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.

Then there they were, the ones we were most excited about to see: crocodiles. This was a good time to see them sun bathing on the shores. I discerned two kinds, the smaller freshwater crocodiles and the larger and more aggressive sea crocodiles. Yes, they actually are a threat at ocean beaches. Two days earlier, in a museum, I had a chance to see the largest crocodile ever caught. It was 6 m (18 f) long. Ironically, it had drowned having become entangled in tree roots. The guide slowed the boat down when we came upon “crocs”. At times we got as close as 10 m before they rushed, occasionally with a grunt, into the safety of the water.

For the first 50 km after leaving Kakadu National Park little changed. But now, as I came closer to urbanization, the usual bush was intermittently replaced by mango, banana and other fruit orchards. The following night was my last to spend in the great Australian outdoors. At 9:00 the next morning, after biking 3,500 km (2,200 miles) I reached my destination, the northern coast of Australia. Later I used pencil and calculator and figured that I averaged 170 km (110.5 miles) daily. Now, it was time to celebrate. I was at the Esplanade, the prominent seafront of the city of Darwin, named after Charles Darwin, the father of the evolution concept. Should I award myself and stay in one of the glitzy hotels?

Till then, peace, joy, and health,
Hans

In 1849, some fortunate pioneers were resting in the hills above Washoe valley when they came across a chance discovery; gold so thick it could be pulled from the rock by hand. Ill-equipped for mining, they took a few pieces and continued on their way. However, as they ventured westward, their tale of rivers lined with gold went with them; and the gold rush had begun.

Hopeful miners and prospectors scattered themselves among the hills, looking to strike it rich. Years later, Johnstown, a mining settlement in western Utah picked up and moved en-masse to an unnamed hilltop overlooking Carson City. Among them was an old drunk named James Finney. Lore has it that “Ol’ Virginny,” as he was known to the miners, was stumbling whiskey-in-hand through the canvas tents of town when he slipped; smashing his jug and losing its contents into the dirt. Exasperated, he poured the last drops on the ground and bellowed, “I claim this land Virginny City!” So in 1859, Virginia City got its name. By a year later, the canvas tents were replaced by busy streets and booming businesses. Ornate buildings, a grand opera house, modern schools, hospitals and churches sprung from the ground as the Comstock lode rapidly created what was, for a brief time, the richest town in America.

However Virginia City has a very violent past. Lynching and murder were everyday occurrences. Fires routinely killed workers and destroyed mines and buildings. From the beginning, there were few laws and less enforcement protecting miner’s discoveries. Claims were protected by the men who founded them. The revolver was law. The rampant violence and harsh conditions left a mark upon the land. Virginia City is widely considered by believers and skeptics alike to be one of the most haunted places in the world.
Places of Interest:

The Railroad – Round-trip train rides are available on the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad from Virginia City to Carson City and Gold Hill (and vice versa.) The train runs daily from May 29, to October 31. Fares are $9 for the diesel train and $10 for the steam engine.

Museums – 12 museums occupy Virginia City, often pertaining to and located at specific historic landmarks. Mark Twain, Gambling, and Wild-West Museums make up just a few of the many options for visitors looking to learn about the city’s past.

Storey County Courthouse – Rebuilt in 1875 after a fire burned two-thirds of Virginia City to the ground. The lavish building was long considered one of the grandest courthouses in the nation.

John Mackay’s Home – Located on D Street. John Mackay was one of the most influential men in Virginia City. The school of mining at the University of Nevada, Reno bears his last name. John W. Mackay was born on November 28, 1831 in Dublin, Ireland. At nine years old, his family immigrated to New York. Mackay began his career in mining in 1851, at the age of 18. In 1860, he made the move from California to Virginia City, Nevada. There, he worked a ‘rathole’ mine, an inexpensive and crude operation that rarely yielded much result. However his location on Gold Hill was one exception and made him his first millions. In 1873, Mackay and his partners struck the famous Comstock vein, producing over $180 Million of Gold, Silver, and other ore. Mackay was an industrious man and, after the heyday of the Gold Rush, used his newfound wealth for numerous projects including the Bank of Nevada, two telegraph and postal companies, and the first telegraph cable across the Atlantic. Mackay moved to San Francisco to form the Commercial Cable Company. After his death in 1902, his son and wife erected a statue commemorating Mackay on the UNR campus in 1908.

4th Ward School – Also built after the 1875 fire, it was the most modern school in the country at the time. The school graduated its last class in 1936.

Piper’s Opera House – Between A and B Streets, the opulent theater once featured entertainers such as Harry Houdini and Buffalo Bill Cody. The Opera House maintains a museum on-site.

Gold Hill – The location of the first claims of the lode. Currently a great place to get a beer.

Presbyterian Church – On C Street, it is the only remaining church built during the city’s heyday. This was the parish of the famous Father Patric Manogue.

The Cemetery – The Virginia City graveyard is an eerie and irresistible place. The names scrawled on the crumbling headstones date back to the area’s very first non-Indian residents.
Mine Tours – Multiple locations offer tours of the Virginia City mines and can easily be found online.

References:

1. Virginia City Walking Tour
2. KC Government Publications
3. Virginia City; Its History–Its Ghosts
4. Zauner, Phyllis (Special Collections Library, UNR)

Have you seen them? They are everywhere; the raccoon-eyed tan lines of those who have not yet abandoned the slopes. And why would you? The last of the snow may have fallen, but it hasn’t melted yet. The days are lighter longer, the lines are smaller, and who doesn’t like skiing or riding comfortably in a T-shirt? The powder days are gone, but the season persists. So before you hang up the skis and pull out the bike, the boat, or the hiking shoes, it is time to cash in on a few more weeks in the mountains.

Spring skiing is different than in the depths of winter. Watch out for hazards like rocks, trees and dirt that emerge from the shrinking snow-pack; and don’t forget the sunscreen! However regardless of the season, some things are always the same; like these tips for hard times to help you save a bit of money and time on the mountain.

PACK A LUNCH!!!! – If you’ve been to a ski-resort, you’ve seen the lunch-line. Busier than an elementary school cafeteria and infinitely more expensive, the best idea is to stay away altogether. Snacks and drinks for the ride home are always a plus!

Fuel Up BEFORE You Head Out – Gas prices can spike almost a dollar between metropolitan areas such as Reno, and the fuel available in the mountains! On a round-trip drive to a resort 50 miles from Reno at 15 miles per gallon, this amounts to a possible $7 in savings each trip. For those driving from farther away, the savings can be even more significant.

If You’re Going Next Season…- Some resorts offer season-passes that include the springtime of one season, AND the entire next season in one! Many season-pass rates spike once the season starts. If you know you’ll be going, get your pass now and potentially save yourself hundreds!

Check For Ticket Deals – Most resorts have daily specials, group rates, and multiple-ticket discounts. If you don’t make it up enough to buy a season pass, these packages, deals and discounts offer great ways to save money.
Make An Equipment Checklist – Especially if you are heading to the slope with the kids, a checklist is crucial.

Whether in your head or on paper, amid the chaos that is resort-skiing, a list can help you from losing or forgetting equipment, passes, etc…one of the leading causes of bad times on the mountain. Missing equipment costs money, time, and frustration and can be easily avoided by staying aware of what you need with you. Also, in spring the snow is melting and things get wet; packing extra gear (gloves in particular!) can help guarantee that you remain warm, dry and happy on the slopes.

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.

Australia – March 2010

Suddenly, there he was, a mighty bull. This kind, living in the wild, is called “buffalo” though they do not resemble our North American bison. Oh yes, pigs, often of enormous size, cattle, horses and even donkeys live wild in this huge park. I had come to a stop. We stared at each other. We were only 50 m apart. If the beast should decide to attack, I thought, I could easily get away on my bike. I did not come to find out, for the bull snorted, turned quickly and ran off into the bush.

It was still raining when I biked into a rest area just before it turned dark. This one had camping sites. When I set out to pitch my little tent surrounded by large RVs, two ladies came over to invite me to camp next to their caravan. “You must meet my husband,” said one of them, “he is a crazy push biker like you.” He was. He invited me for a beer and shared some of his biking adventures when there was a lull in the rain. Returning downpour parted us again, driving me into my tent for an early night.

When I was back riding by 4:00 am the rain had stopped. It was still pitch dark. Something bounced against my leg. Had I lost something? I turned around. In the beam of my flashlight I saw a giant toad.

To be continued…

The Early History of Steamboat Hot Springs, Nevada

“Behold! A Steamboat in the desert!” (Mark Twain, 1861).

The natural geothermal waters of Steamboat Hot Springs a few miles south of Reno, Nevada have attracted people for ages, including famous author Mark Twain. Prior to 1900, the site featured the third largest geyser in the United States, which erupted 60 to 80 feet into the air, surrounded by open pools of boiling hot water. This historical landmark has a notably fascinating past as the location for a Grand hotel, a hospital, a training facility for famous boxers, a therapeutic healing center for a well-known race horse and those searching out relief from their ailments.

Native Americans often located their winter camps along the creek and used the hot spring water for cooking. During the California Gold Rush in 1849, early settlers coming through the Truckee Meadows area found fissures in the ground that emanated steam. The first development of the hot springs was in 1859, consisting of a tiny shed with two rooms, one for a tub and one for steam.

In 1860, more sheds were constructed to capture the steam and artesian spring water. Dr. James Ellis, a hydrotherapist from England, set up a hospital in 1861 using the hot spring water for healing. With the influx of silver miners and money to the Comstock Lode in nearby Virginia City, the site was developed with a hotel, dance hall and saloon, and of course the hot baths. It was described by one visitor as “the onliest joint within a day’s journey where a fellow could rinse his silver-coated person.”

The story goes that Steamboat was named by the famous author Mark Twain, who had become a newspaperman in Virginia City after working as a steamboat captain on the Mississippi River. Riding over the hills to visit the site, he associated the columns of steam rising into the air with the riverboats he had known. He shouted, “Behold! A steamboat in the desert!” and the name stuck.

Steamboat Hot Springs was first a stagecoach stop and later a train station. After the Virginia & Truckee Railroad was built in 1870, Steamboat was only a half-hour train ride from downtown Reno. This train service continued until 1950 when the V&T was shut down. Currently the V&T is being revived, but not planned to be routed through Steamboat.

The water was analyzed in the 1880s and found to contain natural chlorine, sodium, silica, borate, sulfate, carbonate, potassium, lithium, calcium, arsenic, phosphate, antimony, magnesium, alumina, iron, and mercury. Gold and silver content was found in a later analysis. All life on this planet came from mineral salts in geothermal water, which saturate that water to the concentrations found in ancient oceans.

In 1935, state engineer Alfred Merritt Smith wrote about Steamboat Springs: “Geologically, the springs are among the most interesting in the world, for they demonstrate in a striking way how mineral veins and deposits are formed. The hot water is constantly depositing silica, gold, silver, mercury, antimony, and other minerals and metals, which it holds in solution. The silica is held in solution as a jelly-like colloid, and upon the evaporation of the water is deposited as translucent gelatinous silica, which on the surface is gradually dehydrated to become amorphous white sinter. In cracks and crevices, the silica becomes banded chalcedony, or even quartz. The metals are deposited simultaneously with the silica. One of the most beautiful mineral specimens in the well-known Mackay School of Mines Museum at Reno is a mass of intermixed dazzling white silica, crimson cinnabar, and meta-stibnite from Steamboat Springs.”

Illustrious visitors during the mining era included President Ulysses S. Grant and his family. The Grand Hotel was the site of musical concerts, grand balls, and many festive occasions. But on December 10, 1900, an earthquake caused the hot springs and geyser to dry up. Then on April 21, 1901, one of the frequent wildfires in the area burned the hotel and most of the other buildings to the ground.

In 1925, Dr. Edna Carver, DO bought the land, drilled a new well, and built the Pioneer State Health Hotel. She operated a hospital there until another fire leveled it in 1937. It was rebuilt, but burned again in 1942.

Steamboat Hot Springs is now a historical landmark with a significant legacy in the sports world. In 1924, a boxing promoter contracted with the owner to use the spa as a training camp because of the healing properties of the hot mineral water, mud, and steam when applied to his injured boxers.
In 1931, Paolino Uzcudun, a Basque heavyweight boxer, trained at Steamboat. In 1932, King Levinsky, a Chicago heavyweight, trained here with Jack Dempsey. Uzcudun and Levinsky were both preparing for 20-round bouts with Max Baer. Jack Dempsey was in a fight that was held at Steamboat during this period. In 1936 Ray Impelliterre used the ring at Steamboat to train for a bout in San Francisco.

In the horse racing world, the champion Man o’ War was brought to Steamboat in the 1940s to take its waters and muds after he had sustained serious injuries, and the horse returned to win the Kentucky Derby after many thought he would never race again.

Around 1940, in an attempt to attract financing to build a major resort at Steamboat Springs, Dr. Carver wrote a prospectus detailing the thermogenic healing uses of the water, and the use of the mineral mud for the treatment of many disorders. These included arthritis, sciatica, rheumatism, phlebitis, arteriosclerosis, blood diseases, stomach disturbances, myocitis, lumbago, neuritis, neuralgia, gout, paralysis, Bright’s disease, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, cirrhosis of the liver, throat and sinus problems, nervous disorders, imperfections of the complexion, metallic poisoning, alcoholism, drug addiction, blood diseases such as pernicious anemia and leukemia, malaria, colds, obesity, constipation, overeating, under-exercise, and recuperation following illness.

Dr. Carver’s prospectus noted the accessibility of Steamboat from all parts of the country via air, car, or rail, and the skiing, hunting, and fishing activities, which abound nearby. She envisioned a large resort with Spanish-style architecture. Visitors can find that today and can take advantage of the incomparable healing waters that have been renowned through history. It’s always been about the water.

References:

1. A Steamboat in the Desert: A History of Steamboat Springs, Nevada. By Roger Bowen Weld, 1998. Published by the International Community Guilds, Reno, and available at Steamboat.

by Sean Block |

Roughly 6,000 years ago, the largest pocket of the human population was located near present-day Central Asia. Around that time, the first primitive snowshoe, a crudely bound mishmash of leaves, leather and branches began to emerge, making migration to the snowy North much easier. Some migrated to what is now Northern Europe and developed skis as a method of transportation. Those that crossed the Bering land-bridge into North America to become the Inuit and many American Indian tribes chose the snowshoe. Their durable, simplistic design was as crucial to the pioneers that conquered the west as any other modern tool of the time.

Skis were not documented in America until the 1800s when the Finns, Swedes, and Norwegians began to immigrate in substantial numbers. Despite the introduction of the ski, the snowshoe was more efficient; it remained the preferred method of winter travel in America from roughly 4,000 B.C. until the 1960s. The snowshoe as we know it was designed by the Athaspascan and Algonquin Indians. Often homemade until the last hundred years, white ash frames with rawhide webbing and lacing were the predominate style before the age of metal and synthetics. However, technological advancements have done little to change the shape of the modern snowshoe.

Nowadays, snowshoeing has become more recreational than demanded by necessity. Snow goers tear through forests on snowmobiles and rip down mountains on finely tuned skis and snowboards. The day of the snowshoe has come and gone. Or has it? Commercially, snowshoe tours have been on a consistent rise that have seen them compete with, and then surpass cross-country skiing tours in recent years.

Who knows exactly why each person chooses the slow, tedious pace of snowshoes over easier solutions. Maybe it is the peace that comes with the silence, or that snowshoes tend to be the safest method of snow travel; or that the slower we go, the more we notice. It could be because snowshoes are low-impact and stealthy, keeping skittish animals from fleeing from hunter or enthusiast; and they fit in a pack. Or maybe it is because they are cheap, they are easy, and they are fun. Snowshoes allow the adventurous hiker to escape to the hills even in the depths of winter.

Some of the best experiences for the newly shoed can be found using small, personal guides. Outings with more than around six people (especially with the inexperienced) can become cumbersome and downright dangerous unless expertly managed. Seasoned guides know what people want out of their experience, and where to find it. Also, many businesses will offer backcountry awareness, medical, and safety courses that are vital for new hobbyists searching to establish themselves as independent winter survivors. Many of the area’s ski resorts including Kirkwood, Northstar, and Squaw have immense areas set-aside with more controlled conditions for cross-country activities like snowshoeing, dogsledding, and cross-country skiing.

References:

1. Snowshoeing: From Novice to Master by Gene Prater and Dave Felkey.
2. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowshoe

To explore where snowshoeing can take you contact Tahoe Adventure Company. Tahoe Adventure Company leads high quality adventure travel trips with a focus on experiencing the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, trails and brilliant waters of Lake Tahoe. Our goal is to offer the highest quality, most enlightening adventures in the Lake Tahoe area. Our knowledgeable, local guides offer exceptional service and create memorable adventures for your group. (530) 913-9212 or (866) 830-6125

www.tahoeadventurecompany.com

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.

Here in Pine Creek was the junction. Before I left the Stuart Highway, I had been traveling on since Port Augusta, I came upon the largest termite hill I had seen thus far. To call it “termite column” would be more descriptive. They had become rather plentiful since I entered the Northern Territories. All along they had been red like the earth and averaged 1 m in height reminding me of tombstones in a graveyard. Here they were gray and huge. This one here I estimated to be 4 m high and 2 m in diameter. So why were they different here? I came upon a plaque that explained that there are 2,000 known species of termites of which 200 are found in Australia and 90 alone in the Northern Territories. Some of them venture deep into the soil where there is an abundance of minerals, which they bring up to construct their columns. This explains the gray color in an otherwise red world. As these mounts decay they fertilize the soil.

I faced headwinds as I now biked easterly towards Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is a word from one of the indigenous languages for the known pretty and noisy birds. Little changed in the scenery of the ongoing bush land. While there were intermittent fences before, there where none now. In the afternoon it began to rain again. There was an advantage to that; it stopped the nasty headwind.

To be continued….

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.

80 km later I had the opportunity to practice erecting my tent while it was raining. Though there are all sorts of tents for my purposes, there are two main types. One kind consists primarily of mosquito netting and rain cover is placed over it when needed. Then there are tents with rain tarp only. That was the kind Herbert had. They are normally not “airy”. Anticipating heat on this trip, I had chosen the first alternative. Its drawback was, by the time I had put up the mosquito netting, the inside was wet. Thus speed was of the essence. In my case I was hampered by total darkness.

The rain had stopped in the morning. After 15 km, I came into the small community of Pine Creek. The villages en route have to make a living from the moneys spent by travelers. That became obvious when I was charged $13 for breakfast.

I had a decision to make. This was the 20th of June. Darwin, my destination, was only ww264km or less than 1.5 days of bike riding away. My departure from there was scheduled for the 28th. The likelihood of catching an earlier plane ride was very remote. Thus I had some extra time on hand and decided on a side trip that would take several days.

“With joyful passion for health and peace”
Hans

by Sean Block |

And thus passes another year. Taking a look back, it is hard to believe this marks a decade since the new millennium. We have seen a lot of frightening and terrible things to kick off the next thousand years. But through it all, we remain standing. Now as the seasons come full circle yet again, we all take a moment to slow ourselves down. Shirk the stress of our lives, and take stock of what truly matters. The only way to stay happy is to remember what we can control and what we can’t. Hug your family a little longer, work a little harder, play a little more. Remind those who fill your heart how much they mean to you, and enjoy every second of your time together like the gift that it is.

The term ‘new-year’s resolution’ gets tossed around so carelessly now that it often means giving up junk food or exercising for a month until apathy rekindles. There is an alternative. This resolution doesn’t require a yearlong commitment but it can change your life just the same. Plan a trip. It doesn’t have to be for January; you may not go until spring or summer, but plan it now and have it to look forward to. Take the family, go by yourself, bring your significant other…whatever feels right, just go. Go to the mountains. Go to the beach. Go to the desert, the forest, the lake; it doesn’t matter. Just get your feet moving and rest your eyes on something new. We all differ, but most of us thrive on new experiences. These can be found anywhere by those willing to look.

While you’re on your trip, do one thing for yourself. Find a place during sunset, or on a particularly starry night and sit down. Just sit. Don’t think, just be. Try to feel the immensity of things. Gaze at the billions of tiny suns twinkling in the sky; the same suns that watched the first animals crawl from the seas; that watched the first humans walk on two feet; that have witnessed every second of every life from the immense to the infinitesimal. Suddenly work doesn’t seem so stressful does it? I still remember the first time this notion really hit me. It can be daunting, almost scary, but remember what we can control and what we cannot. Hug your family a little longer, work a little harder, play a little more; and remember life is there to be lived.

Note: Rest in peace Beverly, Tim and Carol. May you find peace among the stars, I love you.

by Sean Block |

Your heart is pounding. You are sweating. The skis under your feet glide like butter on a hot pan. The fog of your breath and numb tip of your nose are the only reminders that it’s cold outside. You pause for a moment, perched atop a ridge after an uphill trek of a few hundred feet. You take in your surroundings. In the valley below, snow-capped trees stand like phalanxes among a perfect blanket of fresh snow. The wind blows slightly. Small animal tracks zigzag here and there atop the ridge. Despite the presence of the intrepid critters, the silence of the woods in winter is profound.

This is not just a fanciful scene, but also a common one for those willing to seek it. And those who seek the peace found among the unmarked snow, often get there on a pair of free-heeled skis.

Cross-country skiing can be found anywhere with snow. It originated 4,500 years ago in Scandinavia, and can now be found on all seven continents. In the Olympics, one-third of all winter medals are given out in a sport descendant from cross-country skiing. Originally the only effective mode of travel for those living in snow or ice-bound places, cross-country has become the thing of sport, exercise, competition and leisure. Alpine skiing has only recently derived from cross-country skiing as transportation systems to the top of the mountain have become more accessible.

What sets cross-country apart from alpine (downhill) skiing is the free-heeled bindings. The ability to pivot on the toes allows the skier to climb up hills, maintain speed across flats, and perform telemark descents. It does not take a mountain to cross-country ski. Because terrain varies, challenges can cater to all skiers, beginner to expert.

Cross-country skiing does not have to be a sightseeing trip through the woods every time. Largely considered to be the world’s foremost aerobic workout, cross-country works both arms and legs simultaneously, but the low-impact movement allows people of all ages (2-100+!) to enjoy the sport. A trip can be as simple as a quick jaunt around a local park, or as complicated as a multi-day excursion into the mountains.

There are two distinct styles in cross-country. The classic style is the straight-ahead motion much like that of the ‘Nordic Ski’ workout machine. Ski skating is the racing style that involves a constant pushing, side-to-side motion like that of rollerblades.

For those looking for a bit of adventure with their workout, cross-country skiing lets you push it as far as you’re willing to go. The Sierras are home to some prime cross-country real estate; the largest cross-country skiing resort in North America is located at Royal Gorge in California. So what are you waiting for? Pop your toes in and get skiing cross-country style!

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.

Biking across Australia South to North

Wallabies are a little smaller than their cousins the kangaroos. They were grazing all over the campground. Though it was still raining, a class of school kids had fun roasting marshmallows next to my tent. I joined several campers that had congregated in a gazebo while the rain drummed on the roof. All sorts of languages could be heard. Is it maybe that the first years of my life were impacted by war around me that I delight so much to experience peace among people? I wondered whether at some deeper level I seek this peace experience on my rides around the world.

I was the first in the morning to rent a kayak they call “canoe” here. Kiddingly I suggested a “senior biker’s” discount. To my surprise the rate was dropped from $38-13 for me.

These were tricky little boats. Short as they were, with each paddle stroke they tended to sway from one direction to the other. Being used to kayaks, I soon got my bearings as I paddled upstream on the Katherine River. This was crocodile habitat. Would I see any? There were signs posted not to enter the beach. Suddenly something huge snapped out of the water. It happened so fast and was too far away to determine what it was.

Peace, joy and health,

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, Calif. 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, Nev., 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 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!

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

References:

1. www.steamboatsprings.org
2. “Touring California and Nevada Hot Springs” by Matt Bischoff
3. “Hot Spots: A Guide To Area Hot Springs” by Geralda Miller

For more info contact Steamboat Hot Springs at (775) 853-6600.

by Sean Block |

School is back in session, the calendar is tipping into fall and with no more summer heat, the outdoors become more inviting. Week long vacations may not be an option at this time, it is a good thing we still have the weekends! If you are looking to treat your family for a few days, or just hide away for a weekend, look no further than the Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch in Quincy, CA. Located off Highway 70 and about an hour and a half from the Reno/Tahoe International airport, the Greenhorn has been entertaining guests since 1962.

The ranch is nestled near the Feather River Canyon and features breathtaking High Sierra scenery. Among the tall pines, it may look like the old west, but the Greenhorn maintains modern, comfortable facilities. The family-style atmosphere is relaxed but bustling. The wranglers that work the ranch are friendly, helpful, and routinely mingle with the guests throughout the day. Regardless of your ability on a horse, they will get you and your family up and riding the area’s miles of gorgeous trails in no time.

Cookouts accompany the scenery at the top of the trail two nights a week. When not eating on the trail, the “chuck house” features healthy, ranch-style food, and the cooks can easily handle any special dietary needs. Music and cowboy poetry fill the evening air around the campfire pits, while hefty rainbow trout jump greedily after bugs in the fishing pond.

Fishing, trail riding and hiking are just the beginning. A seemingly endless docket of activities for every age alternate on a daily basis. For the parents, the ranch offers massages, a saloon, poker and pool tables, and a dance-hall. For the kids, there are wagon rides, frog races, ho-downs, a heated pool, and an arcade. Babysitting and a kids program are available for buckaroos ages three to five that provide games, pony rides, crafts, and a petting zoo…and they stay free!

For those out there with a competitive streak, the mid-week guest rodeo offers a chance to show off.

On the way to or from the ranch, families can check out the Portola Railroad Museum; or if you’re traveling without kids, Graeagle features three golf courses and antique shopping.

For a full list of activities, prices, what to bring with you and special events, check out the ranch’s very functional website at www.greenhornranch.com or give them a call at 1-800-33-HOWDY. The address is 2116 Greenhorn Ranch Road Quincy, CA off Hwy 70.

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.

To level the ground, Herbert produced a little shovel and even a hammer. Over the cleared area he spread a tarp and then pitched his tent that was three times larger than mine. Then with the light from his headlamp he made the inside homey. While he cooked a soup over a burner, he offered me a seat cushion and we listened to the news in German on his short wave radio. That to me was traveling in style.

I said good-bye shortly after daybreak. Since he rode faster than I, I hoped we would meet again. I left messages here and there for him, but alas we never reconnected. – It rained when I arrived in Katherine, after Alice Springs the largest community en route. I gathered information at the well-equipped Tourist Bureau. After restocking food supplies at a modern shopping center, I embarked on a promising side trip to the Katherine Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park. By changing direction I not only had to face the rain but also strong headwinds for the next 30 km. To be continued…

Peace, joy and health,
Hans