January 12-25, 2022 by Tahoe Guide (Tahoe Weekly)

local. independent. fresh.

january 12-25, 2022

the original guide to tahoe & truckee since 1982

“The Lightning Thief” strikes teenage gold

tahoe sierra

Back-country guide

good eats

for outdoor adventures

“City of San Francisco”

trapped

winter

travel tips

LIVE MUSIC EVENTS OUTDOORS & RECREATION FOOD & WINE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SIGHTSEEING VISITOR INFO

Re-Fuel the Stoke Drop in on over 50 unique shops restaurants and watering holes in The Village at Palisades Tahoe

Dining

Shopping

Auld Dubliner Coﬀeebar Euro Crepes/Euro Snack Euro Sweets Euro Fresh Fireside Pizza Company PlumpJack Café Rocker The Slot Bar Starbucks Sun Bowl Tremigo Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar Twenty-Two Bistro & Bar Uncorked Wine Bar

Alice’s Mountain Market Gallery Keoki Kalifornia Jean Bar KTees Logo Wear Lather & Fizz Bath Boutique The Ledge Board Shop Mind Play The North Face Oakley Parallel Mountain Sports Patagonia PlumpJack Sport Spirits of the Valley Spruced Gift & Home Surefoot Custom Bootfitters Village Demo Center Palisades Tahoe Logo Company Palisades Yoga

Learn more at palisadestahoe.com

fun. unique. everywhere.

P.O. Box 154 | Tahoe Vista, CA 96148 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 TheTahoeWeekly.com Facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly @TheTahoeWeekly

in this issue

Allen Graybill

Ming Poon

Volume 41 | Issue 1

January 12-25, 2022

JANUARY 12-25, 2022

FEATURES

Winter Travel in The Sierra

SUBMISSIONS Events & Entertainment Submit at TheTahoeWeekly.com Click on Events Calendar

Editorial Inquiries editor@tahoethisweek.com Entertainment Inquiries entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Cover Photography production@tahoethisweek.com

STATE OF TAHOE’S BACK COUNTRY

making it happen Publisher/Owner & Editor In Chief Katherine E. Hill publisher@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 102 Sales & Marketing Manager Anne Artoux anne@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 110 Art Director Abigail Gallup production@tahoethisweek.com Graphic Designer Lauren Shearer graphics@tahoethisweek.com Website Manager LT Marketing Entertainment Editor Sean McAlindin entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Food & Well Being Editor Priya Hutner priya@tahoethisweek.com Family Editor Michelle Allen michelle@tahoethisweek.com Copy Editor Katrina Veit Contributing Writers John Dee, Barbara Keck, Bruce Ajari, Mark McLaughlin, David “Smitty” Smith, Priya Hutner, Katrina Veit, Kayla Anderson, Lou Phillips, Sean McAlindin, Tim Hauserman, Alex Green, Lisa Michelle, Cam Schilling, Alex Silgalis TAHOE WEEKLY is published weekly throughout the summer and biweekly the rest of the year, with occassional extra issues at holiday times by Range of Light Media Group, Inc. Look for new issues on Wednesdays. Subscribe to the free digital edition at issuu.com/ TheTahoeWeekly. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com. TAHOE WEEKLY, est. 1982, ©2007. Reproduction in whole or in part without publisher’s express permission is prohibited. Contributions welcome via e-mail. The Weekly is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Member: North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, North Tahoe Business Association, Incline Community Business Association, Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe City Downtown Association, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Tahoe South Chamber of Commerce and Alpine County Chamber of Commerce. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Please recycle your copy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When I bought the Tahoe Weekly in November 2013, one of my priorities for the magazine was to enhance our outdoor coverage on an issue of personal importance to me – the public’s right and ability to access public lands. We are surrounded by vast swaths of public lands, but we are limited to accessing those lands by a lack of parking, transportation, trailhead facilities, trail maintenance, signage and education. All these issues are exasperated in the winter by a shocking lack of snow removal at parking areas that would allow back-country skiers, snowshoers, snowmobilers and sledders to use the lands that they have a right to access. A myriad of problems are at work here including a lack of funding and a lack of vision by government agencies. Many local nonprofits, volunteers and businesses have stepped in to address and fund solutions to increase the public’s access, including the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance. While we’ve been covering back-country access issues in the Tahoe Weekly since 2014, this is the first time we’ve compiled our coverage into a single edition to provide an update on parking and transportation access along with safety and education information. Back-country use has skyrocketed during the pandemic and shows no signs of slowing down. But before stepping into the back country, everyone needs to have some basic knowledge of the challenges and potential dangers. Take some time to read our inaugural Tahoe Sierra Back-Country Guide, then sign up for some educational courses and take a guided tour into our beautiful and seemingly boundless back country.

Back-country Guide

Brutal Winter of 1951-52

GET OUTSIDE

Sightseeing 4 Lake Tahoe Facts

Events 7 Ice Skating & Tubing

Winter Paths

Snow Trails

FUN & GAMES

Horoscopes & Puzzles

THE MAKERS

Allen Graybill 20 The Arts 20 THE LINEUP

The Lightning Thief

Live 23 EAT & DRINK

Good Eats for Outdoor Adventures

Toasted Coconut Almond Trail Bar

Tasty Tidbits

Shake Ridge Vineyard & Yorba Wines

TAHOE WEEKLY’S 40TH

In February, we’ll be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Tahoe Weekly. I have some fun celebrations I’m hoping we’ll be able to hold later this year when it’s safer, in the meantime we’re kicking off our anniversary by sharing some of our covers from the first 40 years. We’ll be sharing these covers in our print editions (see page 27), as well as @TheTahoeWeekly on Facebook and Instagram, and in our newsletter (you can subscribe at TheTahoeWeekly.com). We’ll have different covers featured on each platform, so you’ll have to check them all out to fully enjoy our covers. WINE COLUMN HIATUS

Sommelier Lou Phillips is taking a break from penning his wine column for a few months. In the interim, we’ll be reprinting excerpts from our guidebook “Wineries of the Sierra Foothills,” which features 20 winemaker stories along with original recipes created to pair with landmark wines. The book also includes a directory of all 286 wineries in the Sierra Foothills.

on the cover Local ski legend and pioneer Robb Gaffney with his daughter, Kate, top out before sharing a memorable father-daughter descent in the Tahoe back country on the East Shore. “The conditions lined up, and I got up with the two of them for a truly memorable day. This picture is of the two of them topping out shortly before we dropped in and had an incredible run. It was a true display of love for family and testament to hanging on to the things we cherish about the special place we live,” photographer Matt Bansak said about this image. | MattBansak.com, @Matt.Bansak.Photography

bears & wildlife BEAR EMERGENCIES BEAR League (530) 525-7297 (24 hours) | savebears.org A bear walking nearby or through your yard is not an emergency unless it is trying to enter your home or car. INJURED ANIMALS Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center, South Shore (530) 577-2273 | ltwc.org The Wildlife Shelter, North Shore (866) 307-4216

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LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Readings taken on Friday, January 7, 2022 ELEVATION :

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

6,224.10 |

IN 2021:

C ACITY CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 BOCA 12,362 CAPA

SIGHTSEEING

ATTRACTIONS

Eagle Rock

West Shore

Eagle Rock, one of the lake’s famous natural sites, is a volcanic plug beside Highway 89 on the West Shore. TART

Explore Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe

(530) 542-2908 | cityofslt.us Urban Trailhead at base of Heavenly Gondola with local exhibits and programs. South Tahoe

Fannette Island

Emerald Bay

(530) 541-3030 | parks.ca.gov Lake Tahoe’s only island is located in Emerald Bay & is home to an old tea house. Boat access only. (Closed Feb. 1-June 15 for nesting birds.)

Heavenly OPENS NOV. 19

South Lake Tahoe

(775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley. South Tahoe

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

Find more places to explore

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

North Tahoe Arts Center

(530) 581-2787 | northtahoearts.com Featuring exhibits of work by local artists and works for sale by local artists. TART

Tahoe Art League Gallery

$10 parking | parks.ca.gov (530) 525-7232 Park | (530) 583-9911 Tours Sugar Pine Point State Park is home to the historic Ehrman Mansion (open for tours in the summer), see boathouses with historic boats, and General Phipps Cabin built in the late 1800s. TART

South Lake Tahoe

(530) 544-2313 | talart.org Featuring local artists, workshops. South Tahoe

Tahoe City

North Shore

visittahoecity.com Tahoe City is popular for shopping and dining with historical sites. At the junction of highways 89 & 28, visitors may see the Tahoe City Dam, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and Fanny Bridge. Peer into Watson Cabin (1909) in the center of town for a glimpse at pioneer life. Free parking at Commons Beach, Grove Street, Jackpine Street, and 64 acres at Highways 89 & 28. TART

Tallac Historic Site West Shore

Tahoe City

South Lake Tahoe

(530) 541-5227 | tahoeheritage.org Once known as the “Grandest Resort in the World” as the summer retreat for three San Francisco elite families with the Baldwin Estate, Pope Estate & Valhalla. Grounds open yearround. South Tahoe

STAMPEDE Truckee 19,9661

IN 2021:

334 Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)

6,225.61

225

175

125

FLOW AT FARAD

6,224.10 |

200,000 AF

Readings taken on Friday, January 7, 2022

ELEVATION :

Truckee River C ACITY CAPA CITY:: 40 CIT 0,870 BOCA 12,362 |

150,000 AF

100,000 AF

TROA.NET

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

Museum of Truckee History

CAPACITY: C 226,500

Truckee

Vikingsholm Castle

225

200,000 AF

175

125

Emerald Bay

150,000 AF

CAPACITY: 29,840 PROSSER 11,061| truckee.com truckeehistory.org Thurs.-Mon. | (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org DONNER The historic town of Truckee was settled Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhi9,500 5 4,690 CCAPACITY: in 1863, and grew quickly as a stagecoach bits cover different eras in Truckee history. TART 8 stop and route for the CentralCCAPACITY: Pacific 18,300 Railroad. INDEPENDENCE 1,3763 During these early days, many of Truckee’s Old Jail Museum CLOSED Truckee CAPACITY: A 20,400 4 MARTIS 1,052 and historical homes buildings were built in(530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org cluding The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses | FLOW FARAD 334 Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS) Truckee River tour of historic downtown. Paid AT parking downof its kind in the West used from 1875 TROA.NET until May 1964 (open for tours in summer). TART town. TART 100,000 AF

northtahoebusiness.org Kings Beach is a popular spot for dining and shopping with the North Shore’s largest sandy beach located in the heart of town. Free parking at North Tahoe Beach, Brook Street, Minnow and the Christmas Tree lot on Hwy. 28. TART

North Shore

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

Donner Summit

Kings Beach

CAPACITY: 18,300 C 8

LAKE LEVEL A 20,400 4 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY: Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’ 50

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com Aerial tram rides with views of Lake Tahoe, Olympic Heritage Museum, ice skating, events and more. Ticket required. TART

Donner Summit, just west of Truckee, holds the record for the United States’ snowiest April. On April 1, 1880, a storm dumped 4’ of snow on the Sierra Nevada west slope within 24 hours. A massive snow slide near Emigrant Gap buried Central Pacific Railroad’s tracks under 75’ of snow, ice and rock. For the rest of the month, storm cycles continued to flow in, dropping a total of 298”.

CAPACITY: 29,840

INDEPENDENCE 1,3763

Olympic Valley

Drive through one of the area’s natural wonders at Cave Rock, the neck of an old volcano. The area is named for the small caves above Highway 50 that were cut by waves when Lake Tahoe was 200 feet higher during the ice ages. Truckee

CAPACITY: C 226,500

High Camp

East Shore

PROSSER 11,061

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

Cross-country skiing on the Plumas-Eureka Trial at Plumas-Eureka State Park in Johnsville with views of Mount CAPACITY: C 9,500 5 DONNER 4,690 Washington, center, and Eureka Peak, right. | Katherine E. Hill

Cave Rock

STAMPEDE 19,9661

6,225.61

Olympic Museum

Olympic Valley

Parking fee | Tours in summer only (530) 541-3030 | (530) 525-9529 ADA parks.ca.gov or vikingsholm.com Tour the grounds of Vikingsholm Castle, see Eagle Falls and Fannette Island (the Lake’s only island), home to an old Tea House, and explore snowshoeing trails. TART

(800) 403-0206 | palisadestahoe.com Palisades Tahoe, host of the VIII Winter Olympic Games in 1960, celebrates its Olympic History with the symbolic Tower of Nations and Olympic Flame at the entrance to the valley. The Olympic Museum at High Camp features historic memorabilia and photographs. TART

Watson Cabin CLOSED

Tahoe Science Center

Tahoe City

Tours in summer only (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Watson Cabin, built by Robert Watson and his son in 1909, is the oldest building in Tahoe City and on the National Register of Historic Places. TART

Donner Memorial Visitor Center

Truckee

(530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov The Donner Memorial State Park features exhibits and artifacts on the Donner Party (184647) at the visitor center, and see the towering Pioneer Monument. TART

Soda Springs

donnersummithistoricalsociety.org Museum at the corner of Old Highway 40 & Soda Springs Road. Take the 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40. TART

Gatekeeper’s Museum

Tahoe City

(530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and local historical memorabilia. TART

KidZone Children’s Museum

Truckee

Wed.-Sat. (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org For kids up to age 7 with interactive exhibits, science & art classes, the BabyZone & the Jungle Gym. TART

Lake Tahoe Museum

Tues.-Fri. & by appt. | Free (775) 881-7566 | tahoesciencecenter.org University of California, Davis, science education center at Sierra Nevada College. Exhibits include a virtual research boat, biology lab, 3D movies and docent-led tours. Ages 8+. TART

Truckee Railroad Museum

MUSEUMS

Donner Summit Historical Society

Incline Village

Truckee

Sat.-Sun. & holidays truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot. Exhibits include the train’s role in logging, fighting snow on the railway, the role of Chinese emigrants and a children’s area. TART

Western SkiSport Museum

Donner Summit

Closed for the season | Free (530) 426-3313, ext. 113 | auburnskiclub.org Showcasing the history of skiing, exhibits include antique ski and snowshoe equipment, and a pair of 8-foot-long skis used by legendary mail carrier John “Snowshoe” Thompson. TART

VISITORS’ CENTERS Kings Beach Kings Beach State Rec. Area (Thurs.-Mon., July-Aug.)

Incline Village 969 Tahoe Blvd. (800) 468-2463 Stateline 169 Hwy. 50 (775) 588-4591 Tahoe City 100 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 581-6900 Truckee 10065 Donner Pass Rd. (Depot) (530) 587-8808 U.S. Forest Service | Incline Village 855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)

U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe South Lake Tahoe

(530) 541-5458 | laketahoemuseum.org Features Washoe artifacts and exhibits on early industry and settlers. South Tahoe

35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600

U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City 3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)

U.S. Forest Service | Truckee 10811 Stockrest Springs Rd. (530) 587-3558

TRANSIT Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com 4

North Tahoe & Truckee (TART) | laketahoetransit.com South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org

National Forest access info fs.fed.us/r5/webmaps/RecreationSiteStatus

January 12-25, 2022 YOUR BUSINESS COULD

lake tahoe facts | AUBURN SKI TRAINING CENTER

CLAIR TAPPAAN

BOREAL

Donner Summit

Your business’

Reno & Sparks

PLUMAS-EUREKA STATE PARK

TAHOE DONNER

Truckee Donner Lake

SPONSOR THIS PAGE

Read about how the lake was formed, Lake Tahoe’s discovery, lake clarity and more at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Explore Tahoe.

RENO-TAHOE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

TRUCKEE AIRPORT

SKY TAVERN

MT. ROSE

WEST EAST SOUTH

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

anne@tahoethisweek.com for details

NEVADA NORDIC ra Rim T

DONNER SKI RANCH

LOGO here

h Ta

SUGAR BOWL SODA SPRINGS

Tahoe Vista

PALISADES TAHOE SQUAW CREEK

DEEPEST POINT

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK

Tahoe City

Ta h o e R i m

Eagle Rock

CASINOS

Spooner Lake

Tahoe

West Shore

Maximum depth: 1,645 feet (501 m)

Lake

Sunnyside

There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to supply everyone in the United States with more than 75 gallons (284 liters) of water per day for 5 years.

o Ta h

East Shore

e Ri m Tr a i l

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Meeks Bay

Natural rim: 6,223’ (1,897 m)

Only Outlet: Truckee River (Tahoe City)

Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of between 6,223’ and 6,229.1’. (1,897-1,899 m) The top 6.1’ (1.8 m) of water is controlled by the dam in Tahoe City and holds up to 744,600 acre feet of water (91,845 m).

Cave Rock

Watershed Area: 312 square miles (808 sq km)

Zephyr Cove

Average Water Temperature: 42.1˚F (5.61˚C) Average Surface Water Temperature: 51.9˚F (11.1˚C)

Emerald Bay Eagle Lake

Average Surface Temperature in July: 64.9˚F (18.3˚C)

Cascade Lake

Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet (3,317 m)

Fannette Island

R i m Tr ail

Number of Visitors: 15 million annually

Stateline

Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

BIJOU PARK / LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

South Shore Ta h oe

Size: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide (35 km long, 19 km wide)

HEAVENLY

Average Snowfall: 409 inches (10.4 m) Permanent Population: 66,000

South Lake Tahoe

CAMP RICHARDSON

Fallen Leaf Lake

Meyers

Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, or 589 m, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.

Volume: 39 trillion gallons (147.6 trillion liters)

Glenbrook

Homewood Tahoma

Fed By: 63 streams and 2 hot springs

Carson City

NEVADA NORDIC

HOMEWOOD

Age of Lake Tahoe: 2 million years

Average depth: 1,000 feet (304 m)

Marlette Lake

Dollar Hill

GRANKLIBAKKEN

a Tr

Lake Clarity: 2020: 63 feet avg. depth (19.2 m) 1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet (31.21 m)

Crystal Bay

TAHOE XC

CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA

SNO-PARK

Incline Village

Kings Beach

Carnelian Bay

Lake Tahoe is located in the states of California and Nevada, with two-thirds in California.

DIAMOND PEAK

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK

Olympic Valley

DOWNHILL SKI AREA

North Shore

NORTHSTAR

Truckee River

ROYAL GORGE

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT

Shoreline: 72 miles (116 km) Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles (307 km). If Lake Tahoe were emptied, it would submerge California under 15 inches of water (.38 m).

FREEL PEAK

ECHO LAKES

Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Kirkwood

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

HOPE VALLEY

Hope

Markleeville Valley

KIRKWOOD

lake tahoe facts How the lake was formed About 3 to 5 million years ago, the valley that would become the Tahoe Basin sank between parallel fractures in the Earth’s crust as the mountains on either side continued to rise. A shallow lake began to form in the resulting valley. Roughly 2 to 3 million years ago, erupting volcanoes blocked the outlet, forcing the lake to rise hundreds of feet above its current elevation, and eventually eroded down to near its current outlet. Between 1 million and 20,000 years ago, large masses of glacial ice covered the west side of the Tahoe Basin. Current geologic theory suggests an earthen berm (moraine) left by a receding glacier near Olympic Valley acted as a dam, causing the lake level to rise and then draw down rapidly when the dam catastrophically failed. Between 7,000 and 15,000 years ago, a four-mile segment of the West Shore collapsed into the Lake causing a massive

submerged debris avalanche, widening the Lake by three miles and creating McKinney Bay.1 The Tahoe Basin is mostly granite, with little topsoil, and therefore few nutrients have washed into the lake to promote the growth of algae and other organisms that make water murky. As well, 40 percent of the precipitation falling into the Tahoe Basin lands directly on the lake. The remaining precipitation drains through the decomposed granite soil found in marshes and meadows, creating a good filtering system for water. Urbanization of the Tahoe Basin has eliminated 75 percent of its marshes, 50 percent of its meadows and 35 percent of its steam zone habitats. About 85 percent of all wildlife in the Tahoe Basin use these habitats.

About the lake Lake Tahoe is located in the states of California and Nevada, with two-thirds in California. It is fed by 63 streams and two hot springs.

The Truckee River is Tahoe’s only outlet and flows from the dam in Tahoe City east through Reno and eventually drains into Pyramid Lake in the Nevada desert. However, water releases are not permitted when the lake surface level falls below the natural rim at 6,223’ (1,897 m). The lowest lake level on record (measured since 1900) was 6,220.26’ (1,896 m) on Nov. 30, 1992. The Lake of the Sky appears blue in color as other colors in the light spectrum are absorbed and blue light is scattered back.

Lake clarity The University of California, Davis, operates the Tahoe Environmental Resarch Center, which monitors, among other things, the clarity of Lake Tahoe. Clarity has been measured since 1968 and was first recorded at 102.4’. The waters of Lake Tahoe were clear to an average depth of 63’ (19.2m) in 2020. Lake

Why is the lake blue? The Lake of the Sky appears blue in color as other colors in the light spectrum are absorbed and the blue light is scattered back.

Tahoe is losing clarity because of algae growth fueled by nitrogen and phosphorus.

Lake Tahoe’s discovery The first recorded discovery of Lake Tahoe by white explorers was on Feb. 14, 1844, when John Charles Frémont and Charles Preuss spotted the lake from atop Red Lake Peak. The lake went through several names before it was officially named Tahoe in 1945. Tahoe is a mispronunciation of the first two syllables of the Washoe’s word for the lake – Da ow a ga, which means “edge of the lake.” n

Learn more: Visit the Tahoe Science Center in Incline Village or tahoesciencecenter.org. Sources: Tahoe Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, “Tahoe Place Names” and David Antonucci (denoted by 1).

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Courtesy Homewood Resort

GET outside

the outdoors | recreation | events | mountain life

K N O W W H E N T O S TAY H O M E BY K AT H E R I N E E . H I L L

Neighborhood roads are traps We have amazing crews that work around the clock for days on end clearing state and local roads during storms. But they focus on the primary highways first, which means neighborhood streets may go days without being plowed. So, don’t travel through neighborhoods during closures or chain controls – you will get stuck. I’ve experienced several snow storms where I was unable to leave my house for three days and had to cross-country ski to a market a few miles away for supplies because the roads in my neighborhood weren’t plowed.

Expect delays & outages

Courtesy CHP Truckee

love living in a beautiful mountain paradise. And, I get to live here, because of the visitors and vacation homeowners that choose to spend their vacations in the Tahoe Sierra. As much as we all enjoy having visitors travel to Tahoe to recreate beside us, which in turn enables locals to live here yearround, I have to tell you that sometimes we need you to stay home. Sometimes it’s too dangerous to travel in the Sierra and it’s important to know when to come for a visit and when to stay home.

Know the road conditions

Acceptance

There are NO backroads

The No. 1 thing you can do is accept that you may not be able to come to Tahoe when you want. Or you may not be able to leave Tahoe once you arrive. Your safety is always the highest priority. Be prepared to delay or extend your vacation a day or two. Or you may even need to reschedule your trip completely.

There are only four roads into and out of the region: Interstate 80, Highway 50, Highway 431 (Mt. Rose) and Highway 207 (Kingsbury). There’s no backroads. There’s no short cuts. That’s it. Four roads. You must use one of these roads to get to Tahoe.

Make sure the road you are planning to use is open. Even a small amount of snow can close mountain passes for extended periods of time. Check Caltrans and NDOT for road conditions, but I also recommend checking the CHP-Truckee and CHP-South Lake Tahoe Facebook pages. They provide realtime updates of conditions on Interstate 80 and Highway 50 – our primary roads. This information is provided by locals familiar with snowy conditions so heed their advice.

Don’t trust your map app

Find Driving Tips in our “Winter Preparedness Guide” at TheTahoeWeekly.com Know the forecast Know the weather forecast for the day you plan to travel to Tahoe and the day you plan to return from Tahoe whether you are driving or flying. Check the NOAA forecast in advance and then watch it closely. Storms in the Sierra can speed up and descend a day or two earlier than anticipated or linger for days longer that expected. And be aware that the weather on the South Shore can be vastly different than the weather on the North Shore. 6

Your map app is a flawed software program that doesn’t distinguish between a safe, passable highway or an off-road dirt lane that you need a rock crawler to drive on. Seriously. From Interstate 80, there’s only two roads to get to the North Shore – Highways 89 and 267. So, if your app tries to give you a shortcut from I-80, don’t follow it. If your app tells you to travel on a road other than the four roads above to get to Tahoe – don’t believe it. During a snow storm, you will become trapped and could die. Don’t believe me? Read our story online about the Stolpa Family who tried to use a backroad to get around a closed I-80 in 1992 and became trapped for 8 days in the snow with their 5-month-old and nearly died.

We received a record-breaking 214 inches of snow in December, which is great for winter sports and our snowpack. But all that snow has nearly crippled our infrastructure. Road closures | Secondary roads will have limited and delayed travel until March just to deal with downed trees from the Christmas storm including Highways 20, 49, 174 and 193. Avalanche danger | Neighborhoods and highways throughout the region were closed and evacuated due to avalanche danger during the recent storms and this may happen at any time including along Highway 50, Interstate 80, Emerald Bay on Highway 89, and in Olympic Valley, Alpine Meadows and Incline Village. Outages | Power and internet can go down in Tahoe anytime from snow storms, high winds or downed trees. Have supplies on hand for several days at a time, consider installing a home generator and be patient. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to prepare a Home Disaster Kit.

Know when to turn around Turning around is the single best thing you can do to ensure your safety and your sanity. If spending 16 hours in your car traveling from the Bay Area to Tahoe sounds like fun, then by all means go right ahead. But that’s a hard no for me. Here’s my test for turning around: 1. If you need to put chains on, turn around. 2. If you spend hours getting between two exits, turn around. 3. If you need a restroom and you’re at a standstill for hours, turn around at the first chance. n

ROAD CONDITIONS CALIFORNIA quickmap.dot.ca.gov, (800) 427-7623 NEVADA nvroads.com, (877) 687-6237 or 511 (while in Nevada)

Homewood releases

anniversary film

Homewood Mountain Resort has released a short film in honor of its 60th anniversary season. The film, along with its Homewood History project, are available online for free. | skihomewood.com

Peter Grub,

Bradley huts open The Sierra Club has reopened the Peter Grub and Bradley back-country huts for winter use and reservations are being accepted. The Benson and Ludlow huts remain closed. As well, Clair Tappaan and Hutchinson lodges on Donner Summit remain closed for the winter. However, reservations are being taken for an anticipated reopening later this year. Reservation information is available online. | clairtappaanlodge.com

Courtesy Cedar House Sport Hotel

Winter Travel Tips

New owners for

Cedar House

Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee has been purchased by Gravity Haus, which brands itself as a social club offering its members discounts for lodging, food and amenities. However, membership is not required to stay at one of its properties. Gravity Haus plans to operate the property as Cedar House through the ski season and will begin a property improvement plan and add additional Gravity Haus member amenities this year to include the StarterHaus Co-Working Space, dryland fitness, and a new food and beverage concept, according to its newsletter. The on-site restaurant, Stella, will also operate on its current schedule. Dinner with full table service and curated wine menu will start soon. | gravityhaus.com, cedarhousesporthotel.com

Courtesy Plumas Eureda State Park

January 12-25, 2022 GET OUTSIDE

Ski movies, educational sessions & bingo Alibi Ale Works Public House Incline Village | Jan. 15-16

6-9 p.m. Free | sierraavalanchecenter.org

“Great staff, great ski school, great food, and amazing views of the lake.” - Colleen V. (5-star review on Google)

Snowshoe Stargazing Tour Northstar California Resort | Truckee | Jan. 15 5-7:30 p.m. $28-$82 | (800) 466-6784 northstarcalifornia.com

Longboard races return The Plumas Ski Club is bringing the Longboard Races back to the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl on Jan. 16. The club promotes skiing activities through historical re-enactments of 1860’s era ski racing in the Lost Sierra and is working to eventually re-open the Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl in Plumas-Eureka State Park. Participants race on 9- to 16-foot-long wooden skis in authentic attire, with a limited quantity of skis available for rent. This is a family-friendly event for spectators to enjoy with parking shuttles available and food and beverages available for sale. Races will also be held on Feb. 20 and March 20. | plumasskiclub.org

Twilight Snowshoe Tour Northstar California Resort | Truckee Jan. 15, Jan. 22

5-8 p.m. $55-$75 | (800) 466-6784 northstarcalifornia.com

Old Skool Klassic Ski Race Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area Tahoe City | Jan. 17 10 a.m. $20 | tahoexc.org

Baby Story Time Incline Village Library | Incline Village Jan. 18, Jan. 25 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free events.washoecountylibrary.us

Tuesday 55+ Snowshoe Hikes area venues | Incline Village | Jan. 18, Jan. 25 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $17-$21 yourtahoeplace.com

If you’re going to Ski Tahoe You should really See Tahoe

Severe Wildfire Threats to our Soil and Water Resources virtual | Incline Village | Jan. 20

12-1 p.m. Free | tahoe.ucdavis.edu

Virtual Reality Studio RUFF Truckee Library | Truckee Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Jan. 26

4-5 p.m. | (530) 582-7846 madelynhelling.evanced.info

Bald Eagle Basics Slideshow virtual | Incline Village | Jan. 13 6-7 p.m. Free | tinsweb.org

Preschool Storytime Truckee Library | Truckee | Jan. 13, Jan. 20 10:30-11 a.m. | (530) 582-7846 madelynhelling.evanced.info

Toddler Time Incline Village Library | Incline Village Jan. 13, Jan. 20

11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free | (775) 832-4130 events.washoecountylibrary.us

2022 Mid Winter Bald Eagle Count

Incline Village Library | Incline Village | Jan. 20 4-5:30 p.m. Free | (775) 832-4130 events.washoecountylibrary.us

Diamond Peak Ski Resort Incline Village | Jan. 21

5:30 p.m. $40-$50 | (775) 832-1177

Motorized Avalanche Classes Level II

your

area venues | South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 21-23 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free sierraavalanchecenter.org

Ski California Safety Day Homewood Mountain Resort Homewood | Jan. 22

is waiting.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | (530) 525-2992 skihomewood.com

Season Pass Holder Appreciation Sale & Pancake Feed Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area Tahoe City | Jan. 23

Play Forever Fridays

Effects of Fire Snowshoe Trek

Boreal Mountain | Norden | Jan. 14

Van Sickle State Park South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 24

$25 | rideboreal.com

DiamondPeak.com

Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

area venues | South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 14 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free | tinsweb.org

PURCHASE LIFT TICKETS, SEASON PASSES, RENTALS & GROUP LESSONS ONLINE

8:30 a.m. $10 | tahoexc.org

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | tahoerimtrail.org

Eastern Sierra History Talks Wylder Hotel Hope Valley | Markleeville Jan. 15, Jan. 16, Jan. 22

Holiday Movie Skate Night

Full Moon Snowshoe Tour

Preschool Storytime

Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma | Jan. 15

Kings Beach Library | Kings Beach | Jan. 25

2 p.m. | wylderhotels.com

6:30-8:30 p.m. $25-$50 sierrastateparks.org

Motorized Avalanche Rescue Mt. Rose Meadows | Incline Village Jan. 15-16 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free sierraavalanchecenter.org

Northstar Village | Truckee | Jan. 24, Jan. 25 6-8 p.m. Free

10:30-11 a.m. Free | (530) 546-2021 placer.ca.gov

adopt & save a life at

petnetwork.org

(775) 832-4404 7

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Ice Skating & Tubing

Tahoe Science Center

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Food Distribution We’re delivering perishable food bags weekly IN TRUCKEE & NORTH LAKE TAHOE.

Hands-on science activities, Guided tours & 3-D movies

Delivery staff and volunteers are following best practices and wearing masks. Please follow social distancing and NOT interact.

Open Tues.-Fri., 1–5 p.m. (or by appointment, closed all holidays)

TahoeScienceCenter.org (775) 881-7566

To sign-up or cancel, e-mail food@sierracommunityhouse.org or call 775-545-4083; Provide full name, address, phone number, birthdate, and number of people in the household.

Connect with Friends. Connect with Nature.

SKI.BIKE.RUN

Groomed trails with Lake Tahoe views

Find more family-friendly activities to enjoy.

ICE SKATING

HANSEN’S RESORT

(530) 544-3361 | hansensresort.com

EDGEWOOD TAHOE

(888) 769-1924 | edgewoodtahoe.com Open air rink. Rentals available.

HEAVENLY

HEAVENLY VILLAGE

(530) 542-4230 | theshopsatheavenly.com Open air rink. South Tahoe

Lessons, clinics, and rentals tahoexc.org

530.583.5475

(530) 562-1010 | northstarcalifornia.com Open air rink. Free access. TART

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK

Blizzard Mountain offers two lift-accessible snow tubing lanes, snow play and sledding area.

(530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com Ice skating & rentals. Clubhouse. TART

(530) 542-3294 | tahoesnowmobiles.com

(530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com

Two locations at Tahoe Paradise & Stateline, Nev. Reserve online.

At Truckee River Regional Park. Skate rentals, broomball leagues, ice dancing & hockey lessons. Skate rentals & season passes available. TART

TAYLOR CREEK

SLEDDING & TUBING

500 feet of machine-groomed tubing lanes in Meyers. Equipment provided. South Tahoe

SPOONER LAKE

TRUCKEE & BEYOND

(775) 831-0494

State park open for snow play. Bring equipment. Parking fee. Opening TBA

CARSON PASS (209) 295-4251

Highway 88 near Carson Pass. Bring equipment.*

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK

(530) 546-0605 | northtahoeparks.com End of National Avenue off Hwy 28. Rentals not available this season. TART

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK (530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com

Sledding & cross-country trails. Rentals available. Clubhouse. Reserve online. TART

(530) 587-3558

KINGVALE RESORT

(530) 427-5090 | kingvaleresort.com

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA northstarcalifornia.com TART skisodasprings.com Mountain Adventure offers kids tubing carousel, all-age tubing, Snow Jeep rides, Start Park, snow play area and mini snowmobiles. Reserve online.

TAHOE DONNER

(530) 587-9437 | tahoedonner.com At Trout Creek Recreation Ctr. No personal sleds. Reserve online.

YUBA PASS

(530) 994-3401 Highway 49 at Yuba Pass. Bring equipment.*

WEST SHORE

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Bulk orders available at publisher@tahoethisweek.com

DONNER SUMMIT

SODA SPRINGS

Near the Mount Rose summit, enjoy sledding in Tahoe Meadows off Highway 431. Bring equipment.

Purchase your copy at Amazon.

donnerskiranch.com

Snow park open Friday-Monday. Bring sleds. Plastic sleds available to buy. Tubes not allowed. Parking & snow park fee, cash only.

MOUNT ROSE

All sales benefit Tahoe Weekly

DONNER SKI RANCH

South side of I-80, Castle Peak exit. Bring equipment.*

Snow Play Area on Fairway Blvd., next to the Chateau, on the driving range. Bring equipment.

Sierra Foothills

rideboreal.com

Tubing hills with moving carpet.

INCLINE VILLAGE

Wineries of the

BOREAL MOUNTAIN Tubing open to everyone 42” and taller; smaller children are limited to snow play area only. Personal sleds not permitted. Night sessions available. Reserve online.

HOPE VALLEY AREA

NORTH SHORE

2nd edition

Highway 89, north of Camp Richardson Road. Bring equipment.* South Tahoe

(530) 600-2304 | tubetahoe.com

Highway 88 near Carson Pass. Bring equipment.*

NOW AVAILABLE

(530) 543-2600

TUBETAHOE

OPEN AS CONDITIONS PERMIT.

(209) 295-4251

I VAW I N T O N J E W E L R Y . C O M

(530) 659-7453 | sierraattahoe.com

TAHOE SNOWMOBILE TUBING

TRUCKEE

MEISS MEADOW

pendants • earrings • charms • more collections

Off Highway 207. Bring equipment. South Tahoe

Indoor facility open year-round. South Tahoe

Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Bring equipment.*

Reversible pendant shown.

(775) 586-7271 | douglascountynv.gov

On Lake Tahoe Blvd. Bring equipment. South Tahoe

(530) 542-6262 | cityofslt.com

(775) 882-2766

THE TAHOE COLLECTION

Tubing at top of gondola with four lanes.

SAWMILL POND

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

HOPE VALLEY

“ When I dream of Tahoe I see the sun and snow.”

skiheavenly.com

KAHLE PARK

NORTHSTAR

EAST SHORE

FREE skiing for youth and 70+

400-foot-long groomed tube run on Ski Run Blvd. First-come, first-served.

PALISADES TAHOE

(530) 452-4511 | palisadestahoe.com Tubing area. TART

BLACKWOOD CANYON (530) 543-2600

Snowplay area off Hwy. 89, 3 miles south of Tahoe City. Bring equipment.*

SQUAW VALLEY PARK placer.ca.gov

Free snowplay area. Free parking to access cleared walking paths in Olympic Valley to Tahoe City. Bring equipment. TART

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

GRANLIBAKKEN

(530) 581-7533 | granlibakken.com Machine-groomed snow play area; no tubes or toboggans allowed. All ages. Reserve online.

HOMEWOOD ADVENTURE CENTER

ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN

(530) 659-7217 | adventuremountaintahoe.com On top of Echo Summit with machine-groomed sledding, tubing & snowplay. First-come, first-served.

ECHO LAKE

(530) 525-2992 | skihomewood.com

At Homewood Mountain Resort with Magic Carpet. Reserve online. Opening TBA

TAHOE CITY

Gentle slope on Highway 89 South, one-eighth mile south of the wye. Bring equipment. TART

(530) 644-2324 Highway 50 at Echo Lake Road. Bring equipment.*

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT. * Sno-park permits required. Go to ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks or find locations at (916) 324-1222. BUS & SHUTTLE SCHEDULES

North Tahoe & Truckee: laketahoetransit.com (TART) | South Tahoe: tahoetransportation.org

January 12-25, 2022 GET OUTSIDE

Winter Paved Walking Paths

DOGS OK

BOOT-PACKED PATH

PLOWED PATH

PAVED MULTIUSE TRAILS CHECK CONDITIONS AT TAHOEBIKE.ORG.

• Keep dogs leashed • Pedestrians must yield to bikes • Don’t stop on the trail; move to the side • E-bikes allowed on most paths; check in advance • Cyclists call out when passing pedestrians • Limited service in winter. Pack out all trash, including dog waste bags.

BIKES OK

OLYMPIC VALLEY

OLYMPIC VALLEY Easy | 4 miles RT | tcpud.org A 2-mile trail runs beside Squaw Valley Road to the ski area from the Squaw Valley condos to Victoria Road, with views of the meadow and surrounding peaks. Public parking at Squaw Valley Park or Village at Squaw. Electric assist OK. TART SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

AL TAHOE BOULEVARD Easy | 3.2 miles RT Connections Lake Tahoe Boulevard (Highway 50) and Pioneer Trail with access to Lake Tahoe Community College.

EAST SHORE

EAST SHORE TRAIL Easy-moderate | 6 miles RT | tahoefund.org Runs along Lake Tahoe and connects to Hwy. 28 from south end of Incline Village, Nev., to Sand Harbor State Park. Parking near Ponderosa Ranch Road. Electric assist OK. Paid parking. TART NORTH SHORE

CAMP RICHARDSON BIKE PATH Easy | 6 miles RT The trail parallels State Route 89 (Emerald Bay Road) for more than 3 miles, offering access to a number of local historic and recreational amenities. Limited parking.

SAWMILL TO MEYERS

INCLINE VILLAGE Easy | 7.4 miles RT | washoecounty.us Walking path runs along Hwy. 28 through Incline Village. Access to shopping and parks. Paved between both intersections of Southwood Blvd. Boot packed between east intersection of Southwood Blvd. and Country Club Drive. TART

LAKESHORE BOULEVARD

Easy | 7 miles RT Section cleared along Sawmill Road starting at Lake Tahoe Boulevard then connects to run along Highway 89 to Meyers ending at Luther Pass Road.

SIERRA BOULEVARD Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Barbara Avenue.

Easy | 5 miles RT | washoecounty.us Runs along Lake Tahoe Boulevard and connects to Hwy. 28 at each end of Incline Village. Park at Preston Field on Hwy. 28. Electric assist OK. TART

SKI RUN BOULEVARD

NATIONAL AVENUE

Easy | 7 miles RT | cityofslt.us Follow the bike trail along South Shore, with sections along Lakeview Commons, Reagan Beach and playgrounds. Public parking at Parks and Recreation lot on Rufus Allen Boulevard.

Easy | 1.8 miles RT Starts on shore of Lake Tahoe at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and continues up National Avenue past Grey Lane. Parking at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. TART

PINE DROP TRAIL Easy | 3 miles RT | northtahoeparks.com Located at North Tahoe Regional Park the trail connects to to Pinedrop Lane off Highway 267. Parking fee.

TAHOE CITY TO CARNELIAN BAY Easy-moderate | 8+ miles RT | tcpud.org First 2.5 miles mostly level with a half-mile climb up Dollar Hill. Cross Highway 28 to access 2.2-mile section to Fulton Crescent above Carnelian Bay. Public parking at 64 Acres, Commons Beach, Jackpine and Grove Street. Electric assist OK. Section from Dollar Hill to Fulton Crescent bootpacked only. TART

TRUCKEE RIVER CANYON Easy | 9+ miles RT | tcpud.org 4.5 miles from the Tahoe City wye to Alpine Meadows Road, with trails continuing to Olympic Valley. The trail is scenic, separate from the highway, and is mostly flat terrain with a few short, gentle grades with trout fishing, river rafting and picnicking along the way. Connects with Squaw Valley Road or continue to Truckee. Public parking at 64 Acres and Squaw Valley Park at Squaw Valley Road. Electric assist OK. TART

Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Pioneer Trail.

SOUTH SHORE BIKE PATH

TRUCKEE

DONNER PASS ROAD Easy | 5.4 miles RT Runs through the heart of the town of Truckee from the west end to historic downtown Truckee.

DONNER PASS ROAD TO MOUSEHOLE Easy | 1.8 miles RT Runs along Highway 89 connecting Donner Pass Road to the Mousehole.

JOEGER DRIVE Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Soaring Way and runs along Joeger Drive to River View Sports Park.

STEVENS LANE TO ALDER DRIVE Easy | 2 miles RT Runs from Stevens Lane along Donner Pass Road, turns down Rue Ivy to connect to Alder Drive. Park at U.S. Forest Service office on Stevens Lane.

TROUT CREEK TRAIL Moderate | 3 miles RT Wooded path from Trout Creek Park (paid parking) in downtown Truckee to Northwoods Boulevard (parking free).

WEST SHORE

TAHOE CITY TO MEEKS BAY Moderate | 25+ miles RT | tcpud.org Mostly separate from the highway, the trail includes a few miles of highway shoulder and residential streets. Terrain is varied with a few steep sections. Access to picnicking, beaches and playgrounds. Public parking at 64 Acres. Electric assist OK. TART

Winter for Fun Everyone!

TRUCKEE LEGACY TRAIL Easy | 10 miles RT | tdrpd.org Stretches from downtown Truckee to Truckee River Regional Park, River View Sports Park and Glenshire. Park at either park or East River Street. Electric assist OK. TART

BUS & SHUTTLE SCHEDULES

North Tahoe & Truckee: laketahoetransit.com (TART) | South Tahoe: tahoetransportation.org

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING · SLEDDING SNOWSHOEING · ICE SKATING

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE ‘21-22 SEASON

Limited walk-ups will be permitted, but not guaranteed.

RESERVE ONLINE AT

TCPUD.ORG/WINTER Visit tcpud.org/winter for more Know Before You Go tips, details on sessions, season passes, and reservations.

530.583.1516 251 NORTH LAKE BLVD. TAHOE CITY

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Shop tahoe

Snow Trails

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS Ads as low as $100 per issue. E-mail anne@tahoethisweek.com

SKI TOURING, SNOWSHOEING & SNOWMOBILING Explore more snow trails at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on the Winter tab under the Get Outside menu. See the Events calendar for guided snowshoe treks. TRUCKEE

CABIN CREEK TRAIL Easy to moderate

Marked route follows old logging roads and Cabin Creek Road for 3 to 6 miles. The terrain has gentle, rolling slopes. Cabin Creek Road south of Truckee on Highway 89. The unmarked trailhead is 1 mile from the highway. Limited parking is available in a road cut, when plowed.

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK Easy | (530) 582-7892 or parks.ca.gov

The park is mostly flat and open year-round. Skiers can enjoy the forests and boulder fields, glide down to the lake and meander through the park. Unmarked, 9.6-km, skier-packed trail starting near the Emigrant Trail Museum. For the more adventuresome, glide over the hills into Coldstream Canyon. Parking fee. TART

LITTLE TRUCKEE SUMMIT

Easy to advanced | (530) 994-3401 or fs.usda.gov

ting ts Accep now Clien ws S New rra Meado in Sie

HISTORIAN & AUTHOR

MARK MCLAUGHLIN’S NEWEST BOOK - UPDATED EDITION

Marked routes with 110 miles of groomed trails follow roads to Webber Lake and Yuba Pass, Rim and Ridge Loops, Bald Ridge Loop and Treasure Mountain, Pass Creek Loop, Independence Lake Loop, Meadow Lake Loop and Jackson Meadow. Trailhead at Jackson Meadow Road, 14 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89. Overnight camping OK in parking area. Heavy use.*

PETER GRUBB HUT & CASTLE PEAK

Moderate to advanced | clairtappaanlodge.com

Local Dealer sales & service

two-wheeled tractors 35 attachments available

ORDE

Order book at:

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EasyFarmSupply.com EasyFarmSupply.com

(831) 428-2077 11070 BROCKWAY RD., TRUCKEE

TheStormKing.com

or pick up a copy at: •

• Geared for Games • Word After Word Bookshop Donner Memorial State Park • Gratitude Gifts • Mind Play • Alice’s Mountain Market located at Squaw Valley

Group presentations · In-home talks (530) 546-5612 · mark@TheStormKing.com

A marked Nordic ski trail begins at the Castle Peak/Boreal interchange on Donner Summit off Interstate 80, west of Truckee. Take the Castle Peak exit and follow it for one-quarter mile to the intersection for the trailhead to the north. Follow unmarked trail to Peter Grubb Hut. Overnight parking available at the Sno-Park*. For overnight stays at the hut, call (530) 426-3632 for reservations.

POLE CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM Easy to strenuous

Unmarked trails follow roads along Pole Creek and Silver Creek Drainages. Trailhead 6 miles south of Truckee on Highway 89. Some parking on west side of highway.

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BLACKWOOD CANYON Easy to advanced

The meadows in Blackwood Canyon offer a great place to get into the wilderness off Highway 89 on the West Shore. Follow Highway 89 south from Tahoe City and park at the Kaspian Recreation Area. Skiers can glide along the road (not plowed) or through the meadows. Snowmobilers should follow the road about 2.5 miles, then take a left across the bridge and continue up Barker Pass Road to large open areas, steep bowls and many roads. Limited parking.*

MEEKS MEADOWS Easy | fs.usda.gov

Meeks Meadows on the West Shore off Highway 89 offers a vast area to ski. The trailhead is across from the Meeks Bay Fire Station; look for the log cabin with red trim. Follow the U.S. Forest Service road or meander through the meadow and down to Meeks Creek.

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Easy to moderate | (530) 525-7982 or parks.ca.gov The Ed Z’berg/Sugar Pine Point State Park is a spectacular spot to cross-country ski or snowshoe among the dense forests of the West Shore or along Lake Tahoe’s shores. The park offers more than 18 km of marked ski trails. Three groomed trails begin at the campground, 9 miles south of Tahoe City, with two skier-packed trails on the lake side of the park, accessed from the Day Use entrance. Winter camping available. Guided tours and programs. Parking fee. TART

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

Sno-park on the south side of Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Much of Hope Valley is open to snowmobiling, but some areas are not; stay in designated areas. Ungroomed routes to Willow Creek (8.5 miles) and Tamarack Lake (1 mile) and groomed routes to Blue Lakes (11.5 miles) and Forestdale (3.5 miles). Stage from Hope Valley Sno-Park.*

CISCO GROVE

Easy to moderate

RATTLESNAKE

TAYLOR CREEK

Steep canyon and side slopes at lower end of trail with 7 miles of groomed access. Upper elevations feature ridges and bowls. Route follows Rattlesnake Road to Magonigal Summit. Trailhead at Cisco Grove exit north off Interstate 80.*

Developed for beginners, this well-marked series of trails allows skiers to explore the area. Terrain is mostly flat and is good for the entire family. Take Highway 89 to Cathedral Road and park in the Sno-Park. Marked trails start at the parking lot with three trails near Fallen Leaf Lake. On the lake side of Highway 89, follow the road to access the Tallac Historic Trail.*

Easy to advanced

NORTH SHORE

BROCKWAY SUMMIT & MARTIS PEAK Easy to advanced

Brockway Summit off Highway 267 offers an abundance of areas to ski with turnouts on both sides of the highway where Nordic skiers and snowshoers can follow logging and utility roads. For snowmobilers, the best access and limited parking about one-quarter mile north of Brockway Summit below the top of Highway 267 on the Truckee side. No groomed trails, but many old lumber roads exist. Take a good map, as it’s easy to become turned around.

Ski or snowshoe along an old road that meanders through a forest and into a cluster of meadows. Take Highway 89 south from Tahoe City, then turn right on Pine Avenue and right on Tahoe Park Heights Road. At the crest of the hill, take the middle fork, which becomes Big Pine Road, then take a left on Silver Tip. The parking area is at the top of the road.

775-287-2499 tahoetablecompany@yahoo.com

WEST SHORE

An unmarked route follows the road to the creek bottom. Lateral roads offer many side trips. Trailhead at Sagehen Summit on the west side of Highway 89, 8 miles north of Truckee. Limited parking.

Easy to moderate

TAHOE TABL E C OMPAN Y.C OM

On Mount Rose high above Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Meadows offers an expansive area where skiers can stretch their legs. Head up Highway 431 from Incline Village until you reach the meadows before the summit. South side designated for skiers and snowshoers, while the north side is designated for snowmobilers. Heavy weekend use.

HOPE VALLEY

PAGE MEADOWS

custom made live edge, epoxy river tables

Easy to advanced

SAGEHEN SUMMIT Easy to moderate

Organic

TAHOE MEADOWS

Easy | (530) 573-2600 or fs.usda.gov

LOST SIERRA

YUBA PASS

Easy to advanced | fs.usda.gov The route north from Yuba Pass off Highway 49 is popular for snowmobilers, and shares the trail system with Nordic skiers for the first mile before branching off. For skiers and snowshoers, the route goes north for 2 miles with views of the Sierra Valley, then leads west for 1 mile and rejoins the snowmobile trail. For a short loop, go south (a left) on the snowmobile route back to Yuba Pass. Alternately, you can continue west through a meadow for 1.5 miles, then head south (a left) onto the Lunch Creek Ski Trail 1.25 miles, then north (a left) on 3 Knobs Trail for 1.5 miles. 3 Knobs Trail ends back at the snowmobile trail. Snowmobilers can head north from the branch 1 mile in and travel through Gold Lake Highway. Then, head south to Bassett’s or north to Gold Lake. This route offers a variety of terrain and beautiful views of the Sierra Buttes and the Lakes Basin. More than 100 miles of trails. Take Highway 89 north of Truckee, and then take Highway 49 to Yuba Pass. Trailhead parking is 6 miles east of Bassett’s Station.*

* SNO-PARK PERMIT REQUIRED; (916) 324-1222 OR OHV.PARKS.CA.GOV/SNOPARKS.

st tahoe sierra

Back-country guide

winter 2022

INSIDE State of the Back country Back-country etiquette Back-country safety Jim Morrison opening up a Tahoe classic on the West Shore above Emerald Bay on a perfect powder day. When not climbing and skiing the greater ranges of the world, Morrison can be found chasing powder with friends at home. “Morrison must have a powder clause at work, we seem to connect for a lot of powder days like this,” says photographer Ming Poon. | MingPoonPhotography.com, @Ming.T.Poon

Back-country 101

TheTahoeWeekly.com

STATE OF THE Skiing to the Bradley Hut. | Alyssa Ganong, Tahoe Weekly

trailhead parking g u i d e l i n e s C O U R T E SY TA H O E BAC K C O U N T RY A L L I A N C E

Roadside parking is illegal & may result in ticketing and/or towing. Park off the road in approved parking areas only. Do not park in areas that have not yet been plowed. If your preferred destination trailhead is full, please head elsewhere. Do not park in homeowners’ driveways regardless of the current occupancy situation. Just because other people are parking there doesn’t mean it’s legal. Permits are required at California SnoPark and must be purchased in advance. Be courteous.

TAHOE

2022

eet the person leading the drive to preserve access to human-powered back-country winter recreation. As off-piste skiing and snowboarding grows increasingly popular in the Tahoe Sierra, Tahoe Backcountry Alliance skins and shreds the frontlines working to expand trailhead access while simultaneously minimizing impact. The newest executive director, Anthony Cupaiuolo, was hired in November. Cupaiuolo grew up in New York and first moved to Lake Tahoe post-college when he worked as a snowboard instructor at Heavenly during the big El Niño winter of 1997-98. After attending grad school for political management in Washington D.C., he relocated to San Francisco for a job. “I didn’t even last a year,” he says. “I was coming up to Tahoe all the time. For an East Coast kid, it was truly mind expanding.” In 2001, Cupaiuolo moved to South Shore and started a media company, First Tracks Productions, to produce snowboard, ski and adventure films. He has created projects for local nonprofits including Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association, National Forests Foundation and Tahoe Rim Trail Association. He is a long-time back-country snowboarder with a keen familiarity of the many winter recreation zones scattered in and around the Tahoe Basin. “It’s something I cherish and love to do,” he says. “One of the reasons I was given the opportunity to come on board is because I am from South Shore. So far, most of the projects have been North Shore focused. We want to expand to South Lake and even beyond, out toward Carson Pass and the Highway 88 corridor.”

Back-country use explodes While back-country winter travel was once a niche activity, it has exploded in popularity since the pandemic, leading to associated issues with parking, litter and user conflict. In partnership with Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol, the alliance installed laser counters at Castle Peak and Incline Peak last year to track the number of users. This season, they plan to add Powderhouse Peak on Luther Pass in South Lake. This data is essential to apply for grants and other funding opportunities and to get a clear picture of exactly how many people are using the trailheads in winter months. The counters reported 13,386 users at Castle Peak from December 2020 to April 2021, with 2,327 users at Incline Peak during the same time frame. After seeing the unsurprisingly formidable data for Castle Peak on Donner Summit, the alliance partnered with Truckee Trails Foundation to adopt the trailhead and

organize cleanups. “In many ways, [increased use] is a good thing,” Cupaiuolo says. “At the same time, it’s led to some problems. Sometimes there’s not parking where you want to have parking. People need to be mindful of Leave No Trace principles. There are occasional conflicts in large part because we’ve got more users and more people who are coming up here.”

Increased parking access While some may take entry to wild lands for granted, there is a lot of headwork that goes into achieving and maintaining sustainable access throughout the patchwork of public and private lands dotting the region. Last season, in an effort to mitigate the impacts of the popular and historic Donner Lake Run that descends from Donner Summit to Donner Lake, the alliance spent more than $30,000 to repave and plow one half of the parking lot at West End Beach. “As it turned out, it wasn’t quite enough because a lot of people were using it for snow play,” says Cupaiuolo. “From our prospective, it’s great. We don’t look out only for the back-country user. We were able to get an agreement with Visit Truckee Tahoe to plow the rest of the lot this year. Now, there’s more room for everyone.” The alliance also plans to install additional signage along the main run from the backside of Sugar Bowl Resort to the exit corridor on Cottonwood Street in a nearby neighborhood. The signs include a QR code, which provides back-country travelers with a map and boundaries for the run. The intent is to avoid travel through private property and alleviate conflicts with residents and other land holders in the area. So far, no neighbors have made any formal complaints to the Town of Truckee or Nevada County on the project, says Cupaiuolo. The alliance is now looking into a new parking possibility in South Shore at a large lot at the intersection of Elks Club Drive and Highway 50. Owned by Tahoe Conservancy, it is a popular place from which to float the Upper Truckee River. However, it’s not plowed in the winter. If it were, it could provide a critical meeting point for backcountry users headed south toward Luther and Carson Pass. “We’re trying to reduce the number of vehicles at trailheads,” says Cupaiuolo. “If we can increase park and ride options, it can help with that.” Several other popular winter trailheads are also on the alliance’s radar. Parking for one of the basin’s classic backCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

January 12-25, 2022 BACK-COUNTRY GUIDE

BACK COUNTRY PARKING EXPANDED, SHUTTLE RETURNS

BY S E A N M C A L I N D I N

“If you are accessing a back-country zone in a neighborhood in the morning, you have to be quiet. Leave No Trace is also important and that includes dog poop. It leads to negative feedback and potential calls for no parking.”

~ Anthony Cupaiuolo

Executive Director of Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, Anthony Capailuolo, snow bikes to his splitboard line high on the Tahoe Rim Trail at Freel Pass. Photo by Greg Johnson.

TheTahoeWeekly.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

country tours, Mount Tallac, consists of a few tiny turnouts along Highway 89 and Spring Creek Road that are only sometimes plowed. The current situation can be dangerous with cars precariously crammed along a busy, blind turn. As part of an upcoming forest-thinning project adjacent to Spring Creek Road’s seasonal gate, there may be a chance for a new winter parking lot. A National Environmental Policy Act study was done on the area, but the Forest Service doesn’t have the budget to create an expanded trailhead. “Fundraising efforts would take place when projects like this are shovel ready,” he says. “There will be plenty of frustrations. The good part is there is opportunity to get meaningful things done.”

Respecting private property Another access point that has long been stressed is the base of Rubicon Peak. The only public trailhead at the top of Highview Drive in Meeks Bay has room for a handful of cars. The alliance paid for a study of what it would take to rebuild the lot. The Tahoe Regional Trails Plan currently being developed by a coalition of Tahoe-Truckee partners could help push the project forward. “With the highway 400 or 500 feet below the only parking, people are sometimes coming down through private property to get to 89,” says Cupaiuolo. “That’s not something we encourage at all. We want public access to public lands. We don’t want people to have to trespass. The alternative is no access to Rubicon Peak, which is also not feasible. We need partners for this one.” Access points located in neighborhoods are particularly sensitive to winter traffic. In South Lake, the alliance is monitoring the trailheads to Trimmer Peak at High Meadow Road and to Echo Peak on Wintoon Drive. “We are making sure plowing is taking place in a timely way and that users are being respectful,” says Cupaiuolo. “If you are accessing a back-country zone in a neighborhood in the morning, you have to be quiet. Leave No Trace is also important and that includes dog poop. It leads to neg-

ative feedback and potential calls for no parking. I think a lot of people do get it, but not everyone. Sometimes there is an educational component for the people who live there, too. It can go both ways.” In short, it really all comes down to respect. “How would you want your backyard to be treated if people were coming to where you live to access skiing, biking and everything like that?” Cupaiuolo asks. “There should be no showing up with three buddies in three different vehicles. Don’t block mailboxes, etcetera. Park head in if you can.”

Back-country shuttle returns This winter, the alliance will revive its micro-transit program to provide shared rides for four to six skiers at a time. The free shuttle paid for by the alliance is available on 16 Saturdays and Sundays through April 2. Users should contact Tahoe Sierra Transportation directly by phone at (530) 550-5300 to make reservations. “It’s not the solution, but it’s a component of how we make things better,” says Cupaiuolo. “We need to limit impact at these trailheads. It allows people to access crowded locations or do point-to-point travel.” At the end of the day, a big part of the alliance’s mission simply involves spreading the good word about back-country sustainability and ethics. They have posted a Backcountry Tips and Etiquette guide on their website along with a link to Report an Access Issue. Last month, they raised more than $4,000 from a well-attended film and raffle event at Alibi Ale Works in Truckee. “It gives us a chance to chat with people,” says Cupaiuolo. “That includes people at trailheads and out on the skin track. We need to bring things up politely if we want to see change in some negative behavior that happens in some zones. If you see something that isn’t cool and keep it to yourself, that doesn’t work.” | tahoebackcountryalliance. org n

r e s o u r c e s AIARE courses | avtraining.org Avalanche information & education | avalanche.org Back-country shuttle | (530) 550-5300 Sierra Avalanche Training Center | sierraavalanchecenter.org Sno-Park Permits | (916) 324-1222, ohv.parks.ca.gov Tahoe Backcountry Alliance | tahoebackcountryalliance.org Take Care Tahoe back-country safety | takecaretahoe.org/backcountry

PHOTO BY MING POON

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BACKCOUNTRY INTERNATIONAL ALPINE GUIDES Ski away from the resorts this winter & experience the solitude of the backcountry with Tahoe’s most established & experienced backcountry ski guiding company! 40-years of experience guiding the backcountry of Tahoe. Tune up your backcountry technique with our local AMGA trained & certified ski guides. Handpicked daily itinerary to show you the best of the North Tahoe backcountry! Visit us at our Truckee office behind The Backcountry store.

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ABOVE: Backcountry Avalanche Forecast | sierraavalancecenter.org LEFT: Sierra Avalanche Center’s Jason Bilek collecting data. | Courtesy Emily Tidwell FAR LEFT: Eric Petlock in the back country. | Courtesy Eric Petlock

BACK-COUNTRY SAFETY GEAR, TRAINING & FORECAST ESSENTIAL by priya hutner

back-country b a s i c s

Get educated. Take courses and AIARE trainings. Know before you go: research avalanche danger with Sierra Avalanche Center daily reports. Know the terrain. Don’t go alone. It’s best to have a partner. Make sure to have the appropriate gear. Clothes matter. Make sure to layer. Bring food, water and snacks.

ahoe has seen record-breaking snowfall after an epic 214 inches of snow in December. Snow for most means it’s playtime in the mountains. Skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing are just a few activities that make winter fun. The resorts are spinning their lifts and the back country calls to winter enthusiasts looking to get out in nature. The allure of fresh powder, snowshoeing in the quiet, crisp snow and being outside in uncrowded areas calls to many ski and snowboard adventurers. Planning to venture into the back country is no joke. It requires awareness. Avalanches are real and dangerous. According to the National Avalanche Center, at least 45 people die in avalanches every winter. If you plan to go into the back country, here are a few things to consider.

Know the avalanche forecast The first thing is to always check the daily forecast on Sierra Avalanche Center’s website or sign up for the daily newsletter. “We put out the avalanche forecast every morning all winter long. And you know, that should be the starting place for everyone planning their trips into the back country. This information helps people make smart decisions,” says David Reichel, Sierra Avalanche Center’s executive director. “The Sierra Avalanche Center’s role is to provide the forecast, what we think the danger is, what the specific avalanche problems are present that day and any additional weather information.” He says this information is more useful

for someone who has taken classes, read books and developed a snow avalanche literacy. There is a field staff of six people; three are forecasters responsible for getting readings and writing a daily report. “A forecaster goes out every day, taking a reading at 5 or 6 in the morning and publishes their report by 7 a.m. In addition, we have three professional observers who do the same field observations as the fore-

“Get the gear. Get the training. Get the forecast. This is the back-country mantra.”

- Eric Petlock

casters but don’t write the forecast,” says Reichel, who is also a professional observer. “We cover a large area: Donner Summit to Sierraville and north of Truckee, all around Lake Tahoe and the mountains on all sides of Lake Tahoe itself, down to Carson Pass, around Kirkwood and a thin strip that goes down Bear Valley. It’s a large area.” An important message Sierra Avalanche Center staff reminds everyone before going into the back country is: Know before you go.

Get the training Local guide Eric Petlock is well versed in the back country as a guide for Pacific Crest Snowcats and International Alpine Guides. He also teaches back-country education with Sugar Bowl Ski Team & Academy Snow Rangers program and skiing at Palisades Tahoe. Petlock can’t stress enough the importance of education before heading into the back country. “Get the gear. Get the training. Get the forecast. This is the back-country mantra,” says Petlock, adding that there are several local companies offering back-country courses, avalanche rescue training and American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) courses. “There are some basic things that people should do when considering going into the back country. The first is to take an Intro to Backcountry course from one of the guide services in the area,” says Petlock. These courses teach people how to properly use climbing skins, bindings and gear, including what type of backpack to use — that it fits properly and is for the right application. They also teach what gear is necessary and how to use equipment, including beacons, probes and shovels. Petlock stresses the importance of warm clothing, water and food, in addition to learning some basics in terms of navigating in the back country. “There are a number of reputable guide services in Tahoe. They have insurance and standards for guides in terms of training. These are the people that you want to go with if you’re going to go on a guided ski tour,” he says. n

January 12-25, 2022 BACK-COUNTRY GUIDE

BACK-COUNTRY ETIQUETTE courtesy tahoe backcountry alliance

Get educated | If you really want to get into the backcountry, you need to take a class. Get your friends educated | Make sure everyone in your party has taken an AIARE Avy 1 and Avy Rescue course. Does your group have the skills to safely recreate and selfrescue should something go wrong? Seems obvious, but do you know if everyone in your group can ski in variable terrain and deep pow? Prepare to be self-reliant | Bring the equipment and skills you need to take care of yourself and others in the event of gear malfunction, accident or an emergency. This includes Wilderness First Aid Skills. Check the weather & avalanche forecast | Plan your trip in advance; let somebody know where your group is headed. Does the weather look good where you’re going? Will conditions change while you’re out there? Check the Sierra Avalanche Center forecast daily. Be safe | Follow safe back-country travel protocol. Do a beacon check before you enter avalanche terrain, make

snowpack observations, know your group’s limits, don’t ski directly above or below parties in avalanche terrain. Be prepared to adjust your expectations and plans for the day when conditions change. Be respectful | Pack out your trash, control your dog, limit loud music and excessive noise, and think about where you go to the bathroom. Be courteous going uphill | Set an efficient, user friendly and safe skin track. If there’s already a safe, established skin track, don’t create new, unnecessary routes to the same destination. Please don’t boot in the skin track. Try to build a skin track around (rather than in) the descent line. Be safe going uphill | Ascend single file, yield to downhill traffic, control your dog, give people space, wear a headlamp for visibility if it’s dark, avoid travel near cliffs, in gullies or in terrain where a downhill skier can’t see you. Observe closures & back-country access rules | Each forest, state park or wilderness zone may have its own rules and regulations. Educate yourself about the zone you are

headed into. Be especially aware of avalanche control work on roadways and in and around ski areas. Practice | Find safe places to hone your skills before heading into bigger terrain. Practice with your avalanche transceiver multiple times, work on your skinning (and skiing) technique, build fitness and test out your gear before you head out into the back country. Meadows are great practice zones. Think before you park | Should you park parallel, angled or perpendicular to fit more cars? Park as close as safely and reasonably possible to other vehicles to maximize the number of parking spots. Don’t park on private property, don’t park in zones that haven’t been plowed yet and be prepared to dig out a spot beyond the plow line. Know the local regulations and avoid disturbing residents. Keep COVID-19 in mind | Be mindful and practice good pandemic etiquette. Please don’t create crowds on summits or parking lots, and if you’re sick, stay home. For more pandemic-specific tips check out TBA’s Backcountry Safety During COVID-19 on its website. n

Less Impact For Greater Good Understand the Impact of Your Flight to Truckee Tahoe

O FR

Single Engine: 2,587 lbs Twin Engine: 8,011 lbs Large Cabin: 10,821 lbs

3,351 lbs from air travel

14,727 lbs from home electricity use

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The average American’s annual carbon emissions are:

Single Engine: 1,547 lbs Twin Engine: 3,576 lbs Large Cabin: 4,830 lbs

FORNIA

Single Engine: 778 lbs Twin Engine: 2,411 lbs Large Cabin: 3,257 lbs

C O U N T Y,

FRO

ALLAS,

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Single Engine: 855 lbs Twin Engine: 2,648 lbs Large Cabin: 3,577 lbs

FROM

Single Engine: 300 lbs Twin Engine: 928 lbs Large Cabin: 1,253 lbs

AND,

AND, CA L

RTL

A Closer Look at Your Carbon Footprint When You Fly to or From Truckee

12,897 lbs from home heating and cooking

5,556 lbs

from vehicle travel

Thank you for doing your part. 17

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BACK-COUNTRY 101 by sean mcalindin

n a nutshell, back-country travel means moving through any area that is not maintained or supervised by resorts or other entities. In the back country, your safety is 100 percent reliant on yourself and those with whom you are traveling. There is no ski patrol and even if you are able to reach emergency services by phone or radio, search and rescue may be many hours away. Back-country travel is a commitment both in terms of risk and preparation. While the rewards of tranquility, fresh powder and communion with nature are immense, the potential hazards are real. You can spend decades perfecting these skills, but there are a few basics everyone should know before stepping foot into the winter wilderness. One of the most important things is you must already be an expert-level downhill skier before you tackle back-country skiing.

Get the gear Safe back-country travel requires a unique set of equipment that may be purchased at several area sports shops. Rather than buying online, it’s always a good idea to support a local vendor. Their knowledgeable staff will also help you find the right gear for your needs and provide an invaluable local perspective on how to prepare for the Tahoe Sierra back country. They also 18

offer demos and rentals to try before committing to a big purchase.

However, they are a light, simple option for exploring mellower areas closer to home.

where seconds can mean the difference between life and death.

Back-country travel options

Snowshoes | Tried and true, the original back-country mode of travel is easy to use. Although not as efficient as skis, these classic tools can take you to many special, untouched places if you’re willing to put in the effort. If you are new to the game and looking to explore the back country with minimal hassle, this is the way to go.

Probe | This collapsible pole allows rescuers to pinpoint the location of a burial victim. It can also be used to indicate various layers and depth of snowpack.

Alpine touring skis | This is the most popular choice for back-country winter mountain travel today. When paired with climbing skins, this setup features a detachable rear binding that allow skiers to hike uphill to access the mountains. The heel can be resecured when it’s time to go downhill for normal alpine turns. Telemark skis | This old school touring setup is now more of a niche sport. The skis are the same, but the binding features a permanently free heel. You’ve probably seen them on the mountain styling their unique dropped-knee turns. Splitboard | Basically, it’s a snowboard that breaks in half to form two skis for uphill travel. Thanks to local advocates such as Jeremy Jones, splitboards have soared in popularity in recent years. After all, there’s no feeling quite like snowboarding through untouched powder and earning your turns is the best way to get there. Cross-country skis | Perfect for trails, but difficult to use on deep snow or steep pitches, you probably won’t venture too far from the beaten path on cross-country skis.

Snowmobiling | In addition to having all the safety gear and training, you’ll also need to be an expert-level snowmobiler already before you venture into the back country. As well, you also need to be your own mechanic. There’s no one to call if your sled breaks down.

Essential safety gear While hypothermia and trauma from collision with a tree are always risks, the biggest hazard of the back country comes in the form of an avalanche. The following gear is essential to keep safe in avalanche terrain – if you know how to use it. Beacon | When someone is buried in an avalanche, a signal beacon can lead rescuers to their location. This specialized equipment requires proper training and hours of practice to use effectively in a situation

Shovel | This is the essential tool for digging out a buried skier. It also comes in handy when accessing avalanche conditions during ascent and digging a snow cave if you happen to be caught in the back country overnight. Airbag pack | More and more backcountry users are wearing backpacks that contain an inflatable pouch that can be deployed in the event of an avalanche to help keep them afloat and protect their head and neck from deadly impact. Climbing skins | These grippy sheets of fabric stick to the bottom of your alpine touring skis or splitboard to allow for uphill travel in variable conditions. In addition to sport-specific gear, all back-country travelers should be prepared at minimum with warm layers, water, high-calorie food, a headlamp, a helmet, a communication device (not a cell phone; there is no service in the back country) and a first aid kit. n

January 12-25, 2022 FUN & GAMES

Horoscopes

Puzzles

FIRE

EARTH

AIR

WATER

Michael O’Connor, Life Coach Astrologer | SunStarAstrology.com

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Whatever lack of focus you may have been experiencing, that is no longer the case. You may still be contending with demands on your time and attention and on a variety of fronts. Yet, your powers of concentration are supporting you to be able to manage. The key to your success now stands to include frequent mini breaks.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22) The pressure cooker on relationship fronts continues to blow steam. Mercury Rx will lead you to deepen your research. The goal is to break free of fixed or rigid perspectives. The impulse to charge ahead is there, but so too is the need to be tactical and diplomatic. All the while, the cauldron of change continues to transform you inside and out.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

You are probably extra happy to lay low and behind the scenes as 2022 gets going. Mercury Retrograde in your sign will serve to sharpen your focus, at least initially, yet things could get a bit blurry towards the end of the month. Meanwhile a lingering rebellious mood, which can also be described as a push for freedom, is present but you may wonder if you are banking on wishful thinking.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

A strong sense of individuality is percolating within. It includes or requires steadily changing perspectives and interpretations of reality. Positively, you have noticed a progressive shift over the past few months. If not, you could feel stuck or maybe you are comfortable in your habitual patterns, and perhaps both. Jupiter in Pisces invites expansion and increase.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

As eager as you are to take an ambitious, early lead, you also may feel happy to take time out. Such inner conflict is not uncommon, but it tends to cause frustration. However, you are determined to cash-in on prior efforts made and may feel that this is not the time to retreat, even if you feel like doing so. Focus on the prize to lift your spirits.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)

Your sights are set on the future. You have been pushing quite strongly for some months now. The complexity of our times is on your mind and it may be challenging to feel as confident as you like. You are willing to take a philosophical approach in some regards, yet your ambitions are running strong. Make a list of your allies and assets to boost confidence levels.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Mercury Retrograde could contribute to feeling a little lost for a while. This can be interpreted as a sign to slow down both literally and regarding expectations. The security you yearn to feel now may be transcendental such as having faith in a higher power. You are willing to be there and strong for others but you want the same in return.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Many thoughts and ideas are on your mind and you want to communicate them too. Doing so, however, could prove a little more challenging while Mercury is in reverse. Positively, it will activate constructively critical analysis to identify where changes and improvements are needed. A slow but sure approach will probably work best now.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

A lot of time and attention is directed to the home front of late. Family matters involving power politics and time management are featured. Health matters continue to play a central role and feeling as confident as you would like, may be a challenge. Patience is a keyword and may also be true regarding financial matters.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

A creative mood prevails. Finding the time to dive deeper into creative projects is the biggest hurdle. Your powers of critical thinking and ability to thinkout-of-the-box will increase while Mercury is Rx. This could prove to be an excellent time to dive into those interests that require more detailed attention and an innovative approach.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

A focus on health, lifestyle and security are all woven into the plot now. Mercury turning retrograde will put you on best behavior to keep the peace on relationship fronts. Circumstances are pushing you to give more these days but some people may be hard to please. Deepening your spiritual awareness may feel more necessary than usual.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You are in a practical mood. Financial matters are weighing in strongly. Fortunately, your confidence levels are rising along with a driving determination to enter new territory. The time is right to take a few risks and to take some pioneering leads and initiatives. Even Mercury, although Rx, is well positioned to pull for the team.

If a letter has reached somebody by airmail, guess you could say it’s been sent flying.

CryptoQuip

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THE makers

creative awareness | arts & culture | makers’ movement

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to add your Event for our print & online calendars.

Allan Graybill G O U R D S I N S P I R E D BY N AT U R E BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N

ymmetrical, intricate and flawlessly designed, Allen Graybill’s gourds are truly works of art. Originally from Pennsylvania, Graybill moved to the Meyers/Christmas Valley area a couple of years ago to be closer to family. Graybill worked in architecture and created art as a hobby, experimenting with various media such as stained glass and metal sculpture. “My work in the past brought us to California and we also visited here a lot, so my wife and I came here after we retired and we love it,” he says. However, while building sculptures in his retirement years, Graybill found that he had to apply a lot of repetitive finger tension in working with glass and the stress became too hard on his joints. A few years before that, one of Graybill’s artistic friends gave

Courtesy Wild & Scenic Virtual Festival | “Creature Coexistence”

Wild & Scenic

Film Festival

returns

The 20th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival will run in-person from Jan. 13 to 17 and virtually from Jan. 13 to 23. The festival features more than 120 films including 13 world premiers. “A Fire for All” explains why there are mega-fires in the Sierra Nevada forest and how to prevent them. It is a 2-minute primer in understanding forest ecology and the long relationship with fire and humans.

“I never run out of ideas from Mother Nature and indigenous people

Many mainstay elements will be offered, including workshops at the Earthjustice Activist Center, a virtual art exhibition, youth programs, virtual EnviroFair, filmmaker Q&A sessions after in-person screenings, as well as opportunities to interact with filmmakers and special guests. Venues for the in-person festival will be in Nevada City and Grass Valley.

from around the world.”

- Allen Graybill

him a few gourds and encouraged him to create designs on them, so he thought he’d transition into that. Graybill joined two gourd forums — Meadowbrooke Gourds in Pennsylvania and Welburn Gourd Farm in Southern California — to help him source his gourds and build on them. He admits that it takes a bit of time picking out the gourds, but his background in architecture, in figuring out how to follow the design of a building, helps him choose the ideal cylindrical forms. Once he picks out the gourd, he imagines triangular, pentagonal and other symmetrical shapes that would look seamless on its exterior when viewed from any angle. Explore Tahoe’s vibrant arts scene

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

“My gourds have to be fairly symmetrical because the pattern travels around the design,” he says. “Sometimes a gourd defines what kind of design I do. It’s like imagining the longitudinal and latitude lines on a globe. You know how they diminish at the North and South Poles? I put my design on paper, see how it works when it narrows and when the latitude vanishes.” As far as what inspires his work, he explains that he is heavily influenced by architecture, mathematics, geometry, native 20 24

ABOVE: Gourds #67SC, 69SC & 68SC, (l to r). The gourd on the right in this series incorporates phases of the moon, a recurring theme in several of my pieces. ABOVE LEFT: Gourd #82SC RIGHT: Gourd #11BR. | Courtesy Allen Graybill

peoples and the environment around him. “It fascinates me; I never run out of ideas from Mother Nature and indigenous people from around the world,” he says, adding that he likes to tune into the natural cycles, rhythms, patterns and movements of the earth. “The trees, mountains and [Lake Tahoe] definitely influence a gourd. I did one specific to Tahoe and someone from the Carolinas bought it. It’s an interpretive gourd influenced by the landscape and environment around me and a book I read called “The Hidden Life of Trees.” When asked how long it takes him to create a gourd, Graybill laughs: “I get asked that question all the time. I don’t punch a clock, so I don’t know, but the other answer is that it takes a lifetime to complete one when you factor in all my experience of architectural design. I can put hours and hours into just coming up with the design and putting it on paper. It depends how detailed it is, and the type of curves the gourd has. A very small gourd might take 20 hours, but most take around 40 to 50 hours.” Graybill’s gourds are anywhere from 10 inches to 30 inches in circumference. He

uses a variety of unusual sizes and shapes; some as small as his fist, some as large as a hefty pumpkin. He’s made a couple hundred gourds so far, shipped in from Pennsylvania, many of which are now on display at Tahoe Art League (TAL) Art Center & Gallery in South Lake Tahoe. Graybill procures dried, cleaned and tooled gourds before he starts working on them, applying media such as permanent inks, leather lacing and a sealer when finished. “I messed up one gourd and sprayed it all black and covered one up in leather lacing and it looked pretty good. The ones that are black are all my mistakes, but I just keep going on. I try to be receptive to influences and mistakes, keep open, keep exploring. I want to keep being amazed by what’s out there,” he says. “Like a lot of artists say, my last piece of work is my favorite and my next favorite will be the next one I complete. I keep finding inspiration everywhere to help evolve my work.” Allen Graybill sells his work on Etsy through CrowHillStudio and through TAL Art Center & Gallery. | (530) 544-2313, talart.org n

Funds raised from the event support the league’s year-round work to protect and restore the Yuba River watershed. | wsff. eventive.org

the art s FOREST=FIRE Exhibition TD Community Recreation Center Truckee | Jan. 12-Jan. 30 8 a.m. | nevadacountyarts.org

Mandala Workshop w/Nicole Stirling North Tahoe Arts | Kings Beach | Jan. 13 6-8:30 p.m. | (530) 581-2787 northtahoearts.com

Painting Pastels with Heidi Reeves North Tahoe Arts | Kings Beach | Jan. 15 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | (530) 581-2787 square.link

Go with the Flow Acrylic Fluid Paint Workshop North Tahoe Arts | Kings Beach | Jan. 21 6:30-9 p.m. | (530) 581-2787 northtahoearts.com

January 12-25, 2022 HISTORY

The Brutal Winter of 1951-52 PA R T I I BY M A R K M c L AU G H L I N

ven after 70 years, when it comes to blockbuster winters remembered for sheer impact, 1951-1952 is still the one to beat. For weeks potent storms pummeled the Tahoe Sierra. Southern Pacific Railroad measured 68 feet total snowfall that season. It was a winter where extreme weather conditions generated drama and heroism, a winter that epitomized how ordinary people can perform remarkable feats of courage and fortitude in the face of overwhelming danger. From long experience, the men who work the Sierra portion of the transcontinental railroad know that brutal blizzards and lethal avalanches come with the territory. Modern technology has armed railroad crews with an arsenal of equipment necessary to keep the rails clear, but despite battalions of men and powerful rotary plows, sometimes the Storm King gets the upper hand.

January blizzard rages During the second week of January 1952, a powerful Pacific storm system barreled into the Tahoe Sierra. The system slammed the mountains and then stalled. The prolonged blizzard it spawned ranks among the most intense ever recorded at Donner Pass. Within 48 hours every major highway in the region was shut down, including the Feather River Canyon route west of Quincy. Highway 89 between Tahoe City and Truckee was blockaded when a snowslide 1,000 feet wide roared across the road near today’s River Ranch Restaurant. From Jan. 10 to 17, nearly 13 feet of snow fell near Donner Pass, averaging 19 inches per day. At the storm’s peak intensity, residents of Soda Springs were buried with 4 feet in just 24 hours. At Tahoe City, official weather observer Arthur Frodenberg re-

large avalanche west of Donner Lake buried the road along with a truck and trailer rig. Frequent snowslides made excavation work too dangerous for highway crews, so the blockade endured 28 days until Feb. 8. The main trans-Sierra highway was now closed, but snow-streaked trains were still rumbling through the mountains, carrying passengers and freight. Snow depths on Donner Summit reached 17 feet deep and all roads in the Tahoe Sierra were buried. The Storm King had the region under siege.

“City of San Francisco” trapped Southern Pacific’s battle against the relentless storm was lost on Sunday morning, Jan. 13, when the luxury streamliner “City of San Francisco” No. 101, plowed into a fresh snowslide and stopped. The stricken passenger train was perched on a steeply sloped area known as Smart Ridge near Yuba Gap with a deep canyon looming below. Three 2,250-hp diesel-electric engines powered this state-of-the-art, 15-car passenger train, but when engineers tried to reverse it to escape the avalanche, the steel wheels slipped on the icy tracks. Nobody panicked. After all, the luxury train was better equipped than any other on the line. No one really expected to be there long so many played card games and entertained themselves with jokes and songs. Among the 196 travelers on board were representatives bound for a Republican National Committee meeting in San Francisco and American soldiers headed to the Korean War. One of the streamliner’s crew followed the tracks back to a railroad phone at Yuba Pass. (There were no cab radios in 1952.) He contacted Mountain District headquarters in Roseville and alerted railroad officials of their predicament. By the time he returned to the train, it was locked in place

It was a winter where extreme weather conditions generated drama and heroism, a winter that epitomized how ordinary people can perform remarkable feats of courage and fortitude in the face of overwhelming danger. corded 149 inches — 12.5 feet — of snow in one week, a record that still stands today. The snowpack was more than 9 feet deep there; automobiles were rendered useless. Despite the violent weather, Southern Pacific Railroad trains continued to slowly snake their way across the storm-ravaged mountains. It was wartime and railroad traffic movement over Donner Pass was critical to America’s military effort in Korea. Nevada-based munitions factories needed to get weapons to San Francisco where they could be shipped to the front lines. Freight trains and truck transport were critical to this distribution chain. The extreme precipitation imperiled the railroad and highway systems. Before Interstate 80, the transcontinental route over Donner Pass was Highway 40. This vital link to California was shut down when a

by snow and ice. The railroad set rescue efforts in motion and a railroad spokesman assured journalists and the public that the passengers remained aboard, safe and warm. Fortunately, Dr. Walter Roehill was among the passengers, as were five army nurses ready to assist him. Their soothing medical ministrations over the next 72 hours prevented widespread panic and possibly death among the increasingly desperate travelers. By Monday afternoon, on Jan. 14, the laissez-faire and cheerful attitude among most of the passengers had turned into fearful anger and frustration. Why hadn’t they been rescued yet? Meanwhile the relentless blizzard raged outside the frosted windows as the frozen train was slowly covered in snow. The supply of diesel fuel ran out, killing the electric power and steam heat. Water froze in the

pipes and toilets backed up. As the batterypowered lighting system slowly dimmed, the passengers were pitched into a cold, eerie darkness. Dr. Roehill had suspended alcohol consumption and conductors started to ration food supplies. When the air temperature in the coaches plunged below freezing, passengers wrapped themselves in torn window curtains and linen tablecloths. Many also tied tablecloths and napkins about their feet and legs. Nearly 30 people were overcome by carbon monoxide from portable propane-fueled generators that were being used to warm two Pullman coaches that Dr. Roehill established as medical units to calm nervous or hysterical passengers. During the worst storm in memory, Southern Pacific Railroad now found itself in a desperate battle to save the lives of 226 passengers and crew trapped aboard a snowbound train deep in the Tahoe Sierra. Snowfall was intense and wind gusts approached 90 mph. Drifts exceeded 25 feet. Avalanches were active all along the line, further complicating relief efforts.

Operation Rescue Southern Pacific’s Operation Rescue consisted of nearly 1,000 men and women from various agencies and included many volunteers from the nearby mountain communities of Soda Springs and Norden. A handful of rotary snowplows were mobi-

ABOVE: Snowbound Truckee, circa 1952. | Mark McLaughlin Collection TOP: Snowbound streamliner “City of San Francisco,” circa 1952. | Courtesy Nevada Historical Society

lized and laden with emergency supplies. Thinking that Sno-Cats using snowed-in Highway 40 could make better time than the rotaries, two of them were acquired from the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory. The tractors were loaded with 700 pounds of fresh food and maneuvered to the stricken train. Provisions were distributed and four seriously ill passengers were evacuated. The weather was much too dangerous to attempt an extraction of everyone, so the rest remained onboard. Stay tuned for Part III in the next edition of Tahoe Weekly or at TheTahoeWeekly. com.

This article is an excerpt from Mark McLaughlin’s book, “Snowbound: Legendary Winters of the Tahoe Sierra.”n Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. His award-winning books are available at local stores or at thestormking.com. You may reach him at mark@thestormking.com.

TheTahoeWeekly.com

THE lineup live music | shows | nightlife

festivals | entertainment

“The Lightning Thief” ST R I K E S T E E N AG E G O L D BY S E A N M C A L I N D I N

“The Lightning Thief” | Jan. 14-15, 21-22, 7 p.m. | Jan. 16 & 23, 2 p.m. | Community Arts Center | Truckee

ruckee Community Theater artistic director Carrie Haines was looking into procuring the rights to perform a more well-known production when she stumbled on something new: a musical based on a popular series of teen novels. Now “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Teen Musical” premieres on Jan. 14 at the Community Arts Center in downtown Truckee. “The idea to do this show was inspired by my daughter, Lily, 9 (a 7th grader at Tahoe Expedition Academy), who plays Katie Gardner in the musical,” says Haines. “She is a voracious reader and has read all 15 of Rick Riordan’s books about Percy.” The story follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is a demigod and goes on an epic quest to find Zeus’s missing lightning bolt, all while dealing with some typical problems of adolescence. The books have been bestsellers for years, hooking countless young readers on an intoxicating blend of fantasy and reality. “They’ve coupled teen angst with Greek myth and they marry very well,” says Haines. “It’s made the mythology more relevant, which is interesting for these kids to learn about.”

“It’s about making kids feel that it’s OK if they’re not perfect. He’s kind of a flawed character, yet he’s our hero. Although he doesn’t see himself that way, it’s about his journey to becoming a hero.”

~ Carrie Haines

The musical was first produced offBroadway in 2014 before being recast with a new score and script on Broadway in 2019. Whereas the Broadway production featured seven actors playing all the parts, this version has been expanded to include 27 students from seven local middle and high schools. Percy Jackson will be played by North Tahoe High School sophomore Quill Cooke. “With the bigger cast we have dance numbers, sword-fighting scenes and special effects,” says Haines. “A lot of people think the movie changed the books too much. The musical took the best of the first two books and stayed more true to them.” For the first time, the theater’s teen cast will perform with a live band: a quintet 22

of professional musicians from Reno led by Elise VanDyne. The choreography was designed by Delana Ryan. “It’s closer to a rock opera,” says Haines. “A lot of the spoken word is through the songs. The lines are embedded in music.” Haines studied dramatic arts at University of Southern California and now teaches drama at Sierra Expeditionary Learning School and Tahoe Expedition Academy. “I just love teaching the students about my favorite thing and giving them a way to express themselves,” she says. “We like to expose them to a little bit of everything.” One part “Harry Potter” and one part “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Lightning Thief ” presents complex themes relevant to contemporary teen life. “Percy talks about how he has ADHD and dyslexia,” says Haines. “It’s the idea that the things that make you special are the things that make you strong. It’s about making kids feel that it’s OK if they’re not perfect. He’s kind of a flawed character,

yet he’s our hero. Although he doesn’t see himself that way, it’s about his journey to becoming a hero.” When Haines announced the casting call, she received a flood of interest from area students. “I think what drew me to this is that it’s something more fun and hip,” she says. “It attracts the kids to want to do it. I think they are more passionate about it. This is something no one in the area has done. The kids jumped at it. Clearly, we picked a winner and I’m hoping our audiences would agree as well.”

Pandemic protocols Truckee Community Theater will require proof of Covid vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of showtime to gain admittance. Masks will be required in the theater at all times. The run time is two hours and 15 minutes including a 20-minute intermission where concessions and drinks will be sold. To avoid last-

From left, Ella Hennessey, Quill Cooke and Addison Schaller play Annabeth Chase, Percy Jackson and Grover, respectively, in the upcoming production of “The Lightning Thief.” | Courtesy Truckee Community Theater

minute interruptions due to the pandemic, Haines has rehearsed with two casts plus understudies for each role. “Theaters are shutting down all around the country,” says Haines. “It is sad we have to do this, but we want our audiences to feel safe with us. We really want to stay open and do what we love. We will offer a full refund if you’re not feeling well. We’ll miss you, but we’d rather you stay home and get better.” | truckeecommunitytheater.com n Sean McAlindin is a writer and musician living in Truckee, who loves a secret powder stash just as much as a good jam. You can reach him at entertainment@tahoethisweek.com. Other writings and original music are available at seanmcalindin.com.

January 12-25, 2022 THE LINEUP

live JANUARY 12 | WEDNESDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. BRRRoque Masters St. Johns in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, Glenbrook, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Karaoke Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

JANUARY 13 | THURSDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m. Fruition Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Live DJ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

JANUARY 14 | FRIDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Live Music Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. “The Lightning Thief” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m. Rock Hard Burlesque Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m. Live DJ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. The Second Floor Blues Band Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Magic After Dark The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Karaoke Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Live DJ Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 15 | SATURDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. DJ Cat Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 12-2 p.m. Pipe Down Homewood Mountain Resort, Homewood, 12-2:30 p.m. Winter Music Series Northstar Village, Truckee, 2-5 p.m. Live Music Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m. BRRRoque Masters Christ the King Church, Tahoe City, 3 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. “The Lightning Thief” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m.

Lake Tahoe Snowjam Bally’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7-11:30 p.m. Tainted Love - The Best Of The 80’s Live Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 7:30 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m. Rock Hard Burlesque Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m. Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m. Live DJ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. The Second Floor Blues Band Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. BC & the Remedy Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 9 p.m. Karaoke Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Live DJ Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 16 | SUNDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. “The Lightning Thief” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 2 p.m. BRRRoque Masters The Chateau, Incline Village, 3 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30 p.m. Blue Grass Jam Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 6 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Kyle Ledson & the Broken Compass Tahoe Tap Haus, Tahoe City, 7 p.m. KDTU - A Diesel Insane Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, 8 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Metalachi Whiskey Dicks, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Live DJ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Live DJ Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 17 | MONDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

JANUARY 18 | TUESDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

JANUARY 19 | WEDNESDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

JANUARY 20 | THURSDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m. Live DJ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

JANUARY 21 | FRIDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Live Music Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. “The Lightning Thief” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m. Rock Hard Burlesque Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m. Live DJ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Phatman and Robin Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Magic After Dark The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Blü Egyptian Alibi Ale Works Public House, Incline Village, 9 p.m. Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Karaoke Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Live DJ Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m. Long Beach Dub Allstars Bally’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 22 | SATURDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. DJs at Big Blue View Bar Homewood Mountain Resort, Homewood, 12-3 p.m. DJ Cat Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 12-2 p.m. Winter Music Series Northstar Village, Truckee, 2-5 p.m. Live Music Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 3-5 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. “The Lightning Thief” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Live Music Bar of America, Truckee, 8-11 p.m.

Rock Hard Burlesque Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 8 p.m. Blü Egyptian Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 8 p.m. Dueling Pianos Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8:30 p.m. Live DJ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Phatman and Robin Bar of America, Truckee, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Arty the Party Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 9 p.m. Karaoke Rojo’s Tavern, South Lake Tahoe, 10 p.m. Live DJ Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 23 | SUNDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. “The Lightning Thief” Community Arts Center, Truckee, 2 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 4:30 p.m. Blue Grass Jam Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 6 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Live DJ Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Stateline, 9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m. Live DJ Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 10 p.m.

JANUARY 24 | MONDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

JANUARY 25 | TUESDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Tuesday Night Blues Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline, 8 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

JANUARY 26 | WEDNESDAY Live Music Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, 12-9 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 7 p.m. Live Music McP’s Taphouse, South Lake Tahoe, 8 p.m. Magic Fusion The Loft, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

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EAT &drink

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to add your Event for our print & online calendars. Click on Events; then the blue Add Event button.

Good Eats FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES BY P R I YA H UT N E R

New food compost site opens Keep Truckee Green has added a food compost bin at Mountain Hardware on Donner Pass Road for food scraps only. The food compost bin is open year-round in the rear parking lot off Forest Lane. Bins are also available year-round at Truckee Town Hall and Glenshire General Store. The bins accept food waste only; no cardboard, paper or paper products, tea bags, coffee filters, or compostable plastics, bags or containers are accepted. A compost guide and list of acceptable items is available online. | keeptruckeegreen.org

BEEF JERKY From the kitchen of Priya Hunter 1 lb. lean ground beef or 1½ pounds flank, sirloin tip or eye round (partially frozen 1-2 hours) * ½ large onion 1½ T maple syrup 1½ t kosher salt 1 t ground pepper 1 t Montreal Seasoning 1½ T bourbon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats. Mix ingredients in a food processer or blender until blended and thick. If using a jerky gun, follow manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise, place ingredients in a Ziploc bag, snip the end and pipe onto a baking sheet in long strips. Leave room between strips. Flatten if desired with a layer of parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and pat dry. If using a dehydrator, place strips on the tray and allow to dehydrate for 5 to 6 hours. If using the oven, reduce heat to 175 degrees F and cook for 4 to 6 hours or more, checking occasionally for doneness. *Simpler version A simpler version of homemade jerky is prepared with eye round, sirloin tip or flank steak sliced into strips. Marinate in a Ziploc bag with above ingredients (minus the ground beef) for a least 2 hours. Lay the strips on baking sheet and cook low and slow. Check for doneness at about the 3-hour mark. Find her recipe for Energy Balls

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

inter has arrived in full regalia. The snow goddesses have graced Tahoe with a plethora of white stuff. Whether you are skiing, boarding or snowshoeing, burning calories when playing outside requires good fuel and sustenance. What you decide to pack to eat depends on how many hours you plan to be outdoors and how much room you have in your backpack. Skinning up a hill can be intense and energy depleting. Energy bars, goo and

and provides excellent fuel. And last but not least, homemade protein energy balls and trail bars are a good source of protein. A rule of thumb is to consume at least 150 to 200 calories per hour and drink at least a half-liter of liquid every hour. Electrolytes are also suitable to have on hand. Keep snacks in an accessible pocket as you climb up. It can be hard to drink cold water when it’s cold out, but it’s important to stay hydrated.

“ If you are planning to be out longer than a few hours, real food is important to prevent low blood sugar and consequential bonking.” water are essential for small tours. If you are planning to be out longer than a few hours, real food is important to prevent low blood sugar and consequential bonking. Back-country meals should be light, compact, easy to digest and high in calories, protein and fats. Before journeying out for your adventure make sure to give yourself extra time and start the day with a good, solid, high-protein breakfast like eggs or hot oatmeal with nuts and fruit. What are some things to consider when packing for an outdoor adventure in the snow? Sandwiches (PB&J is always a winner) and wraps are great to travel with — simple to make and easy to carry. I love a sliced turkey and pesto sandwich. Dried fruits and nuts are a helpful snack to eat along the way. Jerky is phenomenal, easy to carry and high in protein. Making your own at home might be intimidating, but it’s relatively simple and cheaper than buying it in the grocery store. Cheese, salami and prosciutto with some crusty bread is another route. It’s a bit gourmet but tasty

If you are up for a bit more weight, carry a thermos of hot lemon water, tea or miso soup. All are immensely satisfying. A hearty soup is an excellent fuel if you have the room. When you get to the top of the hill, take the time to eat real food. Take off your skins and find a place to eat lunch before riding down the mountain. A dehydrator is an excellent purchase for dehydrating meats, fruits and vegetables, making them perfect for lightweight, highprotein nutrition. It offers the ability to prepare foods for backpacking and hiking trips any time of year. n Priya Hutner is a food writer, personal chef and owner of The Seasoned Sage, a local meal delivery and catering company. Priya has been creating and preparing meals from an early age. She has worked in the restaurant industry in New York City, attended catering school, and was the head chef and executive director of a nonprofit spiritual community in Florida. Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com. Send your comments, story ideas and food tidbits to priya@tahoethisweek.com.

Chub’s Subs now Fat Cat Kitchen Chub’s Subs in Kings Beach is now Fat Cat Kitchen, featuring the same sandwich offerings and hand-crafted items on its menu as before but now also offering beer and wine, local crafts, gifts and provisions. “We’re honoring our founder Clint [Peetz] by expanding his iconic Tahoe-born restaurant to a kitchen concept,” the restaurant announced in a Facebook post. | fatcatrestaurants.com

Dog and Bear opens in Tahoma Dog and Bear Pizza has reopened in Tahoma on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, featuring “a curated beer and wine menu, artisanal pizzas and small plates with a neighborhood tavern vibe,” according to owner Quinten Frye. The eatery is open from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. | thedogandbear.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

January 12-25, 2022 EAT & DRINK

F RO M T H E S E AS O N E D SAG E

TOASTED COCONUT ALMOND

Trail Bar BY P R I YA H UT N E R

Lakeview Dining OPEN DAILY 12-9PM

FEATURING: Slow-Roasted Prime Rib | Baby Back Ribs | Full Bar

Steaks | Seafood | Pasta | Gourmet Hamburgers | Kid’s Menu

jasonsbeachsidegrille.com

•

(530) 546-3315

8338 NORTH LAKE BLVD., KINGS BEACH, CA

EST. 1982

Authentic Mexican made from scratch daily

Kings Beach

Indoor Dining & Take-out 12:00pm-8:00pm

hese healthy trail bars are great for people on the go. They are an excellent snack and easy to carry in a backpack. They are packed with protein and delicious. The blend of coconut and almonds and chia give this bar a nice texture and flavor bursts. n

Cooking is a meditation for Priya, it is from that place she curates her menus and recipes to create delicious and nutritious meals for The Seasoned Sage, her company catering to client’s culinary preferences and dietary restrictions. She is also working on a series of cookbooks. Visit her website at TheSeasonedSage.com or contact her at priya@theseasonedsage.com.

Toasted Coconut Almond Trail Bar From the kitchen of: Priya Hutner

Full Bar

CLOSED ON MONDAYS

(530) 546-4539 - 8345 North Lake Blvd. - Across from the State Beach in Kings Beach

be kind be calm be helpful

1½ C almonds, crushed in blender or chopped small 2 C shredded coconut, toasted lightly ½ C chia seeds ½ C brown sugar 1 t vanilla extract 1 t almond extract 1 t sea salt 1 t cinnamon ½ C coconut oil or butter, melted ¼ C honey or maple syrup

Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan or microwave, melt coconut oil or butter. Once heated, mix in honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract and add to dry ingredients. Lay out mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before cutting into bars. Store bars in an airtight container.

EARTH TO TABLE ChristyHill.com 115 Grove St., Tahoe City CA 530-583-8551 25

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WINE R IE S OF THE SIERRA FOOTHILLS

Shake Ridge & Yorba Wines S TO RY BY BA R BA R A K E C K | P H OTO S BY J O H A N M A R T I N

“Y

ou can’t get bored in this business,” is the way Ann Kraemer explains the appeal of her role as the vineyard manager and public face of the family-owned Yorba Wines. Each vine on the 46 acres of grapes she nurtures is “visited by hand” at least 12 times during the year – from pruning until it’s time to pick. The land is complicated: steep hills face every which way with a lot of variability in soils. Matching the diversity of their surroundings, the grape varietals take root and ripen differently. Every year the vineyard blend, Shake Ridge, presents a different taste of the ranch. Amid this patchwork of geology and meteorology, one thing that doesn’t vary is Kraemer’s granular attention to detail – adjusting the fruit crop to the right level, fine tuning the light in the canopy, rolling out netting to deter hungry birds. Reviving the tradition of head training certain vines for enhanced air circulation and cluster spacing is typical of the bold thinking she applies to her meticulous cultivation practices. “We really pay attention to every part of the vineyard, almost treating each vine individually,” she remarks. “That kind of individual attention gives great results,” as the superlative quality of the final product attests. (Four wines made from Shake Ridge Ranch grapes were selected for the wine list at Napa Valley’s legendary French Laundry.) Kraemer’s career path in vineyard management started with a sugar sampling internship. Originally, she intended to

carry on the family tradition growing citrus trees, majoring in pomology at UC Davis. In the vineyard, she discovered an even more intriguing crop to focus on working for a number of vineyards, but the itch to farm her own property didn’t go away. She spent 20 years scouring winegrowing regions for the right spot. In 2001, she found 216 acres off Shake Ridge Road, about 5 miles up the hill from Sutter Creek. Mulling over why it took such a long time, she lists her challenging search criteria: “It had to be a place I wanted to live in, where I could grow good grapes, and, the big caveat, something I could afford.” With neighbors to provide helpful tips on growing conditions, Kraemer carefully assessed each of the myriad microclimates herself before making educated guesses about how and what to plant. The varietals she wanted to keep cool went in on northern and eastern slopes; others that can handle heat, like Mourvèdre, were planted in the warmer blocks facing west and south. Now she grows 12 types of grapes, each selected to suit a specific plot in the vineyard. About 80 percent of the Shake Ridge yield is sold to vintners as far afield as Napa and Santa Barbara. The remaining premium grapes feature four distinct varietals – Barbera, Zinfandel, Syrah, Tempranillo and the ever-changing Shake Ridge blend. Yorba’s flagship wine? That’s where she vacillates a bit. “I’d like to say Tempranillo, delicious

Sapori opens at Harrah’s The newest addition to Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Sapori Italian Kitchen, offers upscale Italian cuisine with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Sapori, which means “flavors” in Italian, features dishes by Chef Ivano Centemeri, executive chef and longtime chef of La Strada at Eldorado Resort Casino in Reno, Nev. At Sapori, guests will experience authentic Italian dishes with modern additions. Guests can enjoy signature dishes at Sapori, including mushroom ravioli, which was recognized on Food Network’s 2019 list of the “Best Pastas in the Country.” The space, formerly occupied by the resort’s buffet, was renovated and features modern Italian décor with a touch of Lake Tahoe history.

LEFT: Shake Ridge Vineyard. ABOVE: Ann Kraemer.

and classic. But they’re all really, really good. So maybe the Shake Ridge blend.” She compares it to putting together a jazz trio, with high notes, a base and volume in the middle. “It’s a very fun wine to make, really expressive and really different from year to year,” she says. The Yorba Wines Tasting Room is open in Sutter Creek from Thursday to Sunday by online reservation. The vineyard is not open to the public as it is a working farm. | (209) 267-8190, www.yorbawines.com n

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an excerpt from the

second edition of the popular guidebook “Wineries of the Sierra Foothills: Risk-Takers & RuleBreakers” available now on Amazon. All sales support Tahoe Weekly.

TAKE-OUT, INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING

Fine Italian Food & Spirits

Sapori Italian Kitchen is open from 5 to 9 p.m., Fridays through Tuesdays. | caesars. com/harrahs-tahoe

From bartenders to owners The historic Cottonwood Restaurant is now a part of West River Hospitality Group, which has been a homecoming for the team that once cut their teeth as bartenders at Cottonwood, Chris St. Martin and Ryan Diercks. They also opened other establishments in Truckee such as Truckee Tavern & Grill and Como. Located at Hilltop, Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar exists within an authentic ski lodge that was hand built in 1928. Cottonwood is open for dinner at 4 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays and for brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. | cottonwoodrestaurant.com

tasty tidbits Wine Tastings The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe | South Lake Tahoe | Jan. 12, Jan. 26

5-8 p.m. | (530) 600-3304, tahoesouth.com

Snowshoe Tour & Dinner The Chalet at Alpine Meadows | Tahoe City | Jan. 22

Famous for our Mexican Dinners (530) 587-3557 10186 Donner Pass Rd - Truckee

4:30 p.m. $95 | palisadestahoe.com

Locals Love Lanza’s! (530) 546-2434 7739 N Lake Blvd - Kings Beach

LanzasTahoe.com

OPEN DAILY BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER SUN–THUR 9AM–8:30PM | FRI & SAT 9AM–9PM

spindleshankstahoe.com 400 Brassie Ave. · Kings Beach · (530) 546-2191

40 ANNIVERSARY TH

1982 – 2022

MARCH 4-11, 1982

| The 3rd edition of North

Tahoe Week, the original name of the magazine, featured the first SnowFest! Festival, which is also celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2022. Those first editions were 12 pages long and were chocked full of information including events and entertainment calendars, downhill and Nordic ski resort info, a dining guide, sled hills and transit information. Our slogan was “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News. ON THE COVER

| Mike Iman and Sue Ann

Robertson at Northstar, courtesy Northstar-at-Tahoe.

APRIL 8-21, 1982

| Many early editions of

North Tahoe Week including a fabricated Yesteryear column from so-called “past issues of North Tahoe Week” recalling such items as a National Morticians Association Convention with 50,000 attendees stringing signs that read “Welcome – Invasion of the Bodysnatchers” across Highway 89. ON THE COVER

| A group of skiers at

Northstar. Photography by Vance Fox, courtesy Northstar-at-Tahoe. (If you recognize anyone in this group, email us their names at editor@tahoethisweek.com.)

More covers from our past will be featured @TheTahoeWeekly on Facebook and Instagram and in our newsletter throughout the year.

January 12-25, 2022

Articles inside

Good Eats for Outdoor Adventures

Snow Trails

Winter Travel in The Sierra

Horoscopes & Puzzles

Winter Paths

The Lightning Thief

Brutal Winter of 1951-52

Toasted Coconut Almond Trail Bar