Looking for a respite from the summer's heat? Ever dream of an outdoor expedition that doesn't sacrifice elegant entertainment? If so, circumnavigating Lake Tahoe by kayak might be just the ticket.Nestled at 6,225 feet above sea level, Tahoe's 191 square miles of cool, cobalt waters hover between 50 and 70 degrees during the summer.To add to the adventure, there are numerous shoreside activities at night: theater, dancing on a cruise, exploring sunken treasures, catching a symphony, treating yourself to Hula Pie, trying your hand at the casinos. No automobile gridlock for you. See the whole thing from the seat of your self-powered kayak, and that's just skimming the surface.');-->on error resume nextMM_FlashCanPlay = ( IsObject(CreateObject("ShockwaveFlash.ShockwaveFlash." & MM_contentVersion)))Shuttle logisticsFor the most pleasant kayaking circumnavigation, plan on four to five days. And note, this isn't for everyone. There are long stretches of beach that provide no access for campers. But many have gone before you, and the Lake Tahoe Water Trail committee offers maps and advice to help you on this adventure. The committee, a group of outdoor enthusiasts with ties to the lake community, is working with outfitters and public beach stake-holders (remember, many Tahoe beaches are privately owned) to make the lake more accessible to paddlers."We're restructuring the committee, and we've got some great plans to enhance the whole process," said trail committee member Dennis Liebl of South Lake Tahoe. "In the meantime, we stress the importance of planning ahead, using the Water Trail Map & Guide, making reservations and carefully respecting the private property rights of lakefront owners."Plus, paddlers should be physically fit and have strong paddling skills before embarking on this strenuous voyage.The lake can be navigated section by section. It can be circumnavigated clockwise or counterclockwise from a number of locations.But before you go: It's a good idea to leave a written plan of your route with friends. Bring a cell phone, even though service is spotty (it's best closest to the shore). Your kayak should be safe at the public beaches and campsites where you'll stay, but you could bring along a cable and lock to secure it during your shore-side adventures.The committee's Web site, http://www.laketahoewatertrail.org/, recommends that paddlers plan trips around various entertainment options offered at the lake.Sand Harbor to Zephyr Cove: 18 miles, 6 to 9 hoursAn excellent starting point is Sand Harbor on the northeast shore, but because parking is limited, it is best to have someone drop you off. Leave early and be aware that afternoon winds can develop, causing dangerously choppy waters.From Sand Harbor, paddle south along cozy, hidden coves and beaches until you reach the Thunderbird Lodge (approximately a 60-minute paddle), Osprey and eagles nest in towering dead treetops and black bears have been spotted roaming the wilderness now managed by the U.S. Forest Service.To get a taste of the good ol' days, take a tour of the Thunderbird Lodge. Special kayak tours start at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays; boats can land at the lodge's lagoon starting at 8:45 a.m. Land tours also run daily at the same time. Make reservations ($32) at (800) 468-2463.After the lodge, continue paddling south and you'll find a number of secluded beaches and private coves. Past Secret Harbor, the shoreline curves to form Dead Man's Point and then back again to Skunk Harbor, a wide, flat and sandy public beach.Skunk Harbor makes a fine lunch spot before the paddle onward past the residential Glenbrook Bay, the Logan Scholls vista point and finally to Cave Rock, a monolith to aim for in the distance.If you're passing Cave Rock in the early morning or afternoon, you'll have your best chance to see the Lady of the Lake -- a fabled "face in the rock" gazing out onto the water.
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