Active NorCal July/August

NortherN CaliforNia’s sport, fitNess aNd outdoor MagaziNeNortherN CaliforNia’s sport, fitNess aNd outdoor MagaziNe

Beat the heatWater edition

Walking On Water With On-Water Yoga

Chico’s Outdoor Utopia

Rowing With The Shasta Paddlers

Questions From The Top Of The World 10

July/August 2014 - Issue 4

™

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activenorcal.net July/August 2014 Active NorCal 1

2 Publisher’s Note

4 Letters to the Editor

5 Youth Sports

8 Local Sports

12 Fitness

16 Seasonal

20 Outdoors

38 Landmarks

41 For The Family

43 Fishing

46 Health

48 Inspiration

contents

DepartmentsFeatures

pg.8

July/August 2014

24 Q&A From The Top Of The World Do you know what it feels like to be on top of the world? Neither did we. That’s why we sat down with Mount Shasta City local Laurie Bagley who describes her incredible journey to the top of Mount Everest.

30 Open Water Swimming Pools are overrated. Swim the world with Lexie Kelly, who developed her love of open water swimming right here in NorCal.

32 Wet Behind the Ears White water rafting is one of the most exciting ways to experience all of the incredible waterways in NorCal. Be it treacherous rapids or mild currents, we tell you the best places to go for a rafting adventure.

34 COvEr STOry: Paddle For a Purpose Grab a paddle and hop in the water with the Shasta Paddlers, who are pushing paddle sports in Shasta County to the forefront.

36 The Perfect Houseboat Getaway It’s a time honored tradition in NorCal to gather up your friends and family for a houseboat vacation on Shasta Lake. Use our 10 tips to make it unforgettable.

pg.48

Cover photography by Hung Vu/Vu Photography

pg.24

2 Active NorCal July/August 2014 activenorcal.net

Active NorCal is PeopleIt’s People!Okay, so I may have lifted that headline from Charlton Heston’s 1973 sci-fi thriller Soylent Green (and subsequent Phil Hartman Saturday Night Live sketches), but I have come to the conclusion that the foun-dation of all the articles written in this magazine is people.

We make magazines—that’s what we do and how we attempt to make a positive imprint on the community. We’ve learned that there are many people using their knowledge and talents to inspire local improve-ments.

First off, I have to mention Laurie Bagley (Q & A with Laurie Bagley, page 24) who easily won the award for “Most Inspirational Interview I’ve Ever Done.” Yes, we have a local lady who climbed Mount Everest. Hearing her story of fear, pain and personal triumph makes the 5K I recently ran seem like a frolic in the park. She is now using her knowledge and experi-ences to help others accomplish their fitness and business goals.

I have to talk about Michael Gray (The Magic of NorCal Basketball, page 5), the head coach of the Shasta Magic basketball program. I’ve known Mike for some time through playing pickup basketball with him at the YMCA. He’s always been one of the nicest, most engaging people I’ve met, but hav-ing him in our office to talk about his program was a wonderful learning experience. He didn’t want to discuss the game of basketball. He wanted to talk about using the game to be a positive influence in young peoples lives. He wanted to talk about how the kids he coached used basketball to get col-lege scholarships. They used the game to better their futures.

Then there’s Tiffany Felicienne, who used kayaking to rehab and over-come the ill-effects of a dreadful disease. She now believes so much in the powers of kayaking and other paddle sports, that she is trying to expand the local paddle sport community to youths and veterans.

There are so many people behind each article we publish. To go back and name all of the people behind the stories in our previous editions would be exhausting. It’s important to realize that for every positive story we tell, there are people at the helm; people who are not looking for fame or for-tune, but rather a place we can be proud to call home.

This is NorCal. We are NorCal. Let’s do our part to make it the best it can be.Stay Active!

Zach

Publisher’s note

Publisher Zach O’Brien

EditorChip O’Brien

Content ManagerRoss Lawrence

Sales ManagerKevin Reinhart (530) 355-3018

Art DirectorAdrienne Rosone

Contributing WritersAngela CordellJuniper RoseLexie KellyAnnette Bryant

Active NorCal is published bimonthly by Active NorCal, 1350 Placer Street, Redding, CA, 96001, (530) 247-7330, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.

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letters to the eDitor

We want to hear more! What do you like about the magazine? Dislike? What suggestions do you have for future stories? Send all your comments to [email protected].

A friend gave me a copy of your March/April issue of “Active” which I enjoyed reading. However, as a member of River Tasalmi/River Bend for about 20 years, I would like to correct a comment regarding Hole # 8. “Assuming you have laid one out right down the middle...” you will find yourself behind a very large pine tree. That is one obstacle that he forgot to

mention. You have to drive it left of the middle.Being 84 years old, I cannot reach the pine tree with my

drive. My second shot will be to the left or right of the tree depending on wherever my drive ends up.

—Mr. Kimber Brace

Just a note to tell you how much we are enjoying your new publication, Active. We show it to many people who come into our restaurant in Mount Shasta and the consensus is that you have a “winner.” Keep up the great work.

—Terry EilersWayside Grill

Mount Shasta, CA

Thank you for such a great magazine full of great outdoor stuff to do and see throughout the North State. One of my pet peeves is seeing kids playing computer games with not a clue about all the fun outdoor things they could get involved in with their parents in doing outside activities.

I picked up my first copy of Active May/June 2014 at the YMCA last Friday and was so pleased I laughed out loud in reading some of the great stories included. My wife and I are both retired and when raising our daughter we used to go camp-ing, fishing, hiking, sailing and cross-country skiing almost every weekend year round. We just feel so lucky to live here.

—Mike and Barbara Kelly

12 Active NorCal March/April 2014

Golfing With An Amateur: River Tasalmi

GOLF

Fore! Looking for an easy place to have some golfing fun? Try out this nine-hole beauty of a course.

As a golf enthusiast that hits more double bogeys than birdies, I enjoy a course that will challenge me while allow-ing some success to bolster my confi-dence. River Tasalmi, located off South Bonnyview near the Sacramento River, is the perfect nine-hole course to satisfy my golfing palette. Formerly known as Riv-erbend Golf Course, Redding Rancheria purchased the course approximately three years ago and renamed it River Tasalmi (river oak), named after the tree that dominates the course and one your ball will more than likely strike at least once during a round.

This course isn’t too long, so the aver-age player can move through the holes at a good pace. The grass is always mowed, the rough is tough, and the greens are green. It can offer a challenge to keep a skilled golfer coming back, and is inviting enough to keep novice golfers trying. Let’s shoot a round and I’ll tell you what I’m talk about.

Hole #1This hole gives players a blind tee shot, with trees lining the left side, and a shelf located about 150 yards from the tee. A well-played swing can leave players with an easy second shot, but leave the ball to short and you again have a blind shot at the pin. Hit your ball too far, and you find yourself on the wrong side of more trees. The green, surrounded by small mounds, is the most difficult on the course, so escaping this hole with anything less than par is a solid score.

BY STEVEN A. MARCUZ

Hole #2A short drive and you’re at the second tee box, giving you a direct view down to the pin. This hole is lined on the right with the course’s namesake tree, with a medium sized water hazard on the left. As with most holes on the course, a decent

tee shot can set you up for the entire hole. The green on this hole is tucked away in the back right corner, guarded by a sand trap with an island in the middle. Your approach shot is the most important here, with the green’s difficulty relying heavily on pin placement.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S SPORT, FITNESS AND OUTDOOR MAGAZINE

May/June 2014 - Issue 3

MUD, SWEAT

AND FEARSCAN YOU SURVIVE TOUGH MUDDER?

Celebrate Local Biking

Wilderness Camping

Destinations

Questions with Rick

Bosetti

PLAN AHEADActive NorCal

Summer

610

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Youth sPorts

Hundreds of fans cheering from the packed wooden bleachers of an old high school gymnasium, coaches yelling instructions and encouragement from the sidelines, shoes squeaking and the sound of balls bouncing on wood—this is what you can expect to see at AAU basketball tournaments held in Northern California. From Oceanside to Humboldt to Amarillo and New Jersey, a common love of basketball con-nects people from diverse backgrounds. In the North State, the Shasta Magic, and coach Michael Gray are bringing kids and teenagers of all skill levels and circumstances together to play and learn the sport they love.

A native of Texas, Shasta Magic Director of Bas-ketball Operations and Coach Micheal Gray moved to the Redding area in the 1990s. Despite having few friends or knowledge of his new locale, Gray, who was a collegiate and semi-professional basketball player, acclimated to his new surroundings by playing the game he loves—first on the blacktop by himself, then with a group at the YMCA and eventually on a City League team. Through basketball, Gray found a new home in the North State, and with the advice of his basketball friends decided to sign up his fourth grade daughter to play on the Shasta Magic.

“Really for me, basketball was how I connected to the area. From city to city, place to place, there’s probably somebody you can have a connection with through basketball,” said Gray. “It’s been a wild ride—from playing by myself, to organizing a tournament with over 170 teams this year.”

In terms of his initial involvement with the Magic, Gray began coaching his daughter Janae Gray’s basketball teams in the mid 2000s. With AAU

basketball much more modest in the area at the time, Gray’s teams often had to travel to places like Reno, Sacramento and San Francisco to participate in tournaments. While time consuming and incon-venient, coaching against teams from different areas taught Gray how his teams would have to play if they wanted to beat squads from bigger cities. In the last several years many of the girls Gray coached as grade school kids have achieved tremendous feats on the high school level with four of his former players reaching the 1000-point mark in high school.

“My daughter and I got into Shasta Magic and started learning about AAU. I began coaching and every year we’ve just tried to improve,” said Gray. “Now, pretty much that entire girls’ team I coached plays at Enterprise High School, and over the last couple years the team has had 57 wins and two trips deep into the state playoffs.”

With coaching experience at Simpson University and Encino High School under his belt, in 2011 Gray

The Magic of NorCal Basketballbuilding a community legacy

By Ross LAwReNCe


took the helm of Shasta Magic with the goal of mak-ing basketball more accessible to kids in the area. In order to get more kids to participate, Gray and other members of the board ensured that the Magic offered scholarships to kids who might not be able to pay registration fees.

“First and foremost I think the greatness of the Magic comes from the heart of Micheal and Vice President Ruth Wolfe,” said Tom Ledford, Magic par-ent and coach. “Because the Magic provides scholar-ships to kids from tough circumstances, the program is able to show these young people a different path going forward—one that they may have never seen otherwise.”

Guided by their respect for quality basketball and desire to improve the community, the Magic organization has grown significantly since Gray took over—from three teams to fifteen. In recent years, teams from the Magic have also seen success in large tournaments. Its girls varsity team placed third out of 64 teams at the prestigious Nike Invitational Tourna-ment. The Magic is not just about basketball though. Coaches in the organization try to instill players with positive values so they can excel on and off the court.

“We teach kids to work really hard, and to show a commitment and passion on the court, but off of it as well,” said Gray. “I think the Magic gives kids a more open environment to talk about problems they might have academically, or otherwise. We try to give kids the resources to solve problems so maybe if a kid is having trouble in math class we connect them with a peer who is excelling in that subject.”

The Magic continues to grow every year as an organization in terms of participation and impor-tance to the community. While accommodating close to 150 players from fourth graders to high school seniors, the Magic reaches an astounding 400 youths a year through its camps, clinics, all-star games and tournaments. Among its various camps and tourna-

ments, the Magic offers a day camp with a free lunch program and they also host a tournament called Battle for the North State that drew 175 teams this past year.

Though the Magic doesn’t view success on the basketball court as the end-all, be-all, they certainly know what success on the court looks like. Many of the seniors on the Enterprise High School girls’ squad who played for the Magic have accepted offers to play at the collegiate level. Rachel Martin of Enterprise has agreed to play at the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT). Jordan Kimbrough of Enterprise will be plying her trade at Lane Junior College in Oregon. Aubrey Mendonca of West Valley will be playing basketball at OIT. Enterprise graduate Kiana Wolfe will be playing softball at Hawaii Pacific University. While continu-ing to nurture talent and provide opportunities for participation in collegiate sports, the Magic also intends to expand its mentorship efforts by getting its own building and opening up an after-school program.

“To see the incredible growth of these kids, and with some of them coming from such dire straights, has been such a rewarding experience,” noted Led-ford. “Witnessing the success of the older girls, and seeing them get college scholarships and live out their dreams is amazing; they’re paving the way for the younger kids, and showing what can be achieved if you stay on track.”

From a small, fledgling non-profit AAU organiza-tion to a NorCal hub for quality basketball, the Shasta Magic has been on a wild ride over the past few years. Equipped with a desire to nurture and develop talent as well as character, it won’t be too long before you see products of the Shasta Magic playing at big time universities like Kentucky and UCONN. Considering their recent successes, the Shasta Magic is proving that there are no losers when your goal is greater than simply winning a game. NORCAL

Michael Gray (left photo) instructs young kids during an offseason clinic. His instructions have paid off for his older players (right photo) as they show off their hard-ware following a tournament.

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locAl sPorts

When I used to think about people playing Rugby, my mind conjured images of bruised and bloodied giants punching, tackling, and shov-ing to get an oddly shaped ball down the field. For a time, I wrote off rugby as simply a “tough guy” sport. I’ve come to learn that there’s much more to the game than just who has the biggest muscles and the highest pain tolerance.

Rugby is a sport with mass appeal drawing participants from other athletic disciplines like football, track, wrestling, soccer and hockey. Despite the seeming importance of athleticism in rugby, strategy is even more important. If you’re looking to learn about rugby in NorCal, look no further than our local team—the Shasta Highlanders.

Smashing MisconceptionsGiving rugby a try

By Ross LAwReNCephotogRAphy By RoN Lute

For more information about youth or adult rugby, contact the Shasta Highlanders rugby Club on Facebook, or contact Andreas Mittry at [email protected].

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He continues to rely upon chiropractic adjustments to keep himself healthy and active.


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Founded by Redding local Andreas Mittry, the Shasta Highlanders have been drop kicking rugby awareness in Shasta County for the past fifteen years. While rugby has always been big in California, there was no team in the Shasta County area when Mittry started the Highlanders. Since those days rugby in the North State has expanded significantly with the High-

landers competing against teams from Yreka, Arcata, Mendocino, San Francisco and Santa Rosa.

“The first few years were kind of rag tag, but we’ve moved past the days when we had to use the tennis court lights at Sequoia Middle School to light up the field,” said Mittry. “Over the years, we’ve developed core sponsorships, gained more resources, and now we even have a profes-sional trainer working with the team.”

Because rugby garners relatively little media coverage in the United States com-pared with more traditional sports, it’s not exactly easy to get into the sport unless there’s a local team or league. Therefore, many people do not pick up on the sport until college.

“I grew up in the Redding area playing football, but when I went off to college

I was past my football years and wanted to try something new,” explained Mittry. “In the dorms there was a posting about rugby. Like everyone else, I knew nothing about it, but I tried it out and immediately I thought, ‘Wow, where’s this sport been my whole life?’”

Recently, the Highlanders have put on several youth rugby clinics and will be expanding to include a U-19 youth team this summer. The Shasta Highlanders want

to give kids the opportunity to participate in a sport that many of them didn’t learn until early adulthood. Shasta Highlanders youth coach Brian Peterson has taken the lead on the youth team and clinics, and hopes to one day get rugby into all of the local high schools.

“I’m just trying to get this thing going. I don’t care about the structure, I just want to build a youth team so that my son has an outlet and a place to play the sport I love so much,” said Peterson. “I just wish I could have been able to play at a younger age.”

People are passionate about rugby be-cause of the camaraderie with teammates, the inclusive environment surrounding the sport and the focus on strategy. The fact that players often play together for decades, and rugby’s long-held tradition of post match socials contributes to the solidarity of the sport.

“The camaraderie has gotten to a level I’m not aware of in any other sport,” noted Mittry. “As for who can play, it’s a game for all body types. It’s not so much that you have to be really tall or able to

“it’s not so much that you have to be really tall or able to jump high because there are diverse positions that make rugby a sport anyone can play.”


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jump high because there are diverse posi-tions that make rugby a sport anyone can play.”

From a strategic standpoint, rugby is one of those games where team chemis-try and anticipating the actions of your teammates is vital. Rugby is a continual sport, like soccer, so when you’re on the pitch (rugby term for field) you have to be mentally and physically tough enough to play well over a long period.

“In a tournament in college, my team got beat by a team of 50 year olds. Not one of their guys could outrun our slowest player, but they had skill and strategy,”

recalled Peterson. “It was a horrendous ex-perience for me, but it proves that there’s a spot for everyone out on a rugby pitch.”

After dispelling my ill-informed mis-conceptions about rugby, I realized why there’s a close-knit group of passionate in-dividuals spreading the reach of the sport in Northern California. Even if you don’t like the fast-paced, continual nature of the game, the physicality or the strategy, you can still enjoy a beer (or an age appropri-ate beverage) with your buddies at the post-game social. That’s what’s great about rugby. NORCAL

Players in rugby can run forward with the ball, kick the ball forward and pass it laterally, but they cannot make a forward pass using their hands. Five points are awarded for touching the ball down in your oppo-nent’s goal area (called a try), and three points are given for a dropkick through the uprights.


Fitness

I’ve always been drawn to yoga. Everything about its physical, mental and spiritual benefits attracts me. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in many different classes and practices, and the quality of my experience was always directly related to the teacher and environment. This was no different when I tried my first Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) yoga class. Of course, as I often do on my mini adventures, I co-erced a friend into joining me.

In true adventure form, it was cold, windy and rainy as we drove out to Whiskeytown Lake. We thought that class would surely be canceled, but when we arrived our instructor had no intention of letting us off that easy.

Audrey Delong, owner of On Water Yoga, started her yoga practice 13 years ago. As a cancer survivor, her yoga is not just a hobby. It is an intricate piece of her healthful lifestyle. Her passion for sharing her practice is evident in every piece of her class, and she doesn’t let a little bit of chilly weather stop her.

My friend and I were apprehensive, but we launched our paddleboards on the water after ask-ing for the largest and most stable that Audrey had on hand, and her instruction was flawless. I had no intention of falling in, and wasn’t even sure that I would make it off my hands and knees once I started moving away from shore. But Audrey coaxed all seven class members off the bank out into the water and helped us anchor without missing a beat. In those first few minutes I questioned my decision to leave dry land, but Audrey’s smile and reassuring words charmed me into the next step.

If you’ve practiced yoga before, you know that environment is everything. The temperature, the sounds, the smells—it all makes a difference. Practic-

Walking on WaterYoga on a board challenges balance, strength and your personal limits

By ANgeLA CoRdeLL

ing yoga outside on a lake takes things to a whole new level. It’s as if your every sense is heightened. The stretches feel deeper, the oxygen seems more plentiful, and the water makes everything feel simple, clean and healing.

Audrey has a magical way of incorporating the unexpected sights and sounds around the lake into the yoga practice. When the sun broke through the clouds shining directly on us the moment that we stretched into a lunge, she took the time to point it out. She laughed at the baby geese that swam through the cluster of paddleboards as if they wanted to join in on the fun. There was no rushing or sense of urgency. There was simply the sound of Audrey’s soothing voice leading us into each pose, while the water rocked us side-to-side.

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Audrey began the class by asking us to set our intention for the hour. My inten-tion was simple—don’t fall off the board. Practicing yoga while on a SUP is not easy. As you might expect, it takes constant bal-ance and core strength. Seventy percent of the poses I had to modify, partially because of my paralyzing fear of falling in and being cold, and partially because I was forced to admit that I hadn’t done yoga in a very long time. But Audrey talked us through the modifications and when I got a chance to cautiously look at the classmates around me, I realized that we were all practicing at our own level.

When class ended, Audrey encouraged us to play around on the boards for a bit instead of heading straight for shore. It reminded me of being a kid at the lake with my siblings, trying to float around on the large logs that sometimes washed ashore. It was fun in a way that we don’t always get to experience as grown ups, who sometimes forget to stop and play. I’m not sure if it was peer pressure or a euphoria that made me do it, but right before heading back in I managed to stand

up. I even paddled around for about 30 seconds before realizing what I was doing and promptly sitting back down. I got a picture to prove it.

Everyone needs to treat themselves to a SUP yoga class. It is the ultimate break from all the negativity that surrounds us every day; the perfect setting to remind yourself what it means to savor the simple, sweet moments of life. And let’s be honest, it’s a great workout.

At the end of the day, I think my friend put it perfectly when she listed things you

DON’T get to do in a SUP class: You don’t get to think about work or life because you have to concentrate on staying on the board. You don’t get to feel stressed out. You only feel gentle waves rocking you back and forth. You don’t get to pretend that you “stretch” regularly. In SUP class, you do yoga poses that make you remem-ber what real stretching actually looks and feels like. You don’t get to tell yourself you “love nature” from the comfort of your liv-ing room. You are in nature. And if you’re lucky, there are baby geese. NORCAL

For a list of Audrey’s classes and to learn more about On Water yoga, visit www.onwateryoga.com or call (530) 710-8870.

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21

10 Ways to Rule Your NorCal SummerBy ZACh o’BRieN

seAsonAl

Perfect your car Washing capabilitiesPrep and wax your car the right way and you’ll turn heads on every drive. Park your car in the shade to avoid premature drying and subsequent water spots. Rinse the car with water and start washing with soap and water. This is an art form, since you want to scrub every part of your car – the dead bugs in the front, the rims, the top of the vehicle, etc. – but you don’t want to take so long that the soap starts to dry during the process (Hint: recruit a friend to help). Rinse the soap off the car thoroughly with water and dry every part of the car with dry towels. Drive around the block and dry again. Use Windex on all the windows (inside and out) and watch as onlookers admire you cruising around town.

serve a Delicious WatermelonFirst and foremost, check the ripeness through the color. The melon should be dark green with a yellow area where it sat on the ground. If that area is white, then the melon hasn’t matured. And give it a rap with your knuckles. If you hear a loud thud and the melon feels heavy, it’s ripe. Use a large chef’s knife to lop off the top and bottom of the watermelon so it sits flat on your cutting board. That’s safer than trying to cut it as a wob-bly whole. Now slice the melon into wedges. Or you can remove the rind with a smaller knife and then cut the flesh into cubes. Try some unexpected pairings. Vigneron serves cubes of water-melon (drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt) along with cherry tomatoes on a toothpick. It sounds weird, but the acidity of the tomato and the sweetness of the watermelon go really well together.


4try a new WatersportSkiing, wakeboarding or tubing are all great activi-ties, but trying something else might introduce you to a whole new passion. Try out one of these three sports to get active in the water this summer:

Paddle Boarding – It’s like walking on water! This is a great way to get out on the water and move around or just relax. You can do it on the river or on the lake, depending on your level of expertise.Kayaking – This is another sport that can be done on the river or the lake, depending on how much risk you like to take. For beginners, join the Shasta Paddlers on Friday evenings at Whiskeytown Lake for a mellow paddle and some instruction. Or just go straight to the rapids for an extreme ride.Sailing – The Redding Yacht Club provides sail boats for beginners or more experienced sailing enthusiasts. Let the wind do the work for you and cruise around Whiskeytown Lake with this difficult yet meditative activity.

3concoct a tasty iced-teaWHAT yOU’LL NEED 6 regular-size bags of orange pekoe tea (Lipton, for example) 1 lb ripe peaches, pitted (skins left on) and cut into wedges HOW TO MAKE IT 1. Bring 2 cups of cold water to a boil in a sauce-pan or kettle. Put the tea bags in a heatproof pitcher and pour the boiling water over them. Let the tea steep for 15 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, puree the peaches in a food proces-sor until smooth, about 90 seconds. 3. With a wooden spoon, press the tea bags gently against the side of the pitcher to extract the liquid from the bags. Then remove and discard them. Stir in 4 cups of cold water and the peach puree; refrigerate for 45 minutes until well chilled. 4. Strain the tea into a pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve or a folded-over piece of cheesecloth. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. 5. Pour the tea into tall glasses filled two-thirds to the rim with ice cubes, or combine 1/2 cup with an ounce of your favorite bourbon or whiskey to make a julep.

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Participate in a WaterfightMy favorites are of the ambush variety. When I go camping, I like to bring a cooler full of water balloons to begin the waterfight any time I’m feeling slighted. But it’s great even when you plan it out and make teams, fill up your Super Soak-ers, and try to douse your opponents with as much water as possible. The best part: everyone wins.

Master your softball skillsBy this, I mean slow-pitch softball. It’s the best sport to enjoy the outdoor weather in a social setting. The best part is that ev-eryone can do it. From the old-timer who grew up watching Mickey Mantle play at Yankee Stadium, to the athletic young-buck who barely remembers the Boston Red Sox break “The Curse of the Bambi-no” in the 2004 World Series”, the differ-ent local softball leagues can include them all. You can play an advanced league, a beginner league and even a co-ed league. Go check out Big League Dreams in Red-ding for the ultimate softball experience.

hone your Frisbee AccuracyTo make sure one of you isn’t always chasing discs tossed around by brisk headwinds, throw across the breeze to your partner. And don’t rely on your arm for all the oomph—your power and accuracy will suffer. Instead, in one fluid motion, draw your arm across your body and toward your opposite shoulder. Then swing your arm back in the opposite direction, allowing your weight to shift from your back foot to your front foot to add power to the throw. When your arm is almost fully extended, release the disc with a flick of your wrist, to add spin and distance. If you really want to become a pro and get some great exercise, join the Redding Ultimate Association for Ultimate Frisbee games at Caldwell Park on Wednesday evenings. Or try out the Disc Golf course at Enter-prise Park at any time for free.


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Find a WaterfallThere are four great waterfalls at Whiskey-town (Brandy Creek Falls, Crystal Creek Falls, Whiskeytown Falls and Boulder Creek Falls). There’s the legendary Burney Falls, Mossbrae Falls, Potem Creek Falls, Hedge Creek Falls and McCloud Falls. These are just the popular ones in the area, as there are many more to explore. Consult a local outdoor enthusiast for a more intimate experience.

conquer a fitness challengeThere are so many options here. Try a 5K, a half marathon, triathlon or a mud run. Mt. Shasta Ski Park’s Volcano Mud Run is on July 26th and Tough Mudder will be in Tahoe August 16th. If you aren’t the competitive type, try summiting a local mountain like Lassen Peak or Shasta Bally. If you’re really feeling a tough challenge, you can even try climbing our dearest Mount Shasta. No matter what you do, be prepared. Train accordingly and research/prepare for any issues you might have.

Step 3: Wear clothes and sunglass-es. We know, you’ve been work-ing out all spring to show off your beach body. But if you want to be out in the sun all day, putting your shirt on every hour or so will save you a great deal of pain.

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Avoid the sunburnStep 1: Wear sunscreen (too obvi-ous?). Make sure you purchase sunscreen with UVA and UVB –protection. Depending on how much sun you’ve been in contact with lately, you typically want an SPF of 50 or higher to be safe.

Step 2: Wear a cool hat. Yes, we are talking about one of those big hats that cover your head, face, shoulders and chest (i.e. the most exposed parts of your body to the sun). Don’t worry about looking cool, because if you’re wearing a huge hat, you’re cool in our minds.


Hot, flat, dry and the most interesting thing to do is drink beer.

It’s not a stretch to say this is how many people in Northern Cali-fornia view Chico in the summer. If it weren’t for Bidwell Park, I would be right there with them. The 2500 acre park changed Chico from a place I was trying to get away from to some-where I didn’t want to leave.

Bidwell Park starts on the outskirts of down-town and sprawls into the mountains behind Chico, unravelling Big Chico Creek and creat-ing a prime destination for outdoor junkies with a broad scope of interests. Whether you live in Chico or the surrounding NorCal area, Bidwell Park is worth a visit. There is a host of options when it comes to exploring, so I decided to share my top five. Check out my highlights and then find your own to add to the list.

swimmingBidwell Park is centered around Big Chico Creek, which starts high above Chico and gathers in pools as it flows toward the city. Unique rock formations, deep pools and mini rapids make the swimming holes furthest from Chico,

Chico’s Utopia there’s something for everyone at bidwell Park

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known as Bear Hole, Salmon Hole and Alligator Hole the most appealing to the more adventuresome who have the time to drive to Upper Park. If you visit on a weekend, a dirt road takes you straight to the swimming holes. On weekdays locked gates prevent vehicle access, making it about a mile walk.

A short walk from downtown, Lower Park holds Sycamore Pool where the Big Chico Creek is dammed and encased in cement to create a swimming pool type atmosphere combined with the fresh

water of the creek. The pool is surrounded by shade trees and lawns, making it perfect for a convenient swim or to take kids along to play in a monitored environ-ment.

Mountain bikingRegardless of your skill level, there is a trail for you and your mountain bike in Bidwell Park. Middle Park is a perfect spot for beginners, with relatively even terrain and dirt trails that connect with


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the tougher trails of Upper Park. Upper Park has been the training grounds of world class mountain bikers. The trails are rocky and unforgiving, making the steep rim trails a place for bikers to push themselves.

Golfing — Disc and standard Bidwell Park has three golf courses, the Bidwell Park Golf Course for those who prefer the club, and two disc golf courses.

Bidwell Park Golf Course is a short drive from Chico, starting at the base of Upper Park and spreading into the foothills along the creek. Also close to the city, Sherwood Forest Kids’ Disc Golf Course is a highlight of Middle Park. It is a 9-hole course, easy to modify for any skill level. While technically a kids’ course it is more common to find begin-ners or people who don’t have time to drive to the larger course above the south rim of Bidwell Park. When you do have time, Pergrine Point in Bidwell Park is worth the 15 minute drive up Highway 32. The course lines bluffs that overlook

Bidwell Park and the valley where Chico sits, so even without a disc in hand it is a beautiful hike.

Man’s best friend’s best friend Bidwell Park is an inclusive location, invit-ing dogs to run free in designated areas but requiring them to be leashed in others. The swimming holes and trails make it an ideal place for dogs to play and get their exercise while you get yours.

trail running Sure you can trail run anywhere, but exploring the park in running shoes on early Chico mornings has become my go-to. The trail networks of Middle and Upper park are perfect for combining long winding trails with steep terrain and tight switchbacks and one of the few places near Chico where you can add intense hill climbs to a run. If you are not trying to climb mountains but just want to run, Lower Park has miles of paved and un-paved flat trails. NORCAL


Where are you from originally, and what kinds of sports did you do as a kid?“I’m from the Redding area. I lived in Redding from the time I was about ten to the time I graduated from high school. Then I went to Chico State. Now I reside in Mount Shasta.

I was an endurance runner in high school, and did that for years, and then moved into triathlons in college and later competitively. After that, I moved into mountain bike racing and did that at the expert level for three years. That morphed into adventure racing, which I did for about four or five years. Adven-ture racing is a grueling, demanding sport. I was really lucky to be on several sponsored teams, so I got to travel internationally. It was really time consuming and took an incredible commit-ment. I reached the point in 2004 where I was kind of done with competing. I exited as gracefully as I could.”

What draws you to endurance sports and challenges?“They come easy for me, and I recognized that when I was really young. Those things just feel natural. I’m not saying they’re not hard, because they are. But they just come easier to me than they do to some people. I seem to be able to endure long distances and long durations of certain activities where for other people, that’s just really difficult. It’s just my makeup. When I was young, I wanted to do things no one else was doing and no one wanted to do. I would say to my friends, ‘Doesn’t a three-hour mountain bike ride sound fun?’ and they all would say, ‘No, not really.’”

What’s your history with mountain climbing? “I started climbing in about 1995-96, and my first mountain was Mount Shasta. At the time, it was just one of those really fun experiences. As far as Everest goes, I had that fantasy as a young girl. I was just fascinated by the idea of Everest. I started reading all these books about it.

After I started climbing Shasta, I worked for Shasta Mountain

Laurie Bagley

Q&Aif pressed to describe Mount shasta city resident laurie bagley in one word, the answer would be obvious. simply put, she is inspiring. bagley is the sixth woman from the united states to summit the top of the world, Mount everest. We sat down with bagley to discuss her former career in professional adven-ture sports, what she loves about norcal and, of course, everest.



Guides for a couple of seasons. In 2004, I retired from adven-ture racing and the doors started to open for Everest in terms of me being invited by an outfitting service to climb it. So, I knew my dream and I started climbing more difficult mountains like Mount Denali (also known as Mount McKinley located in Alaska), which was my training mountain for Everest. I had a coach and a mentor who told me, ‘Go climb Denali and we’ll see how that goes for you. Then we can talk about Everest.’ Luck-ily, it went well for me. Climbing Denali was my green light to continue moving forward in the direction of Everest.”

Before climbing Everest, what did you have to do in terms of training, preparation and having the right mindset?“With the training, I got really serious about it the year before the climb. That’s when I was climbing Denali so I could add harder, colder mountains to my skill set. Denali is an expedition style mountain like Everest and those expeditions last anywhere from two to three weeks, depending on the conditions. One thing I had to do was really hone my rock climbing skills. I am, believe it or not, kind of afraid of vertical heights over about 50 feet. I knew that conquering that fear was my next step.

Once you get to certain point on that mountain it’s just really hard — you’re

either going up or you’re going down, and you could die either way.

So just learning that process, to make the best decision possible, was really important.


Once all my training was getting going, it was mainly just logistics and getting support from my coaches Ellen and Mar-shall. Marshall was key for me because he had three kids and I had a daughter, which was a big consideration. He helped me figure out my backup plan in case things went wrong. He showed me how a mother can approach something like this as safely as possible knowing that, in the end, there are no guarantees. Once you get to a certain point on that mountain it’s just really hard — you’re either going up or you’re going down, and you could die either way. So just learning that process, to make the best decision possible, was really important. Marshall made me realize that I was just one of those climbers who had to be ready to turn around much sooner than others might.”

So it’s 2004, and you’ve started to really get into climb-ing. What was the progression from becoming an accom-plished climber to deciding that you were actually going to try to summit Everest?“The whole thing really started to come to fruition when I retired from adventure racing and I was invited on an expedition to climb the north side of Everest. I just decided at the last minute

not to do it because I felt like the group I would be going with was not right for me. It ended up being a very good decision because no one in that group summited Everest. In fact, they almost lost someone. But that experience really opened me up to the possibili-ties of what could be. So, the following year I got paired up with an outfitting service on the north side of the mountain. I didn’t know anyone in the group, but that’s generally how it goes with these outfitting services. You buy a spot, the service does a small amount of screening, but you don’t have a guide, just an advisor, and you only have Sherpa support on the last leg to the summit. People can also do things like buy more Sherpa support, or buy more oxygen. We were given really minimal amounts of oxygen, only four bottles I think. Some people will carry nine bottles of oxygen, or even more. So really, going with this outfitting service meant that my support was pretty modest.”

After you’d done all the training and headed to Everest, what was the next step on the way to conquering Everest?“First of all, I have to tell you that it’s been my experience that no one conquers Mount Everest. In my opinion, Everest either cooperates or she doesn’t. If she’s not cooperating, you’re not


going to be summiting. Something I learned up there, some of the best climbers in the world, people that are much better and much more experienced than me have not been able to summit. Some people have been there two or three times and haven’t been able to summit. There’s a bit of luck involved. You have to be around the right people and be in the right place at the right time, and all of those things really just fell in place for me. Also, I think I was really fortunate to summit given my background as an endurance athlete. The success rate for people like me is pretty low. My training mountain, Mount Denali, is hard, but not even close to Everest. I didn’t really know what to expect in regards to how my body would handle that elevation, extreme cold and wearing oxygen masks. These obstacles were new to me. I do feel that all of the endurance sports helped me tremendous-ly to prepare for the uncomfortable-ness. Everest is just a very uncomfortable experience almost from start to finish. People ask me if Everest was fun, and I say ‘Well no, not really. Gratifying? Yes. Fun? Definitely not.’

So after about a year of training, I left for Nepal in March of 2006. We did an acclimatization trip on the south side of Ever-est so our bodies could get ready, then we headed over to Tibet to climb on the north side. We got there the middle of April, and we started the acclimatization process over there, which is definitely an up-and-down, there-and-back thing for your body. Your body never really becomes accustomed to those altitudes. But it’s part of the process, and some people adapt much more easily than others.”

Was it difficult to make the final decision to climb Everest?“The year I climbed in 2006, there were a lot of fatalities. This year (2014) had the most deaths, but it was same number as in 2006. It’s just that in 2006, unlike this year, you didn’t have a bunch of fatalities all happen during one snowstorm. So the first window was May 8th through the 13th. The advisor told us all that it was too cold and that we should wait for the second win-dow, which was predicted to be around May 22nd or May 23rd. Keep in mind that with those weather predictions, you still never know. So five people in our party started the ascent during the first window, and they all failed to summit. Seven of us started at the second window, and two people turned around within about a day. But all five of the people that remained ended up reach-ing the summit. Right before our window, that’s when all of the fatalities happened. I think it was 12. Most of those people took the same route as we did. Again, as a climber and a mother, I had

a difficult time making the decision to go up. I had some really great support from the Mount Shasta area, and from Marshall and Ellen who kept reminding me ‘You’ve worked so hard. You want this so bad. Just go for it, but prepare to turn around if things aren’t working out.’ Had it not been for the overwhelm-ing support I received from people back home, I don’t know if I would have made the climb.”

What was it like standing on top of the world?“For me, it was a combination of things. First off, I couldn’t believe I was there. It was surreal. The other thing, oxygen makes you feel a little off, kind of like you’re drunk, so I wasn’t quite clear-headed. From the summit, you could see the route pretty clearly, and it was terrifying because I knew that most of the people who die on Everest, die on the way back down. I knew the parts that were challenging on the ascent weren’t going to be any easier on the way down. It definitely wasn’t a celebration or anything like that. So overall, I was elated, but also nervous and scared and very aware that I had a long way to go.”

Tell me a little bit about your book. When did you pub-lish it, and what else are you up to these days?“My book Summit was published in 2008. It’s a story about what happened at Everest, but it’s also a book that contains a step-by-step process that people can follow to accomplish their own goals. I just used my experience, and what worked for me in regards to that book. Also, I’ve been working on my business, Strong Body, Strong Individual, where I’m a certified health coach, and I offer health, fitness and wellness coaching to indi-viduals, as well as groups and businesses. It’s more health, fitness and wellness coaching than career coaching.”

What do you like about living in NorCal?“I really enjoy Shasta and Siskiyou Counties, and I’m an avid road and mountain bike rider, and the mountain biking in Shasta County as well as Siskiyou County is exceptional as is road biking. I love hiking mountains and hills here. I like terrain that goes up and there are many opportunities to do that in our area. I love rivers, river rafting, being on a boat and paddling. It’s really meditative and peaceful for me. I do run some, not as much as I used to, but there are some really amazing trails, and I don’t really enjoy running on pavement. And the lakes—they’re amazing. I love swimming in the lakes.” NORCAL

From the summit, you could see the route pretty clearly, and it was terrifying because I knew that most of the people who die on Everest, die on the way back down.


OPeN WAteR SWimmiNg With

Lexie KellySome choose to develop their fins and test their gills

in the safety of a chlorinated pool. For others, a more

natural experience trumps all. For Lexie Kelly, she

chooses swimming of the open-water variety. As a

swimming enthusiast, of course she wouldn’t say “no”

to a pool, though she prefers the lakes and oceans of

this earth to do what she loves best: swim. Kelly

recently sent in a letter to Active NorCal, documenting

her journey around the world, one natural pool of

water at a time.

WAter sPorts


and still does to this day. I swam in local clubs throughout my years as well at Shasta High School in Redding and Bishop Quinn High School in Palo Cedro, which led me to the world of open water. At this point in my life, I have traveled to more than 30 countries to open water swimming destinations (Brazil, South Africa, Japan, Egypt, Spain, Croatia, etc.) to compete and it all started with my first race in Whiskeytown Lake that the Redding Aqua Ducks Swim Team still hosts today.

Water is my passion and currently residing in Long Beach, California helps make that easy being by the ocean. My heart will always have a huge love for the amazing lakes up in NorCal, truly some of the prettiest venues for the sport. The lush mountainous greenery surrounding Whiskeytown’s fresh air, clean water and comfortable temperatures makes it perfect for swimming. Whenever I get to go visit my family, they will paddle next to me on their kayaks while I swim beside them for training. It is such an ideal place to swim for me. Afterward, it’s an amazing place to relax and enjoy some quiet time.

I remember going there for an end of the year school party with my classmates. In addition to the

aquatic sports the lake offers, there are incredible hikes and trails to explore. NorCal is truly a wonder-ful place to be both in and around the water. I cur-rently compete on the FINA Grand Prix Open Water Professional Marathon Circuit which consists of sev-en or eight international swimming races between 15K and 57K (that’s between about 9 and 35 miles) in various venues including the ocean, rivers, seas and lakes. The next three competitions will be just over 30Ks in Lake St. Jean and Lake Memphremagog in Quebec, Canada and Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. Although these are distant from California, I find them to be some of my favorite events of the season because they remind me of home where it all began.

I never thought my first open water swimming experience on Whiskeytown Lake would lead me all over the world. If you have a passion for some-thing, follow your heart and you never know where it will take you. I am truly fortunate and grateful for my experiences. It’s opened my eyes to a bigger picture yet at the same time I can go back and ap-preciate what stunning scenery I was raised in and around. Northern California is a very special and incredible place. NORCAL

growing up in beautiful Northern California, my life revolved around swimming...

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Once, in the dawn of pre-history, a ravenous saber toothed tiger stalked a little family of cavemen,

mom, dad and a couple of kids. No matter how fast they ran, the cat grew closer, closer, closer. Suddenly they ran smack up against a river, a dead end for them. Just as the cat was about to pounce, dad tossed everyone out on a log that just hap-pened to be bobbing nearby, and shoved off.

Down, down, they flew through one explosive cascade after an-other, death groping at every turn. When they finally made it through the nightmarish whitewater, the cat was nowhere to be found. Somehow, they had survived. As it dawned on them they had just cheated death, the kids started screaming and giggling, AGAIN! AGAIN! AGAIN!

That’s how whitewater rafting in NorCal, was (probably) born. Almost ever since then, river rafting has been near the top of the favorite summer family activities in Nor-Cal. The Trinity, upper Sacramento, Salmon and Klamath rivers offer more than enough white-knuckle rapids to satisfy almost anyone with a pseudo death wish.

There seems to be no end of repu-table rafting companies in NorCal and southern Oregon eager to get you in their boats, which is why we haven’t attempted to include a list here. There’s just too good a chance we might leave somebody out. A good way to get started shopping for the right trip with the right compa-ny is to surf the web. Many rafting companies have elaborate websites with tons of information, maps and splashy, whitewater photographs. Personally, when my life is hang-ing in the balance I like to go with professionals.

Not always, but often enough whitewater guides are 20-something, ex surfer types, and you have to wonder. It’s entirely appropriate to ask about how long they’ve been in business or how their guides are selected and trained. When you take the big plunge, you want to have confidence in your guide, especially if something unexpected should happen.

As the mercury climbs into triple-digits of the summer season, keep in mind there are stimulating, active things you can be doing to keep cool. A day spent whitewater rafting is a day of fun and enjoyment not soon forgotten.

Good Thing

WAter sPorts

By Chip o’BRieN

Trinity River It’s almost difficult to drive Hwy. 299 west of redding during the summer and not see brightly colored rafts stuffed with people screaming and splashing, or engaged in a water-war with some other raft. The Trinity river is by far the most popular NorCal whitewater venue, and the “Pigeon Point run” (Class III) is at the top of the list. De-pending on water levels, the drop at notorious “Hell Hole” can approach ten feet. Terror apparently has a name.

For the more ardent ad-venturer, there is the Trinity’s Burnt ranch Gorge run. There you can test your skills (or demonstrate your insanity) on big, Class v rapids like Table rock, Origami, Burnt ranch Falls and Jaws.

Wet BehiNd the eARS CAN Be A


Upper Sacramento RiverThe upper Sac is mainly a springtime phenomena. Depend-ing on the year the river level may drop as much as eight feet between spring and the 4th of July. By July there is no longer enough flow in the river to be little more than a tranquil glide downstream, which is not what most whitewater aficionados are seeking. But, when the water is there, the river can be almost as thrilling as the Trinity with rapids in the Class II to Iv range. On those rare and unseasonably warm spring days, rafting the up-per Sac can be just the thing, and it’s closer to home.

The Cal-SalmonFew NorCal residents have even heard of this major tributary to the Klamath river, but it’s gain-ing popularity with a crowd that likes their rivers spectacularly wild and remote, and their rapids big. Not for the faint of heart, the Cal-Salmon is for serious rafters (Class Iv-v rapids), preferably with previous experience, at least 16 years old and in good physical condition. This Wild & Scenic river crashes through an isolated section of NorCal, carv-ing its way between the Trinity and Salmon mountain ranges. Several rafting companies who frequent this water reserve the right to give potential clients a paddling test to make sure they are up to the challenge. As on the Trinity, Several companies offer multi-day trips on the Cal-Salmon.

The Klamath RiverIn all fairness, the most popular rafting section of this river is mainly in Oregon just south of Klamath Falls, but the takeout is at the California state line. Known as the J.C. Boyle sec-tion of the Klamath, trips begin below the dam and extend 17 miles downstream including the “Hell’s Corner” section of Class Iv+ rapids. (rafters seem fond of naming rapids “hell this,” and “hell that.” Don’t they know that water puts out fire?) Like the Cal-Salmon, this section of river also carries the Wild & Scenic designation. Unlike the Cal-Salm-on or any other river mentioned so far, the water is warmer and not at all clear. In fact, it resem-bles cappuccino. Nevertheless, it carries its own rugged beauty and a day spent on this water will be memorable and thrilling.


PAddLiNg FOR A PuRPOSe

By ZACh o’BRieN

The Shasta Paddlers

it’s easy to see the beautiful landmarks of NorCal from

highways and trailheads. But to truly see the area from

arguably the most stunning perspectives, try seeing

these landmarks from the water. grab a paddle and ex-

plore our area’s famous bodies of water in ways you

might have never imagined.

WAter sPorts


A great way to get into paddling water sports is through the Shasta Paddlers. The Shasta Paddlers are a group of people who paddle, whether it’s on a kayak, paddle board or raft, and they gather to paddle around their favorite bodies of water. The Shasta Paddlers started four years ago and have since grown to more than 300 members, mostly from the Shasta County area. Paddle sports can be a perfect fit for those who enjoy exercising in a beautiful outdoor environment.

Tiffany Felicienne contracted a disease 14 years ago that left her wheelchair bound. For her, kayaking was one of the limited options she had to get active. So she went for it.

“I needed to exercise so I took up kayaking and joined the group, and it really just bloomed from there,” recalled Felicienne.

“Kayaking helped a lot with my rehabilitation. Many people think that kayaking is all about your arms, but it’s not. You use your whole body. So, I’m out on the water two to three times a week now.”

A driving force behind the Shasta Paddlers group is Joe and Terri Arbuckle, who started Headwaters Adventure Company in Redding to help support the paddling community and provide gear and expertise for anyone interested in the sport. Their shop provides a wide array of kayaks, boats and SUP boards, to buy and rent, and training for both beginner and instructor level paddlers.

“Joe and Terri were just huge supporters of me. They were just awesome,” said Felicienne. “They’re knowledgeable about the boats and they have a ‘try before you buy’ policy. You can try so many boats out, and then you get the bug. The adventure comes with it.”

The Paddlers meet at Whiskeytown Lake every Friday evening for a “social paddle”. Some nights they paddle around for six miles, other nights it’s a much more relaxed mile around the lake, depending on their mood. These Whiskeytown paddles are a great way for anybody curious about the sport to try it out. It’s recom-mended to try a slow paddle on still water first to work on paddle movements and body control before you hit moving water.

On May 25th, 2014 Rivers For Change hosted the second an-nual California 100, a 100-mile paddling race from The Sundial Bridge to Chico on the Sacramento River. People came from all over to compete in the race, including many members of the Shasta Paddlers. While it is still a race where they document and celebrate the winners, for most of the paddlers, it’s a race against

the sun. They are just trying to finish before it gets too dark.For Felicienne, the California 100 was a glorious culmination

of her rehabilitation efforts. Not only did she finish, she got third place in her division.

As the Shasta Paddlers grow, they are now organized in ways they may have never imagined. They would like to develop youth organizations, high school teams and veteran rehabilita-tion programs. They are already involved with Heroes On The Water, a program getting wounded warriors into paddling. And they think more growth is around the corner.

“We want to put Redding on the map,” said Felicienne. “Trin-ity is recognized for its paddling sports. So is Reno. But what about us?”

For more information on the Shasta Paddlers go to their group at Meetup.com or find them on Facebook. NORCAL


Are you aware that we are in a severe drought this year? Yeah, I thought so. Fear not, since our majestic Shasta Lake still provides us with plenty of recreational water and miles of shoreline to participate in a NorCal time-

honored tradition: houseboating.For your consideration—As I write this, Shasta Lake is at an

astounding 43 percent capacity of water, meaning the lake cur-rently boasts approximately 235 miles of shoreline. That isn’t much when you compare it to the 365 miles of shoreline when it’s at full pool. But it is a lot when you compare it to every other lake it California. If every other lake were at full capacity right now, Shasta Lake’s 235 miles of shoreline still would trump its competition, and it’s not even close—that’s including Lake Oro-ville, Trinity Lake, Lake Berryessa, Lake Almanor and Lake Tahoe. The fact of the matter, Shasta Lake remains the gold standard of large reservoirs in our region.

Now that your misconceptions are brushed aside, let’s talk houseboats. Being prepared is crucial. That’s why we’re giving you the top 10 things you’ll need to bring in order to experience the most epic houseboating getaway of your life.Food —Typically of the barbeque variety. All rented houseboats come prepared with barbeque grills and accessories. It’s much easier to cook on a grill compared to the relatively small kitchens in the boat. You will also need snacks—chips and peanuts are big hits. Anything to keep your appetite appeased between meals. Drinks—Depending on what your idea of a houseboat trip looks like, you’re going to need a lot of beverages. Beer, soda and a lot of water should keep your thirst quenched. Possibly even some ingredients for margaritas.

Ice—Something that might fall under the radar, ice is very important for keeping your drinks and food cold. Trust me, you probably won’t be able to fit everything in the fridge and will opt to place a lot in the cooler. Speaking of…Coolers—Most houseboat rentals will provide you with a cooler, and while big, it’s usually not enough space to store all of your perishables and beverages.Pillows and blankets—As comfortable as many of the beds can be after a long day in the sun, you will not regret bringing your own blankets from home. Comfort is key.Warm Clothes—As hot as it gets during the summer, you will never be more happy to throw on some sweatpants and a sweatshirt.Games—A deck of cards is a no brainer (or try Apples To Apples for some good laughs). It’s also fun to bring along short board games, just avoid games like Monopoly or Risk that will keep you there all day. Also, consider bringing along more physical games you can play on shore like Ladder Toss or Cornhole.Sunscreen—Wear it early and often (see page 19, 10 Ways to Rule Your NorCal Summer for more info).Floatation Devices—This is not a safety issue (you won’t see any Titanic-sized icebergs in Shasta Lake), it’s a relaxation issue. There is nothing like spending hours of your day lounging in the water with your friends.Another Boat —While this may not be an option for everyone, it can make life much easier and make the trip more exciting. Con-sidering what you will pay for gasoline on a houseboat, this is a way for you to get around the lake in an easy, less expensive man-ner. It also allows for trips to the marina (“We need more ice!”) or it can help you get to your desired fishing location. NORCAL

the 10 thiNgS yOu’LL Need FOR the

Perfect Houseboat Getaway

WAter vAcAtion


Places to Rent a Houseboat on Shasta lakeShasta Marina: (530) 238-2284 www.shastalake.net

Bridge Bay Marina: (530) 275-3021 www.sevencrown.com

Jones valley resort: (530) 275-7950 www.houseboats.com

Digger Bay Marina: (530) 275-3072 www.sevencrown.com

Antlers resort & Marina: (530) 238-2553 www.shastalakevacations.com

Silverthorn resort: (800) 332-3044 www.silverthornresort.com

Packers Bay Marina: (530) 275-5570 www.packersbay.com

Holiday Harbor resort: (530) 238-2383 www.lakeshasta.com


It was a foregone conclusion that I would love the Shasta Caverns tour. First, you find it off the O’Brien exit north of Shasta Lake. Some-what less obvious is the fact that I’ve spent so much of my life wandering around in the dark, both literally and figuratively. The funny thing is, the cave is only a part of the adventure.

The tour begins with a long; long downhill hike to the patio boat that carries you to the other side of the McCloud River arm of the Shasta Lake. With so little water behind the

dam this summer, the hike takes longer than usual. Once you arrive at water level, the boat ride is wonderful. Though Shasta Caverns is only a short drive north of Redding, you may be shocked by how otherworldly it really is. Maybe that’s the point.

When you reach the other side, you are instantly reminded that the cave is another long hike back uphill, only you aren’t quite at the cave entrance yet. The hike takes you to a staging area where you climb aboard vans that

Descending Shasta CavernsBy Chip o’BRieN

A stalagmite is a type of rock that rises from the floor of a cave, and is created from the accumulation of minerals dripping from the ceiling. Whereas, stalactites are rock formations than hang from the roof of caves. Both formations are prominent in Shasta Caverns.

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transport you to the cave entrance. Along the way the guide talks about some of the fascinating history of the cave, how it was used by Native Americans, “discovered” by white people, made safe for tourists and opened to the public. It was no small feat.

At the cave entrance you pick up hardhats and flash-lights and use the restroom before heading into dark-ness. It takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust, but the cave is dramatically lit and well equipped for safety. The cave is deliciously cool and just the kind of thing to do on a triple-digit day. If you think you are finished with hiking up and down hills, think again. What allows access to the many chambers is an elaborate infrastruc-ture of sturdy metal stairs and rails. Hiking boots are a great choice.

Once in the cave you are ushered through chambers of all sizes, some up a flight of stairs, some down. Each cavern has a name, and a story. Though I have been known to get claustrophobic in tight places, I’ve never felt that way inside Shasta Caverns. There is so much to see and too many great stories to listen to. The tour takes at least an hour, and the time flies.

Emerging from the cave, the sunlight seems daz-zlingly bright. When your eyes have readjusted, you may notice the terrific views of the lake and even pick out the Pit River Bridge, officially named the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Bridge. Constructed in 1942, it is still the tallest combination road and rail bridge in the world.

I’m frequently amazed by how many NorCal locals have not visited Shasta Caverns. Then again, Parisians are seldom found in the Louvre. There may be a notion that something so close to home cannot be spectacular, which begs the question, “Who’s really in the dark?” NORCAL


An expected forty-five minute road trip to Lake Siskiyou had turned into an hour-and-a-half, and hyped up on coffee and Mountain Dew, I was eager get out of our beat up, brown Ford Explorer and stretch my legs. As scenic as the ride had been through rolling hills covered in ponderosa pines, the snail’s pace of the logging truck in front of us and my caffeine-addled mind was beginning to question whether our trip would even be worth it.

A few turns on back roads lined with old growth trees and puny streams later, we finally arrived at Lake Siskiyou Resort & Camp. With the car still moving somewhat, I hopped out—immediately noticing the rejuvenating freshness of the air. The familiar smell of the pine trees that surrounded us and masked the hot sun above harkened me back to my days at summer camp. After reveling in the fact that we had completed our journey (and that I could finally use the bathroom), I headed straight to the beach. Passing the bar and beach volleyball court, and emerging from underneath the trees, I stood there, shocked by the incredible beauty in front of me. There it was—the clearest blue water I’d ever seen, trails and tall trees lining the shore, kids and adults joyfully playing on the beach and in the water crowned by the majestic, snow-topped Mount Shasta.

Though not exactly a world traveler, I have had the opportunity to stay at a hotel overlooking the Himalayas in India, and I once visited the beautiful Lake Dis-trict in England. However, I would say the unadulterated splendor of Lake Siskiyou compares pretty well with both places. Looking out from the beach, Mount Shas-ta seems so close that you can touch it (making you realize why the water in Lake Siskiyou is so darn clear). Despite there being cars, RVs, campers, a bar, an arcade,

and quite a few people in the central area of the resort, walk a couple hundred yards in any direction, and you’re all by yourself basking in the glory of a relatively undisturbed natural setting.

There is also a wealth of interesting plants and wildlife at Lake Siskiyou. Ponderosa Pines cover much of the area around the lake, but additionally, one can observe Douglas firs, Incense Ce-dars, Big Leaf Maple trees and Black Oaks. While walking around the lake, I also noticed a bunch of little pink flowers adding some color and character to the trails, which I later discovered were California Wild Roses—a plant unique to California and Oregon. Relaxing on the beach you will likely see ducks, Cooper’s Hawks and even Bald Eagles nesting, foraging and soaring across the

Lake Siskiyou — A Destination or a JourneyBy Ross LAwReNCe

For the FAMilY


deep blue sky. Lake Siskiyou serves as a great people-watching lo-cale as well. A positive atmosphere charms the area, and it makes you smile just to see others enjoying the environment.

While I could probably write several articles describing every detail of the lake and its backdrop, I mustn’t forget to mention all the great activities available close by. In terms of the actual lake, there are opportunities for motor boating, windsurfing, sun bathing (although don’t forget your sunscreen), fishing, pedal boating, rock climbing, paddle boarding and of course, swim-ming. The resort offers inexpensive rentals of canoes, life jackets, double and single kayaks and paddleboards, so there’s no need to buy or lug expensive equipment out to the resort. Also, fishing remains a popular activity on the lake where anglers can lure rainbow and brown trout as well as bass. During my visit, I en-joyed watching people climb the large inflatable climbing wall in the middle of the lake where I watched one kid knocking others off in a version of “king of the hill,” only to reach the top and hilariously fall all the way back down into the lake.

Lake Siskiyou Resort’s large camping area and affordably priced campsites and amenities make it a great place for a week-end getaway or a family vacation. Tent sites are only $20 per night, a full RV hook up is only $29 a day, you can rent small or big cabins for less than $200 a night, and the resort also offers spacious three-bedroom mobile homes for rent at $250 daily. Because of its size and endless list of things to do, Lake Siskiyou should be experienced over the course of a couple days. Camping is a terrific way to properly explore the area.

To get a better feel for the area, there is a seven-mile trail that goes all the way around the lake. Completed in 2010 after the in-stallation of the $2.8 million modern Wagon Creek Bridge, Lake Siskiyou trail crosses over several small streams and meadows and connects with other trails including the Box Canyon Dam Trail. On a journey through Box Canyon Dam trail, you will en-joy great views of the dam in a 200-ft deep gorge with towering cliffs on either side as well as the Sacramento River which forms Lake Siskiyou. If you’re interested in spending the whole day hiking, you can find other, longer (and more difficult) trails that take you to close by national forest lands where backpacking, horseback riding and off-roading opportunities are available.

If the trails and lake don’t offer enough diversion, a beautiful 6,035-yard 18-hole golf course sits mere minutes from Lake Siski-you Resort along with adjacent tennis courts and upscale chalets available for rent. Also, at the end of a long day, it was nice to be able to go to either of the bars nestled nearby the beach to take in the day’s experiences over an ice-cold frothy pint.

They say, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the jour-ney,” but I couldn’t help thinking that my trip to Lake Siskiyou was about the destination. Then I realized that Lake Siskiyou is a journey in itself considering that you could spend days, scratch that…weeks exploring the area, and still not see or do every-thing.

With my body beginning to flag after a long day at the lake and a caffeine crash slowly immobilizing me, I carried my-self back to the car knowing all too well that I’d have to wait patiently for another chance to investigate this North State marvel. NORCAL

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See if you can guess this famous NorCal trout stream:

It was once the southern-most river in the world where you could catch bull trout. Rain-bows from this river were successfully shipped to New Zealand, South America and Europe in the 1880s, where populations still flourish. Wil-liam Randolph Hearst built a castle on it. Two of the West’s oldest private fishing clubs are on it. There was once a salmon hatchery there. It was named after a famous explorer/fur trapper, but the name was misspelled. Hello, McCloud River.

From a fishing perspective, the Mac is best described as two different rivers. Above Mc-

Cloud Reservoir the river is smaller, easier to wade and popular with families and folks who delight in the smell of fresh fish sizzling in pan. There are several popular campgrounds, three gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of trout regularly stocked through the summer season and families doing all they can to connect with a few. The upper river is readily accessible from Hwy. 89 about six miles east of the sleepy little town of McCloud. There are stunning views of majestic Mount Shasta from this stretch of highway, and no one will blame you if you miss your turn because you’re gawking at the mountain.

Fish are stocked at Fowler’s Campground and

Famous Fish in a Special SettingBy Chip o’BRieN

FishinG

Maybe angler Larry Kaster’s name should be spelled with a C, but the river is named for Alexander McLeod.


Lower Falls. As far as finding the fish, well, if you can’t actually see them, look for deeper water. Because the upper river is fairly shallow and the water clear, fish do their best to avoid direct sunlight. Any manner of take shy of dynamite (bait, lures or flies) is allowed, and anglers are permitted to keep up to five trout. Though absolutely beautiful, this is hardly wilderness fishing. Restrooms are only a short stroll away from the river.

When fish are planted it can become something of a three-ringed-circus for a short while, kind of an angler’s version of chasing ambulances. But if you want to catch and keep a limit of rainbow trout, this is your time.

If you’re fishing more for tranquility as well as fish, do a bit of hiking. Take the trail down to Middle Falls. There are often fewer people there because it’s a downhill hike on the way in, and it’s difficult to forget that it’s all uphill when you’re done. Be sure to fish the pool below the falls (all of them) thoroughly, and then continue concentrating on areas of deeper water.

Below McCloud Reservoir, the Mac is something else entirely and justifiably famous. It is bigger, deeper water than up above, but this is not what attracts a congregation of devoted follow-ers, mainly fly fishers. Frequently described as the quintessential, wilderness trout stream, this water has been well known to an-glers the world over for centuries. It’s difficult to imagine a more beautiful, pristine, wild place. When it’s really hot on the valley floor, the Lower McCloud offers tons of shade and deliciously cold water for wading and fishing.

From the town of McCloud, head south toward McCloud Reservoir. From the reservoir there are two routes in, depending how close or far from the dam you want to fish. About a mile below the dam is Ash Camp, a small campground also providing parking and access up and down the river. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the McCloud here, so access to both sides of the stream is fairly straightforward.

The other access point is Ah-Di-Nah Campground, which requires a slow drive down about eight miles of rocky, dusty dirt road. There is a sign for the campground at the turnoff road


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from the reservoir. You can park at the campground and numer-ous places close by. The road dead-ends at The Nature Conser-vancy (TNC). You can fish this section of river for free, but TNC restricts the number of anglers to ten, five by reservation and five walk-ins. You can check on access and make free reservations by calling (415) 777-0487. It’s about a third of a mile hike in to the Conservancy cabins where you can sign in and claim your slot. Here you have about six miles of gorgeous river to fish.

The lower river is an appealing combination of pocket water and classic riffles, runs and pools. Most successful anglers fish nymphs most of the time, but there are plenty of opportunities for dry fly fishing, especially in the evenings. In the fall when the leaves are changing, enthusiastic anglers throw big streamers in the deep pools for cantankerous browns.

Although you can technically keep two trout below the reservoir, no one does. It would be like going to a world-class, five-star restau-rant and ordering ketchup with your meal. This water is a cathedral to wild trout and catch and release. Bait is strictly forbidden and anglers may only fish with lures or flies with barbless hooks. Seeing anything but a fly rod down here would be highly unusual.

Besides great natural beauty and world-renowned fishing, this section of the McCloud is also rich in a few less-desirable things, rattlesnakes and poison oak. The rattlesnakes are not at all aggressive, but if I had to see one, this is the first place I would go. Unlike Hollywood rattlesnakes, these are some of nature’s most timid and shy creatures. Make a lot of noise when you move around and they will get out of your way. Be careful not to put hands or feet into places you can’t clearly see. Heck, if you stepped on me I’d be tempted to bite you too.

If you can’t identify poison oak, you better Google it before heading out. Years ago I witnessed a young couple in shorts wad-ing through bushes of it along the McCloud. When I asked them if they knew what they were walking through, they said no. When I told them, they thanked me and said they were highly sensitive to it. They also said they were on their honeymoon.

“Yikes,” I said ruefully, “I mean, congratulations.” NORCAL

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Summer has finally arrived along with our long anticipated season of fun in the sun. While we are pretty conscientious about turning on the sprinklers to keep our yard nice and green, some of us forget that our bodies have special hydration needs this time of year as well.

Since adult bodies are made up of about 60 percent water (for infants it is 75 percent), keeping the fluid levels bal-anced is critical for good health. In fact, the heart alone depends on high fluid levels to pump blood through our vessels more easily and consequently on to our muscles. “If you are well hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard,” said John Batson, M.D., an American Heart Association volunteer. Without enough fluid in our bodies dehydration can hap-pen quickly and can be a serious condi-tion leading to swollen feet, headache and eventually heat stroke.

So how much fluid do you need to stay healthy? That depends on a lot of factors including the amount of time you exercise, how much you sweat, type of clothing you wear, climate and other health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. In a climate like Shasta County in the summertime, a 175 pound person who exercises 30 minutes a day and has two alcoholic drinks a day would need 114.5 ounces or 3.4 liters of fluid a day. By the time you feel thirsty you have already lost between two to three percent of your body’s fluid, so waiting to “feel thirsty” isn’t the best policy on hydration. Start drinking fluid before activity (dehydrating activities also include sitting in the sun) to stay ahead of the fluid loss. One great way to know if you are getting enough liquid is if your urine is pale or clear. Once it becomes darker you know you’re not drinking enough.

Hydration 101More than just the grass needs water

By ANNette BRyANt

What should you drink? Water, plain and simple, at least for those people who do an hour or less of high intensity physical activity a day. The sports drink manufacturers like to promote the healthy benefits of their beverages, but a recent study done at the University of Minnesota showed that overuse of these drinks can be harmful. The study of 2,800 adoles-cents showed that regular use of sports drinks led to other not-so-healthy behav-iors like higher intake of sugar, weight gain and a less active lifestyle. That is be-cause sports drinks, although infused with needed electrolytes, also contain a ton of added sugar. For instance, a 32 ounce

bottle of basic Gatorade has 53 grams of sugar, nearly 11 teaspoons. That one drink is more than the recommended serving of 9 grams of sugar for an entire day.

A good rule of thumb for healthy hydration is to drink four to eight ounces of water every fifteen minutes during exer-cise. If you work out for less than 60 min-utes or your workout is done indoors that is all you will need. More than 60 minutes of vigorous exercise outdoors may require sipping on a sports drink to replace potas-sium and magnesium—or drink coconut water which does the same with no added sugar. NORCAL

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Finally there was only enough light left for one more fish, and there was one more rising trout in the pool, the only one I hadn’t already hooked and released. First cast, right on target... nothing. Second cast... nothing again. Slurp went the trout eating another mayfly moments after my fly had drifted overhead.

And that’s the way the evening ended, cast, slurp, cast, slurp, cast, slurp. No amount of finesse, prayers, cursing or hand grenades, no amount of anything could get that one, last trout to take my fly. When it was full on dark I stumbled out of the stream and back to my car. A friend saw my car next to the river and waited for me. When I extended my hand to shake his, he thrust a cold beer into it. “Happy birthday,” he said with a know-ing grin.

Sometimes in the middle of the night I still think of not catching that fish. If it hadn’t been for that one thing, that one insignificant thing, it wouldn’t have been a perfect birthday evening. But it was. NORCAL

That One ThingBy Chip o’BRieN

If it hadn’t been for that one thing, that one insig-nificant thing, it would have been a perfect birthday evening.

Which birthday it was, doesn’t matter. Neither do the circumstances that found me alone, without family to celebrate with. What matters is how I ex-pected the mundane evening to go, and the charmed memory it became because of one, insignificant thing.

I had expected to work that evening, guiding the group of fly fishers I had hosted that day. Most days I

guided until dark. When dinner rolled around, so did the wine bottle once, twice, a few times, and soon it became evident that my clients were blissfully aglow and in no condition to fish. No one even suspected it was my birthday, and my choice of ice tea instead of wine at dinner proved fortuitous.

There was a spot; a secret spot on the Pit River where I knew every trout in the pool would be rising. Guides usually have a few special places they keep to themselves for just such an occasion. It wasn’t special because the fishing was easy, on the contrary. It was some of the most demanding, fussy, flat-water dry fly fishing imaginable for wild trout. Was I up to the challenge?

I lit out like a shot after bidding my clients farewell, and soon found myself unsheathing Excalibur, a fly rod so familiar and dear to me, that in my hands it became a living thing. There was enchantment in the air.

That evening there were mayflies and birds and eventually bats in the air in the gloaming of the light. Cast after delicate cast sang from my fly rod. Fish after fish took my dainty dry fly and danced back into my net. Surrounded by majesty, I had forgotten to feel sorry for myself for being alone on my birthday.

insPirAtion

Finally there was only enough light left for one more fish, and there was one more rising trout in the pool, the only one i hadn’t already hooked and released.

CA

itLiN

o’B

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