Go Rickey, Go!

Growing up in the East Bay two of my biggest heroes were Jose Canseco and more importantly, Rickey Henderson. It has been a miserable year for an Oakland A's fan. The owner is openly saying that they are going to move the team, and they sit in dead last in the standings.

That is why amidst an unwatchable Oakland A's season I am so happy to see Rickey Henderson back on my TV, even for one day. For someone not known for his command of the English language, Rickey gave a Hell of a speech when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame yesterday. If it wasn't for Rickey Henderson I am not sure if I would have cared much about baseball, or even sports for that matter. He was an electrifying player to watch. I was truly lucky to watch one of the greats play, and I can still remember hearing my little sister yelling, "Go Rickey, Go!"

Truckee River

Finally put together a quick movie of our trip rafting down the Truckee River. There is a great part in the middle where my father has a close encounter with a tree. It always seems to make a movie funny when someone gets hurt.

Harmonic Convergence and Trans-Tahoe Race

Dan Mone has put together a great video of both the Harmonic Convergence and Trans-Tahoe Race which were up at Lake Tahoe a few weeks ago. I was lucky enough to take part in the Harmonic Convergence, but was not able to race in the Trans Tahoe. Unfortunately we hit a rock and destroyed our center board a day before the race. Good thing Dan got it all on tape.

Rafting Down the Truckee River

Today I awoke in a panic. My friend Dave said that my Dad needed my help with our Corsair Dash. Winds this morning in Lake Tahoe were gusting upwards of 30 miles an hour. We were afraid the anchor would not be strong enough to hold the boat in place. So we motored the boat through rough chop to the launch ramp. Then took the boat out of the water, and put it at it's own camp site. Luckily it was situated so that we did not have to put the mast down. Whew!

After a quick bite to eat, my Dad had a bug up his butt to go rafting down the Truckee River. What? "But I'm tired," I said. Oh well, he bribed me with some good pizza, and frosty Sierra Nevada. So, my Dad and Dave took an inflatable, and I took the kayak. Now, I had gone down the Truckee River years ago, but it felt so fresh and new. All my cares and frustration melted away. It was absolutely stunning. We slowly meandered down the river through a canyon of tall pine and redwood trees. The water looked so gentle and calm moving over smooth river stones. It was hard not to completely surrender to the peacefulness of our surroundings.

Then, came the rapids. What a blast! We dodged rocks and fell down small water falls. My Kayak filled with water. I was soaked. It was like a theme park log ride built by nature. A perfect log ride in every way.

Click here for more pictures.

Lake Tahoe. July 4th. Corsair Dash

Yesterday, July 4th, I had a great night up here in Lake Tahoe. We launched the new Corsair Dash(that we have on loan)and it took less then 20 minutes to raise the mast, and motor away. We did not get a chance to sail the boat yet, but hopefully tomorrow we will test her out.

We did however snag a great anchorage next to the Tahoe Yacht Club. After a few beers, the four of us laid out on the boat's nets, and prepared to watch the fireworks. The shores were lined with people. The fireworks show was amazing, and was right over our head. In the distance we could see three other locations on the lake with firework presentations of their own. It was a great start to what hopefully will be a fun filled two weeks up here.

For more pictures click here.