Lake Tahoe sternwheeler race
May 11th, 2008, 11:41 AM
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Lake Tahoe sternwheeler race
I just found out that our planned visit to Lake Tahoe coincides with their Opening Days celebration. We had planned on touring the lake on a paddleboat and now wonder if it would be better to buy tickets to the sternwheeler race on either the Dixie or Tahoe Queen. Has any one done this? How much time are you on the boat? Is it better to do a dinner cruise another night?
Also are there any other NOT to miss activities we should look into? I'm not sure about Saturday, June 21 since we are arriving in Reno airport around 11 a.m. and have to drive to Tahoe.
Also are there any other NOT to miss activities we should look into? I'm not sure about Saturday, June 21 since we are arriving in Reno airport around 11 a.m. and have to drive to Tahoe.
May 12th, 2008, 06:35 AM
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May 12th, 2008, 02:40 PM
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Actually I started out on that site, Patrick, but could not find answers to my questions. Plus I was hoping for a personal experience response. It sounds like a really big weekend and yet no one here can offer any help. Odd???
May 12th, 2008, 03:10 PM
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I don't remember which boat, we took a lunch cruise from Zephyr cove, with our kids mid-20s. Everybody enjoyed it.
First, buffet lunch on the lower level, make your own sandwich or and entree, drinks and dessert. Not gourmet, but fresh and filling.
Then you go to levels 2 or 3, bar is there is you wish, gift shop, and they tell about the lake and the island on the lake.
We all thought the experience was well worth the money. Didn't do the dinner cruise as we were at the end of September, so our dinner could be in the dark.
In June you can do dinner! And still see everything on the lake, it's nice.
We also took a land tour around the lake in a large van, some great views, and visited the Olympic village in Squaw Valley. For this one, advance reservation is needed, they get sold out.
http://www.demotours.com/toursSIGHT.htm
First, buffet lunch on the lower level, make your own sandwich or and entree, drinks and dessert. Not gourmet, but fresh and filling.
Then you go to levels 2 or 3, bar is there is you wish, gift shop, and they tell about the lake and the island on the lake.
We all thought the experience was well worth the money. Didn't do the dinner cruise as we were at the end of September, so our dinner could be in the dark.
In June you can do dinner! And still see everything on the lake, it's nice.
We also took a land tour around the lake in a large van, some great views, and visited the Olympic village in Squaw Valley. For this one, advance reservation is needed, they get sold out.
http://www.demotours.com/toursSIGHT.htm
May 12th, 2008, 04:12 PM
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June is not really a big time in Tahoe. It really hasn't warmed up enough. There are alot of people over the July 4th weekend and then the summer starts to build. The rest of July and August are busy and then after Labor Day it's quiet again. Weekends are busier than weekdays no matter what time.
I'd say that the tourists would pay attention to the paddlewheelers. Locals and frequent visitors are pretty used to seeing them and most people just hang out in their own boats. I've never heard any buzz about the paddle wheel boat race. Honestly, how exciting can that be? Two turtles racing the lake?
I'd say that the tourists would pay attention to the paddlewheelers. Locals and frequent visitors are pretty used to seeing them and most people just hang out in their own boats. I've never heard any buzz about the paddle wheel boat race. Honestly, how exciting can that be? Two turtles racing the lake?
May 12th, 2008, 04:18 PM
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OOps I only responded to your last post not to your first. Here's what we do in Tahoe but we do not stay in south lake tahoe during the summer - only in the Fall when it's quiet. In the winter it's north, in summer it's west.
The only thing on this list you may not be able to do is raft the truckee
South Lake Tahoe:
You can shop and eat at the village area, take a scenic ride on the Heavenly gondola or visit casinos.
Zephyr Cove is nearby and is good for lake cruises and water craft rentals or walk on the beach.
Other great beaches in SLT are Pope, Camp Richardson and Baldwin. All of these are past the Y which is really now a 4 way light but habits are hard to break!
You should visit the Tallac site.
www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/recreation/tallac/
Also if you are interested in fish this is pretty interesting:
fs.fed.us/r5/…streampc.shtml
Hikes to take near South Lake Tahoe are the Moraine Trail which is a pretty easy hike of 1 mile (one-way) Walk a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Highway 89 to Fallen Leaf Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area.
Another hike is Angora Lakes which is an easy hike and hikers are rewarded with several lakes. You can rent row boats or just swim and lay around on the sandy beach. It’s only ½ mile and the scenery when you get there is great. The lake is surrounded by cliffs and giant rocks. Take Highway 89 to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road's end at the parking lot.
On the West side on 89:
Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay – short side hike to Eagle Falls or Cascade Lake & Falls
http://www.vikingsholm.com/
Eagle Falls / Eagle Lake Trail starts at Eagle Falls Picnic Area, highway 89 across from Emerald Bay. Permits are required on this hike and a self-registration station is at the trailhead. The hike is only about 2 miles round trip to Eagle Lake (only about 1/3 mile to the falls); the terrain varies from steep to flat and crosses beautiful Eagle Falls on a steel footbridge.
Emerald Bay - Vikingsholm Trail starts at the parking area on the north side of Emerald Bay, on Highway 89. It's a wide, well-maintained trail, but fairly steep, about 2½ miles round trip. At the bottom of the trail is a picnic area, as well as world-famous Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle. YOu can take a tour of the interior, hang out on the sandy beach watching the boats in the bay.
Cascade Lake & Falls – Turn into the Bayview Campground across fro Emerald Bay Inspiration Point, drive to the end and park at the trailhead. Take the trail that veers left. Spectacular views of the 200 foot high falls and Cascade Lake can be seen from this short trail.
Also on 89 on the west side you can find any or all of the following:
DL Bliss – nice beach but very hard to get into so if you go get really early start. There is a great trail out of Bliss that has magnificent views of the lake not seen from the road. The trail goes all teh way back to Emerald Bay but you can walk the part you like and then turn back to Bliss.
Meeks Bay – great beach, there is a grill shack right on the beach. Paddle boats and tricycles available for rent. Beautiful views of the lake.
Sugar Pine Point – Beautiful grounds and daily tours of the Ehrman Mansion
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510
Chambers Landing – It has 2 beach sections. One part is roped off as private and the other part is open to the public. Not really great sand, and the shore is rocky. The best part is the dock with the historic Chambers Bar at the end. This place will be hopping on that weekend. Many people boat in and the dock is like a party at happy hour, reduced Chambers Punch prices.
You can also rent bikes and ride along the bike path from Tahoe City southward all the way to just south of Sugar Pine. Or ride north out of Tahoe City along the Truckee River.
River rafting out of Tahoe City. Take an ice chest full of your favorite beverage and food supplies. Here’s a link to one of the companies with an online coupon:
truckeeriverraft.com/tahoe/…
In Tahoe City the road splits so you can continue around the lake or head north on 89 toward Squaw Valley:
North Lake Tahoe:
If you head east from Tahoe city toward the north shore stop in at Carnelian Bay at Garwoods which is a great lakeside restaurant. Order up a Wet Woody – Rum drink.
The beach at the Hyatt is very nice. So is the dock. Sometimes they serve drinks on the dock. They also have an activity desk on the beach so you can rent stuff or schedule a sail etc. This side of the lake gets really rough after about 2:30 so water sports or sails should be scheduled early or late after the lake settles down.
Sand Harbor just outside Incline is a great Beach.
Squaw Valley
If you go north on 89 instead it takes you to Squaw Valley. You can take the tram up to High Camp for a great day of hiking around or sitting at the pool and giant Jacuzzi or ice skating. Lots to do there.
You can go mountain bike riding at Northstar. northstarattahoe.com/info/summer/biking.asp
Check out the Fire Lookout for amazing views of the lake:
Near the Biltmore casino in Crystal Bay turn north on Reservoir Road. Then turn right onto Lakeview Ave. Continue on this road, if it forks stay left and do not turn onto Tuscarora. It will bend back before you reach the parking area for the short walk to the lookout. The lookout provides you with really beautiful views of the area and lake.
Fave Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe for couples are
Evans & Cafe Fiore
Have a great time.
The only thing on this list you may not be able to do is raft the truckee
South Lake Tahoe:
You can shop and eat at the village area, take a scenic ride on the Heavenly gondola or visit casinos.
Zephyr Cove is nearby and is good for lake cruises and water craft rentals or walk on the beach.
Other great beaches in SLT are Pope, Camp Richardson and Baldwin. All of these are past the Y which is really now a 4 way light but habits are hard to break!
You should visit the Tallac site.
www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/recreation/tallac/
Also if you are interested in fish this is pretty interesting:
fs.fed.us/r5/…streampc.shtml
Hikes to take near South Lake Tahoe are the Moraine Trail which is a pretty easy hike of 1 mile (one-way) Walk a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Highway 89 to Fallen Leaf Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area.
Another hike is Angora Lakes which is an easy hike and hikers are rewarded with several lakes. You can rent row boats or just swim and lay around on the sandy beach. It’s only ½ mile and the scenery when you get there is great. The lake is surrounded by cliffs and giant rocks. Take Highway 89 to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road's end at the parking lot.
On the West side on 89:
Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay – short side hike to Eagle Falls or Cascade Lake & Falls
http://www.vikingsholm.com/
Eagle Falls / Eagle Lake Trail starts at Eagle Falls Picnic Area, highway 89 across from Emerald Bay. Permits are required on this hike and a self-registration station is at the trailhead. The hike is only about 2 miles round trip to Eagle Lake (only about 1/3 mile to the falls); the terrain varies from steep to flat and crosses beautiful Eagle Falls on a steel footbridge.
Emerald Bay - Vikingsholm Trail starts at the parking area on the north side of Emerald Bay, on Highway 89. It's a wide, well-maintained trail, but fairly steep, about 2½ miles round trip. At the bottom of the trail is a picnic area, as well as world-famous Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle. YOu can take a tour of the interior, hang out on the sandy beach watching the boats in the bay.
Cascade Lake & Falls – Turn into the Bayview Campground across fro Emerald Bay Inspiration Point, drive to the end and park at the trailhead. Take the trail that veers left. Spectacular views of the 200 foot high falls and Cascade Lake can be seen from this short trail.
Also on 89 on the west side you can find any or all of the following:
DL Bliss – nice beach but very hard to get into so if you go get really early start. There is a great trail out of Bliss that has magnificent views of the lake not seen from the road. The trail goes all teh way back to Emerald Bay but you can walk the part you like and then turn back to Bliss.
Meeks Bay – great beach, there is a grill shack right on the beach. Paddle boats and tricycles available for rent. Beautiful views of the lake.
Sugar Pine Point – Beautiful grounds and daily tours of the Ehrman Mansion
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=510
Chambers Landing – It has 2 beach sections. One part is roped off as private and the other part is open to the public. Not really great sand, and the shore is rocky. The best part is the dock with the historic Chambers Bar at the end. This place will be hopping on that weekend. Many people boat in and the dock is like a party at happy hour, reduced Chambers Punch prices.
You can also rent bikes and ride along the bike path from Tahoe City southward all the way to just south of Sugar Pine. Or ride north out of Tahoe City along the Truckee River.
River rafting out of Tahoe City. Take an ice chest full of your favorite beverage and food supplies. Here’s a link to one of the companies with an online coupon:
truckeeriverraft.com/tahoe/…
In Tahoe City the road splits so you can continue around the lake or head north on 89 toward Squaw Valley:
North Lake Tahoe:
If you head east from Tahoe city toward the north shore stop in at Carnelian Bay at Garwoods which is a great lakeside restaurant. Order up a Wet Woody – Rum drink.
The beach at the Hyatt is very nice. So is the dock. Sometimes they serve drinks on the dock. They also have an activity desk on the beach so you can rent stuff or schedule a sail etc. This side of the lake gets really rough after about 2:30 so water sports or sails should be scheduled early or late after the lake settles down.
Sand Harbor just outside Incline is a great Beach.
Squaw Valley
If you go north on 89 instead it takes you to Squaw Valley. You can take the tram up to High Camp for a great day of hiking around or sitting at the pool and giant Jacuzzi or ice skating. Lots to do there.
You can go mountain bike riding at Northstar. northstarattahoe.com/info/summer/biking.asp
Check out the Fire Lookout for amazing views of the lake:
Near the Biltmore casino in Crystal Bay turn north on Reservoir Road. Then turn right onto Lakeview Ave. Continue on this road, if it forks stay left and do not turn onto Tuscarora. It will bend back before you reach the parking area for the short walk to the lookout. The lookout provides you with really beautiful views of the area and lake.
Fave Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe for couples are
Evans & Cafe Fiore
Have a great time.
May 12th, 2008, 04:22 PM
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If you can't find answers on that website, or through the links it provides including the 800 numbers for calling for more information, I doubt that anyone here would have any MORE current information than the official website, especially things like the "length of time for the cruise" -- unless some Fodorite happens to work for the Tahoe Chamber of Commerce. If you're asking which activity is more fun or "better" -- well, that would totally depend on personal choice, wouldn't it? Here's my personal choice -- I'd rather do almost anything than a dinner cruise on one of those tour boats. There are too many good restaurants in the area to waste a night on that. As to which boat to take for the race and breakfast? It's really a toss up. The Dixie is a little larger but they are very similar and there is breakfast and entertainment on either one.
May 13th, 2008, 05:51 AM
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Wow. I'm stunned here. I'm really sorry now I tried to be helpful, but I guess if calling an 800 number to get the exact times and prices and full description of the difference between the two boats is too much trouble, then yes -- the suggestion to use it is simply more "hype" than "truth". And since it is the official website, it's hard to imagine getting more up to date and CORRECT information than you'll find there. While I realize that getting some personal opinions can be wonderful (but just as likely to not be what your preferences would be), what -- pray tell -- on the website is "untruthful"?
huh?
huh?
May 13th, 2008, 06:22 AM
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I guess what I was referring to, Patrick, is the comment by Suzie that June really was quiet and that she had never heard of the event. Having been to Durango CO last June and not knowing that we would be one of only 3 condos occupied because the place was closed for renovations since it was off season I was excited by the Tahoe's website's description of all of the happenings that weekend.
I'm not criticizing your comments I just wonder how many 800 numbers re: events would tell you things like "It's not worth the money." "The food is terrible." etc.
We have attended events where this has been our impression.
We are still looking forward to a great week and appreciate everyone's comments.
I'm not criticizing your comments I just wonder how many 800 numbers re: events would tell you things like "It's not worth the money." "The food is terrible." etc.
We have attended events where this has been our impression.
We are still looking forward to a great week and appreciate everyone's comments.
May 13th, 2008, 08:17 AM
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Of course it's hype. It's put out by the visitor's authority. 4th annual races? Yawn. again how exciting can it be to watch turtles cross the lake? Do people stand around cheering? Not likely.
Musical performers: Judy Collins & Smokey Robinson? Come on
Musical performers: Judy Collins & Smokey Robinson? Come on
May 13th, 2008, 09:48 AM
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Well maybe this is just more hype, and no it's not exactly a major rock concert but. . .
www.kolotv.com/news/headlines/8041677.html
www.kolotv.com/news/headlines/8041677.html
May 13th, 2008, 09:54 AM
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I found my report from September of last year, the cruise, Carson City and Virginia train ride.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35075939
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35075939
May 13th, 2008, 10:38 AM
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So Neo you want the OP to go or what? I don't even know what you are recommending. Your responses to the OP's request for information have sucked. Just lots of links.
Just because a TV news organization repeated information that it was given by the owners of the boats involved that the 2 sternwheelers were packed with spectators only means that south lake tahoe must have been ickily crowded. People provided with alcohol will cheer at anything. Tahoe is beautiful. Why would anyone want to be around all those people and a craft fair?
I don’t stay in SLT during the summer but I do go there for one reason or another. I am always grateful that I am staying on the west side.
Just because a TV news organization repeated information that it was given by the owners of the boats involved that the 2 sternwheelers were packed with spectators only means that south lake tahoe must have been ickily crowded. People provided with alcohol will cheer at anything. Tahoe is beautiful. Why would anyone want to be around all those people and a craft fair?
I don’t stay in SLT during the summer but I do go there for one reason or another. I am always grateful that I am staying on the west side.
May 13th, 2008, 12:33 PM
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Suzie, I have no personal stake in whether the poster goes or not -- I was TRYING to provide some information so she can make up her mind, not tell her what she should or should not do. I don't know the original poster well enough (or at all) to be so bold as to think her likes would be the same as mine anyway. It's clear that you don't care for the idea of riding on a sternwheeler in a race with another one around the lake having breakfast with entertainment. That's your choice. You seem to admit you've never seen or certainly have never been on the race and it sounds dull to you. How does that make your "recommendation" to skip it any better than the links I've provided which give the factual information -- which is what originally I thought she was asking for?
But yes, your list of Tahoe activities is a good one -- lots of other information and great activities. I just suspect a lot of people WOULD and DO enjoy going around the lake in the "race", whether you or I do or not. And while you can't imagine anyone wanting to be around a crowd or a craft fair -- the fact is that many LOVE that.
But yes, your list of Tahoe activities is a good one -- lots of other information and great activities. I just suspect a lot of people WOULD and DO enjoy going around the lake in the "race", whether you or I do or not. And while you can't imagine anyone wanting to be around a crowd or a craft fair -- the fact is that many LOVE that.
May 13th, 2008, 12:59 PM
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I don't understand why you posted at all. You have absolutely nothing of value to report. At least I can say what the sternwheelers are like - turtles. I may not have been on the race but I've sure been on one. I've also beenin SLT when it's been crowded. Sorry if that's not clear. Anyone can provide links ***Neo***
May 13th, 2008, 01:42 PM
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You're right. I'm really sorry I posted and tried to be helpful. I'll try to do better in the future. I forgot the rule here that you are not allowed to post links or websites where you can get specific information being asked for -- but are only allowed to post opinions.
I honestly didn't know at the beginning that the OP had seen the official website listing ALL the special activities of the celebration she posted to ask about. How could I? I thought providing that link might help her. Guess you don't agree with that! Fine. You're right and I'm wrong.
And sorry to report, that I have also ridden one of the sternwheelers on Tahoe and thought it was a great relaxing way to see the lake -- in fact probably a little more fun than the many times I've been taken around the lake by private speedboat holding onto my seat when the lake was rather rough -- which it often is. Some like "turtles" and some don't. I'm glad that YOUR opinion of what is dull is the only right one. I'll try to remember that.
I honestly didn't know at the beginning that the OP had seen the official website listing ALL the special activities of the celebration she posted to ask about. How could I? I thought providing that link might help her. Guess you don't agree with that! Fine. You're right and I'm wrong.
And sorry to report, that I have also ridden one of the sternwheelers on Tahoe and thought it was a great relaxing way to see the lake -- in fact probably a little more fun than the many times I've been taken around the lake by private speedboat holding onto my seat when the lake was rather rough -- which it often is. Some like "turtles" and some don't. I'm glad that YOUR opinion of what is dull is the only right one. I'll try to remember that.
May 13th, 2008, 03:22 PM
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Oh brother you got a real pity party going there. You start with the ultra unhelpful "Google is a wonderfuil thing" like that tells anyone anything.
It's only now that you claim to have enjoyed a paddlewheel boat ride at Lake Tahoe. You had ample opportunity to do so. Faina provided her opinion and I don't disagree with her.
I don't happen to think that I have the only answer. I just don't think the links you provided are any better or more reliable than any offered here.
It's only now that you claim to have enjoyed a paddlewheel boat ride at Lake Tahoe. You had ample opportunity to do so. Faina provided her opinion and I don't disagree with her.
I don't happen to think that I have the only answer. I just don't think the links you provided are any better or more reliable than any offered here.
