Pack is fine, but hiker has problems

Learning to hike with a taller backcountry pack has its moments, some of which are less than thrilling.

Last Sunday I took the new backpack out to Shealor Lake, off Highway 88 just past Silver Lake. I loaded up with tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and some other items to simulate a modest real backcountry hike. The pack fit fine, the lower pack horizontal member riding just above the pelvis.

The parking lot at Shealor has been upgraded from parking for two cars for room for a dozen. The work isn't finished yet and the trailhead sign has been uprooted and put to one side. I took off on the wrong side rather than checking the path to the right. That put me quickly in manzanita brush. Instead of doing what I've always been told to do and backtracking to find the trail, I plunged ahead. This eventually put me on the wrong side of a canyon. More bushwhacking. I finally made it to the lake, a gem posed against a sheer rock face on the west. There's a fine small camping area with no facilities but I was beat so I stretched out, rested and headed back up the hill.

The new backpack is fine. The user just has to smarten up. We'll try Round Lake this weekend, adding a few more pounds.

• Muscle Powered: Citizens for a Bikeable and Walkable Carson City is hosting local walks on Tuesdays this summer starting at 6:30 p.m. Next Tuesday the group will start at the Nevada State Museum parking lot for a trip along the historic Blue Line Tour. June 29 the walkers will meet at the Senior Center on Beverly Drive to tour the cemetery and Mark Twain School neighborhood. More walks will be scheduled in July. Call 885-2166 or 883-7150.

•The Sporting Rage is sponsoring a showing of the film "The First Couple of Rock" at 7 p.m. Friday, June 25 at the Brewery Arts Center. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Sporting Rage (885-7773) or at the door.

The is a look at the exploits of Beth Rodden and Tommy Caldwell as they have rock climbed around the world. It's the kind of film that causes a tightening of the groin muscles as they seemingly defy gravity and common sense. Also, the Sporting Rage is sponsoring another kayak trip, Thursday June 24, at Sand Harbor. Time is 8-11 a.m. and the fee is $59, which includes kayak, gear and snacks. Call by Wednesday at 885-7773.

•Mountain bikers are guaranteed to climb to the next skill level with Northstar's Dirt Camps, a summer series of mountain bike clinics led by professional instructors.

The camps are open to mountain bikers of all abilities and classes are divided according to individual skill levels. Dirt Camp dates are June 26-27, July 10-11, July 24-25, Aug. 14-15, Aug. 28-29, Sept. 11-12, Sept. 25-26.

These two-day clinics cost $200 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. Full suspension bikes and protective equipment are available to rent from Northsport Bike Shop. Call (800) 711-DIRT.

•The Tahoe Rim Trail Association official Beginning of the Season Work Day on the Tahoe Rim Trail is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and celebrates the snowmelt and the start of summer for many trail users and volunteers.

The work day will be at Tahoe Meadows Trailhead on Highway 431 between Incline Village and Reno, Nev. The Trailhead is located about a half mile from the summit on the lake side. Lunch will be provided.

Register by today by calling (775) 298-0012 or going to info@tahoerimtrail.org. Volunteers must wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots and work gloves as required by the U.S. Forest Service; bring sunscreen, bug spray and plenty of water. The Rim Trail Association will provide hard hats and all trail tools.

• Beginning Saturday, June 26, visitors can take a scenic Cable Car ride to the top of Squaw Valley and enjoy dinner overlooking Lake Tahoe as the sun sets over the Sierra for only $29 with the special High Camp Sunset Dinner package.

The dining adventure begins with a scenic ride in Squaw Valley USA's aerial cable car as it ascends 2,000 vertical feet to High Camp, elevation 8200 feet, the resort's mountain-top complex with restaurants, bars, an Olympic sized ice skating pavilion, and an Olympic Museum.

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