Mark Twain, when he first saw Lake Tahoe said “surely the fairest view the whole world affords” and there is no place better to witness this awe inspiring sight than the Tahoe Rim Trail.  Whether you have a few hours or a few weeks, the experience can change your life.

 

     I chose to move to Tahoe in 1974 at the age of 29.  The details aren’t important, but I started to hike parts of what is now the Rim Trail in about 1982.  It changed my life!  The things I’ve seen and the thoughts I’ve had while on the trail are some of the best memories ever.

 

     The trail is now 165 miles long, but there are 12 well maintained and easy to find trail heads just off of major paved roadways.  From any of these you can start an afternoon hike, day hike, overnight or do the whole thing and you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete or even in great shape to do any of these. The “through hike” does require you to be in “reasonable shape” or have lots of time. 

 

     I’ve done the hike and got the plaque for the “165 Mile Club” and when I happen to look at it, I’m very proud.  However, it’s the peace of mind and astonishing beauty of the trail that makes me smile.

 

     So this summer a friend and I are doing the TRT on horseback and I can’t wait.  The thought of spending nine days with my horse, Tennessee (a 12 year old Spotted Saddle Horse), Jesse my 2 year old Boarder Collie and Nick Ferris, one of the best and most interesting friends a guy can have is going to be fantastic.  The planning and preparation is also a lot of fun.

 

     June 21^st is our scheduled departure.  I’ll keep this blog updated with our preparation and actual progress.  No, I won’t be taking a laptop, but I will be talking by cell and satellite phone with the Schwartz-Stanton Group and they’ll do the reporting.

 

     For more Tahoe Rim Trail information, they have a killer website at www.tahoerimtrail.org

 

Cheers,

 

Dan

Moving Tip No. 1

Two weeks before moving. . .

• Inform gas, electric, water, cable, local & long distance telephone and trash removal services of your move.
• Recruit moving day help
• Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible)
• Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate
• Complete U.S. Post Office change of address form and notify key providers including newspapaer, credit cards, banks, investment firms, insurance companies and the IRS. 
• Visit www.usps.gov/moversnet

Moving Tip No. 2

How to pack china. . .

• Layer bubble wrap between, leaving space at top of the box to fil in with wadded newsprint
• Place wadded newsprint or Styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of a box and put layers of plates or bowls on top.  Fill in top and sides with peanuts or newsprint
• Seal and mark "Fragile - China."  You’re done!

 Moving Tip No. 3

How to pack glasses & teacups. . .

• Wrap each glass or teacup in bubble wrap and tape it. 
• Put a layer of peanuts on the bottom of the box.  Place wrapped glasses or cups on top, upright
• Place a layer of cardboard and another layer of packing material on top and the sides
• When you’ve reached the top put a final layer of packing material on top, seal and mark - "Fragile - Crystal/China."  That’s all!

Moving Tip No. 4

How to pack original paintings. . .

• If your painting is framed with glass, tape the front like an X with masking tape.
• Cover the framed painting or canvas with bubble wrap and tape it closed
• Build a boax to fit that is slightly larger than the painting, or purchase one.  If you’re packing a canvas (no frame, no glass), wrap the cardboard in bubble wrap again, tape it, then build or buy a second box slightly larger than the first.  Double boxing helps guarantee against other sharp object puncturing the box and canvas during the move.
• Tape the box well and mark, "Fragile - Art."

Moving Tip No. 5

The wrap on packing tape. . .

• Reinforced tape has nylon filaments running through it.  This stuff is really tough - excellent for closing and reinforcing heavy boxes
• Plastic tape is not nearly as tough as the reinforced kind, but works well for all but the heaviest boxes
• The clear variety is generally a bit heavier than the brown kind, which makes for easier handling.  In any case, make sure it’s at least 2" wide; 3" wide is even better

Moving Tip No. 6

Packing Power. . .

• Try to reuse the original box and packaging material for re-packing the piece.
• Keep dust out of your electronics by wrapping it in linen or clean paper
• Seal boxes completely with packing tape to further minimize dust accumulation
• To save reconnection time of electronics, use corresponding colored tape on the cord and where the cord connects to the device
• Sensitive devices may need to be stored in climate controlled units during the move

Moving Tip No. 7

Manage the Mover. . .

• Get a binding estmate from the moving company with amount written in contract.  The contract should specify number of hours, with no more than a 10% overrun
• Check their on-time record and other complaints with the local Better Business Bureau
• Movers are limited by law regarding what they cna give you for lost or damaged goods.  Check existing homeowner’s or renter’s policy for the balance
• Document an inventory of your belongings before packing