsteen cover) INSIGHT 6

Playlist

Rap

Created by Marina Leigh

Rap is a genre of music grown from African and AfricanAmerican roots, carrying with it the real and raw stories of inhabiting black bodies. It has expanded as a genre, but a significant portion of rap music is still characterized by its celebration of self, culture, and life. May the drives be down the Pacific coast in a ‘91 Jeep Wagoneer with sand on the seats and 206,000 miles on the engine, or into the quiet dusk of wildflower fields and apathetic cattle, or passing through a city humming with nine million simultaneously beating hearts—these road trips deserve the music that gives us reason to celebrate being alive.

Tupac Changes Felt Dirty Girl Logic Black SpiderMan J. Cole She Knows Earthgang Paschals Kendrick Lamar i Chance the Rapper Sunday Candy Noname Forever Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Downtown Kweku Collins Never Say Die

Playlist

Country Created by josie Steehler

If you’re headed out to the lake, relaxing around the campfire and ultimately interested in creating stories this summer, listening to country music amplifies the feeling of creating a moment and cherishing it forever.

Grab a cold one and some friends because it’s time to create the story of summer 2018.

Snapback Old Dominion Something Like That Tim McGraw American Kids Kenny Chesney Toes Zac Brown Band Barefoot Blue Jean Night Jake Owen Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck Kip Moore Summer Nights Rascal Flatts Whatever She’s Got David Nail Redneck Yacht Club Craig Morgan Beat of the Music Brett Eldredge 7 INSIGHT

Photo by Kellie Sasso

Words by Cira Craighead Photo Courtesy of Mike Jamieson via Flickr Illustration by Erin Lucas

s

tuck in Reno this summer? Fear not! Instead of jealously watching the Instagram stories of your friends who somehow have the time and money to travel the world (guilty), why not explore some of the cool events in the Biggest Little City?

If you love the outdoors like I do, you probably already know about all the fun things you can do in the area.

But if you need more ideas for when you’re bored and don’t want to drive into the wilderness, there are plenty of fun events going on right under our

exhibits, and other creative activities available, there is something for everyone. There are events going on every single day during the month of July to fit your schedule. If money is a concern, many events are free or very inexpensive to allow more community members a chance to enjoy Reno’s art culture.

While the Artown website has yet to publish the 2018 calendar, there are a few annual events to look forward to.

On July 1st, the opening night jubilee typically consists of an artistic gallery

"By focusing on the local art scene and celebrating creative minds in every medium, Reno celebrates its love of art every year." noses. A personal favorite for me is Artown. The best part? It lasts for an entire month!

If you are a fan of any artistic medium, Artown will steal your heart.

With music, dance, sculptures, INSIGHT 8

on Arlington Bridge, music, and acrobatic performances. On the Fourth of July the Reno Philharmonic puts on a free concert topped off with fireworks to celebrate, a welcomed alternative for those who would rather avoid the

long drive and wild crowds of Tahoe.

Every year there is also a world dance night during which various cultures are celebrated, showing off their beautiful dancing styles. There are even more free events each week such as the Monday night music series, “dancing in the park” nights, and movies in the park. You don’t have to break the bank to get out and have fun!

I have often heard that Reno lacks in terms of culture, but Artown is working to prove this idea wrong. By focusing on the local art scene and celebrating creative minds in every medium, Reno celebrates its love of art every year. If you haven’t been to any of these events, I highly recommend you attend some this coming summer. You may find some wonderful talent and inspiration under the arch.

nic's picks: 2018 summer reading list Young Jane Young

Reviews by Nikki Moylan

Book by Gabrielle Zevin

A Monica Lewinsky-style scandal rocks the Jewish community in Boca Raton, Florida, when an intern named Aviva Grossman strikes up a relationship with the district’s congressman. Due to all of the gossip and slut shaming she faces when the scandal is exposed, Aviva cuts all contact with her family, legally changes her name to Jane Young and moves to Maine. Fast forward a decade, and Jane is now a wedding planner with a daughter, Ruby. Jane’s secret is hidden from Ruby as she tries to raise her daughter to be strong and stand up for herself from bullies.

The perspective of the novel shifts through 4 characters: Jane’s mother, Jane, Ruby, and the congressman's wife. The engaging story focuses on feminism and also deals with sex scandals and serious consequences in a realistic way. It sheds light on how slut shaming and body image can affect college-aged women’s choices. .

Everything You Want Me to Be Book by Mindy Mejia

Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy this novel’s parallels to Macbeth. A high school senior and brilliant actress is found murdered, and during the investigation a dangerous and steamy affair is exposed between the victim and her married English teacher. The perspective switches between one of the detectives on the case, Hattie, the student, and Peter, the teacher. As the police and Hattie’s family uncover her double life after she is gone, it is important that we also hear from her side of things. Her character is manipulative and she often refers to her many “roles”: the good student, the good daughter, and the good girlfriend. Hattie’s dream of becoming an actress on Broadway reveals how she is determined to get what she wants, how obsessive she is over her teacher, and failing to see how she ruins his life makes her a fitting Lady Macbeth for the school play.

While there are two suspects for the murder, the novel gives clues that everything isn’t always reliant on evidence and testing. Readers may also find Hattie’s strong willed personality and ruthless actions unrealistic and downright disturbing as she ruins Peter’s marriage and mental health. Overall, the novel is a juicy read and shows how love and lust play their roles in serious relationships.

Home Sweet Home Novel by April Smith

A novel set during the time of America’s witch hunt for Communists, a young family aspiring to become politicians gets swept up in decade-old accusations in a small South Dakota town. New York city-slickers Calvin and Betsy Kusek move to the Midwest after they first meet. Calvin is a lawyer and Betsy is a former member of the Young Communist League and a traveling nurse.

Calvin has aspirations to run for the senate as a Democrat in a sea of Republicans, and his opponent is a greedy, ruthless man. The story’s smear campaign is pretty tame compared to the 2016 Presidential election, but readers will appreciate the story’s fair handling of a trial. The novel also has a lot of characters in the town that the couple interact with and it can be hard to keep track of everyone, and a brand new, totally unrelated character comes in about 20 pages before the novel’s end makes this a long and often tricky read.

Difficult Women Novel by Roxane Gay

This Audie Award-nominated collection of short stories is centered around female characters, ranging from realistic fiction to sci-fi genres. The topics covered in the stories are serious and range from LGBT relationships to divorce, fat shaming, and racism. Gay is great at crafting complex characters in such a small amount of time, and each comes with a diverse point of view. The stories often deal with dark and sexual themes, and many of the protagonists come with awful life situations, such as a couple whose toddler was crushed to death by a car in a parking lot. The collection has a good variety of story lengths, and the opener is one of the longest as it deals with close sisters moving to Reno after being tortured and kidnapped in their teenage years.

9 INSIGHT

HOW TO TO CUSTOMIZE CUSTOMIZE YOUR YOUR HOW DRUM KIT KIT DRUM

Words and Photos by Mac Frost

I

’ve played different kits over the years, constantly evolving the set-ups of each. My current kit began as a basic five-piece Pearl set. I first added a second floor tom, then later two more rack toms. The added drums were black, while the original five were burgundy. My burgundy and black 8-piece kit (9-piece in the pic–accent snare on the right).

I reached a point where I wanted them all to be the same color, but actual drum wrap can get expensive, especially for an 8-piece kit. I did some research and put my mind to using simple vinyl adhesive. That’s what I did, but there were many time-consuming and annoying steps to get the finished product to look how I wanted it to. Warning: this project will likely take longer than you predict. It took me a few weekends to get it all done. It takes longer the more drums you have, but it’s no quick process.

Step One: Take everything apart, and try to keep it organized. This isn’t even close to all the parts and pieces I removed.

Step Two: Soak any rusty bolts or parts in a 4:1 solution of either vinegar or bleach to water. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

This next step is completely INSIGHT 10

optional and probably unnecessary.

I cut about four inches off my bass drum for a couple reasons. One: shallower shells make deeper tones.

Two: it gave me four inches of space for setting up – which, if you have to fit your kit in your room, or if you’ve ever played a small stage, you understand how much difference four inches of area depth can make. This was done with a stable pair of hands and an electric jigsaw. First make simple and accurate measurements, then draw a cut line and follow it. It helps to have one person hold the shell steady while another cuts. Mi madre is super into woodworking projects, so she helped me out a lot with this project. (That’s her jigsaw I’m using.)

Step Three (optional): Cut down any drums you want shallower.

If you elect to cut any of your drums, keep in mind that you will have to mark and drill new holes for hardware like lugs, legs, or mounts.

Just maintain the same distance from the outer edge and you’ll be golden.

Step Four (if you cut): Drill new hardware holes.

Step Five: Smooth out the edges with an electric sander. It takes a while with the electric one, so don’t even try to sand it by hand. It’s simple enough that my son, Jack, did it.

When it comes to this next one, you’re going to have to sand the outer

shell no matter which way you decide to go. You can either take off the existing wrap and sand through all the leftover, gunky adhesive, or you can do what I did and just keep the original wrap on for added shell protection and sand the actual wrap. It needs to be as smooth as possible for the new wrap to properly stick to it.

Step Six: Sand the outer shell.

Now while all this sanding is going on, you may want your lugs and rims to be all one color. Possibly something other than the standard chrome. This means spray painting and leaving the hardware to sit while you attend to the shells. WARNING: this will affect the sound of your drums, but I personally found it to be a favorable one.

Step Seven: Paint the hardware.

Sanding the outer shells on its own doesn’t quite get them ready for new wrap. There are likely oils and residue that will disrupt the adhesive. To save yourself the trouble of finding that out the hard way and wasting perfectly good drum wrap, scrub the sanded shells with a wood-friendly cleaning solution such as vinegar or potentially Goo Gone.

Step Eight: Clean the shells with a 4:1 vinegar solution or, if needed, something more aggressive like Goo Gone.

When you do fInally get your drums sounding right again and all set up, it’s just a fantastic feeling Your work space will become quite a mess, so make sure you have room for that mess. It will be there for days, perhaps weeks.

Some of these toms use the same head size, but vary in depth, thickness, and types of wood – all of which have different effects on the sound they produce.

Step Nine: Measure and cut the wrap to fit the shells.

Now just take a tape-measure and measure the depth and circumference of each shell. Be sure to go over about two inches for the circumference length. It helps to place the cut wrap with its corresponding shell.

Step Ten: Wrappa da bass, mon!

When you wrap a shell, it really helps to have two people. It is critical for one person to hold the shell tightly and steady while another person slowly and meticulously sticks the new wrap to the shell. Be ever-vigilant for bubbles; they are the enemy.

Too many bubbles means one of two things: you either didn’t clean the shells well enough or you’re stretching the wrap. If you find some bubbles are simply unavoidable, it is fine to just stick the wrap down and cut through the bubbles. These things are inevitably going to be scratched anyway, and no one will notice.

You can choose virtually any self-adhesive vinyl for your drum wrap. I legitimately went with black marble counter-top cover. It’s more difficult to find in stores these days.

I was able to get a killer deal on Amazon. Something like $10 for 18"x 20'! This kit used almost two rolls.

You are not done!

Step Eleven: “RE-AS-SEM-BLE! Reassemble, Stephanie!”

Yeah, that’s a Johnny 5 quote. I was a dope little kid. Putting everything back together will take quite some time in itself. Just think about tuning your entire kit. Drummers don’t have to tune every single hour like guitarists and bassists, but when we do, it sure as hell makes up for it. This probably took me the longest amount of time, even though it’s the most straight-forward.

I would like to take this moment to plug Aquarian in here. I’m not getting paid for this, but I highly recommend that every serious drummer invest in an Aquarian Super Kick II bass drum head. This thing is amazing. It’s perfectly self-muffling via a built-in foam ring. If you’re like me, you’re tired of adjusting your pillow inside every time you set up at a different gig. You will never have to do that again, and your bass will sound great.

The Aquarian Super Kick II is worth every penny. No pillows ever again.

When you do finally get your drums sounding right again and all set, it’s just a fantastic feeling. Rise, Phoenix!

From the ashes and live again.

Behold, mortals. My rebuilt and refinished 8-piece drum kit.

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11 INSIGHT

Words by Josie Steehler Photos by Kellie Sasso Illustration by Erin Lucas

Food Truck Friday

Starts Friday, May 18th Every Friday from May until September a slew of food trucks park along the edge of the pond at Idlewild Park and serve guests until the sun sets. This is a great opportunity to experience a large variety of food and drink.

Rib Cook-Off

August 29th - September 3rd Not only does this cook-off have ribs, but it also has corn on the cob, deep fried pickles, and alligator on a stick.

Nothing is left out at this carnival weekend in Downtown Sparks.

Biggest Little City Wing Fest July 6th-7th If you’re a wing enthusiast this event will supply you with 20+ wing vendors in Downtown Reno.

Best Burgers in Tahoe

1. Char Pit - 5 stars 3. Izzy’s Burger Spa Char Pit supplies burgers to drool - 4.2 stars over, a rock-n-roll atmosphere, and a dedication to the craft of specialized burgers. Their patties are to die for, and their buns cup all of the addages of the burger ever so perfectly.

Located in Kings Beach, this location is outdoor-based and allows dogs on the deck!

This casual burger hut located in South Tahoe offers an outdoor and open feeling to accompany its mouthwatering options on the menu and enlarged steak fries. This burger is perfect for a day at the beach.

4.California Burger 2. Sno-Flake Drive- Company - 4 stars In - 4.6 stars This destination located in Heavenly When you’re craving that drive-in style burger and a shake, this burger shack does not skimp any corners on supplying you with more than what you need when your order is up!

Order at the outdoor window, and bring your food to the nearest park in South Tahoe because Sno-Flake is nothing INSIGHT 12 but a treat.

Village is an atmospheric masterpiece. From its warm inviting doors to its mesmerizing burgers, this location is sure to satisfy a casual date or a family outing.

which F best

Beach

or

Words by Taylor Harker Photos by Andrea Heerdt

T

ahoe is home to dozens of beautiful and scenic beaches.

Each one with a unique twist to make it different from the others. Depending on your mood or activities you have planned, check out this guide to help you decide what beach is best for you this summer.

Feeling like a party? Zephyr Cove.

Zephyr Beach located in South Lake and is known for its outrageous partying. Zephyr has a volleyball court and a full bar that allows its users to drink openly on the beach. Zephyr is one of the best hot spots for Fourth of July.

People going for the holiday can see the fireworks easily from the shore, and the party usually has people rushing in as early as 6am in hopes of finding a decent spot.

Bringing the Whole Family? Round Hill Beach. The Round Hill beach is a very family friendly beach that is a favorite for both tourists and locals alike. This beach can be used for weddings and special events, too. Round Hill also has a delicious food court overlooking Lake Tahoe. There is a little something for everyone at this beach with activities like cruises, sail boats, jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, and so much more.

A Beach For You and Your Dog? Kiva Beach is one of the few beaches in the Tahoe area that you can bring you dog to. Kiva Beach is a peaceful hidden gem that has a great view of Mount Tallac. The area is tucked away and hidden in the forest making it quiet and the perfect place to bring your furry best friend!

Does Tahoe Have a Nude Beach?

Yes, yes it does...Secret Cove. Secret Cove might not be the best place for a family outing. However, this is one of Tahoe's most beautiful and scenic beaches. It offers plenty of nature and some of the best snorkel spots. Oh yeah...and is welcoming to nudity.

The Classic-Sand Harbor. Sand Harbor is one of North Lake’s best known and most popular beaches.

The main beach is over 2,500 feet long. It offers everything from a visitor’s center to a boat launch. Sand Harbor is also home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival that happens every summer.

Out of Sight? Hidden Beach. The name speaking for itself, Hidden Beach, is one of the more private and sequestered beaches Tahoe has to offer. Located in Incline Village, this beach is mainly for people who might want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon reading a book, uninterrupted by the stimuli of the other beaches. Usually best if you get there early and find parking along the highway.

is

You

The Beauty? Emerald Bay is one of Tahoe’s most popular icons today. The bay contains a beautiful island called Fannette Island in its center. Emerald Bay is surrounded by breathtaking views of nature and scenery. Emerald Bay is also classified as an underwater park. You can never run out things to do here, and the park is filled with tons of history and Scandinavian architecture.

hidden beach

sand harbor

13 INSIGHT

tips for vacationing on a budget Words by Cira Craighead Photos by Kellie Sasso Illustration by Elizabeth Pearson

I

f you’re anything like me, you love adventure… but you’re also super broke. Well, I have good news, fellow struggling students!

Even though we may not be able to travel the world (yet), there are still options for us to satisfy the urge to get out there. Whether you want to settle into a sleeping bag on a mountaintop or explore a new city, I have gathered some helpful tips to help you explore on a budget.

Sleep in your car. It may not be the most comfortable place, but when you just want to get out and go, this is a viable option. If you don’t have a car (or if yours is too small), it may help to find another adventure hungry friend and crash in theirs. Once you have the vehicle, grab some sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and blankets to craft your nest. This can end up being very comfortable if you’re short. This is also perfect for spontaneous trips when you don’t have time to find a hotel room or campsite. NOTE: do a little research before you go. Sleeping on the side of certain roads and in certain parks may not be allowed.

Look for signs, and do a quick google if you aren’t sure.

Find a Hostel. Hostels are like super cheap communal hotels. Lots of people come to stay in one place, usually in bunk-beds. These are great for meeting new people, traveling to cities, and saving money as hostel stays are notoriously cheap.

Use hipcamp.com. It’s like Airbnb INSIGHT 14

for campsites! Many of them are cheaper than state-owned ones and still quite nice. Plus, you can talk to the host for advice and help, should you need any.

Stay on BLM land. It’s FREE to camp on BLM land. Do your research, and respect the landscape while you’re out there.

Go searching for some hot springs.

There are many hot springs in Nevada and California in gorgeous locations.

To maintain their natural beauty, most of their exact locations are not made public. A fun adventure nearby could be simply heading out into the great outdoors with a general direction and a bathing suit (or none- I won’t judge) to find one of these diamonds in the rough and relax.

Look up popular nearby locations on Instagram. Sometimes there are hidden gems near you that will save you a long trip! The pictures can tell you how beautiful they are. Look for location tags on posts and follow some local Instagram pages.

Take a friend. This way you can split the cost of gas, food, and campsite fees.

Stay at a hike-in campsite. These are often either free or cheaper than car-camping sites!

Be frugal when shopping for gear.

You can usually find great, affordable gear either in thrift shops or online.

Check reviews when shopping online and look for higher quality brands in thrift stores- they sometimes carry high-end items that were unpopular because of factors like color.

Get creative! Use free beach showers or biodegradable soap to bathe in a lake or river.

EAGLE LAKE Words by Josie Steehler Photos by Andrea Heerdt

1. Float the River

The Truckee River is filling up right now; acquiring all of the snowmelt from the Sierras. When the weather gets warmer the water in the river gets a bit more bearable and is able to be optimized as a natural lazy river.

Collect your inner tubes and pack two cars full of people because it’s time to float the river. To successfully execute this activity, you should park an end car at Wingfield Park. Everyone proceeds to pile into one car and drive up the river to Chrissie Caughlin Park.

Here is where you enter the river and start floating. If you are wanting more control, float alone. If you want a thrilling and somewhat dangerous ride you should bring some rope and attach all of the inner tubes together.

Bring some drinks, and be prepared for a relaxing day floating the river.

2. Eagle Lake/Falls

Tranquility is closer than anyone ever expected. Located directly behind Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe is a quick 30-minute hike that uncovers a small and serene body of water known as Eagle Lake. At the beginning of the hike there are moderate sized falls cascading with snowmelt all summer.

About halfway through, the hike unveils a breathtaking view of Emerald Bay and Tahoe collectively. Once arriving at the lake there is ample opportunity to swim in the freezing waters, walk across mossy rocks to an opposing side at the mouth of the lake, and hike farther back into a quiet area that accepts nothing but contentedness. Bring a book and escape for

a while! This hike is breathtakingly gorgeous in the summertime and is well worth the drive from Reno.

3. Donner Tunnels

Art in nature is a juxtaposition that claims such a pleasing aesthetic to anyone willing to appreciate its existence. The abandoned Donner Train Tunnels are just this: art in nature.

Upon arriving at the Sugar Bowl Ski Resort there are tunnels across the street that span for a few miles within the mountains and contain graffiti art that is so vibrant and strategically placed, displaying collages from numerous artists. The tunnels are technically a hike and during summertime are considered more of a river. The water in the tunnels is ankle deep, but the view of Donner Lake and the personal art that is painted within the walls and on the outer layer of each tunnel is one-hundred percent worth the soaked socks (bring an extra pair of shoes and socks for after the hike).

4. Hunter Creek Hiking Trail

Nature offers a simple taste of adventure at the edge of Northwest Reno stowed behind the beautiful suburbs.

This hike is a bit on the long side as it twists and turns around the edges of the hills in Northwest Reno. There is a steady uphill to downhill ratio as the hike unfolds in both directions.

At the very beginning, there is a medium sized creek to cross. You can either barrel through and get your shoes soaked, or become a ninja and create a path across the exposed rocks at its lip. Upon arriving at the end of the hike there is a decent sized waterfall that is steadily flowing until all of the snow has melted. The hike will take roughly two and a half hours to complete depending upon the pace that is

set. There is not much skill involved with this hike. Hiking it myself, I witnessed all ages coming and going, so invite your friends and family and enjoy a local experience.

5. Grass Lake

Grass Lake is a moderate, yet lengthy hike nestled behind Fallen Leaf Lake in South Tahoe. The hike in total will take about three hours and is approximately two miles round trip. Along the hike there are gradual inclines and declines, but there are also pools of water that connect to Grass Lake and funnel into waterfalls along the entire trail. This hike is encompassed by evergreens and a forest floor that flows with water. There are many alternative routes that may have to be utilized during early to mid-summer due to high water levels. Don’t forget to look up when you finally arrive at Grass Lake, there are waterfalls higher than you can imagine, spewing with fresh snowmelt!

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