A new sign in Hope Valley

Hello painters,

One of our painters emailed me about a new sign he saw at the Hope Valley/Pickett Junction Restroom Area (junction of 88 and 89).  It says that every person 16 years and older is required to have a Land Use pass, that they should have it in their possession.  The passes can be purchased online (either day or annual) on the California Fish and Wildlife Department website.  The site is vague as to what areas require the pass.

I called Sorenson's Resort to see what they knew about this since they have guests to go for day hikes nearby.  They said that this is related to the fishing and hunting land use passes - which recently was lobbied to include "hikers" (not painters!)  The man I spoke to said at this time the sign wasn't being enforced to his knowledge.  Because the location is near the PCT trail (Pacific Crest Trail), many backpackers hike for weeks or months, and this sign appears to be directed to them. 

So, unless you plan to backpack/paint/hike ....don't worry about the sign and enjoy your painting day!

P.S.  I haven't been to Blue Lakes in a few years.  Be mindful of signs and only park in "day use" areas.  Be sure to see if they charge a day use fee in the designated day use picnic areas.  Also, be mindful that the road from lake to lake has been very rough-going in the past and I doubt it would be much better with the harsh winters they have up there.  If the sign says 4WD you better also have high clearance.

Carolyn

July 2018 paint-outs

Hello all,

July is typically hot, so go as early as you can to beat the heat.  I recommend arriving by 9am.  8am is even better.  I have chosen areas that are in the mountains or in the shade of forest because it is a little cooler than the Reno area.  For the month of July, I recommend you bring the following:

• More drinking water than usual
• Umbrella and a wide-brim hat
• kerchief that you can wet and tie around your neck to cool down
• a small ice chest with ice to cool down
• Sunscreen AND bug spray
• lunch and snacks (avoid fried chicken and meats that attracts yellow jackets)
• antihistamine for allergy and unexpected bee stings
• folding chair
• cash for day use fees if required
• camera
• cell phone
• Be aware some of these places (Blue Lakes, Cathedral Road) does not have cell service
• a grocery bag that you can fill with rocks to weight your tripod down from blowing over

July 2018:

July 2, 3:  Blue Lakes (7 miles from Hope Valley) see link:  https://renotahoepleinairpainters.blogspot.com/search?q=Blue+Lakes

July 9, 10:  Cathedral Road (the other side of Fallen Leaf Lake) When you see the link below, this is only one area you can paint.  I don't have a prior post for the second site, but I will try to describe it here:  Go past this spot about a quarter mile. On the left side there is a grove of aspen trees.  Find your way through the aspen trees and you will come upon a hidden meadow that is solid lupin bushes.  They are normally in bloom in July.  Be respectful and only use the trail that goes through it - don't make any new trails please.  This is a spectacular meadow and you can see Mount Tallac above the trees.  see link:  https://renotahoepleinairpainters.blogspot.com/search?q=Cathedral+Road

July 16, 17:  Galena Creek Park

July 23, 24:  Sand Harbor

July 30, 31:  Tahoe Meadows