June 2, 2014 (Monday) Paint-Out at Angora Lake

Date:          June 2, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:         Angora Lake (near South Lake Tahoe)
Parking:      The day-use picnic area - $7.00 fee parking
Amenities:    The Angora Lake Lodge may not be open yet.  So I do not know if there are bathrooms open for the day-use area.  The Lodge and cabins open mid June.

What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• drinking water
• lunch or snack
• $7 for parking
• bug spray
• sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• cell phone
• hiking boots or good walking shoes
• backpack or totebags - you have to walk an easy 1/2 mile to the first lake.  You can try a cart, but I have never been there so I don't know what the trail is like
• check forecast for temps and clothing
• Dogs are allowed on leash but not allowed in the lake

Directions:  To get to Angora Lakes, take Highway 89 north 3 miles to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 (watch for bicyclists), turn right and continue past Angora Lookout to the parking lot at road’s end.

 

More info:

Up an easy 1/2 mile hill climb, you’ll find Angora Lake, a one-of-a-kind Tahoe gem tucked into a glacially carved bowl with two cliffs framing it. At an elevation of 7,450 feet, you’ll have a hard time finding this anywhere else. The trail up is usually pretty easily managed by small children, and not too steep. At the first of the two lakes, you’ll find absolutely unmatched, pristine beauty and an amazing place to swim or picnic. Older kids will have fun jumping off the cliffs and into the lake. A sandy strip of beach at the north end of the lake provides an excellent spot for soaking up the sun. There’s even a small store open in the summer that sells ice cream, sandwiches, treats, and famous fresh squeezed lemonade that’s worth the trip up on its own. The Angora Lakes Resort operates at the second lake, offering rental rowboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The upper lake is backed by a stunning wall of granite dotted with yellow bushes which reaches up to Angora Peak and Echo Peak. Whether or not you take pictures, you’ll never forget this view. Also at the second lake is a gift shop offering unusual items and books. It’s best to arrive early, as it can get crowded during the summer months. Even so, Angora Lakes are a great place for family time. Dogs are welcome on-leash, but are not allowed in the lake. The devastation of the Angora Fire of 2007 makes itself known on the drive up to the parking lot, but luckily, the beauty of the area around the lakes remains unmarred. 

Links:  

http://www.laketahoegetaways.com/angora-lakes-lake-tahoe-hiking-trails/

http://angoralakesresort.com/

CANCELLATION: Monday May 25th paint-out at Watson Lake

Hi friends and painters:

We just found out the US Forest Service is not opening the road to Watson Lake yet!  So we will not be able to paint out there.  I just spoke to the Forest Service Office and they will be opening the gate up for the summer season on Friday, May 30....so, if you want to venture out there sometime on your own after that date....

Since it is a major holiday (Memorial Day) on Monday, we will not plan another location.  But, if you want to go on your own or with a friend, one nice place would be the Tahoe Meadows (the top of Mt. Rose Highway).  It may be marshy in the meadows, but there are boardwalks on that loop trail.  It shouldn't be too crazy like the popular attractions of Lake Tahoe.

Anyway, have a happy Memorial Day, and we will see you the next week!

Happy painting....

May 26, 2014 (Monday) Paint-Out at Watson Lake

Date:          May 26, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          9:30 am
Place:          Watson Lake (6 miles from Brockway Summit 267)
Parking:       Hopefully space for 5 cars - depends on if there are a lot of campers there on a Monday before Memorial Weekend!  I'm thinking not.
Amenities:    port-a-pottie

What to bring:

• BUG SPRAY!  Last year there were early mosquitos
• painting gear that you are able to walk around the lake to where you want to paint.  
• possibly an artists umbrella
• hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• layered clothing - it can be cool up there it is 7,000 feet
• hiking boots or good walking shoes
• camera
• drinking water, snack or lunch
• cell phone - may not work up there

Directions:    From South end of Reno to Brockway Summit:  About 30 miles/50 min:  Take Mt. Rose Hwy to Incline, turn Right on N. Lake Blvd. heading to Kings Beach, turn Right on 267 (No. Shore Rd) and go up to the top (Brockway Summit) and turn Left at the turn-out.  This should be the entrance to Fiberboard Freeway.  Fiberboard Freeway is a paved logging road open to the public.  Take this road for about 6 miles (miles are marked on the pavement for bicyclists but last year we didn't see them).  At some point the road has changed name to Mount Watson Road.  Watch for a spur road to the left  with a big rock (see below photo) and sign that says "Watson Lake" (last year the sign was not there).  This is a short (less than one mile) road to the lake that ends in a parking area for picnic and hiking around this little lake.

From Northwest Reno to Brockway Summit:  About the same time and mileage, but go I-80 to Truckee, take 267 turn-off and head west toward Northstar.  Pass Northstar and continue up to Brockway Summit and look for the turn-off on the right.

From Brockway Summit to Watson Lake:  6.7 miles
Note:  I do not believe there is any sign on 267 that says "Fiberboard Freeway".  But there should be a yellow highway signing marking a road intersection (hopefully).  I do believe I remember a wooden sign once you drive in the turn-out with information on it.

Look for the big rock with the paint on it to turn left to Watson Lake

Above is a picture I took last year.  The Fiberboard Freeway is the paved road going off to the right.  The big rock with the paint on it is where you turn left to go to Watson Lake.  I believe it is about a mile down this little road.  Last year the sign pointing to Watson Lake was missing.

This is where it ends - at the Watson Lake campground.

The .7 mile or so road that goes to Watson Lake dead-ends at the campground.  Park where ever you see space and are not in the camper's place.

Map:            http://www.tahoeloco.com/archives/2938  this link has a map that shows the paved road from 267 at Brockway Summit to Watson Lake.  If you click the zoom-in several times, you can see the names of the roads and even the trail names.

BONUS PAINTING SPOT:  While you are on the Fiberboard Freeway, enjoy the views especially to your left towards Lake Tahoe.  There are a few dirt turn-outs and little access short roads to meadows that are filled with wildflowers.  Last year we stopped at this spot to paint the Mule Ears:

Last year, Moxie enjoyed watching the fish in Watson Lake:

May 19, 2014 (Monday) Virginia City Paint-Out

Date:          May 19, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          9:30 am
Place:         Virginia City
Meeting place:    About at the corner of Union Street and "I" Street
Parking:        Along "I" Street
Amenities:     You are only a few blocks from town

What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• drinking water, snack, lunch
• cell phone
• painting umbrella
• hiking or walking shoes
• hat, sunglasses

We will meet at this stand of historic old buildings, but you are not required to paint here.  Virginia City has many interesting old things to paint.  

Directions:  If your coming into Virginia City from Reno drive into downtown and take a Left on Union St. It's the street just before Bucket of Blood Saloon. If you pass the Bucket of Blood, you went too far. A few streets down you will see a row of old shacks on the left. Take a left on "I" St ( the letter I not the number 1) and park right there. Plenty of parking on the side of the road.

 

May 12, 2014 (Monday) Paint-Out at Serene Lake

There may be a little snow still?????

Date:          May 12, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          9:30 am
Place:          Serene Lake, Soda Springs area
Meeting place:        Ice Lake Lodge on Soda Springs Road at Serene Road
Parking:          along the road
Amenities:       none, but you can stop at one of the lodges on Donner Pass Road before you get there

Directions:

From 395 at I-80, 

take 80 West 45 miles.  

Take exit toward Soda Springs/Norden,

Left on Donner Pass Road,

Right on Soda Springs Road 

and go 2.2 miles to the end where Serene Road begins.  

Meet in front of the vacant Ice Lakes Lodge (I believe it is in foreclosure and been closed for a few years).  Then we will discuss where to paint from there or up the street a little bit on Serene Road where a small community park is.

What to bring:

• camera
• art gear
• drinking water, snack or lunch
• cell phone (but may not work there)
• hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• check forecast for clothing - layers
• hiking or walking shoes

Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5l8jNa8g4Q

http://www.paddlingcalifornia.com/Serene_Lakes.html

http://www.castlepeak.com/home

Change to parking location for May 5, 2014 paint-out in Gardnerville/Minden

Since posting the paint-out for the Job's Peak view to take place on May 5, I have learned that I chose a less desirable parking area.  The rancher needs the parking to access his cattle, and I learned that Mottsville Road is very busy and people drive fast.

So here is where we will meet:

Once you turn on Mottsville Road, go past the area first described a little ways.  Turn left on the sidestreet called "Mottsville Meadow Way" - a dead end with only three houses on it.  I was advised this is much safer and there is room to park and cul-de-sacs as well.

It is also going to windy and 20% chance of rain.  So...... plan accordingly.  Some people who have hatch-backed vehicles can use them as a wind-break.  Some people do smaller works so they can finish faster.  Some people have a lap-set-up that they can work from within their car if it is pointed in the right direction.....

Anyway, I'll be there....