Lake Tahoe Adventure - Hot Air Balloon In The High Country

By Kevin Rockwell

First of all Lake Tahoe is just one of those marvelous places to visit in the summertime as there are just so many wonderful things you can do and see. But imagine yourself floating over the lake in a beautiful hot air balloon on a quiet summer morning or evening. What better place to see the vista from than a balloon.

It turns out that there is a company that takes vacationers on rides in the Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley areas. The scenic tours can take from 4-16 passengers in the balloons which range in size from 140,000 cubic feet of volume up to 240,000 cubic feet of air volume. Tour companies that give hot air balloon rides work only with the newest and most modern balloon equipment.

Flights typically depart shortly after sunrise as this is when the earth is still cool and winds are calm. Sunrise schedules vary throughout the year. Dependant on the time of year you are confirmed the company will pick you up anywhere from 5:00AM-7:00AM. Hot Air Balloon flights are very weather permitting and require good visibility and low wind speeds.

Balloon flights over Lake Tahoe or the Carson Valley can begin at elevations from 4,200 feet to 6, 200 feet above sea level. The flights can get up to elevations of 10,000 feet above sea level when conditions permit offering spectacular views of all of the Sierras and on a clear day even the peaks of Yosemite. If you have any fear of heights you really don't need to worry. You will not experience any vertigo feelings because you are moving with the wind currents which mean there is no rocking or swaying or feeling of movement. This brings little chance of any motion sickness or the need for any medication.

One of the Tahoe balloon tour companies even features their own launch vessel that is Coast Guard certified. The Tahoe Flyer is a 21 ton, 120' x 22' foot, two deck, and Catamaran Style aircraft carrier vessel. It was specifically designed and built to inflate and launch Hot Air Balloons off of its upper deck. There is tons of room on board for passengers and guests alike which means that this tour will be fun for all of your friends and family alike as they head out onto Lake Tahoe for the adventure. The balloons take off and land from the upper deck of the Tahoe Flyer which allows for a smooth transition both ways.

Most of the tour trips last about an hour of flying time and you should expect to block out about four hours of time overall to take one of these balloon tours of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe Balloons is based out of South Lake Tahoe.

I have always gotten my Tahoe vistas by climbing trails to the mountain tops or riding the ski lifts at Homewood or Heavenly Valley but I think this would be a magical way to take in the scenery and deep blue waters of Tahoe. It might be just right for that upcoming birthday bash.

Kevin Rockwell writes about Lake Tahoe at Lake Tahoe Fun where you can get a copy of the free special report "The Top Ten Things To Do At Lake Tahoe" Hint: this activity is in the report. Get your copy today at http://lake-tahoe-fun.com

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Golf Tahoe Style - Edgewood Lake Tahoe

By Kevin Rockwell

Get a New Feel for Golf at Edgewood Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is known for its great scenic views and its ski season. Lake Tahoe also offers some of the best golfing in the world. Eastwood Lake Tahoe is considered one of the premiere golf courses in the country.

Edgewood Lake Tahoe offers a challenging golf experience. It is located on the south shores of Lake Tahoe. It is 7379 yards and 6,200 feet above sea level. Eastwood Lake Tahoe is set in the Sierra Mountains and has some amazing scenery to accompany the course.

It is an 18 hole course with a Par 72. It features a driving range, restaurant, bar and pro shop.

Edgewood Lake Tahoe is located at Hwy 50 at Lake Parkway in Stateline, Nevada.

Edgewood was designed by George Fazio and opened in 1968. Golf Digest magazine calls it one of America's best golf courses. It hosts the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship.

Golf in the Lake Tahoe region does not get any better then doing so at Edgewood Lake Tahoe. It just provides so much more than any golfing experience should. The views are breath taking and even a little distracting at times. The crisp air makes golfers feel as if they have a new take on the game.

Edgewood Lake Tahoe offers more then a green. It offers an experience can not get anywhere else. It is an extreme version of golf with the high altitude and the tall mountains. The atmosphere is rich and inviting. Playing at Edgewood Lake Tahoe is an experience no golf enthusiast can miss.

Edgewood Lake Tahoe is beyond the imagination. It goes beyond just being a golf course. It truly is an experience. It is something that every golfer needs to experience. It is playing golf at a new level.

Find out more about your Lake Tahoe vacation getaway at http://lake-tahoe-fun.com

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Lake Tahoe in Sierra, Nevada - A Great Vacation and Travel Destination

By Robert Benjamin

If you are heading out to Nevada then you must check out Lake Tahoe. That's because the area is simply gorgeous and there is so much to do. Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake located between Nevada and California. This lake is known worldwide for the beautiful crystal clear waters as well as the amazing views of the mountains that surround this lake on all sides. There are also a lot of ski resorts and different outdoor activities to enjoy and take part in. When you visit Lake Tahoe in Sierra, Nevada, or even on the California side you will have an experience of a lifetime.

One of the best things to do when you are in Lake Tahoe is to drive around the lake. There are so many things you will see and the view is simply marvelous all the way around. One of the exciting things you will encounter is the Stateline and South Lake Tahoe where there are a lot of casinos and plenty of tourists. You will have a lot of fun mingling and gambling, but you should know there are a lot of other things to do around Lake Tahoe that are a lot of fun.

There are some wonderful communities that are more laid back and quieter than Stateside, but they offer plenty of activities and joy for travelers. Some of these communities include Incline Village as well as Tahoe City. You might want to wander around the small towns, take a hike, or just set out and explore.

A great trail to take is the Eagle Lake trail. It is short, about two miles, and there are thousands of hikers that take this trek each year. It leads into Desolation Wilderness and the scenery is simply magnificent, which is why so many tourists head out on the two mile hike each year. If hiking isn't your thing then take a paddleboat ride, engage in water activities, or anything else you find that looks like fun. When you are at Lake Tahoe you will have a most enjoyable time and will want to return time and again.

There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

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Lake Tahoe Real Estate Prices and Trends for 2007

By Don Kanare

I was recently taking a look at the Tahoe Bonanza newspaper here in Incline Village and found an insert from one of the big International real estate firms. This purported biannual report covering Lake Tahoe, Truckee and the High Sierra gave a brief synopsis of the real estate market in each of the geographic regions around the Lake Tahoe / Truckee area. I focused on the statistics for Incline Village and Crystal Bay since that is my area of expertise and was astounded to read the conclusions that were drawn in this report.

I think it's pretty difficult to try and analyze an entire year of statistics for the Incline Village real estate market in one paragraph. But that is exactly what this market comparison attempted to do. When comparing the statistics from 2006 versus 2005 for the entire year one has to first remember that the median price of condos in Incline Village rose by over $100,000 up to $580,000 and the median price of houses remained strong at $1,150,000.

Where the insert lacks credibility is in the incomplete market analysis that is being fostered upon the general public. When people see something in print they generally think that it must be true, especially when being offered up by a reputable real estate firm of international stature. However a closer examination of the facts reveals that the analysis is fraught with holes. The best example relates to the comments made concerning condos in Incline Village and sale prices in 2006 vs. 2005.

In regard to condo sales the article states that, "units sold under $500,000 were down a whopping 65% and units over $500,000 were down 31%". This would make it appear that the low end of the market was very weak and that moderate and higher priced condos (although unit sales have declined versus 2005) were the stronger sector. This is only partly true. With the median price for condos rising from below $500,000 to well above $500,000 during 2006, it is only natural that unit sales below $500,000 would decline significantly. There is simply not as much inventory nor as many transactions under $500,000 taking place due to the overall price appreciation in the Incline Village condo market.

By doing an incomplete market analysis the person who wrote this market comparison is misleading the general public. I would anticipate with the median price of condos currently around $580,000 and showing no signs of declining significantly that looking at unit sales above and below $500,000 and comparing them year to year is a meaningless exercise. Let's just accept that the median price for condos in Incline Village will likely remain well above $500,000 barring economic catastrophe and that the incomplete market analysis provided in this advertising insert is inherently flawed.

A better way to analyze the Incline Village real estate market would take into account the fluctuation in median prices for each property category (condos, PUDs and single family homes) and the number of sales in units in each category. Tracking the moving median average and week to week unit sales will give one a much better picture of trends and prices concerning the homes and condos for sale in Incline Village.

Don Kanare is a real estate agent with Lakeshore Realty located in Incline Village, NV at the northeast corner of Lake Tahoe. Don writes a daily column about the new listings, price changes and general market commentary on Incline Village Real Estate. You can find Don's column on his web site at: http://www.InsideIncline.com

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After the Wedding in Lake Tahoe

By Richard Rspad

Nothing can complete your wedding experience like spending the romantic days after it at Lake Tahoe. With endless activities and wonderful newlywed packages, your celebration in Tahoe will be a fairytale memory.

The laid back atmosphere of romantic Lake Tahoe provides natural elegance. With world class skiing for the winter months and hiking and golf for those warm summer days, the options for newlyweds abound. Food connoisseurs will find themselves in culinary heaven with the over one hundred find restaurants in Lake Tahoe. Accommodations are unprecedented and include everything from five star resorts to country cabins.

The Three Peaks Resort and Beach club in Lake Tahoe offers affordable lodging with a rustic cabin feel, but in a large resort atmosphere. With romance packages that include free champagne, a fireplace room and dance cruise on the lake, the Resort offers the finest for couples on their honeymoon. Suites with kitchens are available for the extended stays. Deemed one of the best lodging choices in Lake Tahoe, Three Peaks Resort is a top bet for some private time with your honey. Call the Resort at 1-866-500-4887 to find out more about the spectacular amenities the resort has to offer.

For a more intimate honeymoon, head to the Shore House at Lake Tahoe. A personal honeymoon cabin provides the privacy and romance all newlyweds deserve. An in-room log fireplace and two-person Jacuzzi makes the Shore House the perfect relaxation retreat. Receive a professional massage after an intimate lake cruise, all compliments of the Shore House at Lake Tahoe. Call 1-800-207-5160 to let the knowledgeable staff at the Shore House help you plan your memorable honeymoon.

Once you have found the perfect accommodations for your special time, planning activities in Lake Tahoe is the next step. With so many romantic and endearing indoor and outdoor activities and sights to see, you must venture out at least once during your vacation. During the winter months, cross country and downhill skiing are available as well as snowmobile rentals and snow shoeing. Take a trip across town and ice skate on Lake Tahoe. In the warmer months, enjoy your honeymoon outdoors. Fishing, sun tanning, jet skiing, parasailing and horseback riding are just a few of the many fun and romantic activities Lake Tahoe offers.

For the ultimate in romance and seclusion, Lake Tahoe Honeymoons are it. From beautiful country lodging to an abundance of activities, Lake Tahoe will provide a memorable honeymoon experience.

Find more top honeymoon destinations at ResortSpaDestinations.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Rspad

Vacationing in Lake Tahoe

By Jennifer Bailey

Lake Tahoe is a pristine recreational lake area. With high-stake casino gambling and Las Vegas-style entertainment on one side and spiritual retreats and horseback riding on the other, you can’t go wrong. Everything you could possibly want is available for the vacation rental ─ from posh luxurious mansions to rustic lakeside cabins.

There is no other lake recreation area anywhere else in the world with so much to offer. Lake Tahoe ranks as one of the most beautiful and fun places on anyone’s top ten list. With a minimum of effort it is possible to find a perfect family vacation, a romantic getaway for two or a spring break experience complete with a no holds barred “what happens here stays here” vibe. It’s all here and you can experience as much of it, or as little of it, as you wish.

Whether you prefer that secluded mountain chalet near the ski slopes, that lakeside cabin on the lake or a hotel room with room service and a spa to die for, you can have it with a phone call. Going with a group? There are many facilities to choose from depending on the nature of your group activities. Want to be near the casinos but not right in the thick of things? There are many options to choose from including many only a short walk or ride from the gaming tables.

Want a gated house so secluded even the neighbors don’t know it’s there? There are houses of all shapes and sizes on beautiful pieces of mountain property to choose from - some that you can live in and maintain on your own and others that come with a full time staff to cater to your every need. Want a small but efficient condo or apartment? They’re available. Need accommodations for you and the rest of your family? Just figure out exactly what you need and it’s there. Every type of vacation experience, every form of recreation, every convenience is available for the asking at Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals Info provides detailed information on South and North Lake Tahoe rentals, as well as Lake Tahoe home, condo, and cabin vacation rentals. Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals Info is the sister site of Hilton Head Rentals Web.

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South Lake Tahoe - A Full Day Of Activities

By Lynn Upthagrove

Centered on Yosemite as we are with the Hotel Charlotte in Groveland, California, we often feature routes and itineraries that cover areas where Travelers tend go when they leave Groveland, or are on their way to Groveland. We find that Lake Tahoe is one such destination that many of our guests are coming from or going to. We have traveled to Tahoe from all of the Sierra Nevada crossings including Highways 80, 50, 88 and 89, 4, 108, 120 and then North on 395 and offer up our favorite stops along the way.

Our last trip was a 2-night sojourn to South Lake Tahoe. For our route there we took 49 to 50 into South Lake Tahoe. This took us 4 hours. Our return trip we took highway 89 out of South Lake Tahoe to Highway 88 into Jackson, passing Kirkwood ski area and several scenic alpinesque lakes. From Jackson, we caught 49 south. This route was only 3 hours and 15 minutes and very scenic, far fewer towns and less traffic. Each of these routes is open year-round, plowed throughout the snow season. Alternative summer routes include Highway 4 which has some wonderful stops including Murphys (a wine tasting town), Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and the Scenic Byway section from Alpine Lake to Highway 89 near Markleevile that twists itself over the mountain (A slow and often narrow route, but very photographic.) Highway 108 is another option through the Sierras and rivals Yosemite's Tioga Pass for incredible scenery.

Once in South Lake Tahoe we usually chose to stay at the smallest and friendliest casino hotel, Lakeside Lodge, (not actually on the lake!) for convenience to the town with fair room rates, excellent menu choices and a small and comfortable casino. We also recommend a stay at the Zephyr Cove Resort, also on the Nevada side for the myriad of activities. One can ride horses, rent speed boats, canoes, kayak and sailboats from Zephyr Cove. In the winter there are oodles of snow activities that start from here.

A drive around the lake is a must do! Depending on the number of stops you make this scenic loop will take at least 2 hours and is roughly 95 miles. We tend to drive counter clockwise, although driving clockwise keeps you on the coastal side of the highway, Stop at every view point, all the little parks and take photos, splash in the water and talk to the fishermen about their successes; each enclave is unique.

One of our favorite stops has always been the Ponderosa Ranch. For Bonanza fans, this was always a marvelous memory jogger. Sadly, the ranch sold and is now closed to the public. The ranch sported several age-old crafts men from the smithy to the glass blower. Crowd pleasers included a lassoer plying the audience with his artistry.

Tahoe City and several other places along the Western short offer bicycle rentals. The riding trail borders both the lake and the road. Watch for traffic as the trail crosses the highway in several points. This is a beautiful route on a paved bike path and is well used by families and sport riders alike.

Just before returning to South Lake Tahoe is Emerald Bay where you will see the castle and the island-topped tea house. Both remote and lonely looking places, but stunning in that they even exist.

Once back in South Lake Tahoe jump aboard the gondola to the top of Heavenly Mountain. This might be a bit uncomfortable for those with a weakness for heights and that awful falling feeling, but is well worth the few minutes with no ground below your feet. Victor enjoyed my reaction when he tried to rock our climbing cocoon. There are dozens of hikes that originate from the pinnacle and follow the ski trails. Take care to return to the Gondola before closing, it is a long walk down if you don't!

Consider an even cruise on the paddle wheel boat, MS Dixie II that departs from Zephyr Cove. On our trip we opted for the dinner service, and while the meal was fair and we met some pleasant travelers at our table, if we were to do it again, we would just do the sight-seeing tour, skip the meal, save $20 per person and have a wonderful dinner landside after debarking! The cruise takes you across the lake to Emerald Bay where we re-saw the sights of earlier in the day, but from a new vantage point. This cove is noted as one of the most photographed spots in the world;a well deserved title!

Additional activities for a prolonged stay include an over-lake hotair ballon ride, white water rafting on the Truckee river, Horse back riding, a side trip to Virginia City or Reno in Nevada and more! Look for valuable coupons at strategic hotel locations throughout the area.

For additional photos and ideas on things to do in the Tahoe area, www.HotelCharlotte.com gives additional stops along the way, links and photographs.

Options for a meandering return route to Groveland from Tahoe include cutting east over to 395 and heading south where you might take the time to visit Bodie along the Eastern Sierras, an authentic Ghost Town.

Lynn Upthagrove, along with her husband Victor, own the Hotel Charlotte, in Groveland, on the way to Yosemite. http://www.HotelCharlotte.com

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Lake Tahoe Property

By Alison Cole

Lake Tahoe is a perfect place to live and work. It is blessed with scenic mountain ranges, beautiful beaches, and pleasant dry climate. With its serene environment, it attracts people with diverse interests from all over the world.

Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to buy a second home. As it is a place of beauty and luxury, there is a great demand for properties in Lake Tahoe. This has led to the increase of Lake Tahoe real estate prices. Lake Tahoe properties are available for rent and purchase to meet your budget and requirement.

Lake Tahoe properties offer best value for your investment. Majority of the Lake Tahoe properties are purchased for vacation retreats, vacation homes, investment properties and retirement homes. If you dream to buy or sell any type of property whether it be residential, land, or commercial, there are realtors or real estate agents to make your dream come true.

With the help of a realtor, you can get an idea about the real estate market in Lake Tahoe. The real estate agents and realtors in Lake Tahoe will help you to find the right property you are looking for. They also offer assistance in selling the property you want to sell.

While buying Lake Tahoe properties, it is necessary to consider several factors. The first and foremost thing to consider in choosing the right property is, determining what your need is. Other important things to consider are what type of property to buy, where to buy Lake Tahoe property, and how to buy Lake Tahoe property.

Finding the appropriate Lake Tahoe property is time consuming. If you are looking for an easy way to find Lake Tahoe properties, then the Internet is the right place for you. There are searching websites on the Internet that helps you find the real estate properties in areas you are looking for. They allow you to search by property type, setting, features, areas, size, and price range.

Lake Tahoe provides detailed information on Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental, Lake Tahoe Lodging, South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental and more. Lake Tahoe is affiliated with North Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals.

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Vacations to Lake Tahoe Make for Memorable Ones

By Sarah W

Vacations to Lake Tahoe are filled with clear waters and a panorama of mountains that are home to ski resorts in the winter and outdoor recreation in the summer. Frequently called Tahoe, you'll find this freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains along the border of California and Nevada, just west of Carson City.

During the winter months, vacations to Lake Tahoe are filled with some of the best skiing in the world. There are over 12 major ski areas where besides just downhill skiing, you can also find lots of cross country skiing, snowtubing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and lots of trails to do them on.

If you're not into the whole winter cold and skiing thing, the summer is a great time for vacations to Lake Tahoe! The 2 best known cities for tourists in this area are South Lake Tahoe, in California and Stateline, which is a smaller city in Nevada. Tahoe City and Kings Beach are even smaller areas on the northern shoreline and are equally as beautiful to visit.

Best known for its beach activities and water sports, Lake Tahoe is infamous for boating and it's the primary activity that's going on during the sumer months. You'll find tons of lakefront restaurants that are fully equipped with docks and buoys and there are loads of boating events going on all the time. There's sailboat racing, guided cruises and fireworks shows that are held all over the lake and if you don't have your own boat, you can rent one! Boating is an awesome way to spend vacations in Lake Tahoe!

Not into the boating thing? Well Lake Tahoe has hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails all around it that range in size, length, difficulty and popularity. Tahoe Rim Trail is probably one of the most famous trails and it's a 165 mile trail that surrounds the lake.

Vacations in Lake Tahoe are an ideal family vacation because there's literally something for everyone and the fact that it's absolutely stunning to see defintely helps! There's always something going on whether it's in the winter or the summer and if you're planning a vacation there, you'll want to plan ahead so that you can spend your time totally relaxed.

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Lake Tahoe Weddings

By Alison Cole

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lake Tahoe is considered the wedding and honeymoon capital of the west. It is a perfect setting to make your wedding day unique. From casual to formal wedding ceremonies, Lake Tahoe offers everything you want to make your wedding a memorable event.

Every one wants to get married in a remarkable location. If Lake Tahoe is your option, then it is no doubt that you have chosen one of the most fabulous settings for your wedding.

Ranked as the third best wedding destination, Lake Tahoe provides a wide range of locations for a marriage ceremony. Every thing from ministers, chapels, photographers, videos, music, banquet facilities, and accommodation are available to meet your wedding needs.

Lake Tahoe weddings create an enchanting experience and unforgettable memories. Most Lake Tahoe weddings are held on Saturdays or on special days such as

February 14. Lake Tahoe weddings vary depending on the couple's style and budget. A wide range of elegant and creative wedding packages such as romantic getaway wedding package and traditional wedding package are available at the location of your choice. There are wedding specialists in Lake Tahoe to help you plan your special day.

Besides offering a perfect setting, Lake Tahoe provides a wide range of wedding options and services. There are finest catering services, comfortable lodgings, wedding chapels, party supplies, and wedding cake specialists to make your wedding dreams come true. Granlibakken, Ridge Tahoe, and Mulligan's Irish Pub and Restaurant are some of the perfect settings for your wedding and reception.

In order to get married in Lake Tahoe, you will need to have a state marriage license. No waiting period or blood test is required to get the license. Also, the bride and groom must be 18 years of age or older. So as to obtain marriage license, both parties must present valid official photo identification such as driver's license, military ID, State ID, passport or other official identification.

Lake Tahoe provides detailed information on Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental, Lake Tahoe Lodging, South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental and more. Lake Tahoe is affiliated with North Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals.

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Lake Tahoe: A Brief History of the Lake

By Michael Russell

The beauty of Lake Tahoe will take your breath away. It is a fantastic place to visit, with resorts and developments that will please everyone.

The lake itself was formed by the rise and fall of faults about 5 to 10 million years ago. This created a deep valley that was blocked on the north-eastern side by lava from an eruption of Mt. Pluto approximately 2 million years ago. According to geologists, the initial height of Lake Tahoe was 600 feet higher than its present level.

Today the lake itself stretches across the Nevada-California border, 59 miles southwest of Reno and 100 miles northeast of Sacramento. Lake Tahoe has a surface area of approximately 192 square miles and contains about 39 trillion gallons of water with a circumference of 72 miles.

It is the largest alpine lake, measuring 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. It is the third deepest lake in North America and the tenth deepest in the world with an average depth of 989 feet and 1,645 feet at its lowest point.

Lake Tahoe is one of the few major bodies of water in North America that does not eventually empty out into the ocean. The lake is fed by 63 streams but only the Truckee River flows out. The surface of the lake is 6,227 feet above sea level. The surface of the lake can drop below the outlet to the Truckee during times of drought, making the lake totally self-contained at these times.

The top 12 feet of the lake can warm to as much as 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer but in the winter and in the lower depths, the lake remains at a chilly and life-threatening 39 degrees F. However, due to the constant turnover of water from the bottom to the surface, the lake as a whole has never been known to have frozen over.

This spectacular body of water has held many names over the years. It was first "discovered" by explorer John C. Fremont, accompanied by famed guide Kit Carson, on February 14, 1844. Fremont named it Lake Bonpland after a French botanist who had joined him on earlier expeditions. However, mapmaker Charles Preuss recorded it as Mountain Lake. Despite all this it was commonly called Fremont Lake until 1852 when California Governor John Bigler led a party to the area to rescue some snowbound travelers. It was then renamed Bigler Lake.

The lake went by other names such as Truckee Lake and Maheon Lake until the outbreak of the Civil War when politically correct members of the Union attempted to strike Bigler's name from the lake due to his supposed Confederate sympathies. It was then that the name "Tahoe" was proposed, supposedly because it meant "high water". Although there seems to be little historical support for this meaning of the word "Tahoe" the name stuck. Some suggest that the word is actually a corruption of the Spanish word "tajo", pronounced "ta-ho" and meaning a "cut".

Today, the Tahoe basin offers an absolutely incredible range of outdoor activities to choose from. Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides, sledding, dogsled rides, snowmobiling, horseback riding, waterskiing, lake swimming, hiking, camping, golfing and boating, just to name a few.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Lake Tahoe

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My Visit to Lake Tahoe

By Steve Miers

It was just over a year ago when my wife surprised me with a trip to Lake Tahoe. She was watching TV one evening and the music group The Eagles was holding a concert on TV. She took a few minutes to look up where they would be playing and she noticed that they were opening a new tour in Lake Tahoe so she started doing some vacation planning.

The first thing that she did was to secure the tickets. Although they weren't selling them publicly they did have several par of tickets available through EBay and she was able to pick up some great tickets in the 7th row. After that she found out that the concert was actually being given at Harvey's which is a hotel that is right in Lake Tahoe. Now neither my wife or I gamble but we decided that since the rooms were right there within walking distance we would go ahead and stay, boy were we ever glad that we did. The rooms were clean and fantastic and the concert was a blast.

While we were in Lake Tahoe we did a lot of things that were very enjoyable. Besides taking a day trip to Yosemite we treated ourselves to a sailing ship evening on the lake as well as a sunset martini cruise. The highlight of the trip was when we parasailed over the lake. It was so quiet and peaceful up in the parasail that I didn't even want to come down.

So the next time you get an idea that you would like to go away at the spur of the moment I say go for it. There are a lot of places that you could go and many things to see and sometimes it all gets lost in the planning. That is why I think that our trip to Lake Tahoe was so perfect, there weren't any plans to mess things up for us.

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Incline Village and North Lake Tahoe Real Estate-Solid Prospects Ahead for 2007

By Don Kanare

It looks like an interesting year ahead in 2007 for the Incline Village real estate market. Affectionately called "The Riviera of Lake Tahoe", this cozy community on the north east shore is a standout when it comes to short, medium and long term real estate investing. Why are prices continuing to move up here while the rest of America stumbles?

To get an insight into why Incline Village real estate continues to show solid upward gains while the most of the country is licking their wounds, we need to analyze the current inventory for sale, the asking and sale prices for the past three years and the trends that are occurring. Bear in mind that there is a finite supply of homes and condos with virtually no raw land left for development and an increasing demand by the 40 to 70 crowd looking for their slice of heaven in the nicest community at Lake Tahoe.

It is important to look at not just median sale prices but also median asking prices over a long period of time so we can see trends in the market's direction. So, stick with me and follow the dates and numbers.

The median asking price for single family residences in Incline Village reached a peak the last week of April 2005 at $2,300,000. This number declined to a low of $1,495,000 the second week of May 2006 and has crept steadily upward to its present level of $1,895,000 in late January 2007. The median asking price number is valuable when looked at in conjunction with the median sale prices over the same length of time.

Here are the median sale prices for houses for each of the last three years:

2004 -$865,750 2005 - $1,110,000 2006 - $1,150,000

While the median sale price has ratcheted steadily upwards during the past three years the median asking price rose sharply during the seller's market of 2005, retreated a bit in the buyer's market of 2006 and is now starting to creep upwards again. What this tells me is that the mentality of the sellers in Incline Village is one of optimism. Most of the property owners in Incline Village are relatively affluent and can afford to hold onto and enjoy their property through any perceived softness in the market. While the fact that some buyers are sitting on the sidelines is evidenced by the decline in unit sales versus 2005, prices are remaining firm as evidenced by both the median asking and sold prices over the past three years.

Most people who buy property in Incline Village and other high-end resort communities do so because they want to, not because they have to. Most sellers sell because they want to, not because they have to. It creates a market where properties generally sell slower, but at a higher percentage of the final asking price than most other places in the country.

Another key factor is that virtually all of the homeowners in high-end resort communities make their money somewhere else. The prices of the properties bear no relation to local incomes unlike the typical residential real estate market. The prices for properties for sale in Incline Village reflect what an affluent person is willing to pay for any particular property.

We must also keep in mind that the level of sales in units in 2005 was an anomaly since it was by far the biggest year ever in the history of real estate sales for Incline Village and Crystal Bay. When comparing annual sales totals it is better to look at the time period from 2000 through 2005 and compare the average annual totals of unit sales versus 2006 to get a more accurate reading. When one looks at the long-term statistical data we can see that even though sales in units in 2006 are approximately 30% below the average annual totals for the previous five years, the dollar value of the properties being sold is still extraordinarily high and this value is moving upward steadily over the long haul.

When the median asking price for single-family homes was $2,300,000 back in April 2005 we had only 107 houses for sale in the entire community. At the present time there are 157 single-family homes for sale in Incline Village, an increase in the inventory of almost 50% versus April 2005. The fact that we have so much more inventory on the market then at the same time two years ago and yet actual closed sale prices continue on a slow upward path tells me that no price decline of any significance across the board will be taking place anytime soon. Individual properties, depending on the motivation of the seller may provide special values for a particular buyer. But in my opinion, there's not going to be a general price decline among single-family homes in our market because there is so much intrinsic value in owning land in Incline Village.

When we take a look at the condo market the numbers are even more dramatic in favor of local market strength over the long term. The median sale price of condos for the past three years is as follows:

2004 - $405,000 2005 - $485,000 2006 - $580,000.

The median asking price for condos topped out at a staggeringly high $725,000 during the fourth week of April 2005 when there were only 55 condos for sale in all of Incline Village and Crystal Bay. The median asking price in this category bottomed out so far at $555,000 the first week of January 2007 and has now crept up slightly to $559,000. This is to be expected after the overall median price of condo sales rose an unsustainable 43% in just two years and the inventory jumped all the way from 55 units up to our present total of 126 condos currently on the market.

It is actually a testament to the strength of our local market that the median price of condos did not decline when the inventory increased so dramatically during the past two years. What this shows is the intrinsic value of owning property in Incline Village and all of the rights and benefits that you receive such as access to the private beaches, discounts at the golf course and rec center, specials at the ski area and most importantly of all the phenomenal quality of life that we get to enjoy here.

In summary, I do not anticipate that the number of unit sales will increase dramatically in 2007 versus 2006 although that would be a pleasant surprise. My crystal ball tells me that the median price for houses in 2007 should remain close to or slightly above the median price for 2006.

I feel that the median price for condos in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, due to the excess of inventory in relation to 2005 and the median asking price trend will result in strength for the quality properties that are within walking distance to the Lake and weakness for the lesser properties that are in lower demand locations. There will always be exceptions to this as individual complexes may have a shortage or excess of supply from time to time during the year. It is very hard to generalize about the condo market in Incline Village since each complex has its own unique attributes. Prospective buyers looking for property in Incline Village, Lake Tahoe and other mountain resort communities tend to prefer high quality interiors and locations that make him feel like they are truly away from civilization and up in the mountains.

Copyright 2007 Don Kanare - All rights reserved.

Don Kanare is a real estate agent with Lakeshore Realty located in Incline Village, NV at the northeast corner of Lake Tahoe. Don writes a daily column about the new listings, price changes and general market commentary on Incline Village Real Estate. You can find Don's column on his web site at: http://www.InsideIncline.com

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The Other Side: South Lake Tahoe Rentals

By Kevin Rockwell

A lot of people are unsure of the difference between South Lake Tahoe rentals and their northern counterparts. Do South Lake Tahoe rentals cost more money? Would one of the South Lake Tahoe rentals be better for my family, or would the South Lake Tahoe rentals be better for me by me? What’s there to do if you decide to get one of the South Lake Tahoe rentals? What can I expect to pay for one of the South Lake Tahoe rentals?

To start with, the price of South Lake Tahoe rentals is generally the same as their northern counterparts, however, South Lake Tahoe rentals are less obvious then their northern counterparts. This is because most people go to hotels rather than looking at South Lake Tahoe rentals. The reason for this is that hotels usually have casinos, where as the South Lake Tahoe rentals don’t.

The main difference between South Lake Tahoe rentals and the northern ones is that the South Lake Tahoe rentals are more for adults than families. That’s not to say that families can’t enjoy South Lake Tahoe rentals, it’s just to say that South Lake Tahoe rentals are better suited for the more adventurous. The north has more year-round people, while the South Lake Tahoe rentals are more suited for tourists. There are more casinos around the South Lake Tahoe rentals, and if you choose one of the South Lake Tahoe rentals, you’ll be surrounded by nightlife.

Besides the nightlife, the activities you’ll find around one of your South Lake Tahoe rentals are about the same. There are a few sports that aren’t as big around the South Lake Tahoe rentals, and there are a few that are bigger. All in all, the South Lake Tahoe rentals are more for an adventurous person, where as the north is more for laid back, and family people. If you’re looking for the time of your life, then one of the South Lake Tahoe rentals is for you. Just be sure to look hard for one of the South Lake Tahoe rentals, and you’ll find that there are plenty of South Lake Tahoe rentals with your name on it.

Bringing information and tips to vistors about Lake Tahoe and all the wonderful amenities available for your vacation fun. lake-tahoe-fun.com

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