Maritime Annex Open House

Tahoe Maritime Museum hosts an Open House at the Truckee Annex from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 5, weather permitting. See vessels and artifications not on display at the Homewood museum.

Located at 10434 River Park Place. Free admission with Toys for Tots donation. $5 adults, free children 12 and under and members. (530) 525-9253.

Emerald Bay Trip

Truckee-Donner Parks and Rec. is offering a trip to Emerald Bay on Oct. 2 to visit one of the sites where the Tahoe Diver’s Conservancy is working to eradicate invasive species in Lake Tahoe.

Learn about zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand clams, curly leaf pondweed, millefoil and other species that are threatening the Lake.

The trip is from 9 a.m. to noon and is limited to 14 people. The cost is $52 per person. To register, call (530) 582-7720.

Lodge to Lodge Kayak Tour

Tahoe Adventure Company offers a multi-day kayak adventure includes guided paddles, spotting local wildlife and learning about natural and human history on Sept. 24 to 27 and Oct. 1 to 4.

Arrive at your lakefront hotel for a hot shower, warm meal by afternoon. Relax, socialize or get a massage.

$990 per person for groups of five to eight, $1,190 pp for groups of three to four, $1,390 per person for two. Includes kayak, gear, professional guide, meals, lakefront lodging, snacks and refreshments. Reservations (530) 913-9212.

TRPA buoy deadline Oct. 15

Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – Orange notice tags will begin showing up on buoys around Lake Tahoe over the next four weeks as part of an effort by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) to get the word out that a permitting and registration deadline is approaching for all Lake Tahoe moorings such as buoys and boatlifts.

TRPA’s Watercraft Enforcement Team started attaching the notices to buoys and other moorings such as boatlifts and boathouses this week. Buoy and mooring owners have until October 15 to begin the permitting and registration process, required under the Agency’s shorezone ordinances.

The permitting and registration program will help fund much-needed enforcement on the Lake to address the proliferation of unauthorized buoys in Tahoe. The Agency’s rules on boat mooring were updated in December of 2008 in part to create an effective, locally operated buoy enforcement program.

An October 15 deadline has been set for mooring owners to begin the process. Those who fail to meet the deadline risk penalties that could include buoy removal. The orange tags now being attached to buoys are a follow-up notification to buoy owners of the October 15 deadline. Two notifications were mailed to lakefront property owners, one last November and one this July.

“We are here to help walk buoy owners through the process and customers who contact us have been impressed with what we are doing to assist them,” TRPA Community Liaison Jeff Cowen said.

The buoy permit application process was modified in July removing the need in most cases for site surveying. Additionally, permitting and registration may be completed over-the-counter and applicants with minimum requirements are usually issued TRPA registration tags the same day. Latitude and longitude coordinates for buoys are one requirement of the application which TRPA customer service staff can help property owners gather.

“Most important right now is for buoy owners to not delay or ignore the notice,” Cowen said. “What we don’t want is for legitimate buoy owners to potentially lose their moorings because they didn’t meet the deadline.”

There are approximately 4,400 mooring buoys in Lake Tahoe and, until this year, administering them has been a challenge for TRPA as well as state and federal agencies with permitting authority over buoys. New registration and mitigation fees for buoys will help fund the watercraft enforcement program, buoy enforcement as well as scientific monitoring programs.

Owners of buoys and other moorings such as boatlifts and boathouses can access electronic forms at www.trpa.org and may submit the appropriate forms by mail or in person at the TRPA office at 128 Market Street in Stateline, NV.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency cooperatively leads the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region now and in the future. For additional information, call Dennis Oliver at (775) 589-5235 or email todoliver@trpa.org.

Kayak Safety class

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary wraps its series of safety classes with a Kayak Safety class on Oct. 3 (the class was originally scheduled for Oct. 10). The class will include an introduction to kayaking, selecting a life jacket and protective clothing, recommended safety equipment, cold water hazards and more. This class is $30 per person and will be held at the Coast Guard Station in Lake Forest. To register or for more information, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334.

Court Ruling Allows Shorezone Permitting to Continue

Judge Issues Injunction Decision


Contact: Julie Regan, TRPA Communications and Legislative Affairs Chief, (775) 589-5237

For Release Immediately September 18, 2009

Lake Tahoe, CA/NV - Pier and buoy permitting at Lake Tahoe will be allowed to continue under a federal court ruling made in the legal dispute over TRPA's shorezone program.

A federal judge agreed with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's legal brief in response to litigation filed by the League to Save Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Club to allow buoy and pier permitting to continue while the lawsuit moves through legal channels, according to Nicole Rinke, TRPA's General Counsel.

"TRPA successfully made the case to continue the permitting process for buoys and piers to further our goal to improve how boating activities are regulated on Lake Tahoe," Rinke said. "While no construction of new piers or buoys is allowed until after the lawsuit is sorted out by the courts, TRPA will continue moving forward to carry out the new shorezone plan and is optimistic the courts will agree with our approach when the lawsuit is resolved."

After a 22-year debate of how best to manage development in Lake Tahoe's shorezone, the TRPA adopted new policies and ordinances in October 2008, which have since been challenged by environmental organizations. The plaintiffs argued for an injunction on all permitting of new buoys and piers but the court did not grant the full injunction. The merits of the entire lawsuit are being evaluated by the courts.

"It's crucial for the public to understand that the new shorezone regulations set development caps on new buoys and piers and establishes mitigation measures, making the new rules more protective than previous ordinances," Rinke said. "There are already nearly 800 piers and approximately 4,500 buoys on the lake today. With our new shorezone program we can better manage boating activities and protect water quality at Lake Tahoe from environmental threats including invasive species."

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency cooperatively leads the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region now and in the future. For additional information, email jregan@trpa.org<mailto:jregan@trpa.org>.

###

Jeff Cowen
Community Liaison
(775) 589-5278

Donner Lake & Beyond

While Lake Tahoe is one of the premier lakes in the Sierra, it is far from the only one. The Sierra Nevada is filled with hundreds of lakes and reservoirs that make boating and other water activities a popular pastime throughout the vast mountain range.

Locally, among the most visited bodies of water outside of Lake Tahoe are Donner Lake and Boca, Stampede and Prosser Creek Reservoirs.

Donner Lake

Donner Lake is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and can get crowded on the weekends. But, you’ll find it a fantastic spot to put in for a glorious day of cruising. Donner Lake is just under 3 miles long and about three-quarters of a mile wide, giving boaters, kayakers, water skiers and wake boarders lots of room to spread out and have fun.

Unlike Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake does not require inspections for quagga and zebra mussels, although a ramp attendant recently remarked to me that “they might wish they had” if they spread to the alpine lake. Just remember that if you have your inspection sticker for Lake Tahoe and you visit Donner Lake, you’ll have to pay for your inspection again when you return to Lake Tahoe.

Donner Lake is a mostly residential area with a mix of locals, vacationers and second homeowners. The north shore is home to Donner State Memorial Park, the boat launch, Donner Lake Marina and what few services there are.

From Truckee, take Donner Pass Road, which runs along the north shore. You’ll find the public boat launch near the west end of the lake. If you want to stock up before hitting the water, stop at Donner Pines Market or enjoy breakfast or lunch at one of the area’s best eateries – Donner Lake Kitchen. They are both located on the North Shore, about 1.8 miles before the boat launch.

The Truckee Parks & Rec Department operates the launch, which is open 24 hours a day. Attendants are on-site from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily with fees $7 for California residents and $10 for out-of-state during those hours. Parking is $2. There are public restrooms at the launch site.

All boat traffic on Donner Lake goes counter-clockwise and the speed limit on the lake is 35 mph from sunrise to sunset; it drops to 10 mph from sunset to sunrise. The speed is 5 mph nears the homeowner’s beaches – Donner Lake on the west end and Tahoe Donner on the east end – as well as near the public West End Beach. These areas are off-limits to boat traffic, so don’t enter the swimming areas.

If you want to rent water toys, kayaks or personal watercraft, Donner Lake Marina on the west end (just west of the boat launch) and Donner Lake Watersports on the east shore can help. There are no fuel, pump or launch services on the lake, however.

What the lake does have in abundance is public piers – there are 35 public piers on the north shore. You can use them to sunbath or picnic, but please be courteous of private piers. Also, the only restrooms are at the boat launch or Shoreline Park, which is about midway on the north shore and can be reached from the beach. And there are no public piers on the other shores.

The Reservoirs

Boca, Stampede and Prosser Creek reservoirs are great places to visit for a day on the water just outside Truckee. They also offer many camping options, so you can plan a prolonged trip to these area waterways. And, there are no launch fees on any of the reservoirs. However, there are no services near the reservoirs, so stock up in Truckee or at United Trails General Store on Hirschdale Road right off Interstate 80.

Prosser Creek Reservoir, the smallest of the three, is closed to power boats and personal water craft. The speed limit is 10 mph, making it a great spot for fishermen. From Truckee, take Highway 89 to Prosser Dam Road. You can launch from several unimproved locations.

Boca Reservoir is the most easily, and quickly accessible from Interstate 80. You can take the Hirschdale exit or continue on the dirt road from Prosser Dam Road off Highway 89 North.

The Boca area was once a booming industrial area providing ice to railcars carrying goods to the east and lumber to the gold and silver mines from the mid-1860s. There was also a former town near the present-day reservoir and the area was home to the Boca Brewery, said to be “warranted to keep in any area.”

Today, Boca is a favorite spot for personal watercraft and ski boats. There are about 14 miles of shoreline with the depth ranging from 50’ to 80’, with the deepest part near the dam. You can reach the paved boat ramp by taking Boca Lake Road off Hirschdale Road and crossing the dam.

There’s a 45 mph speed limit on Boca from sunrise to sunset, and only 10 mph from sunset to sunrise. In the coves, the speed limit is set at 5 mph.

The largest of the trio is Stampede Reservoir, located a few miles north on Hirschdale/Stampede Road. With about 25 miles of shoreline, the amoeba-shaped reservoir has lots of coves, inlets and spots to get away from the crowds. Stampede averages 90’ to 120’ of depth.

There’s a 45 mph speed limit on Stampede from sunrise to sunset, and only 10 mph from sunset to sunrise. There’s a 5 mph limit within 200’ of the boat ramp, near moored boats, swimmers and the swimming beach. The launch is located on Dog Valley Road off Stampede.

Lake Tahoe's water trail

The Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee released a new edition of its “Lake Tahoe Water Trail Map & Guide” earlier this summer, and if you haven’t picked up a copy, you need to get one.

The map is a waterproof and tearproof map of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake that was specially designed for kayakers to help them navigate on their own around the lake. The map is an ingenious idea and features GPS waypoints, put-in points (including boat ramps, marinas and spots to put in by car) and a list of local sites of interests. But, probably the most useful information is the guide that lists lodging, boating, camping, picnicking, dining and other useful information to aid in your trip around Lake Tahoe.

While originally designed with kayakers in mind, any one that spends time on the water will find this map a great tool to have with them.

The map is wonderfully detailed with lake depths and cleared marked shorelines, with both public and private lands clearly marked. I have a collection of Tahoe maps, and this is one of the best-produced and most useful maps I’ve ever seen.

As I was reading my copy of the map recently (and, I love to read maps), I marveled at the amount of time and energy that has been devoted to this particular guide. The Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee, a group of paddling advocates, has compiled 294 places to help kayakers navigate the lake from public beaches and campgrounds to restaurants and lodging that can be accessed by the lake.

There are also historical points of interest including the Thunderbird Lodge, Tallac Historic Site, Sugar Pine Point State Park and many others. They also include a list of local outfitters accessible by water in case you need supplies and interesting points like the underwater barge in Emerald Bay or the Lakefront Wedding Chapel in South Lake (I guess in case you decide to be wed during your trip around the lake).

The map features a point with a color-coded key. On the back is detailed information on each site including a key that will tell you if there’s a pier, fuel, lodging, camping, restaurants, restrooms, local transit, outfitter, showers, phones and much more. As well, they provide local emergency information and contact information for local visitor’s centers to help you on your trip.

The maps retail for $10.99 and are available at most local outfitters and bookstores. For more information on the map of the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee, visit www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

Zebra & Quagga Mussels

The Committee also includes information on the map about the zebra and quagga mussels, two invasive species that the TRPA is trying to keep from infecting Lake Tahoe. These mussels can be transported from infected waterways to Lake Tahoe, causing significant damage to clarity and will clog and damage boats and municipal water systems.

These mussels can survive for weeks in standing water or on any wet material from kayaks to PFDs, wet suits, clothes, shoes and other equipment. The most effective way to prevent their spread is to clean, drain and dry anything that has touched the water. If kayakers launch at a public boat launch, they are required to have an inspection, which is provided free for all non-motorized vessels. If you’re not sure about your equipment, please take the time to have this free inspection done. (There’s a fee for motorized vessels.) For more information on the mussels, visit www.protecttahoe.org. To find a local inspection site, see the list of public launches on our Marina chart in this edition.

Lodge to Lodge Kayak Tours

Tahoe Adventure Company is offering the first Lodge to Lodge Kayak Tour along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail from Sept. 24 to 27 and from Oct. 1 to 4.

The tours feature a multi-day kayak and stay package along the West, North and East shores of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy the glassy, clear waters with early morning guided paddles spotting local wildlife and learning the unique natural and human history of this special region.

In addition to thorough instruction, guides will inform participants about natural and human history topics such as wildlife, geology, ecology and native peoples. Kayaking is at a leisurely pace, allowing time to see the sites and enjoy the crystal clear water. Each day's paddle starts after breakfast, finishes in the afternoon and is suitable for beginners. Evenings are enjoyed with delicious meals at local restaurants.

Space is limited. For details, call Tahoe Adventure Company at (530) 913-9212.

Emerald Bay trip

Truckee-Donner Parks and Rec. and Tahoe Diver’s Conservancy is offering a trip on Sept. 11 to Emerald Bay to visit one of the sites where the Tahoe Diver’s Conservancy is working to eradicate invasive species in Lake Tahoe.

Learn about zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand clams, curly leaf pondweed, millefoil and other species that are threatening the Lake. Participants will be able to observe conservancy divers at work on the site. The trip is 9 a.m. to noon and is limited to 14 people. The cost is $52 per person. The trip, without divers at work, also will be offered on Oct. 2. To register, call (530) 582-7720.

Kayak Safety Class

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary wraps its series of safety classes with a Kayak Safety class on Oct. 10. The class will include an introduction to kayaking, selecting a life jacket and protective clothing, recommended safety equipment, cold water hazards and more. This class is $30 per person and will be held at the Coast Guard Station in Lake Forest. To register or for more information, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334.

East Shore lore

The boulder-strewn East Shore south of Cave Rock is a great place for cruising and sightseeing, but with few safe spots to pull ashore. So, it’s best to admire the shore from a safe distance and go in only at the local marinas.

You can head across to the East Shore from any spot on Lake Tahoe, or launch at the public ramp at Cave Rock State Park. To start a cruise toward South Lake, it’s best to head north past Cave Rock for the best view of one of the area’s natural wonders.

Cave Rock is named for the small caves above Highway 50 that were cut by waves when the lake was 200’ higher during the ice ages. Cave Rock is not a rock, however, but the neck of an old volcano.

It also is a sacred site to the Washoe, Tahoe’s native people. The Washoe once spent the summer hunting and fishing in the Sierra, living along Lake Tahoe’s shores. In the winter, they would travel to the Carson and Washoe valleys. Cave Rock was considered the home of the Lady of the Lake, a guardian spirit of the Washoe. They would hold important religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, at Cave Rock.

Looking south toward Cave Rock, you can make out the features of the Lady of the Lake – her chest starts at the water and the features of her face are formed by the rocks up to her “eyelashes.” Today, Highway 50 runs through the rock through two tunnels.

The stately homes of the East Shore are made even more dramatic by the boulder-strewn shores, where many homes seem to have emerged right out of the granite.

Boaters on the Lake will notice the distinct differences between the East and West shores. While the West Shore is heavily forested with vast beaches and high cliff walls on the southern end, the East Shore is most noted by its granite boulder piles jutting out on points up from the lake and along the shoreline.

Intermixed among the lakefront homes that seem to perch on the boulders is the former Harrah home. The gray structure with square windows is non-descript among today’s estates, save for the tree growing up through the porch. The home was often used by visiting entertainers at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, most notably Elvis Presley, who was known to hit golf balls into the Lake.

Zephyr Cove comes into view with its large, sand beach and the paddle wheeler “M.S. Dixie II.” Millionaire eccentric George Whittell Jr. once owned 24 miles of Lake Tahoe shoreline in the 1930s extending from Zephyr Cove north along the East Shore around to present-day Kings Beach.

Zephyr Cove offers fuel and other boat services, along with boat and water toy rentals. There’s a public beach next to the marina, and you can stay the night with a buoy rental from the marina and cabin rentals available from the resort. You’ll also find the Sunset Bar & Grille next to the beach, with Zephyr Cove Restaurant a short jaunt from the beach. There’s also a general store next to the restaurant to stock up on supplies.

Heading south, you’ll round Zephyr Point. Be careful of the underwater boulders and stay well away from the point. Around the point, you’ll enter Marla Bay, with a long stretch of sand beach. The Round Hills Pine Beach & Marina is on the south side of the bay. The beach is open to the public and the marina offers water toy rentals, heated swimming pool, bar and grill, and the Rum Bar right on the beach, but no fuel or pump services. You’re welcome to moor your boat at the pier to come ashore for a bite.

Leaving Marla Bay, you’ll come around Elk Point with Round Mound above at 6,717’. The mountain is named for its round appearance, making it easy to spot. While the point is rimmed with dangerous boulders, Nevada Beach lies ahead. The vast, sandy beach stretches down to Edgewood Golf Course. Enjoy the beach, but only admire the golfers from the lake, as Edgewood has no boat access.

The casinos of South Shore tower above the Lake right before the California state line. Just south of the casinos is Lakeside Marina, the closest marina to the casinos. Lakeside offers full marine services including launching, as well as power boat and water toy rentals. You can grab a bite at Lakeside Beach Grill. However, the beach on either side is private.

South Lake Tahoe is the largest developed area around Lake Tahoe, stretching from the East to West shores. I’ll explore more of South Lake in a later column.

Maritime museum unveils photos

Tahoe Maritime Museum unveils a display of select 1960 photos by official 1960 Olympic photographer and long-time resident Bill Briner, with a presentation by Briner on Aug. 27 at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments served at 5 p.m. (530) 525-9253.

Marine news tidbits

I’ve had a lot of interesting, marine-related news items come across my desk recently. As the pile gets higher, I thought it would be good time to share some of these items with the marine community.

Boat Camp open

The Emerald Bay Boat Camp reopened a few weeks ago after being closed while work was being done of the pier. The camp is located on the north side of Emerald Bay and offers 21 campsites with buoys available. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot tie-up on the pier, and buoys are limited to vessels 30’ in length. As well, you can bring dogs to your campsite, but they are not allowed on any of the surrounding lands, which are part of the Emerald Bay State Park. For more information, call (530) 541-3030.

Sand Harbor boat launch closed

Lake Tahoe’s water level forced the recent closure of the boat ramp at Sand Harbor State Park, marking the third such closure this season. The Tahoe Vista and Kings Beach boat ramps have been closed since early spring.

Kayakers and non-motorized vessels may still launch at Sand Harbor and TRPA inspections for quagga and zebra mussels will continue there.

The closure of Sand Harbor will mean longer lines at the remaining ramps. Cave Rock is now the only East Shore ramp still open, with Lake Forest outside Tahoe City the only ramp open on the North Shore. West Shore and South Shore boat launches remain open, and marinas around the lake continue to offer launching services. For more information, see the Marinas chart on the facing page.

Roadside inspections

The TRPA is currently reviewing a proposal to open 24-hour boat inspection stations along the highways leading into the Lake Tahoe Basin to stop the potential spread of quagga and zebra mussels. The proposal is being considered after reports of boaters skirting the inspections now conducted at boat ramps and marinas. The proposed stations would be along U.S. 50 in California and Nevada and Highways 431, 207, 89 and 267.

Another proposal being considered would be to have two or three centralized locations for boat inspections in place for summer 2010 instead of the inspections now done at dozens of locations around Lake Tahoe. The board is expected to consider staff reports on these proposals this month.

Vessel Safety Checks

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary continues to offer free vessel safety checks and will even come to you for a check. The Auxiliary has reported a more than 500 percent increase in checks on Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake this season. There is no reporting of their findings to any agency, and those passing the inspection will receive a decal noting that all required safety equipment is on board.

Mandatory equipment on motorized vessels less than 26 feet in length require the following safety items onboard: visual distress signal device (like a ski flag); a sound-producing device (whistle, horn, bell, etc); fire extinguisher; properly fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD/life jacket) for all passengers and operators; a readily accessible throwable Type IV cushion (not stowed); working ventilation system (inboard or I/O engines); and working navigation lights. Mandatory equipment for kayaks and canoes are a properly fitting PFD with a whistle attached to the PFD.
If the Coast Guard or one of the law enforcement agencies finds a vessel does not have the required safety equipment, fines may range from hundreds to a few thousands dollars. To make an appointment for your free Vessel Safety Check, call Joe Harris at (650) 279-9159. Checks can be performed at your residence, boat ramp or other North Lake Tahoe location.

Historic East Shore

The boulder-strewn East Shore remains largely undeveloped today thanks to an eccentric millionaire that once owned more than 24 miles of shoreline, most of which was on the East Shore.

If you want to spend the day exploring the East Shore, plan ahead. The only East Shore launch open is at Cave Rock and the closest on the North Shore is a Lake Forest outside Tahoe City. As well, if you launch from Cave Rock, there are no services heading north up the shore. On the North Shore, Sierra Boat Company in Carnelian Bay or North Tahoe Marina in Tahoe Vista are you closest source of supplies. Remember, the only location to dock in Incline Village is the Hyatt Regency, where you can grab a bite to eat, but with no gas services.

There are many large, underwater boulders along the East Shore and the depth of the lake can be deceiving. As well, this year we are experiencing low water levels, so use caution when going ashore.

Leaving Incline Village, the last few homes built into the boulder-strewn hillside will suddenly stop, replaced by undeveloped shorelines at Hidden Beach, a nude beach.

One note of warning for families, the East Shore is home to several nude beaches, so stick to the large, sandy beaches and you’ll likely avoid the nude sunbathers. For the rest of you, stop drooling, it’s rude.

You’ll continue along the expanse of boulder-strewn shoreline until you see the vast sand beaches of Sand Harbor State Park.

Sand Harbor is one of Lake’s Tahoe best beaches. There are beaches rimming the entire point, with shallow waters that are among the warmest on the lake. It’s also a popular spot of kayakers, so keep your eyes open.

Unfortunately, the boat launch at Sand Harbor closed on Aug. 5 due to low water level, so it’s not accessible. However, there are many great spots to anchor and enjoy the swimming spots (which are roped off, so keep your boat out of these areas). Sand Harbor has picnic areas and a visitor’s center, and is home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, playing through Aug. 23.

Leaving Sand Harbor, on the next small point you’ll see the Thunderbird Lodge, one of the grandest estates on Lake Tahoe, built by George Whittell Jr.

Whittell was an odd man with exotic tastes from the lions and elephants he kept as pets to the many mistresses he was rumored to have. Whittell bought 24 acres of pristine wilderness along Lake Tahoe in 1936. Stretching from Kings Beach in California to Zephyr Cove in Nevada, Whittell had grand plans of developing casinos and housing projects.

Whittell sold off parcels in Crystal Bay and Incline Village to developers, while the land for Kings Beach he is rumored to have lost in a poker game to Joe King. However, as he grew older his desire for privacy, mixed with a bit of the paranoia (he hid listening devices throughout most of his own home), led him to abandon plans for development. Although, in his later years, the state of Nevada persuaded him to donate the land that is now Sand Harbor State Park.

Whittell’s former estate is now preserved and maintained by the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society.

From the shore, you can see the Main Lodge, Card House, the Boathouse, which houses the “Thunderbird,” with the Caretaker’s Cottage and an elephant garage on the hillside above. You can cruise past the estate, but you cannot go ashore. Tours of the estate are open to the public only through Tahoe Adventure Company with kayak tours, Tahoe Boat Cruises with boat tours and by shuttle; see Sightseeing for contact information.

Leaving the Thunderbird Lodge, there is a succession of public beaches heading down the East Shore. With the exception of the Thunderbird Lodge, most of the shoreline from Incline Village to Skunk Harbor is state or federal land and is open to the public. There are a few scant pockets of private land, so if you spot a home, pick another spot to come ashore.

The first beach you’ll come to is Chimney Beach, so named for the chimney that is the sole survivor of a former beach house, making it easy to spot from the Lake. Followed by Secret Cove, a nude beach, and Secret Harbor, rounding out the south end of this small bay. Chimney Beach is a wide, sandy beach, while Secret Cove is sheltered by boulders and trees along the shoreline. Despite it’s name, however, Secret Harbor is rather popular with beach-goers, kayakers and boaters. And, dogs are allowed on all of the beaches.

The next harbor will be Skunk Harbor a great spot for swimming or boat camping. On shore, you’ll see the remnants of a guest house and cook house once owned by George Newhall, who also owned an elaborate summer estate on the West Shore. The home was built in 1923 as a retreat from Tahoe’s busy social scene and later sold to Whittell, who lived there during the construction of the Thunderbird Lodge and used it as a guest house and retreat.

Leaving Skunk Harbor and continuing south, you’ll round Deadman’s Point and began to see some homes along the shoreline before entering Glenbrook Bay, one of the Lake’s oldest communities. Glenbrook was once an epicenter of industry in Lake Tahoe. After the discovering of silver at the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, vast amounts of timber were cut around Tahoe, brought across the lake to Glenbrook then loaded on rail cars and carried to the top of Spooner Summit where they rode the flumes to the Carson Valley. The remnants of the three railroad piers that once meet the log booms can still be seen jutting out of the lake. Glenbrook, however, is now a private community and is not open to the public.

You’ll start to see vast estates along the East Shore after leaving Glenbrook Bay. As you head south to Cave Rock, a large volcanic plug noticeable from most of Lake Tahoe, you’ll spot Logan Shoals Marina. The marina, however, is private and provides no services. There’s a boat launch, picnic area and restrooms at Cave Rock. I’ll talk about Cave Rock, a sacred site to the Washoe, in a later column.

On patrol on Lake Tahoe

Division Commander Dee Dee Kincade and Jack Leth are two of the dedicated members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary that help augment the work of the Coast Guard on Lake Tahoe and surrounding waterways.

Our publisher Charlie Good and I spent a recent morning out with Kincade and Leth, as they demonstrated some of the work of the Auxiliary. We met at Sierra Boat Company and boarded Leth’s boat, which he uses for patrols on Lake Tahoe. One of the primary missions of the group is boat safety, and once we were on board, we donned our PFDs. Auxiliary members wear PFDs at all times while on patrol, and during the winter you’ll find them in dry suits.

While still at the dock, Kincade and Leth showed us the safety equipment each member carries during patrol – a whistle or sound-producing device, strobe light, locator beacon, mirror or other reflecting device. Leth also carries a portable, waterproof radio.

As we prepared to get under way, Leth radioed the Coast Guard station in Lake Forest with our location and the number of passengers. These checks are given every 30 minutes. If a patrol doesn’t check in, the Coast Guard knows where to start searching. In inclement weather, radio checks are done every 15 minutes and more detailed, and include longitude and latitude, speed and course.

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful lake, but it also can be a dangerous lake and every precaution is taken. The Auxiliary follows the same safety guidelines as the Coast Guard. “These are the people that are the gold standard,” Leth says.

The Auxiliary is a group of volunteers that help the U.S. Coast Guard by providing free vessel safety checks, educating the public through boat safety classes and speaking to local groups, assisting the Coast Guard with its training exercises, patrolling waterways to educate the public and assist with calls, and through fellowship with the Guard.

Flotilla 11-01 in North Lake Tahoe has 27 members and is one of the four area Flotillas that encompass the 107-member division Kincade oversees. There are Flotillas in South Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Reno. There are about 30,000 Auxiliary members nationwide.

As we head out into Carnelian Bay toward Dollar Point, Leth tells us about one of their duties – checking the ATONs or Aids to Navigation. ATONs are the buoys and navigational markers on the Lake that mark entrances to buoy fields and channels for marinas. The Auxiliary checks the markers to ensure lights are working, the paint and markings are in good condition and they check the GPS coordinates to ensure proper placement. They check all of the private markers around the lake, while the ANTS (Aid to Navigation Team), check the federal markers, which include the shoreward buoys – marked with red triangles denoted water hazards – and the nuns and cans marking the entrance to Emerald Bay, mooring balls and other markers. (The Auxiliary has produced a map of all of the federal markers, along with hazards and landmarks for navigation that it distributes to rental boat locations around the Lake.)

The Auxiliary also checks on the NASA buoys for Jet Propulsion Laboratories – four large, yellow research buoys around the Lake.
As we made our way toward the West Shore, we spotted debris in the Lake and Leth took the boat over to investigate. Kincade used the boat hook to grab the debris, which turned out to be three roses in pristine condition. As we continued over to Sunnyside, where Leth and Kincade treated us to lunch, they explained their training work with the Coast Guard.

While the Coast Guard is busy with calls during the busy summer months, winter is the time for training exercises, which the Auxiliary assists with by providing manpower and boats.

“We get some that come straight out of boot camp to work up to Coxswain (boat captain),” Leth said of the training support for the USCG. “We get a great sense of pride in working with them.”

Auxiliary members also must go through training to perform patrols from those volunteering as boat crews up to Coxswain.

As we boarded the boat after lunch to return to Carnelian Bay, they received a request from the Coast Guard to investigate a water hazard off Sugar Pine Point that had been reported by the “Safari Rose.” We headed down the West Shore to investigate, which Kincade said is a prime example of the Auxiliary’s work. By investigating the non-emergency call, it keeps the Coast Guard free to respond to emergencies.

While heading down the West Shore, we spotted more debris and plucked three balloons out of the Lake. When we arrived at Sugar Pine Point to investigate the hazard, we discovered that they were research buoys for U.C. Davis. Leth reported the information back to the station and notified the “Tahoe Gal” and “Safari Rose” of their location. We then started back to Carnelian Bay.

The Auxiliary also offers free Vessel Safety Checks, with more than 300 already conducted this summer. The safety checks are designed to educate the public and information is not reported to any agency.
Education is one of the primary missions of the Auxiliary, which includes speaking to local groups and agencies, including businesses like rental fleet employees and school groups. They also offer boat safety classes. Charlie and I took the class in June and came away with a wealth of information.

They also assist with special events, including the recent Trans Tahoe Race and the 4th of July fireworks by establishing security zones.
The Auxiliary’s main mission is recreational boating safety, and volunteers are needed to help with their effort. And, you don’t need boating experience to volunteer. Kincade said volunteers are needed to help with finances, the Web site, education, vessel safety checks, training and patrols.

To sign up for the next About Boating Safely class on Aug. 1 or the Kayak Safety class on Oct. 10, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334. For a free Vessel Safety Check, call Joe Harris at (650) 279-9159. To volunteer, request a talk from the Auxiliary or for more information, call Dee Dee Kincade at (775) 831-7192.

The southern end of the West Shore features beautifully undeveloped swathes of lake shore, along with some of Lake Tahoe’s grandest estates in Rubicon along what’s known as the Gold Coast.

I talked about West Shore from Tahoe City south of Homewood in a previous column, so I’ll pick up from Homewood and head to Emerald Bay for this issue.

Sugar Pine Point
At the far south end of McKinney Bay is Sugar Pine Point and the state park that bears its name. The 4-mile shoreline of Sugar Pine Point State Park is a great place to picnic and sunbath away from the crowds. The north side of the beach is rocky, with sandy beaches on the south side. You can use the public pier or pull ashore; use caution as you can easily get stuck in the sand. From the beach you can go for a hike in the woods or follow the paved, interpretive nature trail to Ehrman Mansion for a tour of this Old Tahoe home.

Meeks Bay
Rounding Sugar Pine Point, you’ll enter Meeks Bay, once the summer home of Tahoe’s native peoples, the Washoe. The Washoe now operate Meeks Bay Resort through a concession with the U. S. Forest Service, which owns the property. The resort features Meeks Bay Marina, a campground, cabins and a convenience store.

Boaters are prohibited from tying up on the white, sandy beaches, but may pull up to the marina for supplies. This is the last place on the West Shore to gas up, grab snacks or other supplies; the next marina and/or eatery is at Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe, which is about a 20 to 30 minute boat ride from Meeks Bay.

Rubicon
Often referred to as Lake Tahoe’s Gold Coast for the families of old money that make this span of the West Shore their summer home, Rubicon Bay is one of my favorite places for a sunset cruise. Stretching from the end of Meeks Bay to Emerald Bay, most of Rubicon’s shoreline is craggy, high cliffs dotted by secluded spots. Once you past the last home on the north end of the bay, you’ll come to the white sand beaches of D.L. Bliss State Park.

With a large campground at the park, the beach, called Calawee Cove, is usually quite busy. You can easily pull up to shore and enjoy the beach, or take a hike on the Rubicon Trail accessible at the parking lot above the beach (to the left of the restrooms). Rubicon Bay also is a popular spot of boaters to weigh anchor and sleep under the stars.

At the sound end of the beach, rocky Rubicon Point juts into Lake Tahoe and begins a great stretch of cliffs extending to Emerald Bay. The waters off Rubicon constitute the deepest part of Lake Tahoe closest to the shore, dropping to depths of more than 1,400 feet. This stretch from Rubicon Point to the mouth of Emerald Bay also is the D.L. Bliss Underwater Park, so be mindful of scuba divers. (Scuba divers will float a small flag in the area where they are exploring.)

Along its high cliffs, you can catch glimpses of the Rubicon Trail. After you spot the bridge past Rubicon Point, look above it to the left to see Lake Tahoe’s first lighthouse, once the world’s highest elevation navigation light. One of the least known historic sites along the West Shore, you can reach Rubicon Point Lighthouse from Calawee Cove along the Rubicon Trail.

Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe’s only bay, is home to Vikingsholm Castle and the famous Tea House perched atop Fannette Island. Enter Emerald Bay only through the channel, marked by red buoys on the starboard and green buoys on the port, to avoid large boulders under the water’s surface.
The bay is full of treasures to enjoy both on the shore and under the water. On the north side of the bay is a boat camp that is usually open to the public. Work on the pier, however, has the camp closed for the summer. Following the shoreline, look for the wreckage of an old dory — a small wooden skiff — just before the boat camp.

At the end of the bay you’ll find the Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm Castle, where you can tour the stately castle and its grounds. There are picnic tables along the beach and you can usually pull your boat right up to the beach. From the castle, you can hike over to the boat camp and out to Emerald Point.

After you leave the beach, head over to the outlet of Eagle Creek at the bottom of the falls and look for the underwater trees. Continue along the shoreline on the south side where you’ll find two sunken barges once used to transport lumber across the Lake. This is the site for the Emerald Bay Underwater Park, so keep a watch for scuba divers. The site is located directly across the bay from the boat camp. From here, head back to the bay’s crowning jewel — Fannette Island.

Approach the island from the south, where there’s a small cove. Follow the path from the cove and you’ll quickly ascend to the top of the island and the Tea House. The views are magnificent; no camping or picnicking is allowed on the island.

Boat class rescheduled
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has rescheduled its About Boating Safety class from July 25 to Aug. 1 at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. For more information, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334.

Crash course on boating safely

I spent a recent Saturday at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s About Boating Safely class. After years of boating on Lake Tahoe with someone else at the helm, I decided that I should learn more about boating on the Lake. My friend Charlie Good, who is also our publisher, decided to join me.

This class is about much more than safety, however. Basic boating terms, equipment, signals, lights and navigation aides, knots and boating etiquette, are among the topics covered in this all-class.

It’s a fascinating mix of basic concepts, safety concerns and hands-on knots taught by members of the Auxiliary, who throw in a few of their personal stories and mistakes.

Division Commander Dee Dee Kincade shared some scary statistics during the class. In 2007, the year of the most recent data, there were 685 boating fatalities in the United States, according to the North American Safe Boating Campaign. Of that, 89 percent were not wearing a life jacket, or PFD (personal flotation device). As well, they reported 1,329 accidents with another vessel, resulting in 66 of the fatalities. The other major types of accidents were caused by collision with a fixed object, skier mishap, people falling overboard and capsizing (the last two accounting for the most deaths.)

It’s scary out there, especially once you realize that many people are unsafe, uninformed and unconcerned, making it even more important to heed the Coast Guard’s and Auxiliary’s warnings about safety.

I can’t possible relate all of the information I learned during the course, but here’s a taste of few things everyone should know. And, if you’re interested in learning more, the Auxiliary will hold another class on Aug. 1

PFDs
Everyone on your boat needs to have a life jacket. That means, if your boat has eight PFDs and 10 passengers, you’re not covered in case of an accident, a fire on board or any other emergency. If the boat starts to sink, which two members of your friends or family will you pick to die if something happens? And, you need to have PFDs that fit the people on board from infants and toddlers to extra-large sizes, if needed. And, while you’re at it don’t forget your dog. Get him a PFD, too.

The law requires that boaters have Coast Guard-approved PFDs on board. The quantity and type depends on the length of the vessel and the number of people on board.

If you’re operating the vessel by yourself, the Coast Guard recommends wearing a PFD at all times and use a lanyard to secure the boat key to yourself in case you fall overboard. California law requires all children under 12 to wear a PFD at all times, while Nevada requires one be worn by all children under 13.

Be prepared
Every boat should be prepared for an emergency, but also for having fun and day-to-day boating. Lake Tahoe can be a dangerous lake for those unprepared.

First, know your capacity. There’s a handy little Maximum Capacity Plate on every vessel. Check what it is and stick to it, or you’ll likely end up capsizing.

Check the weather before going out. If the forecast calls for high waves or winds, don’t go out. Have someone be the lookout at all times – for other boats, for hazards, for water skiers, etc.

The Coast Guard also recommends carrying a VHF marine radio and cell, bilge pump, anchor with the right size line, extra fuel and lubricants, paddles or oars, water, spare parts, flashlight and batteries, tool kits, map and compass, first aid kit, docking lines, throw line coiled in a small bag, visual distress signals, safety flag for water skiers, and extra clothing and sunscreen.

Navigation
Explaining the traffic laws of the waterways is nearly impossible in a column. It’s easier demonstrated with illustration. But, basically, for all of you cruisers and runabouts out there – the majority of boats on the Lake – you need to give right of way to sailboats, kayaks, dinghies and inflatables, any boat towing a water skier or tuber or the parasailers, vessels with limited maneuverability (like the “Tahoe Gal” or “Tahoe Queen”) and disabled vessels.

Second, stop cutting people off. Stop coming up behind them and veering around them. Stop trying to be the first one in the channel at Emerald Bay. And, slow down. Most accidents are caused by speeding.

Watch your wake. If you speed by a buoy field and your wake capsizes a kayaker – that’s your fault. You are responsible for your wake and what your wake does.

Learn the Aids to Navigation, or ATONs, including buoys, beacons, markers and others. There are many different types that mark channels like Emerald Bay, regulate speed, provide information and warn of dangers. For Lake Tahoe, when you’re entering Emerald Bay, stay between the green and red buoys, keeping to the far right (starboard) as possible. If you head outside these buoys, you will hit massive underwater boulders just under the surface.

To sign up for the next About Boating Safely class on Aug. 1 or the Kayak Safety class on Oct. 10, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334. The Auxiliary also offers free vessel safety checks and will come to you. Call Joe Harris at (650) 279-9159.

Tahoe City hub of activity

The quaint village of Tahoe City is a central area for many specialty businesses, a variety of restaurants and cafes, shopping and other activities for locals and visitors. For the boater, Tahoe City is the ideal spot to take a respite from the water, to stock up on supplies or to enjoy a leisurely meal.

To the west of the Tahoe City dam, where the lake’s waters flow into the Truckee River, you’ll pass Tahoe Marina Lodge’s condominiums before seeing a nice stretch of public beach – Commons Beach. The beach is a good place for a picnic, to let the kids out to play or to just relax for a bit. The area is rocky and hazardous, so the best way to visit is to dock at the public pier on the east side of the beach, just below Christy Hill restaurant.

The pier is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for public use and overnight mooring is strictly prohibited. Follow the path to the left over to Commons Beach.

There’s also a public pier (open dawn to dusk) on the west side of town near the outlet for the Truckee River. The pier is in a state of disrepair and with the low water, I would not recommend using it. If you do, follow the path to the left at the end of the pier until you reach Mackinaw Road, where you can access Tahoe City. All other property is private.

Navigation aide: The lights of Tahoe City are bright against the night sky, and the town is relatively easy to find. The streetlights along North Lake Boulevard form a line of lights. Tahoe City Marina is on the east side of town; look for the red and green markers for the entrance to the marina.

Commons Beach has a large picnic area, public restrooms, playground and you’ll find free movies every Wednesday and free concerts every Sunday on the beach.

Above the beach, visitors will find a thriving town with sightseeing activities, shopping and eating. From Commons Beach, take the stairs to street level – North Lake Boulevard. Head to the left and the first building along the boardwalk is the Tahoe City Community Center, housing the Visitor’s Center and the North Tahoe Art Center.

From the Visitor’s Center you can plan out the rest of your trip. If you continue to your left (west), you’ll come to the wye connecting the North and West Shores along with the Gatekeeper’s Museum and Fanny Bridge.

Along North Lake Boulevard, you’ll find a large selection of boutiques and restaurants stretching from one end of Tahoe City to the other. To the right of Commons Beach (heading east), you’ll come to Watson’s Cabin, home of Tahoe City’s first constable, and now a museum. Overlooking the lake, Watson Cabin offers visitors a glimpse back into the early days of Tahoe City.

The Tahoe City Marina, the only marina in Tahoe City, is located on the east end of town. From the pier below Christy Hill, follow the path to the right to reach Tahoe City Marina, with many on-site services. The marina offers powerboat rentals, full dock services, slip and buoy rental and storage. A& M Marine offers full marine services, with Tahoe City Marine Supply offering accessories and rentals for wakeboards, tubes and water skis. You also can book a parasailing flight with Lake Tahoe Parasailing or a cruise with Tahoe Sailing Charters. Tahoe City Kayak also launches its rentals and guided tours from the marina, just visit the shop in the center of town to sign-up.

Tahoe City Marina offers guest buoys on a first-come, first-served basis if you want to enjoy lunch at Jake’s On the Lake or do some shopping at Sports Tahoe or Rubicon Collection at the Tahoe Marina Mall or at the many shops at the Boatworks Mall.

The marina offers boat rentals daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the gas dock and boat valet open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through June, and from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in July and August. To use a guest buoy, pull up to the dock and speak to one of the dock attendants. For details on all of the marina’s services, call (530) 583-1039.

At the marina, you’ll also find the Tahoe Yacht Club, a favorite among local sailors and second-homeowners who return every summer to spend the season sailing. The yacht club is an excellent place to meet and socialize with other boaters, and the club offers a variety of activities each summer. For membership information, call (530) 581-4700. They are even offering a great membership discount through July.

In Tahoe City, you’ll find a myriad of local restaurants – River Grill, Evergreen, Fat Cat Café, Fiamma, Sawtooth Ridge, Jake’s On the Lake, Lakeside, Blue Agave, Bridgetender, Christy Hill and Wolfdale’s to name a few – and coffee shops – Gear & Grind, Java Juice, Syd’s, Coffee Connexion, Dam Café and others.

On the far end of town, you’ll see the Tahoe Gal, offering lake cruises. This is a private dock with no public mooring. Continuing east past the state campground, you’ll see a T-shaped public pier available for use from dawn to dusk. Follow the short path to the bike path, and you’re a short walk from Tahoe City.

"Whiskey" unveiled at museum

Tahoe Maritime Museum unveils the 1935 Gar Wood “Whiskey” on June 24 from 9 to 11 a.m. "Whiskey" is the oldest surviving Gar Wood utility boat on display at the museum.

Enjoy an engaging presentation with classic boat historian Brian Robinson, award-winning restorer Tony Brown of Western Runabouts and previous owners Nancy Cunningham and George and Clare Schmitt.

Refreshments will be served. $15, $12 museum members. (530) 525-9523.

Hamlets of the North Shore

The undulating shores of the Lake’s North Shore begins at the dam in Tahoe City and continue east, weaving in and out of the coves making up the hamlets of Tahoe Vista, Agate Bay and Kings Beach, before crossing from California into Nevada to the thriving community of Incline Village.

With the Concours d’Elegance from June 19 to 21 in Carnelian Bay, I decided to talk about some of the communities of the North Shore. For this column, I start outside Tahoe City and end in Tahoe Vista. I’ll cover Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Incline Village in later columns.

There are few spots to stock up on supplies, but boaters will find several public docks and ramps for their use, along with several exceptional restaurants accessible by boat.

One often overlooked pier that is open to public use lies just outside Tahoe City. The weathered “T” shaped pier offers no indication that it was built for the public, but it stands there rarely used.

As boaters leave Tahoe City, passing the Tahoe State Recreation Area campground, there’s a small stretch of wooded lakefront property with few homes. Sandwiched between Rocky Ridge Beach Club’s pier – a private club – and a homeowner’s pier, is the pier (it doesn’t have a gate). Boaters can dock here and enjoy the small public beach where the pier meets land. A small trail from the beach leads back to Highway 28.

Lake Forest

Perhaps the most heavily used public boat ramp on the North Shore lies outside Tahoe City in the Lake Forest community. The Lake Forest Boat ramp is a heavy traffic area and boaters should use extra caution in the area. The channel leading into the ramp area is shallow and marked by some rather large boulders – be sure to stay within the channel. There are no services at Lake Forest, but there are two campgrounds to the east and west of the ramp, along with a park, a picnic area with barbecues and restrooms.

Next to the boat ramp is the U.S. Coast Guard Station, who are there to help boaters on the lake. While it may be tempting to want to check out their station, it is a military facility, so steer clear.

A long, sandy stretch of public beach – Lake Forest Beach – lies beyond the Coast Guard station. The beach and public pier sit below a high, sandy cliff where one of the campgrounds is located. Boaters can stop here for a respite from the water, but, as always, be careful of underwater rocks and low water levels. There’s also a public pier for docking, but no services (there are restrooms in the campground above the beach).

Carnelian Bay

As you round Dollar Point into Carnelian Bay, you may catch a glimpse of anglers along the thick brush and rocks on the point. Dollar Point is known to be a premier fishing spot with locals. Stay clear of the point, however, as the underwater boulders are extremely dangerous to boaters and the water level can be deceptive.

Gar Woods Grill & Pier offers indoor and outdoor dining, and it’s not uncommon to see a wedding at the beach in front of the restaurant. The pier at the restaurant is public, as are the beaches to either side of the pier. Boaters can tie up at the pier, which is handicap accessible, or the restaurant has a boat valet available until dusk for its customers.

Navigation Aide: The large wooden and glass exterior of Gar Woods can easily be mistaken for another lakefront home. Look for the mammoth, rectangular buildings making up the facilities at Sierra Boat Company; Gar Woods is across the expanse of rocky beach to its left.

Sierra Boat Company, to the right of Gar Woods, offers a full-service chandlery, slip rentals, and specializes in the restoration and sales of wooden boats.

Situated between Gar Woods and Sierra Boat is Carnelian Bay Beach, a rocky public beach maintained by the California Tahoe Conservancy with picnic facilities and restrooms.

If you need to stock up on supplies, you’ll find a convenience store across the street along with CB’s Bar & Grill with some of the best pizza around.

On the west side of Sierra Boat Company is Patton Beach. This rocky picnic and beach area is dog friendly with public restrooms. A short walk to the west of the beach is the Old Post Office, open for breakfast and lunch.

On the far side of Sierra Boat Company is the largest mural on the lake, painted in 2000 by local artist Susie Alexander-Georgeson.

Agate Bay

Entering Agate Bay, the last bay on California’s side of the North Shore, you’re treated to more of the beautiful lakefront homes.

There are several public beaches on the east side of Agate Bay, along with a few private club beaches. As well, there’s a public ramp in Tahoe Vista, but due to low water levels, it will be closed for the summer.

Continuing along the shoreline, you’ll see North Tahoe Marina to the west, with a full chandlery and services. There is no public use of the pier, however.

Shortly before the marina is Moon Dunes Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. The beach has a picnic area and restrooms.

Protecting Tahoe from invasive species

Quagga and zebra mussels, invasive species that are miniscule in size, are at the center of the latest battle to protect Lake Tahoe.

These mussels, which are hitching rides on boats and trailers and in ballast tanks, bladders and live wells, are spreading across the West. Quagga and zebra mussels will spread rapidly once they are introduced to a lake and will gorge on the food supply, kill fish and pollute the clarity of the lake. They also will clog cooling system water intakes, causing motors to overheat. As well, they have been found in pipes in municipal water systems.

The mussels can also be found on kayaks, water toys, wetsuits and any equipment exposed to infected waters.

Young quagga mussels will feel like sandpaper to the touch, while adults usually have dark concentric rings on the shell. The mussels can grow up to 1.6”, making the young mussels hard to spot. Full grown mussels are usually smaller than a quarter.

In its latest battle to protect the lake, TRPA (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) has instituted a mandatory inspection of all boats launched in Lake Tahoe. The inspections were offered free until a fee system went into effect on June 1. TRPA says the fees will cover their costs formerly paid for through a grant that has run out of funds.

Infected waters

Quagga mussels were discovered in Lake Mead in January 2007, and since then have been confirmed at lakes south of Lake Tahoe. Quagga and zebra mussels have been confirmed in waters of the Colorado River Drainage, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu in California and Arizona, and the San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County.

Inspectors decontaminated six vessels in the Lake Tahoe area over Memorial Day weekend. One vessel was found to have quagga mussels, while the other five came from waters where mussels have been discovered.

Vessel fees

TRPA is charging inspection fees for all motorized vessels at public launches and area marinas. These fees are in addition to any launch fees levied at ramps and marinas.

Vessels that have an inspection fee intact when launched the next time will not have to pay a fee. The fees are:

·      Non-motorized vessels & vessels with intact inspection seal – No charge

·      Vessels up to 16’ - $10

·      Vessels over 16’ & up to 25’ - $30

·      Vessels over 25’ & up to 39’ - $40

·      Vessels over 39’ - $60

·      Vessels with ballast tanks, bladders & live wells - $10 additional

A 10-inspection discount card is available for boats that frequently launch at lakes that do not offer inspections or decontamination. The 25 percent discount cards are only available at the TRPA office in Stateline, Nev.

Preventing infestation

To prevent vessels from being infested, TRPA recommends these steps:

·      Clean, drain and dry all equipment with every trip

·      Wash watercraft and trailers with a high pressure hose at 140 degrees

·      Learn how to inspect watercraft for mussels

·      Let boats dry out for 28 days prior to transporting to other waters

·      Wash fishing equipment, water toys, wetsuits and flotation devices in a diluted bleach solution prior to use in other waters

For more information, call the TRPA hotline at (888) 824-6267, visit www.protecttahoe.org, follow http://twitter.com/tahoeaquatic or text “Follow tahoeaquatic” to 40404.

 

Magical West Shore

The West Shore is perhaps the most alluring of Tahoe’s shores from the mouth of the Truckee River – Lake Tahoe’s only outlet – to the old Tahoe estates and sights along the shore to Homewood. 

The West Shore begins at the Tahoe City dam, which has regulated the flow of water from Lake Tahoe via the Truckee River since the first dam was built in the 1860s.

Heading south along the West Shore, the hamlet of Sunnyside is about 2.5 miles south of Tahoe City. (Caution: South of the first buoy field after leaving the Truckee River Outlet area, there is a large boat house at the site of the former Tahoe Tavern with many underwater hazards.)

As you reach the first bay, head to shore for a meal at one of the West Shore’s best restaurants, to stock up on supplies for your own picnic, or for marine services and gas. Sunnyside Resort is a popular spot for visitors and locals where you can grab a sandwich on the vast deck overlooking Lake Tahoe or dine in style inside the Chris Craft Room. Whatever your dining choice, be sure to ask for a slice of Hula Pie for dessert. The restaurant offers a complimentary water taxi and buoys for its patrons on a first-come, first-served basis.

Navigation aide: The lights from Sunnyside Resort can be used as an aide, along with the row of four lights from the private beach at Tahoe Park north of the resort. Heading north along the West Shore, you’ll see the row lights from Tahoe Park before Sunnyside comes into view.

Leaving Sunnyside and rounding the next point, you’ll enter Hurricane Bay with a more than 1.5-mile stretch of public beach. The rocky beach is a popular spot for sunbathers, and Hurricane Bay is an ideal spot of water skiing and boasts one of the best fishing spots on the lake. This also is one of Tahoe’s few public beaches where dogs are welcome.

Heading south, a small rocky outcropping hides a lagoon. The lagoon is the remnant of a failed attempt by two brothers in the 1980s to illegally build their own marina. As the story goes their construction project landed them in the slammer.

Continuing south, you’ll come upon Kaspian Picnic Area with public restrooms, picnic tables and barbecue grills (dogs also are welcome). This end of Hurricane Bay is generally less crowded and there’s a public access pier – it’s the only one without a gate. From the pier, head left on the bike trail to the restrooms and picnic area.

If you’re willing to walk a bit, head left from the pier along the bike trail to climb Eagle Rock, a volcanic outcropping towering above Lake Tahoe. This quick hike offers a panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada; it’s about .2 miles from the beach.

McKinney Bay, home to the community of Homewood, lies south of Hurricane Bay. As you enter the bay, you’ll notice the majestic stone chalets of Fleur du lac built by Henry J. Kaiser in 1939 in only 29 days. The location for the winter home of Don Corleone in “The Godfather, Part II,” Fleur du lac is a private community featuring a rocked-in inland waterway, a red brownstone breakwater with a lighthouse, drive-in boat storage, a double swimming pool, amphibious plane landing and a water ski take off. Please respect the resident’s privacy and do not enter the marina.

Elegant, outdoor dining at West Shore Café is a great way to relax with tables arranged on its pier over Lake Tahoe and they offer complimentary water taxi and buoys for its guests.

Two marinas serve boaters at Homewood, with Homewood Marina on the north end and Obexer’s Marina to the south side. Both offer gas and pump services, along with a chandlery. If you want to stock up on supplies and grab a bite to eat, tie up at Obexer’s and visit Obexer’s Market featuring an espresso bar, deli and a upscale market, or cross Highway 89 to grab a bite at the Old Tahoe Café or Pisano’s Pizza.

Homewood is also the location for the Tahoe Maritime Museum, which pays tribute to Tahoe’s maritime history and houses Shanghai, a preserved launch from the 1860s that was resurrected from the bottom of the Lake and restored.

As you head out of the south side of McKinney Bay, you’ll come to one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular gathering spots – Chamber’s Landing. Located on the end of a pier, Chamber’s Landing Bar is said to the oldest bar on Lake Tahoe. It is famous for its Chamber’s Punch and is a popular viewing area for summer sunsets. Dogs also are welcome on the piers at Chamber’s Landing.

Navigation aide: The lighthouse at Fleur du lac marks the north end of McKinney Bay, with Chamber’s Landing rounding out the south end. In succession from north to south at night are the lights of Fleur du lac, Homewood Marina, West Shore Café, Obexer’s and Chamber’s. 

Continuing south are Sugar Pine Point State Park, Meek’s Bay, Rubicon Bay home of Tahoe’s Gold Coast, D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay. I’ll cover this section of the West Shore in a later column.