October 14-28, 2020

local. independent. fresh.

october 14-27, 2020

tahoe’s

perfect climate

a librarian sings the

blues eat & drink

top

tahoe rim trail picks

lake margaret

meadows, creeks & fall colors

arts

delivering the fun since 1982

fun. unique. everywhere.

October 14-27, 2020

Volume 39 | Issue 23 TM

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P.O. Box 154 | Tahoe Vista, CA 96145 (530) 546-5995 | f (530) 546-8113 TheTahoeWeekly.com Facebook.com/TheTahoeWeekly @TheTahoeWeekly

Kathryn Reed

SUBMISSIONS

6

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

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

E-NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE

to our monthly e-newsletter at TheTahoeWeekly.com

in this issue

making it happen Publisher & Editor In Chief Katherine E. Hill publisher@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 102 Sales & Marketing Manager Anne Artoux anne@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 110 Art Director Alyssa Ganong production@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 106 Graphic Designer Justeen Ferguson graphics@tahoethisweek.com, ext. 101 Entertainment Editor Sean McAlindin entertainment@tahoethisweek.com Food 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

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

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.

OCTOBER 14-27, 2020 FEATURES

FALL A GREAT TIME TO EXPLORE TAHOE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Lake Margaret

6

Tim’s Top Tahoe Rim Trail Picks

8

Tahoe’s Perfect Climate

Fall color in the Tahoe Sierra is still starting to emerge in some locations, so there’s still plenty of time to explore including a jaunt to Lake Margaret located in Alpine County, south of South Lake Tahoe.

“Meandering creeks full of wild trout, granite on the ground and looming above, dense forest, open meadows, lush foliage and signs of fall — the hike to Lake Margaret has it all,” as Kathryn Reed describes in her feature in this edition. What more do you need to know?

Tim Hauserman also shares some of his favorite spots along the Tahoe Rim Trail including the best views and the best easy hikes to explore in this edition.

(Note: Overnight camping is still prohibited on the rim trail at this time due to wildfire danger, so plan only day trips.)

You can find more fall outings at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on Fall under Get Outside.

Kayla Anderson continues our ongoing series on visiting Tahoe’s public art, this time exploring public art from Crystal Bay to Sand Harbor. We’ll be covering all of the regions in the coming editions, and if you missed the first part on Kings Beach, Northstar and Tahoe Vista, you’ll find it at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

TACKLE THE EXPLORATHON I’ve been having a blast the last few weeks taking on some of the challenges of the Tahoe City Downtown Association’s Explorathon adventure challenge, and I invite all of you to join me.

It’s easy. Visit visittahoecity.org/explorathon to sign up and download the free app.

Then, start tackling the challenges from local trivia, to visiting Tahoe City businesses, to making funny videos, taking outdoor challenges and exploring Tahoe City. Earn points for completed challenges and all teams earning more than 60,000 points by Oct. 18 are eligible to be entered into the grand prize drawing.

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GET OUTSIDE Sightseeing

4

Lake Tahoe Facts

5

Events

6

Hiking

13

THE MAKERS Public Art Tour, Part II

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The Arts

13

FUN & GAMES Horoscope & Puzzles

14

THE LINEUP Ash Relics

16

Live

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EAT & DRINK The Spice of Life

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Tasty Tidbits

17

Chicken Cacciatore

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Sierra Starr Vineyard & Winery

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Don’t forget to take some of the challenges sponsored by Tahoe Weekly including finding the grinding stone in Tahoe City, finding a Galis Dungals and snapping a photo in front of your favorite public art piece.

WIN AN ANDY SKAFF PAINTING Our donation giveaway continues for an original Andy Skaff painting to benefit Tahoe Weekly. The 30” x 30” painting titled “October Gold III” is valued at $3,000.

For each $35 donation, you’re entered into the drawing for this amazing piece of work. The more you donate, the better your chances for winning. Donations are not tax-deductible. No purchase is necessary, entry is by donation only until Nov. 9.

DONATE paypal.me/TahoeWeekly Checks: P.O. Box 154, Tahoe Vista, CA 96145 (email address is required for notification) 

on the cover Kyle Smaine and Brian Walker explore the peaks of Desolation Wilderness in preparation for the upcoming ski season. Desolation Wilderness is also one of Tim Hauserman’s picks for best views along the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Read more of “Tim’s top Tahoe Rim Trail picks” in this edition and at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

Photography by Brian Walker | BrianWalkerPhoto.com, @Brian.Walker

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LAKE LEVEL Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

Readings taken on Friday, October 9, 2020 ELEVATION :

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

6,226.33 |

IN 2019:

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

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.)

TART/South Tahoe

Heavenly

West Shore

Tallac Historic Site

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 South Lake Tahoe

Truckee

Kings Beach

North Shore

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 Lake Tahoe Demonstration Garden

Incline Village

Summer | Free (775) 586-1610, ext. 25 | demogarden.org Demonstrations of lake-friendly landscaping using native and adaptive plants, water conservation, soil stabilization techniques, defensible space from wildfires & BMPs. Self-guided tours & clinics. TART

North Tahoe Arts Center

Tahoe City

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

Tahoe Art League Gallery

South Lake Tahoe

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

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truckeehistory.org | truckee.com Settled in 1863, Truckee grew quickly as a stagecoach stop and route for the Central Pacific Railroad. During these early days, many historical homes and buildings were built including The Truckee Hotel (1868) and the Capitol Building (1868). Stop by the Depot for a walking tour of historic downtown. Paid parking downtown. TART

Vikingsholm Castle

Emerald Bay

225

200,000 AF

175

150,000 AF

100,000 AF

75

50

25

6,227.75 TROA.NET

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

Tahoe Science Ctr OPENING TBD

Truckee

Gatekeeper’s Museum

Tahoe City

Truckee River | FLOW AT FARAD 457 (530) 583-1762 | northtahoemuseums.org Featuring historic photos, the Steinbach Indian Basket Museum and historical memorabilia. TART

KidZone Children’s OPENING TBD Museum

Incline Village

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 OPENING TBD

Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)

TROA.NET

Truckee

Sat.-Sun. & holidays truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com Learn about the historic railroad. Located in a caboose next to the Truckee Depot. TART

Truckee

Tues.-Sun. | Locals’ first Tues. half price (530) 587-5437 | kidzonemuseum.org Interactive exhibits, science & art classes for kids up to age 7. BabyZone & Jungle Gym. TART

Find more places to explore

Lake Tahoe Museum

VISITORS’ CENTERS

South Lake Tahoe

Museum of Truckee History

High Camp OPENING TBD

Measured in Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS)

2 PROSSER 11,061 CAPACITY: 29,840 (530) 582-7892 | parks.ca.gov CAPACITY: C 9,500 5 features exhibits DONNER 4,690 The Emigrant Trail Museum and artifacts on the Donner Party (1846-47) at 8 INDEPENDENCE 1,3763 CCAPACITY: 18,300 Donner Memorial State Park. See the towering Pioneer Monument.

A TART 20,400 40 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY:

Thunderbird Lodge CLOSED

East Shore

IN 2019:

CAPACITY: C 226,500

Emigrant Trail Museum

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

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

(800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com Aerial tram rides with views of Lake Tahoe, Olympic Heritage Museum, events and more.

Ticket required. TART

457

(530) 543-2674 | fs.usda.gov Features Stream Profile Chamber to view slice of Taylor Creek, nature trails & more. South Tahoe

May-October | thunderbirdtahoe.org The former Whittell estate. This magnificent lakefront home features the Lighthouse Room, Old Lodge, 600’ underground tunnel (with a former lion cage) and Boat House, home to the “Thunderbird,” a 1939 wooden boat. Ages 6+ only.

No on-site parking. Tours by reservation only.

Olympic Valley

STAMPEDE 19,9661

FLOW AT FARAD

6,226.33 |

200,000 AF

North Shore

Summer | (530) 583-3279 | terc.ucdavis.edu This 1920s-era building features a history of the field station, current UC Davis research projects, interactive exhibits and demonstration garden. Ages 8+. TART

Taylor Creek Visitor Center South Lake Tahoe

(775) 586-7000 | skiheavenly.com Enjoy a 2.4-mile ride on the gondola to the top with panoramic views. Ticket required. South Tahoe

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

Tahoe City Field Station

|

ELEVATION :

175

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

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

Readings taken on Friday, October 9, 2020

150,000 AF

West Shore

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

RESERVOIR CAPACITY

125

Eagle Rock

North Shore

50

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.

Tahoe City

CAPACITY: 18,300 C 8

LAKE LEVEL A 20,400 40 MARTIS 1,052 CAPACITY: Lake Tahoe Natural rim 6,223’

25

East Shore

Fall color emerging at Spooner Lake on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore. | Katherine E. Hill

CAPACITY: 9,500 C 5

INDEPENDENCE 1,3763

Check schedules & openings before visiting.

Cave Rock

CAPACITY: 29,840 2

125

DONNER 4,690

CAPACITY: C 226,500

100,000 AF

ATTRACTIONS

PROSSER 11,061

Measured in Acre Feet (AF)

75

SIGHTSEEING

STAMPEDE 19,9661

6,227.75

225

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Truckee

Thurs.-Mon. | (530) 582-0893 | truckeehistory.org Housed in the original Depot, built in 1901. Exhibits cover different eras in Truckee history. TART

Old Jail Museum

Truckee

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

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

Open by appt. | (530) 659-2378 | truckeehistory.org One of a few surviving 19th Century jailhouses used from 1875 until May 1964 (summer tours). TART

855 Alder Ave. (775) 831-0914 (Wed.-Fri.)

Olympic Museum OPENING TBD

U.S. Forest Service | Tahoe City

Olympic Valley

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

U.S. Forest Service | South Lake Tahoe 35 College Dr. (530) 543-2600

3080 N. Lake Blvd. (530) 583-3593 (Fridays)

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

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

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

Watson Cabin

Tahoe City

(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. (summer tours). TART

MUSEUMS Donner Summit Historical Society

Soda Springs

donnersummithistoricalsociety.org At the corner of Old Hwy 40 & Soda Springs Rd. 20-mile interpretive driving tour along Old 40. TART

Boots McFarland by Geolyn Carvin | BootsMcFarland.com

October 14-27, 2020

lake tahoe facts |

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

GRAY ’S CROSSING

COYOTE MOON

TAHOE DONNER

Truckee

DONNER TAHOE DONNER LAKE

Truckee Truckee

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North Shore

Incline Village Incline Village Crystal Incline Village Kings Bay WHITEHAWK Tahoe Vista RANCH Crystal Beach Carnelian BayTahoe Vista NAKOMA Crystal Kings Bay Olympic Tahoe Vista POINT FEATHER Kings Crystal Bay Beach BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA Carnelian Bay Valley RIVER PARK BOAT CO. Kings Beach DEEPEST Bay Olympic Carnelian Bay COON ST. POINT SANDDEEPEST BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA Beach Olympic TAHOE COON ST. NORTH Valley Carnelian Bay CITY HARBOR BOAT CO. POINT Marlette BOAT LAUNCH TAHOE SIERRA RESORT AT DEEPEST Valley Olympic Lake BOAT CO. COON ST. Tahoe SAND SQUAW CREEK POINT BOAT LAUNCH SIERRA NORTH Dollar Hill TAHOE CITY HARBOR Valley LAKE TAHOE VISTA SAND City BOAT CO. TAHOE RESORT AT MARINAS NORTH FOREST TAHOE CITY REC AREA HARBOR Tahoe SQUAW CREEK TAHOE SAND Alpine RESORT AT Dollar Hill NORTH CITY LAKE HARBOR TAHOE VISTA Tahoe City SQUAW CREEK TAHOE TAHOE TAHOE NV Dollar Hill RESORT AT CITY Meadows FOREST REC AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA City Tahoe SQUAW CREEK Alpine Dollar MARINA Carson FOREST Hill RECTAHOE AREA LAKE TAHOE VISTA City Meadows Alpine CITY City Sunnyside FOREST TAHOE REC AREA MARINA BOAT RAMPS Carson AlpineMeadows CITY SUNNYSIDE TAHOE MARINA Carson City CITY Meadows Sunnyside il Spooner Lake a MARINA Tr Carson City Sunnyside SUNNYSIDE City il SUNNYSIDE Sunnyside ra GRAEAGLE MEADOWS

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Cascade SKI RUN Lake TAHOE

CAMP RICHARDSON

Highest Peak: Freel Peak at 10,881 feet Average Snowfall: 409 Tr ail R i minches Ta h oe

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Learn about the natural history of the Tahoe Sierra

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

TAHOE LAKESIDE KEYS LAKESIDE

KEYS

EDGEWOOD TAHOE

Stateline LAKESIDE BIJOU

anne@tahoethisweek.com for details

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT Fallen

PEAKSouth Shore

Leaf Lake

LAKE TAHOE

TAHOE PARADISE LAKE TAHOE

Kirkwood Kirkwood

LAKE TAHOE AIRPORT

FREEL PEAK

Lake Clarity: 2019: 62.7 feet avg. depth.

1968: First recorded at 102.4 feet Average depth: 1,000 feet Maximum depth: 1,645 feet Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. (Crater Lake in Oregon, at 1,932 feet, is the deepest), and the 11th deepest in the world.

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

Natural rim: 6,223’

Size: 22 miles long, 12 miles wide Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide.

Lake Tahoe has a surface area of 191 square miles. If Lake Tahoe were emptied, it would submerge California under 15 inches of water.

TAHOE PARADISE

TAHOE PARADISE

LAKE TAHOE

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

Shoreline: 72 miles

BIJOU CAMP RICHARDSONBIJOUFREEL

FREEL Meyers TAHOE PARADISEPEAK FREEL LAKE TAHOE Meyers AIRPORT PEAK LAKE TAHOE Meyers Echo Lakes AIRPORT

Kirkwood

Email

Lake Tahoe sits at an average elevation of between 6,223’ and 6,229.1’. The top 6.1’ of water is controlled by the dam in Tahoe City and holds up to 744,600 acre feet of water.

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SPONSOR THIS PAGE

LAKE

Hope Valley TAHOE Markleeville

Kirkwood Hope Valley Hope Markleeville Valley Markleeville

Hope Valley Markleeville

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.

Thanks to all our supporters!

We appreciate all of the donations for the giveaway for a custom coffee table from Tahoe Slab Furniture in Tahoe City.

Congratultions to Winnie F. of San Francisco for having the winning entry!

We’ve opened our new Donation Giveaway for a framed painting by renowned artist Andy Skaff. See the back page in this edition for details on how to enter.

Help Keep Tahoe Weekly Alive!

Donate at paypal.me/TahoeWeekly or P.O. Box 154, Tahoe Vista, CA 96148 5

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GET outside

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the outdoors | recreation | events | mountain life

M E A D OW S , C R E E K S & FA L L C O L O R S S TO RY & P H OTO S BY K AT H RY N R E E D

M

eandering creeks full of wild trout, granite on the ground and looming above, dense forest, open meadows, lush foliage and signs of fall — the hike to Lake Margaret has it all. And the lake is even more spectacular than the trail getting there.

On this relatively easy nearly 5-mile round trip hike through the Eldorado National Forest in Alpine County the senses are heightened with the changing terrain. This is one of those rare excursions where the landscape has a little bit of everything. With the seasons changing from summer to fall, even the smells are different with the decaying leaves.

In mid-September the colors were just starting to change, with the underbrush the most notable. A few aspens were beginning to turn yellow. With all the green aspens, this location would definitely be a hike to do during peak foliage season in October.

According to Las Vegas-based architect and designer DEZMOTIF Studios, the renovated Tahoe Tower rooms at Harveys provide guests with a fresh and modern environment. Inspired by nature and the seasons, the new rooms feature a spacious layout with the use of natural textures in a warm, neutral palette. | caesars.com/harveys-tahoe

events

5 miles RT | Easy-Moderate Dogs OK

Lily Lake Trail building Angora Lakes Road | South Lake Tahoe Oct. 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 Help build the LIly Lake Trail with

Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association.

Bring a lunch and water. 8:30 a.m. Free | facebook.com

Tahoe Rising Virtual | Incline Village | Oct. 14, 28

Attendees of the three Tahoe Rising

TOP TO BOTTOM: Lake Margaret; Pines and granite

a few spots. Poles would be welcome in some spots for those with knee or ankle issues.

Most of the slabs of granite were easy to traverse, though in a few locations I needed my hands. This was a bit of a conundrum for my friend Sue Wood, who was using poles. At one point she threw them ahead of her in order to scooch down the rock with the use of her hands.

I was most surprised to see a large number of dead trees in various locations.

While the trail is in good condition, this section of the forest needs to be thinned and better maintained. Even so, it’s so lush in some places that ferns are growing.

Explore more fall hikes at TheTahoeWeekly.com

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Renovated Harveys opens Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino has completed the renovation of all 519 guest rooms in the resort’s Tahoe Tower as part of a $41-million investment in the past two years. The tower’s balcony suites were remodeled in 2018.

THE TRAIL

This is one of those treks where you need to be looking up and down. Up to see the cairns because the route is not always discernible by looking down. A few trail markers posted to trees at critical locations were welcome. Looking down is essential to avoid tripping because a good part of the path is full of embedded rocks and tree roots climbing across the trail. Other times it is hardpack dirt.

Starting off there is a slight descent, but don’t let this alarm you. It’s not long. Looking at the elevation data on my hiking app the route was definitely a bit up and down most of the way. But there were plenty of times when it was flat. Granite stairs are in

Courtesy Harveys

Lake Margaret

Caples and Kirkwood creeks add to the scenic beauty. They eventually hook up and spill into nearby Caples Lake in two locations. Even late in the hiking season it’s necessary to cross the water once using logs that span the creek. In other locations the dry waterbed makes it easy to get from one side to the other without testing your balance.

dominate the route to Lake Margaret in Alpine County; Fall colors are striking along parts of the path.

The best part about being the first vehicle in the parking lot was that it meant we were the only ones at Lake Margaret to begin with. A foursome showed up as we were leaving, and we met others along the trail on our way out. The solitude and tranquility would be reasons to start early; but that could be said for any hike.

Granite dominates the view at the lake, with plenty of rock to sit on as a lunch spot or just to take in all the scenery. A distinct line is visible on boulders indicating the high water mark more than a foot from the surface. In summer or on a warm day don’t be surprised to see people swimming in the lake.

From South Lake Tahoe, go west on Highway 50. At the roundabout in Meyers, head toward Highway 89 to Hope Valley.

At Picketts Junction in Hope Valley, go right onto Highway 88. Two-tenths of a mile after the Caples Lake spillway will be a small sign on the right for the trailhead.

Elevation gain was 505 feet, with minimum being 7,554 feet and maximum 7,774 feet. | fs.usda.gov 

virtual events will discuss challenges facing Lake Tahoe in this current pandemic – from economic, community and environmental perspectives. Keynote speakers will share their wisdom from around the country.

Panel sessions with those experts combined with local Tahoe leaders enhance these conversations. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $20-$35 | tahoeprosperity.org

Truckee Community Storytime Facebook | Truckee | Oct. 14, 21, 28

Join Truckee Library on Facebook Live

for special Storytimes with local local community leaders. 10:30-11 a.m. Free | (530) 582-7846, madelynhelling.evanced.info

Mommy and Me Barton Health South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 14, 21, 28

Mommy & Me is an ongoing support

group for new mothers and their babies.

Attend virtually each week to share experiences and discuss the joys and challenges of parenting. 1-2 p.m. Free | (530) 539-6620, bartonorthopedicsandwellness.com

October 14-27, 2020 GET OUTSIDE

events Tahoe City Explorathon

Community Flu Vaccination Clinic

Downtown Tahoe City | Oct. 14-18

Bijou Elementary School South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 15

based event. Sign up to participate challenges

El Dorado County Public Health Depart-

that encourage adventure, team bonding,

ment, in collaboration with Barton Health, is

discovering new places, supporting local

providing flu vaccinations to expand access.

businesses and having fun! Earn points for

Cost is $10. All individuals may receive a flu

completing activities. Free | visittahoecity.org

vaccine, regardless of ability to pay. 3-6 p.m.

Courtesy Photo Credit Shane | Photographer?

McConkey Foundation

A month-long digital activity challenge-

$10 | (530) 541-3420, bartonhealth.org

Foam Fest Truckee | Oct. 14-28

For $30 receive a Foam Fest mug and one

16-ounce beer at each participating location in October to support Achieve Tahoe: Truckee

Trail Work Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area Tahoe City | Oct. 17

Volunteers are needed to help get the ski

Brewing Company, Alibi Ale Works Truckee

trails ready for the upcoming season at Tahoe

Public House and Fifty Fifty Brewing Company.

Cross Country Ski Area. Refreshments will

$30 | (530) 581-4161, achievetahoe.com

be provided. 9 a.m. Free | ahoecx.org

EJ Tegner Golf Tournament Raffle

Pre-Holiday Sale

Old Greenwood | Truckee | Oct. 14-21

Incline Village Community Hospital Incline Village | Oct. 17

Buy raffle tickets for three RAD bikes.

Winner will be announced at EJ Tegner

The Incline Village Community Hospital Aux-

Golf Tournament. Buy raffle tickets at

iliary will be hosting a pre holiday sale. Many

Marilyn’s Catwalk in downtown Truckee,

items will be on sale at discounts, outside

Unique Boutique on West River Street

in the alcove in front of the gift shop. Social

and The Golf Shop at Old Greenwood. $50

distancing and mask will be required. 10 a.m.-

| tahoemountainclub.com

2 p.m. Free | tfhd.com

Preschool Storytime

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

on Instagram | Truckee | Oct. 15, Oct. 22

Get ready to read, dance, sing, and play

with this Storytime for preschoolers, happening live on Instagram each week. 10:30-11 a.m.

Free | placer.ca.gov

McConkey Foundation launches EcoChallenge The Shane McConkey Foundation, formed in 2012, to honor the bold, unforgettable spirit of the late Shane McConkey through random acts of kindness and charitable giving has launched the annual EcoChallenge. The program was established to empower students to participate in long-term environmental stewardship to protect the planet through actionable solutions.

Students form teams and identify an environmental problem in their school or community. From there, teams outline solutions and take action to make a positive impact.

Past EcoChallenge winners have installed low-flow sinks and toilets, collected plastic lids for benches and eco-bricks, established composting systems and eliminated Styrofoam packaging from school cafeterias.

Submit project reports online by April 9, 2021. The winners will be announced on Earth Day 2021. | shanemcconkey.org

7

TheTahoeWeekly.com

T I M ’ S TO P

TAHOE RIM TRAIL PICKS S TO RY & P H OTO S BY T I M H AU S E R M A N

T It always makes me happy to think about places to go on Tahoe Rim Trail, but it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few choices.

Follow Tim’s tips for the

Leave No Trace principles and for Pooping in the Woods at TheTahoeWeekly.com

ABOVE

Dicks Lake, Fontanillis Lake and Middle Velma Lake.

OPPOSITE PAGE

Lake Aloha.

8

he Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is a 165-mile trail that circles Lake

Tahoe. It travels through two states and three wilderness areas while providing a tremendous variety of spectacular terrain, including miles and miles of stunning views of Lake Tahoe. For the past 30 years, I’ve been spending a lot of time on TRT. In fact, it was my love for the trail that led me to my career as a professional writer when I wrote the first edition of “Tahoe Rim Trail: The Official Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers and Equestrians” in 2002. With the fourth edition of that book out now, Publisher Katherine Hill asked me to pass on a few tips for my favorite places to hike on the trail. That is both a good assignment and a challenging one: It always makes me happy to think about places to go on TRT, but it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few choices.

BEST VIEWS Christopher’s Loop | Since it is located about halfway (at 11.6 miles) between Tahoe Meadows and Spooner Summit, getting to Christopher’s Loop is a lengthy jaunt — but it’s worth it. From a high rocky crest, Sand Harbor and its lovely combination of green and blue water lies directly below. But then when you look out farther, it gets even better: Almost all of deeply blue Lake Tahoe reaches out to the south and west — and an added bonus is the view of Marlette Lake and Snow Valley Peak to the southeast.

Dicks Pass | Situated right in the middle of Desolation Wilderness along the Echo Lake to Barker Pass segment, Dicks Pass is a major climb for anyone hiking TRT. But at the top, two separate viewpoints show off eight mountain lakes. From the south side you can see Half Moon Lake, Alta Morris Lake, Susie Lake and a snippet of Lake Aloha. Move over about 100 feet to the north to see Dicks Lake, Fontanillis Lake and Middle and Upper Velma Lakes. Lakes not enough? How about the impressive visages of Dicks, Jacks and Pyramid peaks?

BEST EASY HIKES If the challenge of hefty climbs and major distances are not your style, here are a few easier bits of TRT to check out. The problem with easy hikes, however, is that they are easy, which means more people will be on these sections.

Tahoe City TRT North | Just 1 mile from Tahoe City toward Brockway Summit is a lovely view of Lake Tahoe and Truckee River. Two miles farther, enormous junipers hang on to the cliff edge as a wide panorama opens up of Truckee River and Twin Peaks.

Tahoe Meadows Trailhead | You can stroll across the meadow along Highway 431 near the Mount Ross pass, hopefully spread with wildflowers or fall colors along the way, then take on a gentle climb to Chickadee Ridge where views of Lake Tahoe can be found.

Also in Tahoe Meadows there are several easy loop trails on which to enjoy the high-altitude flora.

Mount Rose to Galena Falls | The 2.5 miles from the Mount Rose Trailhead to Galena Falls might be the busiest section of the entire TRT, which makes sense because it’s quite easy and comes with a sparkling waterfall at the end.

BEST PLACES TO TAKE A DIP Lake Aloha | The water is shallow, thus not bonechilling cold and there is a lot of smooth granite to lie on and warm up on after your swim after a 6-mile hike to the lake from Echo Lake. While sunning out the chill, you can enjoy glorious views of Crystal Range, which rises high above the lake’s western shore.

October 14-27, 2020 FEATURE

Showers Lake | Head in from Carson Pass and Showers Lake is just a 10-mile round trip. You will pass a wildflower paradise in Meiss Meadows and the slope below the lake. Also a great spot for fall colors.

You can also break up the trail and tackle sections over a couple of seasons if you like and join the 165 Mile Club. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association also hosts guided segment hikes each summer.

THRU HIKE OR SEGMENT HIKE

TIPS FOR BEING RESPONSIBLE

If you can’t decide which part of TRT to experience, you could always go out and thru-hike the whole thing.

Be sure to practice physical distancing anywhere you hike. This means you should be willing to step off the trail to keep your distance from others. If you choose a busy place, go there early in the day, midweek or save it for when the crowds dissipate in the fall.

Tahoe Rim Trail is a busy trail. Please follow the seven Leave No Trace principles, especially these three: Plan ahead and prepare, dispose of waste properly and be considerate of other visitors. In other words, make good decisions, pack it in and pack it out and remember that most folks head to the wilderness for peace and quiet, so don’t yell at your friend on the other side of the lake.

“Tahoe Rim Trail: The Official Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers and Equestrians” is available at local booksellers, through Tahoe Rim Trail Association and Wilderness Press. | wildernesspress.com, tahoerimtrail.org 

It takes the average hiker about two weeks to complete. Unfortunately, the trail is now closed for overnight use until Nov. 30 due to wildfire danger this season. But you can start planning now to tackle a thru hike for 2021. There are lots of logistics to consider; 165 miles and 29,000 feet of ups and downs is not for the faint of heart.

In lieu of the Annual Beer Tasting and Music Festival. Please join us in our joint effort with three local breweries to support Achieve Tahoe programs and these wonderful local businesses.

Purchase a ticket and receive a

Foam Fest Glass

SKI SEASON PASSES ON SALE No Blackout Dates at Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort or Cross Country Ski Center

plus (1) 16 oz. beer of your choice at all three locations!

For more info visit AchieveTahoe.org

Free Ski Days at Neighboring Resorts Restrictions apply Purchase Now and Receive Buddy Passes, Discounts + More

LEARN MORE + BUY NOW AT

TAHOEDONNER.COM/SKISEASONPASSES 9

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Stoked on a Perfect Climate

MARK’S COLUMN IS

SPONSORED BY

FROM SUMMER SERENITY TO DYNAMIC WINTERS S TO RY BY M A R K M c L AU G H L I N

D

Photo Credit | Photographer?

espite the global pandemic and a dry, warm autumn so far, the exhilarating season of crisp temperatures, dazzling snow and thrilling winter sports is fast approaching. Residents and visitors all have their favorite times of year in the Tahoe Sierra, but the region’s climate is ideal virtually year-round. Few places on the planet can boast meteorological conditions as inspiring for their contrast between soft, summer serenity and dynamic, winter weather.

LOCATED IN

TahoeDaves.com

all the snow falls on just 50 days, meaning three days of fair weather for every day Sierra Crest in the Tahoe Basin. | Mark McLaughlin

During the summer season, consistently clear days combine with mild temperatures and low humidity to create a unique mountain environment. The remarkable weather is the perfect complement to outdoor activities. In June, July and August, the probability of sunny skies exceeds 90 percent on any given day and average, afternoon high temperatures range between 70 and 80 degrees F. During winter, powerful storms originating in the Pacific Ocean dump 12 to 20 feet of snow at the 6,000- to 7,000foot elevation levels, with nearly double that higher near the Sierra Crest. The marvel is that statistically, all the snow falls on just 50 days, meaning three days of fair weather for every day of fresh powder.

WEATHER IN THE SIERRA NEVADA The region’s climate is closely representative of the Sierra Nevada as a whole. It is the interplay between the Pacific Ocean and the mountain barrier that creates the sharply defined seasonal weather patterns, which bring variety and change. Climate in the west is driven primarily by a semistationary, high-pressure system in the eastern Pacific Ocean. When the clockwise circulation is near or centered over California, it serves to block the eastward movement of Pacific storms. Precipitation is forced northward and the jet stream and storm track enter the continent over British Columbia and the Alaskan panhandle.

It resides in this position most of the summer producing clear skies with a warm, dry regime in the Sierra Nevada.

Rarely in summer, but frequently in winter, this persistent blocking dome of high pressure will recede well to the west and south toward the Hawaiian islands. When that happens, low pressure storm systems steered by an enhanced jet stream originating from either the Gulf of Alaska or mid-latitudes of the Pacific Ocean, invade the West Coast.

The source of the vector determines snow levels and precipitation character — from rain to slush to powder. A Sierra winter is made up of storm periods lasting from several days to a week or two. These atmospheric river events are interspersed with fair-weather conditions that may prevail for just a few days or as long as a month, producing spectacular bluebird days. The bulk of annual precipitation recorded in the Tahoe Sierra occurs from December to May with most of it falling as snow above 7,000 feet.

FACTORS IMPACTING SNOW A major factor for big snowfall totals is that eastbound, Pacific-generated storms intensify as they are forced up and over the Sierra massif in an atmospheric cooling process known as orographic uplift.

The towering range also serves as a divide separating the relatively warm, moist airstreams originating over the ocean from cold, dry air masses sourced from interior North America. These atmospheric and

HO M E I M P R OV E M E N T

topographic features combine to produce average snowfall totals of more than 400 inches; in wet winters depths can exceed 20 feet or more. California’s official annual snowfall record is 73.6 feet (1906-07), while the deepest snowpack measured at a weather station in the state is 37.5 feet (March 1911) — both occurred at Tamarack, southwest of Lake Tahoe.

Despite occasional overwhelming snowfall, weather-wise locals know that the region is located in a banana belt east of the Sierra Crest, spared from the heaviest precipitation that falls on the west or windward side of the range. Consider that Tahoe City averages slightly more than 32 inches of precipitation annually, while Blue Canyon at a similar latitude but slightly lower elevation on the Sierra west slope, receives 66 inches, more than twice that amount. Precipitation is rainfall plus snow melted for water content. There is no doubt that winter activities would be a much greater challenge if snow and rainfall amounts were doubled on this side of the hill.

LAKE TAHOE’S INFLUENCE Unlike other bodies of water in the Tahoe Sierra, Lake Tahoe has never been known to freeze. Massive Big Blue creates a maritime influence in the Tahoe Basin that keeps the local climate cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the town of Truckee just 14 miles from the North Shore. During summer heat waves, Truckee’s high temperatures can soar well above 90 degrees, but near

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Lake Tahoe temperatures are often 10 degrees cooler or more. The lake’s relatively warm water also affects snow levels. Although the town of Truckee is nearly 400 feet lower in elevation than Lake Tahoe, it averages 10 percent more snow each year due to lower temperatures and its proximity to spillover from Donner Pass.

During the summer months when seasonal monsoon moisture surges northwest from the Gulf of Mexico, severe thunderstorms may form over the region. Thunderstorms can pack a deadly punch to hikers, boaters and others exposed to its array of meteorological weapons — gusty winds, damaging hail, lightning strikes and most deadly of all, flash floods. When thunderstorms develop, get off lakes and mountaintops and away from streambeds.

Read more local history at TheTahoeWeekly.com THE MAGIC OF SPRING & FALL The off-peak seasons of spring and fall bring their own charm; storm activity diminishes rapidly and the chilly temperatures of winter moderate. In Tahoe City during May, the average high is 60 degrees in the shade, but with an expected 26 days of intense sunshine most days feel much warmer. Overnight lows hover around freezing, the perfect temperature range to enjoy spring skiing in the morning followed by a round of golf in the afternoon.

Autumn is spectacular. Aspen leaves shimmer with golden hues, while soft, calm days often infuse regional lakes with a mirrorlike quality. Maximum temperatures in September average 70 degrees, cooling another 10 degrees during October. Precipitation expectation increases during the course of the two-month period, but this time of year the weather is frequently pleasant.

The fall season has always been a favorite for hard-working locals craving days off and diminished crowds. It’s one of the best times of year for exploring the Sierra Nevada before the snow flies. Weather in the Tahoe Sierra can change moods in a flash, so visitors and locals should always pay attention to the forecast and keep their eyes to the sky. In his book, “Time Enough for Love,” science-fiction author Robert Heinlein’s wrote: “Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get.”  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.

October 14-27, 2020 GET OUTSIDE

eve nts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Wild & Free

The Terrifying Sport of Flume Riding

Virtual fundraiser South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 20

Facebook | Truckee | Oct. 17

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care’s annual Wild &

The V-flumes were used in many locations

Free fundraiser will be virtual this year. Wild

in Truckee. Besides moving logs and other

& Free is vital to its mission to rescue, re-

practical applications, V-flumes also created

habilitate and release injured and orphaned

an early recreational sport of flume riding.

wildlife. Registration is required. 6:30 p.m.

Hear the tales of the brave souls who dared

| (530) 577-2273, ltwc.org

to take on this amazing challenge and how it has evolved. 5-6:30 p.m. Free | facebook.com

We Are Change Makers webinars | Truckee | Oct. 23

Truckee River Day & Fair

We Are Change Makers Summit is a

Area venues | Truckee | Oct. 18

day-long virtual summit bringing together

It was that first Truckee River Day in 1996

global thought leaders who will inspire and

that spawned today’s Truckee River Watershed

challenge us to think bigger, be better, and do

Council. Since then thousands of nature-lovers

the work. All webinars will be recorded and

have shown up yearly with their gumboots,

available for one month. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

buckets, shovels and smiles to take on 100s of

$50-$150 | facebook.com

20 years

e o h a T u o y k n Th a Celebrating 20 Years

of service to the Lake Tahoe Boating Community

restoration projects throughout the watershed.

9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free | truckeeriverwc.org

Legion Sports Fest

Keep Sierra Clean Day

Resort at Squaw Creek Olympic Valley | Oct. 24, 25

Sierra-at-Tahoe Twin Bridges | Oct. 18

Massive Sports Competitions will include

the best athletes in the world from body-

The annual Keep Sierra Clean Day is back

building, strongman, armored combat, weight-

for its 15th year to get the winter playground

lifting, kickboxing, powerlifting and armwres-

ready for shredding. Grab a face covering

tling. Everyone is coming from all-time legends

and join other volunteers for a scenic ride

to the hottest social fitness stars. There will

up Grandview followed by a hike down the

be seminars, samples, fitness gear and food.

mountain to clean it for the winter. 10 a.m.-

| legionsportsfest.com

3 p.m. Free | (530) 659-7453, facebook.com

Virtual RUFF (Read Up For Fun) TR

High Fives Foundation California Golf Tournament

Facebook | Truckee | Oct. 28

Kids can join for a virtual visit with our

Gray’s Crossing | Truckee | Oct. 19

Call Steve at (775) 287-1089

for our full service, low rate guarantee.

TahoeBoatManagement.com

furry friends. Our volunteers tell a story to

At High Fives Charity Tournament enjoy

one of the therapy animals on Facebook. 4-5

18 holes of golf at Gray’s Crossing Golf

p.m. Free | (530) 582-7846, madelynhelling.

Course, Vice Pro golf balls, commemorative

evanced.info

face mask, arcade belt, Darn Tough Vermont socks and more. 8 a.m. $250-$750 | highfivesfoundation.org

Baby Storytime Facebook | Truckee | Oct. 19, 26

Join Miss Amy for songs, books, and early

literacy tips for babies during this Facebook Live event. 10:30-11 a.m. Free | (530) 4702695, mynevadacounty.com

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TheTahoeWeekly.com

THE makers

creative awareness | arts & culture | makers’ movement

Tahoe Sierra Public Art Tour, Part II C RYS TA L BAY TO SA N D H A R B O R S TO RY BY K AY L A A N D E R S O N

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part in a series

on public art in the Tahoe Sierra. Read Part I at TheTahoeWeekly.com.

T

o be honest, I never really thought about the public art that was available in some areas around the region in the decade or so that I’ve lived there until I made it a point to seek it out. And when I got started, I found or remembered all these other beautiful art pieces that tell the story of Tahoe’s past. From Crystal Bay Club’s crystals to Sand Harbor State Park, here are some of my favorite free and accessible artworks from Crystal Bay to Sand Harbor.

Outside the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau visitors can sit in a galis dungal, a traditional Washoe shelter built by Ben Rupert, a Washoe chief’s grandson.

Crystal Bay

Incline Village

Crystal & Bronze statues

Animal Statues

14 NV-28

Intersection of Highways 28 & 431

Within the walls of the Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 crystal and bronze sculptures created by Butch Vallee glisten from the entrance to the sportsbook which took Vallee between 250 to 400 hours to make.

The one by the cashiers’ desk is my favorite.

“The Brain” features a half a head peering into a brain full of purple and white crystals. Crystal Bay Club Casino marketing manager Sam Shear says that it cost $45,000 for the artist to make and he used 82 to 85 percent copper, which is a little bit higher grade than museumquality bronze.

In 2014, a group of locals were sick of the bottlenecks at the intersection of Highways 28 and 431 in Incline Village, so they petitioned Tahoe Transportation District and Nevada Department of Transportation to create a roundabout. After it was built, those same people formed the Incline Roundabout Public Art nonprofit and enlisted the help of local sculptor June Towill Brown to create bronze sculptures to place in the center. Local fauna such as a bear, deer and a coyote permanently stand among the native flora and overgrown brush.

Post Office Murals

“5 Kids in a Tree”

26 NV-28

845 Alder Ave.

Artist Bryce Chisholm painted murals on two walls at the Crystal Bay Post Office earlier this year featuring a Stellar Jay on one wall with a Bald Eagle on another wall.

12

As an avid reader, I frequent the Incline Village Library at least once a week and was pleasantly surprised when one day a bronze sculpture titled, “5 Kids in a Tree,” showed up next to the walkway. The bronze statue was created by sculptor Ken Ross and donated by longtime residents and book lovers Andrew Whyman and Barbara Perlman-Whyman.

Galis Dungal

Parasol Building statue

969 Tahoe Blvd.

948 Incline Way

Tucked into the trees along Highway 28 the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau provides information on what to do, see and where to go locally. Along with giving out pamphlets and selling locally made items, there is a gallery. Unfortunately, due to covid the art gallery is closed.

There are Native American artifacts and historical displays of native Washoe tribes in prime condition. Outside, however, visitors can sit in the galis dungal, a traditional Washoe shelter built by Ben Rupert, a Washoe chief ’s grandson.

Spinning Globe 926 Incline Way

The folks at the visitors bureau told me about this art piece in the lobby of Carson Tahoe Medical Group’s office.

While it took a minute to find, it was totally worth it. Created by German artist Josef Kusser of Kusser Graniteworks, this interactive feature in the center of the lobby is best described as a kugel-ball fountain: a rotating world globe that spins continuously in water. It’s mesmerizing to watch this oversized granite sphere spin around.

Donald W. Reynolds Community Nonprofit Center houses 12 nonprofits, among them is Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation. Thanks to generous donors, picnic benches, vibrant flowers and a bronze statue of a child holding an umbrella surround the building. The center allows for nonprofit collaboration and its bigger mission of enhancing and preserving the quality of life in Tahoe.

“Buddha’s Eye” 999 Tahoe Blvd.

At a liberal arts university, I’d expect to see some public art pieces, and this is definitely the case at Sierra Nevada University.

In 2005, sculptor Robert Wick donated a bronze sculpture called “Buddha’s Eye” to the university that is now on display in front of Prim Library.

Tahoe East Shore Trail 1924 Tahoe Blvd.

There’s a lot to love about the Tahoe East Shore Trail that starts at Tunnel Creek Café and takes bikers and pedestrians on a 3-mile paved path to Sand Harbor State Park, passing various beaches and pullout areas to take in Big Blue.

October 14-27, 2020 THE MAKERS

Share your favorite public art @TheTahoeWeekly on Facebook or Instagram #tahoepublicart

Email news to editor@tahoethisweek.com

Hiking

t he a rt s Alpine County Fall Photo Contest Markleeville | Oct. 14-Nov. 1

To celebrate this time of year, Alpine County is hosting the 2020 Fall Colors Photo Contest through Nov. 1. Photos that capture the people, places, animals, activities and/or natural beauty of Alpine County in the fall will be accepted. | (530) 694-2475, alpinecounty.com

Call for Artist Submissions Glass Garage Collective Stateline | Oct. 14-March 6

The Glass Garage Collective has issued a call to artists for “We Are All Guests Here” project to all participants to submit art on the theme: People + Place. Glass Garage Collective is a media and correspondence platform founded in 2020.

1 p.m. | glassgaragecollective.com

Call for artists and makers North Tahoe Arts Tahoe City | Oct. 14-Nov. 4

North Tahoe Arts is accepting applications for the annual Holly Arts Show for artists and makers to show and sell their fine arts and crafts in the Artisan Shop from Nov. 5 to Jan. 7, 2021. | (530) 581-2787, northtahoearts.com

Rasjad Hopkins art exhibit Scott Forrest Fine Art Studio South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 14-31

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: “The Beauty Way” mural on

Tahoe East Shore Trail | Kayla Anderson; Crystal Bay Club Casino’s “The Brain” crystal sculpture | Courtesy Crystal Bay Club; The sculpture in front of Parasol Foundation building | Kayla Anderson; Bald Eagle mural on the Crystal Bay Post Office. | Katherine E. Hill

Scott Forrest Fine Art Studio in South Lake Tahoe will display a new exhibit of oil paintings by Rasjad Hopkins, who has been influencing the creative market for decades. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | (310) 213-3333, facebook.com

Community of Writers Alumni Reading Series Zoom | Tahoe City | Oct. 22

However, this fairly new trail also hosts two public art pieces: a mural within the tunnel close to the start of the path and a small camera as part of Jonathan Keats’ Tahoe Timescape project installed next to the last viewpoint about 400 yards away from the Sand Harbor boat ramp.

Use our Public Art map to create your own art tour

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

“The Beauty Way,” painted by Tyler Rivenbark and Frida Ticehurst-Rivenbark, features a colorful landscape of mountains, animals, the sun and the water from within the tunnel. Tahoe Timescape camera is taking a 100-year exposure of Lake Tahoe in an attempt to record the changing environment. The project hopes people will contemplate what they can do to help maintain the beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

There is so much to see and do while finding art on Tahoe’s East Shore. Be sure to carve out some time to take in the manmade beauty and history that complements the natural surroundings. 

*Trails open depending on conditions.

Mileage is roundtrip, with levels based on family access.

All trails are more heavily used on weekends.

Each summer, recently published alumni are invited to return to read from their books and talk about their journey from unpublished writers to published authors. This year we’ve decided to hold the reading online. The event is free; preregistration required. 5:30-6:30 p.m. | (530) 470-8440, communityofwriters.org

The Art of Cherie Pinsky Keynote Used Records and Books South Lake Tahoe | Oct. 24

The Saturday Show of Support Series continues with a “Sound and Vision” celebration of Art and Music on Record Store Day, a masked and socially distanced viewing of works by Tahoe Art League member Cherie Pinsky. 11 a.m.5 p.m. | (530) 539-4312, maketahoe.com

Anna Bunnell artist’s talk Zoom | Incline Village | Oct. 28

Anna Bunnell, BFA 2019, was the recipient of the 2019 Perspective on Design award to continue making art after graduation. 5:30 p.m. | (775) 831-1314, sierranevada.edu

Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more Hiking Trails to enjoy.

TAHOE RIM TRAIL Moderate The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 164.8-mile loop trail that encircles Lake Tahoe. The trail is open to hikers and equestrians, and mountain bikers in some sections. It is generally moderate in difficulty, with a 10 percent average grade and elevations ranging from 6,300 to 10,333’. Visit tahoerimtrail.org for maps, guided hikes & descriptions.

LAKE TAHOE EAST SHORE

MARLETTE LAKE Moderate | 9 miles RT Walk along the dirt path through the picnic area and follow signs to Marlette Lake. Mostly sun exposed. Great wildflowers in early summer. Start at Spooner Lake State Park.

SECRET HARBOR & CHIMNEY BEACH Easy | 3 miles RT Follow the trail to Chimney Beach trail and follow the trail to the end and over a group of boulders to reach the sandy beaches of Secret Harbor (the wooden steps off the trail lead to the nude beach at Secret Cove). Off Hwy. 28.

SKUNK HARBOR Moderate | 2.8 miles RT This interesting hike ends at a beautiful cove lined with boulders and a luxurious sandy beach on the edge of Lake Tahoe with some of the warmest waters around the lake.

Visitors can look inside the historic party house owned by George and Caroline Newhall in the 1920s along beach.

Park north of gate; do not block gate off Hwy. 28.

SPOONER LAKE Easy | 1.8 miles RT Spooner Lake is a great, easy hike for any season with interpretive displays. At Spooner Lake State Park.

NORTH SHORE

PICNIC ROCK Moderate | 3.6 miles RT Just off the Tahoe Rim Trail, the expansive view from the top provides a panorama of both Lake Tahoe and the Martis Valley. A single track winds up, offering a gradual climb with no technical challenges, until reaching Picnic Rock, an old volcanic rock. Off Hwy. 267.

STATELINE LOOKOUT Easy | .5 miles RT This short hike offers superb views of Lake Tahoe.

A short, self-guided nature trail explains the history of the North Shore. Hwy. 28 in Crystal Bay. SOUTH SHORE

LOWER & UPPER ECHO LAKES Easy | 2.4-4.8 miles RT Lower and Upper Echo Lakes is a little-known paradise perched atop Echo Summit, 5 miles west of Meyers on Hwy. 50. The trailhead begins next to the dam. Once you reach Upper Echo Lake, 2.4 miles from the start, you’ll see a kiosk at a dock for a water taxi. You can take a taxi back or return the way you came, or continue into Desolation Wilderness.

The ride is a relaxing 20-minute tour through the channels connecting the two lakes. Taxi, cash only. (530) 659-7207.

WEST SHORE

CASCADE FALLS Moderate | 1.4 miles RT This boulder-strewn hike takes hikers to the waterfall descending from Desolation Wilderness into Cascade Lake. The falls are raging in the spring and are often a trickle by late summer. Near the end of the trail, walk up a large, flat boulder to the top of a hill where the trail can become confusing. Look for wooden posts marking the trail. Trailhead at Bayview Campground off Hwy. 89. Not recommended for small children or small dogs.

EMERALD BAY & VIKINGSHOLM CASTLE Moderate | 2.5 miles+ RT | No dogs Steep descent to Vikingsholm Castle. Can continue to Eagle & Emerald Points around the bay for easy hikes. Connects to Rubicon Trail (see below). Park on either side of rocky overlook in Emerald Bay on Hwy. 89. ADA access (530) 525-9529.

GRANITE LAKE Moderate | 2.2 miles RT A small alpine lake situated on the cusp of Desolation Wilderness, the hike is a popular entrance for hikers and equestrians to the back country and a spectacular trek towering over the pristine waters of Emerald Bay. Steady ascent of 850’ in less than 1 mile. Trailhead at Bayview Campground off Hwy. 89.

PAGE MEADOWS Easy-Moderate | 4-6 miles RT The hike to Page Meadows is a local favorite because of its easy access and beautiful scenery through forests to an expanse of several meadows. You can start the hike to Page Meadows from 64 Acres off Hwy. 89 along the Tahoe Rim Trail for a longer hike or from Ward Creek Boulevard off Hwy. 89.

RUBICON TRAIL & LIGHTHOUSE Easy-Moderate | .5-9 miles | No dogs Hike starts at Calawee Cove at D.L. Bliss State Park or Emerald Bay. Trail follows cliffs and coves along Lake Tahoe, nesting ospreys and eagles, short side trail to Rubicon Lighthouse, which is easy to access with small children.

Bliss closed for season.

BALANCING ROCK Easy | .5 miles | No dogs A short, self-guided nature trail featuring Balancing Rock, an overlying rock of 130 tones balanced on a rock. At D.L. Bliss State Park.

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK Easy | 1.5 miles RT The nature trail loops through the forest past an array of wildflowers and through several sections of dense slash bleached nearly white from years of sun exposure. There are great spots to relax on the beach below Ehrman Mansion.

ALPINE MEADOWS

FIVE LAKES Strenuous | 5 miles RT Five Lakes is a great hike inside Granite Chief Wilderness, with the first 1 mile+ a steady ascent with great views of Alpine Meadows. Trailhead 1.8 miles up Alpine Meadows Road from Hwy. 89 across from Deer Park Drive.

Dogs prohibited May 15-July 15.

OLYMPIC VALLEY

SHIRLEY CANYON & SHIRLEY LAKE Easy-Strenuous | .5-5 miles RT This hike follows a creek as it passes by waterfalls and spectacular granite boulders along Shirley Creek. Park at the end of Squaw Peak Road. The first section that follows the creek is great for kids. As you climb, the trail may sometimes be hard to distinguish, so keep the creek on your right going up and on your left going down. Can continue a strenuous climb to High Camp and take the Aerial Tram to the valley (schedule at squawalpine.com).

SQUAW & EMIGRANT PEAKS Moderate | 3.4-4.4 miles RT Ride the Aerial Tram to High Camp, elev. 8,200’, and choose from a variety of trails (maps from Guest Services or squawalpine.com). Climb to the weathered buttresses atop Squaw Peak, visit the historic Watson Monument at Emigrant Peak or meander through the meadows covered with wildflowers, and enjoy the panoramic views afforded from Squaw’s spacious upper mountain. Tram ticket required. Hikes in the meadows good for small children.

TRUCKEE

GLACIER MEADOW LOOP

Moderate | 1 mile RT Quick hike to the top of a volcanic outcropping offers panoramic views of the area off Hwy. 89 south of Tahoe City.

Easy | .5 miles RT Short, self-guided nature loop with signs that explain how glacial action carved and polished the surface landscape. Take Interstate 80 W from Truckee to the Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge Road exit.

EAGLE FALLS & LAKE

MARTIS CREEK WILDLIFE AREA

EAGLE ROCK

Easy-Moderate | .1-3 miles RT Great views of Lake Tahoe & Emerald Bay. Falls 5-minute walk from parking lot. Steady ascent to Eagle Lake not recommended for young children. West end of picnic area across from Emerald Bay, Hwy. 89.

Easy | 4 miles RT Loop through Martis Creek meadow for a walk along the creek. Off Hwy. 267.

13

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Libra (Sep 22-Oct 22)

Venus in Virgo continues to lead you into some measure of retreat mode. Mars in Aries, however, does indicate a combative mood. At worst, others may deem you belligerent. Ironically, that is what you perceive them to be. So, you are challenged to find the middle ground. Mercury in Scorpio, meanwhile, is leading you to dig deeper to see a bigger picture.

Scorpio (Oct 22-Nov 21)

Laying low works for you too these days. At worst, you feel scattered and stretched, but also compelled to share your views and to be heard and heeded.

Sharing intellectual exchanges with others is a source of pleasure all the while. Yet, you are wise to listen and be willing to learn, as well. Otherwise, you may feel energetically depleted due to intellectual resistance.

Sagittarius (Nov 21-Dec 21) The Sun in Libra is bringing all your beliefs and

principles to the fore. Challenges from others are either leading you to escape into the security of your existing convictions or to do your own research and investigations. Either way, themes of truth are a central theme.

Practical concerns and considerations are also featured and obtaining new tools and skills are appealing.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)

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Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19)

Libra time is ever one of change and transformation. Striking a balance between what you need to do to feel healthy and how you can still feel creatively inspired is a common theme. Currently, as the pendulum swings, the focus is on creative expressions. Positively, the process of engagement is also serving to open you to deeper levels of awareness and insight.

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 20)

A process of review and reconsideration of prior steps and actions is in the spotlight. This attitude will become increasingly apparent this week. You may have to unravel, and redo decisions and actions made this summer. This naturally implies more attention to the details so you will be investigating them.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 21)

It is likely that you have entered a cycle that is leading you to do some inner work. The goal is to increase your sense of courage to be true to what your instincts are telling you. Others may react skeptically, however. If so, be willing to engage them in a dialogue to both hear them out and to be heard.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 21)

Getting your affairs in order is a central focus now. Positively, this is already activating a creative focus. You are being guided to carefully consider your perspectives and interpretations, especially those you have deemed to be final. If engaged sincerely, a steady process of reinterpretation will guide you to see anew.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)

The urge to huddle close to home continues.

However, there are some disruptive and possibly disturbing influences that are at play. These may have to do with how you feel at home. Both inner feelings and outer circumstances are leading you to reconsider where how is and/or how it is arranged and organized.

Circumstances of late have ushered you back onto the stage. Positively, you are enjoying the cultural exchange and others are impressed by your ability to reveal subtle truths and emotional intelligence.

However, you remain challenged to keep an open mind and this will prove increasingly true over the coming weeks. What are the sources of your perspectives?

Aquarius (Jan 19-Feb 19)

With each new day, you yearn to see a bigger picture and more clearly. Previously held values and priorities are undergoing a purification process. More important than being right, you want to feel secure.

Cultivation of your skills and resources plays a key role in this regard. Directing your time, energy, and focus to your sphere of influence will strengthen your confidence.

Leo (Jul 22-Aug 23)

A steady stream of creative thoughts and ideas are flowing through your mind. As willing as you are to give, you also feel determined to get returns on investments. Meanwhile, you feel compelled to follow rabbit holes leading you down to much deeper perspectives.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)

The process of completing projects continues.

These are leading you to review and refine previous efforts. Positively, doing so is proving to empower and energizing, despite the additional efforts required. As well, the process is giving you the opportunity to express a more exact and, thereby, satisfying result. Fine-tuning your perspectives is the reward for your efforts.

If a couple of cooing birds tied you up and dragged you off, you would be pigion-towed.

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THE lineup

live OCTOBER 15 | THURSDAY

live music | shows | nightlife

Live Music Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Live Music Under the Tent Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Open Mic Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

Ash Relics

OCTOBER 16 | FRIDAY

A LIBRARIAN SINGS THE BLUES

Live Music Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Live Music Under the Tent Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

OCTOBER 17 | SATURDAY Live Music Under the Tent Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

OCTOBER 22 | THURSDAY Live Music Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Live Music Under the Tent Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

Open Mic Classic Cue, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m.

OCTOBER 23 | FRIDAY Live Music Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, Truckee, 6 p.m.

Live Music Under the Tent Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

OCTOBER 24 | SATURDAY Live Music Under the Tent Bar of America, Truckee, 8 p.m.

festivals | entertainment

S TO RY BY S E A N M c A L I N D I N

O

ne of the most difficult things to do in 21st Century music is create your own sound. With the release of sevensong LP “Ash Relics,” a small-town Sierra Nevada librarian has done just that.

Chris Seal was born in mid-70s New Orleans and raised in the indie rock hub of Portland, Ore. After viewing a rescreening of Led Zeppelin’s landmark rockumentary “The Song Remains the Same,” he picked up his first guitar at age 13.

“I saw Jimmy Page and thought, ‘I could do that,’” says Seal.

“ On a meta level, I’m an organizer and facilitator to access culture. As a musician, I’m a creator of the same culture.”

–Chris Seal

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Seal married his wife on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe in 2007 and soon afterwards resettled in Markleeville where he now works at the Alpine County Library.

He hosts a bluegrass jam there (now on Zoom) every Friday afternoon.

“On a meta level, I’m an organizer and facilitator to access culture,” says the multi-instrumentalist. “As a musician, I’m a creator of the same culture.”

Seal is a founding member of South Lake newgrass outfit Bison that traveled to Telluride Bluegrass Festival last summer to compete in the renowned band contest.

He also plays with proto-punk quartet Garbage Can featuring members of the notorious South Shore Riot crew.

“I think it’s great,” says Seal of the South Lake Tahoe music scene. “I definitely jam with people. Per capita, it’s a ridiculously talented community.”

Watch Ash Relics perform “Gone Again”

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Seal created Ash Relics as an outlet for his one-of-a-kind solo material. The band name is an anagram of his name; the analog project combines 80s-style drum machines with electrified blues guitar. The results sound a lot like what might happen if West Coast rap pioneer Too $hort and emo folkie Nick Drake got together to jam with the ghost of Jimi Hendrix in the German home studio of EDM innovators Kraftwerk.

BLUES

“It’s a one-man-band kind of project,” says Seal. “It’s more fun with other people, but it’s much, much simpler by yourself.

I did it out of limitations and necessity.

There are a lot of solo acts, but I wanted to do something bigger than just a guy with an acoustic guitar.”

Written and recorded in Seal’s downtime, the project has taken shape over the several years with the bulk of the recording occurring in 2019.

“With my level of perfectionism, I wanted to make sure,” says Seals. “I sat on it for a while. If I had a million dollars it would be promoted and distributed and all that.

But I can’t wait forever and have things be perfect. I just gotta do it. So I decided I’m just going to put this out.”

With three of the tracks already available on Ash Relics’ website, the full album will be released on major streaming platforms on Oct. 31.

“There’s a tortuous side of it; I have to do it,” says Seals. “It’s like an itch you have to scratch.”

ELECTRIFYING MISH-MASH OF BEATBOX BLUES The album opens with 7 minutes of raw Telecaster blues rocker, “Hard Times.”

“It comes from a place of emotion,” says Seals. “The words come out until it sounds like you want it to sound, but it doesn’t necessarily have a concrete subject. It’s kind of about the dilemma of modern culture.”

The simple, yet profound ZZ Top-ish riff of “Make Me Feel Good” was written while jamming with friends in Portland.

“We were having such a good time, that’s what I started singing,” says Seals. “I don’t mean to be obtuse, but that’s how I write.”

Chris Seal, a librarian in Alpine County, writes and records contemporary blues music under the anagrammatical pseudonym Ash Relics. | Courtesy Ash Relics

“Emerald Bridge” is a mellow instrumental fit for a sunset cruise while “Drive” features an electro-funk bassline reminiscent of Joe Walsh’s more experimental work.

“That one’s about how I’m not gonna let it get me down even if the odds are maximally against me,” says Seal.

The 3 minutes of straight-ahead “Gone Again” is the most Hendrix-like song of the bunch with Mitch Mitchell’s firepower drumming replaced by a Roland D2 Groovebox. “Inside” and the gorgeously rising album closer, “A Thousand Miles Away,” shift the tone to a melody-based, quasi-spiritual formula recalling late-era David Bowie.

“What I love about making music is going back to the roots of everything I’ve listened to,” says Seal. “I’ve been a rabid consumer of music all my life from underground folk to punk rock. I’m so deep into music as a fan that the next step is to become a creator. When you do get into that vibe where it’s just flowing perfectly, that’s meditation right there. It’s a moment of pure pleasure, pure enjoyment. It’s transcendent in a way.” | ashrelics.com  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.

October 14-27, 2020 EAT & DRINK

EAT &drink

Great Gold

moves to Truckee

food & libations | recipes | delicious events

Courtesy Great Gold

The Spice of Life

Partners Brandon Kirksey, Randal Hutchinson and David Steele announced the November opening of Great Gold Restaurant in Truckee’s Pioneer Commerce Center. The restaurant will feature Italian cuisine. Great Gold, a classic Italian American restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District, closed in August. The partners decided to move their expertise to Truckee.

Steele is the creator of Ne Timeas Restaurant Group, responsible for flour + water, Central Kitchen, Salumeria and Trick Dog. Kirksey has many years’ experience as an executive chef at such places as Tavolata in Seattle, flour + water and Great Gold in San Francisco and Truckee. Hutchinson met Kirksey in Seattle when he was general manager at Tavolata; he has worked at Pianeta in downtown Truckee for many years and will be the in-house sommelier for Great Gold.

With Great Gold’s rebirth in Truckee, the cuisine will evolve from strictly Italian American classics to the new location’s Mountain Italian cuisine. The food will be Chef Brandon’s creative take on Italian cooking, incorporating dishes and ingredients more at home in the mountains.

Highlights will include crisp salads, pasta made in house daily, main courses such as Crispy Skin Whole Smoked Chicken with Salsa Verde and Grilled Lemon, Fall-off-ofthe-Bone Calibrian Chile Baby Back Ribs, Great Gold Eggplant Parm and Roman-style pizza. To round out the menu, there will be three versions of family-style meals.

The restaurant will feature a solid-steel outdoor gazebo that seats 30 in front of the bocce ball court. The restaurant will be located at 11025 Pioneer Trail, Suite 104. | greatgoldtahoe.com

tasty tidbits Bulleit Bourbon Tasting Gar Woods | Carnelian Bay | Oct. 14

Learn about the distilling process while sipping on some of their spirits. Complimentary pairing appetizers provided. Must be age 21 and older. 5:30-6:30 p.m. | facebook.com

Foam Fest Truckee | Oct. 14-28

For $30 receive a Foam Fest mug and one 16-ounce beer at each participating location in October to support Achieve Tahoe: Truckee Brewing Company, Alibi Ale Works Truckee Public House and Fifty Fifty Brewing Company. $30 | (530) 581-4161, achievetahoe.com

S TO RY A N D P H OTO S BY P R I YA H UT N E R

F

lavor is the spice of life. The scent of Indian curry or Italian marinara sauce wafting through the home is distinctive.

They scream curry or oregano, respectively.

Each culture tends to use certain spices that are dominant in their cooking. When flavoring food, it all comes down to the spices and herbs we use when we cook.

Spices are classified as seeds, roots or bark, while herbs are leaves of a plant.

What is the difference between a spice and an herb? Spices are classified as seeds, roots or bark, while herbs are leaves of a plant. Spices tend to be more potent and more dominant than herbs and dried herbs are generally stronger than fresh herbs.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices.

Cumin one of the most commonly used.

Saffron is one of the most expensive. Cayenne pepper and Habanero peppers are two of the hottest or spiciest.

Think about the spices and herbs you have in your cabinet. There are the basics: salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, oregano and basil. There are sweeter spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla. Some spices in my home are standard such as dill, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom and celery seed. My spice drawer also has rosemary, tarragon, thyme bay leaves and sage.

I prepare a lot of Indian, Japanese and Thai food for myself and my clients. These dishes require a lot of spices and spice blends.

Third Man Taphouse to open Tahoe’s newest taphouse, Third Man TapHouse & Gourmet Deli, will be opening in mid-October in the Ski Run Center in South Lake Tahoe. Third Man will offer gourmet sandwiches, smoked meats, fresh baked breads, craft beer and fine wine. The menu will also include a quick service section to provide fast, to-go meals.

The menu features Philly Cheesesteak, Muffuletta, Caprese Eggplant Panini, Chipotle BLTA and other gourmet sandwich offerings, include a Build Your Own option. There’s also a daily soup and a kids’ menu. Third Man will feature 16 rotating draft beers, 100 bottled beers and an extensive wine list.

The taphouse is located at 3668 Lake Tahoe Blvd., and will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. | thirdmantaphouse.com

INDIAN SPICES Indian curries require several specific spices but the basics are cumin, turmeric, fennel, coriander and cardamom. Indian curry is a mixture of spices blending turmeric, chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground ginger and pepper.

THAI SPICES Thai curry can be yellow, green and red; each boasts a different flavor profile. I love green curry. Its dominant spice is green chilies, garlic, lemongrass, peppercorns and cumin seeds and is generally spicier than its other colorful counterparts. Yellow curry powder has a lot of turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek and ground chili peppers. Red curry is made from red chili peppers, garlic, sea salt, lemongrass and turmeric along with other ingredients like shrimp paste.

JAPANESE SPICES Japanese food is not inherently spicy, but it uses unique seasonings and spices to create its delicious flavors. Sesame seed and ginger are two common spices used along with salt, dried seaweed and bonito flakes.

Dried seaweed and bonito flakes end up behaving like spices or herbs but fall into a weird category that, once dried, becomes a seasoning and blends with other spices that make Japanese food unique. Mustard, chili pepper, wasabi, shiso (a Japanese herb) and shichimi togarashi (a seven-spice blend) are also used in Japanese cooking.

Playing with spices can be fun and creative. Too much of spice can overpower a meal. I am not a fan of dried oregano — too much will ruin my dinner. Fresh oregano in small doses adds a lovely touch to a red sauce. Basil is queen and it’s something I always keep on hand.

Cilantro is one of the more controversial herbs. I can eat it like salad while some people turn their noses up and think it tastes like soap. Cilantro pesto is one of my favorite things to put in a vegetable taco or quesadilla.

Colorful array of spices. | Priya Hutner

Try dill or mustard in an egg or tuna salad or curry or pesto in chicken salad.

Keep herbs and spices in a cool, dry place and in air-tight containers and out of direct sunlight. Store in a glass, plastic bags or stainless-steel containers. Some herbs and spices can be refrigerated or frozen for longer life. Toss out old spices.

It’s best to buy them in small amounts and use them regularly.  Enjoy the tastes of Tahoe

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

Priya Hutner is a writer, personal chef and workshop facilitator. She is the owner of the Seasoned Sage, which prepares organic artisan meals for dinner parties and events. She also offers in-home cooking classes, parties and local pop up dinners. As a breath meditation teacher and long-time yogi, she facilitates workshops and classes that focus on gaining a deeper awareness of self. Send story ideas to priya@tahoethisweek.com. | (772) 913-0008, pria78@gmail.com, seasonedsage.com

YELLOW CURRY POWDER From the kitchen of Priya Hutner 2 T ground coriander 2 T ground cumin 1½ T ground turmeric 2 t ground ginger 1 t dry mustard ½ t ground black pepper 1 t ground cinnamon ½ t ground cardamom ½ t cayenne pepper or ground chilies

Add all spices to a small jar and shake.

17

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FROM CHEF SMITTY’S KITCHEN

Chicken Cacciatore

BY C H E F DAV I D “ S M I T T Y ” S M I T H

Kings Beach Full Service on Patio & Takeout orders

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Reservations Recommended for Dinner

BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER Spindleshankstahoe.com | 400 Brassie Ave, Suite B · Kings Beach | (530) 546.2191

I

was talking a friend the other day about chicken, and he confessed that Chicken Cacciatore was his absolute favorite chicken dish. I told him I had written a recipe for that dish as one of my articles and he was all excited to check it out.

After looking through all my archived articles, however, I discovered I had not done Chicken Cacciatore. Serve it over pasta or rice and enjoy. 

David “Smitty” Smith is a personal chef specializing in dinner parties, cooking classes and special events.

Trained under Master Chef Anton Flory at Top Notch Resort in Stowe, Vt., Smitty is known for his creative use of fresh ingredients. Contact him at (530) 412-3598 or tmmsmitty@gmail.com.

I was talking a friend the other day about chicken, and he confessed that Chicken Cacciatore was his absolute favorite chicken dish.

Find more of Chef Smitty’s recipes

at TheTahoeWeekly.com

CHICKEN CACCIATORE

From the kitchen of: Chef David “Smitty” Smith

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

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.

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1 whole chicken, cut into 10 pieces (2 wings, 2 thighs, 2 drumsticks, 2 breasts, still on the bone and halved widthwise) 1 yellow onion, medium diced 1 red pepper, medium diced 10-12 mushrooms, quartered 2 garlic cloves, diced 1 14.5-oz. can whole tomatoes, cut into large dice ½ C dry white wine ½ C chicken broth 1 t oregano 1 t thyme 1½ T fresh basil, rough chopped 2 T oil 2 T butter ½ C flour Salt & pepper

Get the oil hot in a heavy skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, dredge in the flour and brown off on all sides in the skillet. Remove the chicken to a plate and add the butter, onion and red pepper and cook until they start to soften.

Add the garlic and stir for about half a minute before adding the mushrooms.

When the mushrooms start to brown, add the white wine and let reduce by half.

Add the tomatoes with the juice, stock, oregano and thyme and bring to a simmer.

Return the chicken to the pan covering it with sauce as much as possible. Place the pan into the oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is done.

Sprinkle with fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sunday through Thursday not valid w

October 14-27, 2020 EAT & DRINK

W I N E R IE S O F T H E S IE R R A FOOTHILLS

Sierra Starr Vineyard & Winery

Lakeview Deck and Patio Open daily for Dining 12-8pm

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

JasonsBeachSideGrille.com

•

(530) 546-3315

8338 NORTH LAKE BLVD., KINGS BEACH, CA

I

t’s almost an unfair advantage to have a wine judge in the family, and this selfsame judge has not only a great palate but also a knack for making interesting wines.

Add to the mix a founder (Dad) who is an experienced hand at intense farming and a good winemaker in his own right, a Mom who charms the customers in the tasting room, and another son whose professional musicianship draws crowds to the winery’s outdoor events and you end up with great wines, a beautiful setting in which to enjoy them, and a sky’s-the-limit attitude toward innovation.

That summarizes the verve of the Starr family in Nevada County, and explains why so many award-winning wines are giving this wine-growing area a place not only on the terrestrial wine map of the Sierra Foothills, but in California overall.

Sierra Starr started small, with a parcel that included 5 vineyard acres on the outskirts of Grass Valley. Phil and Anne Starr purchased this acreage in 1995 with the thought of relocating their Monterey County flower growing nursery to the more serene Sierra Foothills. Perhaps it was the old vines calling out to them that changed their minds. The heritage vines that had been planted in 1979-80 (Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel) gave a great baseline for vineyard and wine experimentation.

Phil planted an acre of Cabernet Franc in the summer of 1998, and in 2000, a Zinfandel vineyard using scion (fruiting) wood from the Ciapusci Vineyard, a lauded 100-year-old vineyard in Mendocino County. And then, in 2006 and 2007 more planting – additional Cabernet Franc vines and new plantings of Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet were added to the home ranch. Today, Sierra Starr vineyards comprise 12 acres of fruit and the winery produces 2,500 cases annually.

The experimentation never stops: Dry farming. Concrete egg for convection-current fermentation. A gravity-flow winery for energy efficiency. Semillon. Riesling.

Maybe it was the experience of farming in Monterey County that gave Phil and Anne their gumption. There are the long hard workdays – a given in farming – but there is also the let’s-try-it attitude toward risk-tasking that comes with the turf of an agribusiness venture.

Time is on the side of Sierra Starr and other wineries in this region. With global warming an established fact, the higher

Jack and Phil Starr. | Johan Martin

altitudes of the Sierra Foothills lend themselves to relatively cool nights and a longer growing season. The result is a bright fresh fruit character that shows through in the wines, with a nice acid retention.

“Climate change has put us in a sweet spot,” declares son Jack, who joined the family business fulltime in 2005. “We’re already seeing an enhancement of our area’s potential as a great grape-growing and winemaking region.”

The hot summer days in Grass Valley whet the appetite for a glass of cool white wine, and Phil is a huge fan of Sauvignon Blanc. “I am a fanatic about it. I read about it. I visit the regions where it is grown.”

Fortunately, his vineyards have rewarded him with great Sauvignon Blanc fruit. “Our winemaking is a process of trial and error, as it is for any winemaker,” Phil explains.

“We ferment our Sauvignon Blanc in many ways: stainless steel tanks, concrete egg, new French Oak barrels. And we blend from all those modes, and the blends vary.” A popular blend is Sierra Starr’s Solstice, which gives a great sense of Nevada County terroir with crisp and fresh flavors.

For Jack, his training as a wine judge and his own natural palate direct him more toward red wines.

“Regardless of all the great reds out there, I personally keep coming back to Zin. It is, after all, the heritage grape of California, and I love the spicy brambly red-fruit taste that is a bit high octane.”

Sierra Starr’s Old Clone Zinfandel is an all-estate wine made from the oldest Zinfandel vines in Nevada County, planted in the vineyards in 1980. It has a sense of place and highlights the characteristics of Foothills Zinfandel.

Sierra Starr’s Tasting Room is located at 124 W. Main St. in Grass Valley. Call for schedule. | (530) 477-8282, sierrastarr.com 

Fine Italian Food & Spirits

Locals Love Lanza’s!

(530) 546-2434 BAR - 4:30 p.m. DINNER - 5 p.m.

7739 N Lake Blvd - Kings Beach

LanzasTahoe.com

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

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an excerpt from the second edition of the popular guidebook “Wineries of the Sierra Foothills: RiskTakers & RuleBreakers” available now on Amazon.

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