Written By Rachael L. Scala

I don’t have to tell my fellow X-chromosome bearers that we love to spend time together twice; this custom is pre-programmed and deeply valued among generations. Where do you go to find an eatery conducive to a friends’ evening out; or celebrating our mothers; or spending a lively moms’ brunch with the kiddos? After a glance at the following three stops, you’ll want to plan all three.

Z Bistro – 725 Basque Way, Carson City, NV 89706; 775-885-2828. Lunch: Tue-Fri, 11-2:30, Dinner: Thu-Sat, 5:30-9, http://atzbistro.com

Family-owned Z Bistro is a dazzling gem in Southeast Carson City, featuring authentic French cuisine on a rotating menu. Opened six years ago by Gilles and Tina, ze charming bistro is sure to please mature groups, and their foodie daughters. Family-style tables allow enough separation for deeper conversations, yet enhance a community dining spirit. The charming yellow interior with tasteful décor is French at heart, emphasizing the artful food. Tina amiably welcomes all guests, treating them as dear friends whom she wishes to delight with her husband’s culinary delicacies.

The menu, sophisticated and approachable, contains lighter fare that is seasonal and responsibly sourced. Gilles’ creativity shines since it changes weekly, for example, this time the nuanced pâté is smoky with a hint of maple. Lunch is peppered with crêpes, satiating Niçoise salads, and the acclaimed onion soup, laden with Gruyere. At dinner, share a bowl of mussels in lavender and fennel broth alongside crisp frites in garlicky aioli. Don’t skip the poached pears in port, with crème anglaise for dessert, decadent, not overindulgent. Enjoy with house-made orange wine, a limoncello-esque aperitif. Whether you seek a quaint lunch or a sumptuous dinner, Z Bistro gives “cred” to Carson City’s unique food scene.

Squeeze In (South Reno) – 25 Foothill Rd, Reno, NV 89511; 775-853-6090. Breakfast and lunch Mon-Sun, 7am-2pm, http://squeezein.com

The sister restaurant of two other locations, family-owned Squeeze In of South Reno beckons larger groups and families of all ages to revel in hearty brunch. In light of the coziness of the original stop in Truckee, South Reno’s location has more room to spread out. Let the kids draw on the walls as you pour over the large menu, with over 50 omelettes, share-worthy sandwiches, and the veggie-heavy HOP options (Healthy Obsession Program). No items on this menu are prepared with oil, and toast is un-buttered. Breakfast potatoes, albeit delicious, are easily substituted with fruit or tomatoes with cottage cheese.

You are sure to feel accommodated and relaxed here. The cheerful staff happily lends a hand with creating a perfect brunch, and making the kids happy. Teddy bear pancakes fly out of the kitchen first so the kids aren’t free to toggle with the eclectic décor once they tire of writing on the walls. You may relish in the nourishing, guilt-free Shi’s Superfood Scramble, made of egg whites and a plethora of vegetables, or, share a burrito with your significant other if you’re past breakfast mode already. Bottom line–the Squeeze In will leave everyone in your party happy.

Freshies – 3330 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150; 530-542-3630. Lunch, http://freshiestahoe.com

Celebrate your closest friends in a laid-back, health-conscious venue, Freshies in South Lake Tahoe. Referred to as “grown up Hawaiian with a twist,” the exotic menu is nutritious and dense. Opened in 2000 by Melodie and Erik, Freshies transforms oft-unhealthy Hawaiian cuisine into wholesome and flavor-rich masterpieces. Menu items are comprised of organic produce and chicken, locally sourced wines, and is also entirely gluten-free (save the homemade pasta). If you’re indecisive like me, order a few things to share.

In the summer, you’ll have plenty of room on the upstairs deck to tuck into the famed fish tacos (try your fish blackened), while sipping on Pliny the Elder with your girlfriends. Start with quinoa and sweet potato cakes with sweet chili sauce or portabella mushroom curry. Seeking greens? Salads are available in half portions and are still quite sizeable; try the vibrant Crunch Salad with your choice of fish. Though limited on space, you’ll feel welcomed and well attended to. Freshies has been a local’s favorite for years, for good reasons. Check out some of their events such as the Lake Tahoe Women’s Center fundraiser, where cooks and servers switch places for the night; or, their local’s appreciation night, in which the winners of the drawing dine for free on the deck over summer.

Written By Rachael L. Scala |

It’s Saturday morning. Your stomach rumbles because you’re (hungry) and excited for some Sierra Nevada therapy, in whatever form that may be. Perhaps you are a Tahoe native, already proud of the variety of local dining options. Or, you live in the Bay and plan to visit friends in the area. You know you’ll be eating out at some point, but you want to make it count, saving for something that comes from a food source that doesn’t plague your conscience or dietary needs. Check out the following three gems–and be sure to stop by at least one next time you’re nearby.

CoffeeBar – 10120 Jibboom St., Truckee, CA 96161, 530-587-2000, 6am-8pm Mon-Sun

Opened in 2010, CoffeeBar exemplifies a local-vore’s favorite eatery in that all food and drink offerings are made with heartfelt care, artistry, and authenticity that are inherent in Italian cuisine. Owner, Greg Bucheister, describes CoffeeBar’s offerings as unmatched in terms of passion for coffee and specialty food items. Walking the walk of sustainability in the community, CoffeeBar sources all of their produce locally, instead of from faceless giants with “organic” on their labels. The modern, yet unpretentious café offers indoor and outdoor seating, weather-permitting.

You won’t find better tasting or higher quality coffee anywhere in the region. Roasted exclusively for CoffeeBar by Carl Staub, their brew is the highest classification of organic available: C1 Grade, meaning there are no more than three secondary defects per 300g. All house coffee is from a French-press, not an auto-drip machine, and each shot is made to be consistently smooth and bold in the likeness of Italian espresso. You’ll find drinks such as a Lemon Chiffon Latte or cold-extracted Iced Toddy coffee. Their latte art further testifies to each barista’s will and skill to create outstanding beverages.

If the drinks aren’t enough to entice you, allow yourself time to pour over the menu, which offers made-to-order paninis, crêpes, salads, homemade gelato, and several other specialties. Gluten-free pastries and seasonal quiches from the local Whole Treats grace the bakery case. Vegetarian options abound, including the hearty Campagna Panini (Spinach, zucchini, eggplant caponata, tomato, red onion and smoked Mozzarella with roasted garlic aioli on herb Focaccia). Meats and cheeses are also artisanally made, meaning they are at times imported, or if possible, obtained from a local source. If you are vegan, or don’t eat gluten or dairy, ask the friendly and knowledgeable staff to suggest something.

Community activism is apparent in more than just the food. CoffeeBar partners with local non-profit, High-Fives Foundation, showcases several local artists at any given time, and soon, will host the new “Change” events, which will promote action and funding for sustainable initiatives in the area. CoffeeBar is also a special venue for other events such as art openings and CoffeeBar After Dark music events. The bottom line: you are missing out if you pass through Truckee without even a shot of espresso from this dynamic and impactful place.

The Uncommon Kitchen – Inside New Moon Natural Foods in Tahoe City: 505 W. Lake Blvd., Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA 96146, 530-583-3663, 11am-4pm weekdays (hot food) & sandwiches/sushi til 7pm, Sat/Sun grab and go sushi

Perhaps you are picking up some local produce from New Moon right outside of Tahoe City and you freeze in the entrance due to an alluring smell–unmistakably a diverse spread of wholesome, homemade fare. That would be the Uncommon Kitchen, owned and operated by Dawn and Doug Baehr, formerly owner/chefs of Stoneyridge Café. They strive to use organic whenever possible, and their meats are free range and lack preservatives or other additives.

Dawn describes the business as an ethnic deli. You’ll find a vast spread of sandwiches on freshly baked bread, sushi of the pescatarian, vegetarian, and even raw varietals. Other offerings include sprouted nut salad–part of the famous raw taco, and constantly rotating hot food options. Doug’s passion for authenticity is evident in the scrumptious offerings that please a rainbow of diets. Try his signature Pan Bagna sandwich, a New Orleans tradition, or, a noodle bowl made with seasonal vegetables and free-range chicken. For dessert, you can always find traditional chocolate mousse. Their novel desserts also include vegan tiramisu, chocolate-covered macadamia-stuffed dates, or the innovative chia seed kheer, a raw and vegan twist on a comforting Indian pudding that will blow you away. Life is good.

The Uncommon Kitchen has been open for five years and thrives from a loyal lunch crowd. Weekend options are a bit limited, though you can still get sushi to go on Saturdays and Sundays. They are conscious of the waste they produce and use biodegradable packaging materials.

The Kitchen also offers a catering service for weddings, office gatherings, or other special events. This is a highly customized process, so if you’re interested, give them a call. You can also find their sushi, salads, and a few other items at Squaw Valley & the New Moon Store in Truckee. In the summertime, they set up a booth at the Commons Beach concert series in Tahoe City and even help to nourish yogis at the acclaimed Wanderlust festival.

Firesign Café – 1785 W. Lake Blvd., Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA, 96146, 530-583-0871, 7am-3pm Mon-Sun

Open for 34 years and counting, Firesign Café is a Tahoe staple for outstanding, freshly made, reasonably priced breakfast and lunch. Gumaro, chef for 18 years, continues to craft inventive, sumptuous dishes for all ages and palates.

Nothing in Firesign comes from a can, even the beans that comprise the black bean burger. All sauces, dressings, salsas, marinades are made in house. The salmon is smoked on site, OJ is fresh-squeezed, and soups are made from a homemade base. This commitment to freshness is evident in everything you try. You must order the eggs benedict; I’ve never tasted hollandaise so light, yet flavorful with the house-made smoked salmon, and a perfectly poached egg. YES! Soups change daily, as do various other specials such as the Dill & Artichoke Omelette, or Cowboy Benedict–I suggest you go in to find out what these entail.

For vegetarians or vegans, you can count on colorful plates such as the tofu burger, black bean burger, and certain salads to be free of animal products. Just ask your server what he/she suggests. The staff knows the menu inside and out, so any queries you have will be whole-heartedly answered, and your expectations surpassed. I was curious about the seemingly typical butternut squash soup. Vicky, long-time manager convinced me with her “When in Rome” approach. I was immediately delighted to sip on it, savoring poached pears and candied walnuts, which brought out the distinctness of the squash even more.

Firesign’s resourcefulness and seasonality are apparent in the menu. You can expect standard American fare that stands out because it’s made with joy and attention to flavor pairings The café is enraptured in Tahoe love, a large central fireplace and rustic décor setting the country-like vibe. Regulars are greeted by first name, visitors welcomed with a warm introduction to the day’s specials and the treasure of a menu. You will leave happy, guaranteed.

Kayaking through Siberia, Part 9

Would the remaining camera, CD player, short wave radio, cell phone, flashlights, etc. be ruined? How about my documents and paperwork? Soiled? If I had only stored the sleeping bag and extra clothes in a Ziploc bag! Everything was dripping when I spread it out on some rocks. The rain had no pity on me and made sure that everything was soaked. To make matters more exciting, darkness was approaching. Finally, I succeeded to turn the boat over, so the water could run out. There was nothing further to do, but to focus on myself.

I was shaking miserably. I saw a village about one kilometer back. I must go there to seek help. I quickly packed some of my valuables and my documents into a knapsack and hurried off. I realized I had to stay in motion at all times, in order to not suffer hypothermia. I climbed over the ice barrier and came upon a narrow trail through a thick forest. Puddles had formed here and there. I did not care; I stomped right through them. I could not be wet more than I already was. Finally, the first houses. There was not much I could say with my limited Russian, at any door that would open. I would begin with “Korabel” for boat, while making a flipping motion with my hands and then point at my dripping clothing, while shivering all along. Albeit, it did not come to that for no one opened the door. I stumbled on through the rain and mud. In vain, I knocked at the doors of all 15 houses in the village. No response anywhere! What happened to proverbial Russian hospitality? No one was in sight either.

To be continued…

With joyful passion for peace and health,

Hans, the Healthy Adventurer.

TOP 10 Past Article

Written by Sean Block and Sara Piccola |

Hot Springs are a source of flowing water that has been heated through contact with hot or molten rock and has emerged to the Earth’s surface.  This can happen when groundwater circulates unusually deep within the Earth, and then rises, rapidly.

There are countless hot springs scattered throughout Nevada and California (and there are bound to be a few undiscovered gems still out there.)  Four of them in the general vicinity of Reno have been safely harnessed as businesses, offering rest and relaxation.

Steamboat Hot Springs is the closest hot springs to the Reno area. Located just off of Highway 395, past the Summit Mall, the healing waters of Steamboat Villa Hot Springs have been around since the 1800’s, and the spa has been offering numerous services since 1996. From massage, mud wraps, facials, detox, reflexology, acoustic healing and mineral baths, this is the perfect place to go for a break or a day off.

There are well over a dozen unregulated hot springs scattered throughout Nevada and California.  These relatively uninhabited springs offer remote relaxation with amazing views for those adventurous enough to seek them out.

Because hot springs rely on geothermal hotspots, they tend to be found in groups.  One such pocket of activity can be found a few miles outside of Bridgeport, CA.  Travertine Hot Springs boasts a wonderful panoramic view of the Sierra mountains and is located just over a half-mile from town.  Turn left on to Jack Sawyer Road, south of Bridgeport, and follow it for about a mile.  Limited camping is available.

Buckeye hot springs is to the North of Bridgeport in the Toiyabe National Forest.  The remote location hides a brook that cascades into a cave.  Water at the source is too hot to bathe, but the pool created by the creek averages a comfortable 103 degrees.  Turn off of route 395, onto Twin Lakes Road, North of Bridgeport.  Travel seven miles, then turn right past Doc and Al’s resort.  Cross the bridge over the creek and continue up the gravel road to the parking area.  The springs are a quick hike from the parking lot.  Camping is also available at Buckeye Campground.

Hot Springs can also be found on or near the Black Rock Playa, about 30 miles outside of Gerlach, NV, and 120 miles outside of Reno.  The area houses an abundance of springs, most of which are quite accessible by vehicles and are open for camping.  Traigo, Double, and Soldier Meadows hot springs offer good soaking opportunities (Double hot springs is too hot to enter, but a bathing area has been set aside using water from the pool.)  Fly Geyser is a constant spout of artesian hot water that has created a wonderful tower of mineral deposits.  Unfortunately the geyser is on private land and can only be viewed with permission, or on a tour.  However the ease of travel, or lack thereof makes visiting these springs a commitment…or an adventure, depending on your point of view.

Be aware, ANY uncontrolled hot spring can sometimes be a dangerous way to enjoy nature’s hot tubs. If you choose to seek them out, make sure to stay alert.  Test the water, and pay attention to your surroundings.  Hot Springs can increase in temperature in seconds due to variations in the waters that feed them from below.  For the most complete anthology of hot springs in the area, check out the book “Touring California and Nevada Hot Springs” by Matt Bischoff. Be safe, and happy soaking!

Steamboat Hot Springs

www.steamboatsprings.org

16010 S Virginia St.  Reno, NV

1-775-853-6600

For a list of tour dates for Fly Geyser, subscribe to the newsletter at www.blackrockdesert.org/calendar/

References:

www.steamboatsprings.org

“Touring California and Nevada Hot Springs” by Matt Bischoff

“Hot Spots: A Guide To Area Hot Springs” by Geralda Miller

Kayaking through Siberia, Part 8

The rushing water grabbed the boat now, robbing me of any control. Then, it happened. It happened so fast, I could not recall actually falling out of the kayak. Suddenly, I was immersed in water. Is this the end of me? My thoughts rushed back to my wife and my sons. Will we ever see each other again?

Fear? There was no time for that, if I wanted to get out alive. What happened next appeared as a miracle to me, in fact two of them. By the time I reached the surface, the current had swept me into sort of an eddy. While I gasped for air, what was that object to my right–my boat? Yes! No, not carried on by the current, but right next to me! Don’t get away now! I quickly grabbed it and held on to it. With air cushions on both sides, it was practically unsinkable. Now what was that thing to my left? Unbelievable, my paddle! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am accustomed to a life of gratitude, but this was a real special moment. If I did not die of hypothermia, I could continue with my trip. With my right hand on the boat filled with water and my left hanging on the paddle, I had only my legs left for swimming action. My clothes, in particular the down jacket, were water soaked like a sponge. Thus, painfully slow, in undulating motion, I moved towards the ice barrier on the riverbank. Finally, I felt ground and heaved the kayak partly onto the shore.

So good so far! What next? I had to get the water out of the boat. It was still too heavy to flip. While I hectically bailed, I wondered about the condition of my belongings.

To be continued…

With joyful passion for peace and health,

Hans, the Healthy Adventurer

Kayaking through Siberia, Part 7

I began my healthy adventures in 1990. By combining bicycling, kayaking and hiking, I would eventually travel four times around the earth. I am 70 years old and have not been sick since 1972. It is never too late to live a healthy, active, adventuresome life as you will read in a series of articles.

So I ended up with a huge meal of fish for dinner. For me, cooking a meal is simple, that is when it is not raining. I place a collapsible grill over a small wood fire. In this case, after gutting and scaling four fish, I fried them in oil in a frying pan. On other occasions, I used the pan to prepare pancakes from pre-mixed powdered milk, powdered eggs and flour, as a substitute for bread. I also carried a light-weight pot along to boil water to reconstitute complete, precooked, freeze dried meals from our Everlasting Health Center. I found these light-weight packages extremely convenient to produce a nutritious, delicious and filling meal. For times of inclement weather, I brought a number of well-balanced nutrition bars along, and that basically completed my food supplies.

It started to rain again, early afternoon in the next day. What was that white stuff I occasionally noticed on either riverbank? Snow that through the process of thawing by day and freezing by night, turned into ice. To keep warm, I wore my down jacket below my raincoat. The excitement for this day started with a sound. Oh no, It was the unmistakable rush of rapids. Why this? My detailed maps did not show any of them, nor had they been mentioned by any of my Russian friends. Too late to get ashore, I had to act quickly. Should I steer towards mainstream, where it would be the deepest and thus safest, or head closer to the shore in case I flipped? At this moment, I was closer to the left bank and that is where I stayed. Oh, no! I will never forget the sight of rocks appearing ahead of me, so threatening looking.

To be continued…

With joyful passion for peace and health,

Hans, the Healthy Adventurer

Kayaking through Siberia, Part 6

Upstream from Krasnoyarsk, the river snakes through mountainous terrain. Vladimir had taken me there the day before, as far as the Lenin Dam and power plant. Now, the landscape flattened out. Here and there I passed laid-back villages. Occasionally, I saw folks fishing from the shores. Towards evening, I pitched my tent across the river of one of the settlements–my first night in this enchanting world.

I had just taken off the next morning when it began to rain. I was well prepared for that.  My raincoat covered the top of a rain skirt, which was tied around my waist and protected the opening of the kayak. My hands stayed warm and dry in rubber gloves. The visor of my cap extended from under the hood and kept the rain out of my face. It was actually thrilling to paddle in comfort through the pouring rain. I felt even greater exhilaration when the river picked up speed passing through a canyon.

Houses are built out of wood. Weather has turned them gray. On a cloudy, rainy day like this, the villages I passed appeared drab and deserted. Only a few sturdy souls stuck it out and kept casting for fish from the shores.

Sunshine the next day made the world look so much friendlier. By early afternoon I came upon two fishermen in a boat, emptying their nets. When they saw me approach, they stopped what they were doing and headed towards me. “You are the German kayaker I saw on television last night. Here, you must have some of these fish,” said one of them.  And with that he grabbed a dozen fish, placed them in a sack and forced them on me. “Please,” I responded, “I can not eat that many. Three are plenty.” I was powerless against the insistence of the man.

To be continued…

With joyful passion for peace and health,

Hans, the Healthy Adventurer.

Kayaking through Siberia, Part 5

I have never owned a cell phone and am a novice about its use. Vladimir gave me one of his, with a reach of a thousand kilometers, saying that he would check on me periodically and that I could reach him with any concern. This arrangement later proved to be very useful.

Well, the time had come now to depart. Well wishes, handshakes, hugs, hand waiving and off I went into this big river. A swift current, and favorable winds, carried me away quickly. Soon there was just the river and I.

Krasnoyarsk is an industrial center, and a lot of its shipping activities take place on the Yenisey River. For some time, I passed shipyards, anchored barges and all sorts of loading facilities. Within the hour, I entered what I had come here to experience, the great Siberian forest known as the taiga. Besides patches of snow on top of distant mountains, there was nothing to relate to my concern that I had come here too early in the season. It was partly sunny and warm. Trees had turned green. The going was good. Then, something happened that dampened my high spirits. I kept my new digital camera in a pocket of my rain jacket. In the process of taking it off, the camera plunged into the water. Gone were all the pictures I had thus far taken. Fortunately, I still had my old 35mm camera. It too, though, would shortly become a casualty.

There was considerable boat traffic on the river, regulated by a string of buoys in bright colors. I entertained myself by waving and watching the response. There was always an echo. Larger vessels would even blow their horns. Tugboats would pull mostly barges, loaded to the brim with timber as they slowly “steamed” against the current.

To be continued…

With joyful passion for peace and health,

Hans, the Healthy Adventurer

Kayaking through Siberia, Part 4

No one really knew English, so Vladimir did his best to translate for the interviews. One of the questions that came up during the interview was, when exactly did I plan to depart; they wanted to cover the assembly of the kayak, my equipment and of course, the departure. Had I known then what lay ahead, maybe I would have waited a month. For now, we agreed to meet at 10:00 h next morning.

The following day Vladimir and his chauffeur brought me and all my equipment to an island in the Yenisey River, where sporting events typically take place. A crowd had gathered there already. Maybe I should enjoy all that company, as I would soon be alone for a long time on this river, the fifth longest river on earth. This time, a professional interpreter had been invited.

My kayak was brand new. It takes a little doing to arrange the appropriate wooden pieces into a frame that then is inserted into a PVC covered canvass hull. My new friends basically figured it out for me while I was busy answering questions and smiling into the cameras. Besides sharing the basics as to how I envisioned to camp, prepare food, fish etc., I related to the mission of peace I consider myself a part of. “You are my friends and just like you I have friends all over the world. No government has the right to tell me that any of them are to be my enemies. If we were to allow our governments to straighten out the messes they themselves produce and disallow them to abuse us for their agendas, we would have what we all want, namely peace.” In similar words, that was my message, to over a million Russians.

To be continued…

With joyful passion for peace and health,

Hans, the Healthy Adventurer

Kayaking through Siberia, Part 3

I needed help and I needed it badly, for not only was my bike wobbling heavily, I was in danger of more spokes breaking and the whole wheel collapsing. Help came in the form of Vladimir. I met him through an American couple, whose address I received in this city. He showed up in a car and promptly took me to a bike repair shop where my problem was resolved in short order. Vladimir and I exchanged addresses and stayed in contact. Over time, I learned that he was a champion triathlon athlete, taking part in competitions all over the world. He advanced to become the director of sports events for the government of the city of Krasnoyarsk.

I need a government-approved invitation to acquire a visa to visit Russia. Instead of inviting me personally, Vladimir managed to have the city government be my host. This facilitated the visa issue from a Russian consulate greatly.

My hotel in Krasnoyarsk was only a stone’s throw away from the Yenisei River, my path to the arctic. The VIP treatment continued in the morning. Vladimir and his chauffeur took me the modern-day counterpart of the KGB. Certain areas up in northern Siberia were off-limits to foreigners. A special permit was issued there for me. It was also a great form of protection for me to travel with the official blessing of this powerful organization. With curiosity, I encountered the men and women who were so often featured as evil in spy movies. Alas, they looked like everyone else, just acted a bit more stern and official.

The group I encountered next was less somber and considerably more talkative: Media folks. Vladimir had arranged for several television crews to meet us outside the “KGB” building…

With joyful passion for peace and health,

Hans, The Healthy Adventurer.

My departure was delayed, waiting for the arrival of a sail I had ordered from the kayak manufacturer in Germany. By the time I finally took off, it was almost October. Too late, much too late in the season for such a dangerous venture! Strong winds pounded me heavily and whipped up treacherous swells. Water got into the boat. By the third day, I had developed severe sciatica. My response to the pain most likely saved my life for I turned around long before I reached the open sea, which most likely would have become my grave.

What would my experience be in Siberia now? I traveled on, with anticipation and excitement, to Frankfurt and further to Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, my new, one-seat foldable kayak in my luggage. My guardian angel Vladimir had seen to it that I was picked up at the airport by a friend. After feeding me breakfast and showing me the historic site where the last czar and his family were shot, he took me to the railroad station. A day and a half of travel by train and I arrived in Krasnoyarsk one hour after midnight.

Would you believe Vladimir and his chauffeur were there at this “ungodly” hour to pick me up in a large, city-owned Volga to take me to a hotel? How did I get into this situation of being treated like royalty?

I had met Vladimir on my bike ride across Siberia in the year 2000. By the time I had reached Krasnoyarsk on a gloomy, rainy day, three spokes had broken on the rear wheel of my bicycle. Though I carried spare spokes along, if this happened on the side of the chain, without proper tools, I could not fix it.

To be continued…

With joyful passion for peace and health,

Hans, The Healthy Adventurer

I kept looking out of the airplane window. All I saw below me were frozen rivers and lakes, surrounded by snow covered forest. It was the 18th of May, 2009. Had I left Reno too early in the year for traveling with my kayak on the Yenisey River through Siberia? Well, I had, as I painfully was to find out in just a few days.

The plane was now flying over Labrador, a lonely forest region in northeastern Canada. My kayak adventure was to take me from the city of Krasnoyarsk to the Arctic Ocean, meaning I would be heading much further north than the area below me.

Somewhere down there was the community of Happy Valley. I had lived there in 1961, working at a nearby American Air Force base known as Goose Bay. Over time I met Walter, who came from the northern part of Germany where I grew up, near the shores of the Baltic Sea.

Throughout all my childhood and youth I had dreamed of owning and paddling a foldable kayak. Walter had such a formidable boat. He offered me his Aerius II Klepper at a price I could not refuse. I took it for a few rides on the close-by Hamilton River and its tributaries.

When my job ended, I moved to Quebec City and left the kayak behind with Walter. I would return in late August of 1962 and embark on a kayak trip that could have cost me my life. My plan was to paddle from Happy Valley to Quebec City, a stretch well over 1,500 km. What was I thinking? As an inexperienced kayaker, I was going to face some of the roughest waters on earth.

To be continued…

With joyful passion for peace and health,
Hans, the healthy adventurer.

I began my healthy adventures in 1972 traveling all over the world by bike. Today I am 69 years old and still going strong. It is never to late to live a healthy active life and be your own healthy adventurer.

While overlooking the ocean from a picnic table I enjoyed a fabulous lunch. By the time I reached a wide empty sand beach, I had ridden 20 km to the north of Darwin. It was low tide, allowing me to ride right on the beach. The water was radiantly turquoise, clear and warm. Gentle waves rolled towards the shoreline. Should I dare to go for a swim? It was so tempting. Sea crocodiles were not the only concern, however. Everywhere signs had been posted warning of poisonous jellyfish. People had died getting in contact with them. Reading that this was not their major season emboldened me. I had so much fun that I spent the rest of the day between swimming, sun bathing, reading and writing until sundown. For the last time on this trip, I pitched my tent for the night.

My last day in Australia had begun. I rode back into Darwin and headed for the harbor to catch a ferry across the bay. In anticipation of further Japanese attacks, mighty concrete fortifications and cannon batteries had been installed during World War II. It never was put into action. Now, long abandoned, it all was in utter decay and forgotten. Forgotten? Those ruins probably so, but not the memory of that battle.

That evening, back in the park of the Esplanade overlooking the bay, a group of tourists had congregated to watch the sunset. There were folks from many parts of the world, including Japan. Today, we drive Japanese and German cars, use cameras and a host of other products made in formerly “hostile” nations. In light of the carnage that took place here over 65 years ago, I felt it heart-warming that we get along in peace now. I hope and pray that we may never allow ourselves to be abused for political agendas and that mankind will globally grow together on the basis of justice, freedom and peace. Besides the personal benefits of health, stamina, adventure and education, I see my mission as an ambassador of health and peace wherever I go on my biking adventures. The end.

Till then, peace, joy, and health, Hans

Yosemite’s Half Dome is not only the signature landmark of the park, it appears on the 2005 US Quarter representing California to the world.

It is one of the most popular day hikes in the country and is both a goal and a journey for fit visitors. The 12-hour marathon hike is completed by over 50,000 people a year. The peak stands 8,842 feet above sea level and was first climbed in 1875 by use of a knotted rope erected by Scottish immigrant George Anderson. The famous steel cable “handrail” was put up in 1919. Today well over 50,000 people manage the 16-mile round trip to the top each summer. It is hard due to the 4800 ft vertical rise and the final 425 feet ascent at 45-degrees on the rock itself.

We seem to love it to death. The severe overcrowding on busy weekend days and the bottleneck that can result when people try to get down if the weather rapidly turns bad quickly. In January, the Superintendent issued an interim directive to begin a permit process for the hike up the cables on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in 2010 and 2011. The permits were gone within nine minutes of their availability last spring. The permit system worked well this summer as only 400 were allowed to go up, drastically reducing the wait time. Previously, wait lines up to an hour long were not uncommon. As might be expected, weekdays are now taking the load.

The park’s planning group is chartered with developing a permanent solution called the Half Dome Trail Stewardship Program to take effect in 2012. The goals are to institute appropriate management that will protect and enhance the natural and cultural environment of the area around Half Dome and establish appropriate conditions along the trail leading up to the Half Dome cables. Half Dome is officially in the wilderness and is protected by the Wilderness Act of 1964. The law states that wilderness areas are to provide for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation. Clearly Half Dome no longer allows a natural environment.

Besides needing a permit (enforced by rangers at the base) there is only one “rule” about getting to the top of Half Dome: the National Park Service prohibits camping overnight on the top (that ended in 1992). No one is in charge; no rangers and no posted etiquette rules. Generally, people go up on the right side and down on the left. Some go up outside the cables to avoid the crowds and utilize the better granite footing. Remember that the cable route has been there for over 90 years and is worn smooth. Tennis shoes are not advised.

It’s obvious that many hikers have Half Dome on their Bucket List. It’s our Mt. Everest. Only four hours from Reno, the hike is done by many seeking to realize a goal. It’s not an easy goal. The hike is classed as “extremely strenuous.”

Anyone can do this hike with education, preparation and motivation. Learn about water treatment, proper footwear, use of trekking poles and other gear. Train on hills and you should be able to reach this goal. Do it because YOU want to do it and don’t be pressured if it is beyond your capability. Download Mr. Half Dome’s presentation: Hike Half Dome: Anyone Can* from Mindbites at http://mindbites.com/ What’s on YOUR bucket list?

About the author: Rick Deutsch lives in San Jose, and is an author, speaker and outdoor adventurer. He has hiked Half Dome 27 times and has written “One Best Hike: Yosemite’s Half Dome.” See www.HikeHalfDome.com

For more info, visit Rick Deutsch online at www.HikeHalfDome.com.