KAYAKING - EMERALD BAY

Kayaking - Emeral Bay

September 2006

Emerald Bay State sits at the south end of Lake Tahoe. In 1996 the area became and underwater preserve due to the sunken ships in the bay. The bay is shallow in comparison to the rest of Lake Tahoe, and in the 'old days' reckless ships struck ground.
We paddled from the south end of the lake into Emerald Bay and stopped Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe. After pulling our kayaks up onto the rocks, we hiked up a set of rough-hewn granite steps to the 150-foot-high summit of the island, crowned by the shell of a once-grand stone structure known as the Tea House.

KAYAKING - SHOSHONE LAKE

Kayaking - Shoshone Lake

September 2007

Shoshone Lake is the largest backcountry lake in the contiguous United States. There is no road access and only hand-propelled boats may reach its waters. Launching on the north shore of Lewis Lake, we paddle a short distance along the shore until we reach the Lewis River Channel. This beautiful two-mile section of the Lewis River, which connects Lewis Lake to Shoshone Lake, has a gentle current. We then paddled to the west end of Shoshone Lake and make camp at a primitive campsite on the beach. From there we paddle across the lake to the Shoshone Geyser Basin where we can explore one of Yellowstone's most remote geyser basins. An unforgettable journey with a perspective few people are privileged to see!

SNOWSHOEING - WHISPERING PINES YURT

Snowshoeing - Whispering Pines Yurt

January 2008


In January I took my team from work snowshoeing into the Whispering Pines Yurt. For everyone this was the first time snowshoeing and staying at a yurt. The yurts are rented from the Idaho State Parks and come equipped with everything you need. The only thing you need to bring is food and a sleeping bag. We spent the day hiking around the mountain and spent the night eating and playing games.

The Whispering Pines yurt is located off the groomed Gold Fork Loop trail in the Payette National forest. This is a popular loop used by Nordic skiers and snowshoers. The yurt provides easy access to over 27 miles of groomed and 50 miles of marked ski trails. The yurt is located in a high shaded glen. The view from the yurt is one of pine tree covered ridges. The outhouse has a great view of Pilot Peak.