A rocky but nice hike

The Echo Lake to Aloha Lake trail remains just about the rockiest in the Sierra Nevada. It's a nice hike of about six miles from the Echo Lake store and dam, passing Tamarack Lake and then into Haypress Meadow. Lake of the Woods is off to the left, and like Tamarack a downwards hike.

It was an easy go except for the knee brace, which continues to rub. Dr. Edmonds should be able to correct that next week. Meanwhile, with youngest son Nick (from Minneapolis) leading the way we made it to just past the second trail to Lake of the Woods before time ran out.

Earlier, we had kayaked in Caples Lake. He had brought his folding kayak from the Twin Cities and amazingly it cut the water neatly, thanks to fixed bow and stern fixtures. The lake has a large collection of rocks and bays at the far end away from the dam, fun for kayaking around. After that we drove to Kirkwood and took chairs No. 1 and 2 and then trudged down the bike trails. We kayaked again on Fallen Leaf Lake, nice but not as interesting as Caples Lake.

The concept of a folding kayak revived an interest in kayaking since Nick's kayak handled as well if not better than my fixed rental. Weighing in at about 35 pounds, it retails for about $350. Folded, it fits in the car trunk easily. Inflation is with an oversize pump which does the job in just a few minutes.

The question is, which offers the most fun: a kayak or a small catamaran? The kayak is more portable, but the cat moves a lot faster but requires a trailer. Stay posted for a decision.

•This year the annual Rim Trail Hike-A-Thon is scheduled to take place on Sept. 18. The Hike-A-Thon is the Tahoe Rim Trail Association's only annual fund-raising event. Each Hike-A-Thon participant raises funds (at least $100) for the Tahoe Rim Trail by collecting money from sponsors he or she recruited. Lunch is provided half way at Diamond Peak Ski Resort for all participants. Water is also provided for all participants.

Participants will be hiking a 12-mile segment of the Tahoe Rim Trail, Tahoe Meadows to Tunnel Creek road. The hike will finish on the North end of the Ponderosa Ranch parking lot. Participants will be hiking only.

Participants will park at Tunnel Creek Road close to the Tahoe Rim Trail and will be shuttled from the Ponderosa Ranch Parking lot to the Tahoe Meadows Trailhead where they will register, eat breakfast and may purchase TRTA merchandise. Contact Erin Casey at (775) 298-0232 or e-mail erinc@tahoerimtrail.org.

• On Saturday Sept. 18 four-legged friends get theirs when Tails by the Lake & Keoki Flagg Gallery host the first annual "Bark Festival-Animal Art & Fun Fest" at The Village at Squaw Valley. This one-of-a-kind festival includes fine arts in every medium - each artist featuring an animal theme.

Susan Bahary, bronze and fine art acrylic sculpture artesian, will be featuring a replica of her renowned war dog memorial sculpture featured in Washington, D.C., as well as several of her other spectacular pieces. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a rockin' free concert at the end of the day featuring blues and rock band, Kelly's Lot.

Admission is free - for owners accompanying their pets or solo. Pet event entry fee is $10 with all proceeds benefiting the Pet Network and Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

Call (530) 583-9247or (877) 464-3364.

• Northstar's Dirt Camps, a summer series of mountain bike clinics led by world-class professional instructors are Aug. 28-29, Sept. 11-12, Sept. 25-26.

The class incorporates demonstrations, personal instruction and photo opportunities along the ride.

The two-day clinics cost $190 per person and include two full days of instruction, evening activities and all lift and trail fees. Participants must be 15 and older and supply their own mountain bike.

Sam Bauman is a Nevada Appeal staff writer. Contact him at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.