Washoe dry, but trail still enjoyable

If you haven't tried Dead Man's Creek off East Lake Boulevard lately, you might find it more enjoyable than ever.

You also might find it a little disheartening as well when you look down on Washoe Lake from the gazebo. The lake is shrinking fast, barely a fifth of its average size. Rangers at the Washoe State Park say it will disappear by Labor Day.

But new along the trail are ribbons identifying plants and wild life sites. Metal supports for permanent signs are awaiting installation, with the holes already dug. These will make the trail an even better place to take Bay Area visitors for an intro to the Sierra Nevada.

One caution: Avoid the lush area around the trickling creek. That's a wildlife refugee and is the reason the new trail avoids it. Last weekend game of all kinds were spotted, including deer up higher. At the refugee there were squirrels, rabbits and birds of all stripes.

This weekend is backpacking time with a son, Nick, coming from his most recent hike in the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota. He's bringing a folding kayak, which could make for some interesting hiking - I mean paddling.

• Known for its adrenaline pumping downhill courses, Northstar-at-Tahoe's mountain bike park is switching gears and hosting the First Annual Mountain Goat Uphill Bike Race Sunday Aug. 22 at 8 a.m. The first biker to reach Mt. Pluto's 8,610-foot summit wins.

Pre-registration is $25 and includes the ride, raffle, snack, awards and entertainment by Jeff Jones. Download the race form at www.northstaraatttahoe.com/ and send it to The Goat, Northstar-at-Tahoe, P.O. Box 129, Truckee, Calif. 96160. Entries must be postmarked by Aug.15. Race weekend registration costs $30 and is available Saturday, Aug. 21 from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 22 from 6-7 a.m. in the Northstar Village.

• Snow sporters looking for a hot deal on winter ski and snowboard apparel and summer merchandise may want to check out to Squaw Valley Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-28 for the annual Summer Tent Sale.

Ski and snowboard jackets and pants, gloves, sunglasses, after ski boots, shorts, shirts, fleece, Squaw Valley logo wear, gift items and more will all be available at up to 80 percent off retail price. The sale runs from 8:30 a.m.Ð 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and the tent will be in the Squaw Valley base village next to the Squaw Valley lift status sign and the Olympic Rings.

Sam Bauman is a Nevada Appeal Staff Writer. Contact him at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.