Recreation
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
WOODLAND – The antics started as soon as the rafts hit the water. Paddling frantically, many of the kids spun helplessly in circles or drifted sideways down-river. After a few tries, however, they had worked it out and were happily gliding towards the first set of rapids. For many of the teens this was their first time rafting, or indeed their first real experience with the wilder aspects of Mother Nature.
Since 2005, the Woodland-based environmental group Tuleyome has been organizing rafting trips on Cache Creek for underserved Yolo County teens. This year Tuleyome expanded the program partnering with the Collings West Sacramento Teen Center, Esparto After School RISE program, the Woodland YMCA and Woodland Youth Services to take over 160 teens rafting down Cache Creek.
“The rafting trips are fun. But they also give the teens practical lessons in leadership and team work. And, as importantly it gives them an opportunity to get away from the urban landscape and learn about the natural environment,” said Debra Chase, Tuleyome’s executive director. “When you look at these kids and see the joy on their faces you see our future conservationists, farmers and leaders. That’s why we do this, for their future,” she said.
After a safety and training talk the kids donned their life jackets, grabbed their paddles, launched their rafts and began the voyage.
A number quickly became stuck on rocks and boulders. The tips they learned during the training session paid off however, and everyone freed themselves and continued downriver.
By lunchtime everyone was all smiles and it was clear they were thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Trystan, a participant from the Esparto RISE program had the highest praise. “That was cool!” he said.
These trips would not be possible with out the support of community businesses and individuals. The Rumsey Community Fund, Woodland Healthcare Foundation, First Northern Bank, Stephen and Robin Souza, and Pat Conrad provided important funding. Two local rafting companies, Cache Canyon Rafting and White Water Adventures, discounted trip costs. And Woodland Raley’s supermarket and White Water Adventures provided lunches. Tuleyome volunteers boated with the kids contributing their time and expertise.
“Without the generous support of the Rumsey Community Fund and our local businesses and individuals, it simply wouldn’t be possible to run the teen rafting program,” Chase said. “We really appreciate their support.”
Of course, for the kids on the river, none of that mattered as they faced the biggest rapid of the day innocently named “Mother.” It is the only class three rapid located just downstream of the Highway 16 bridge.
Bob Schneider described it to the kids. “Go under the middle span of the bridge then stay on the far right side. There is a hard right, then left turn at the bottom before the large haystack waves. It is challenging, but your volunteer guides will be at the bottom to help if you need it.”
Meeting those outdoor challenges can make a big difference for kids. Dustin Pearson, one of the participants from the Woodland Youth Services, called it “one of the greatest adventures of my life.” He added, “This has made me want to try all sorts of new things.”
Tuleyome is already planning for next year providing opportunities for the underserved youth of Yolo County. They always are in need of experienced kayakers to volunteer as guides and mentors for theprogram, which generally runs from June through the middle of August. If you would like to help contact them at 530-350-2599 or log on to their Web site at www.tuleyome.org.
Tuleyome is a not-for-profit organization working in the Putah and Cache Creek watersheds to protect both our wild heritage and our agricultural heritage for future generations. More information can be found at www.tuleyome.org.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
Bass anglers are reporting that the bite has been slow for those fishing artificials. What is working? Minnows. A few of our local guides have switched clients to live minnows to pick up the pace a bit. The bass are crashing into schools of bait fish and feeding heavily. It just stands to reason that you’ll have better success fishing with live bait.
What else is working? Jerk baits in glass minnow, ghost minnow or hitch patterns. Again, present something that mimics what they’re feeding on and you’re odds increase. Look for 10 to 20 fish per day for a couple of anglers in a boat.
Shore anglers have been having a more difficult time putting fish on the stringer – at least from the public docks around the lake. Some folks fishing the private docks down along Windflower point have had better results.
There hasn’t been much happening on the crappie front. A few anglers have reported catching crappie on and around the docks at Konocti and we’ve had isolated reports of crappie caught at the Four Poles. Otherwise, we’d have to say that there aren’t any strong, consistent concentrations of crappie being found right now. Of course, they’ve surprised us a bit this summer with a better-than-usual hot weather bite. So, keep trying and keep letting us know how you’re doing … We’ll keep the minnows and jigs stocked up for when this bite gets back into gear.
The catfish bite also has slowed. We had a great time with our CatFest event last weekend, but there weren’t all that many catfish caught. A barbecue and raffle here at the shop beforehand set the tone for a good night on the water.
We fished from about 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. with close to one dozen fish caught for four boats of anglers. No single bait stood out as the first choice … We used mackerel on my boat while others used clams. We fished Pirates Cove and Monitor Island. The largest fish of the night tipped the scales at just a smidge over 9 pounds. Stay tuned to future week’s reports for September’s CatFest date.
Bob Rider owns Lakeshore Bait & Tackle in Clearlake. Visit his Web site at www.994fish.com or call him at 994-FISH (3474).
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- Written by: Editor
Until further notice, there is no water available at this location. Visitors to the forest should plan accordingly and bring sufficient water for their needs.
“Personnel are working to restore drinking water at Davis Flat as quickly as possible,” said acting Grindstone District Ranger Paul Montgomery. “Thank you for your cooperation.”
More than 200 miles of riding trails, campgrounds, picnic sites and staging areas remain open as well as the RV sanitation dump site.
The public will be notified as soon as the situation is resolved.
For further information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest in Willows, 530-934-3316, or the Stonyford Work Center, 530-963-3128.
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- Written by: Editor
The weekend kicks off on “FREAKY FRIDAY” with the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Model Search, followed by three bands taking the stage around the resort: Wonderbread 5 in the Classic Concert Showroom, SK2 in the Waterfront Nightclub, and Faded at Four in the Conference Center.
On Saturday, the 11th annual “Takin it to the Streets” Motorcycle Road Rally and Poker Run will get underway with its annual run around Clear Lake.
In addition to the annual motorcyclist enthusiast event, the resort also will host a Beach Party along Festival Row on Saturday and Sunday with vendor booths, extreme motocross, “Typhoon” Tommy’s WFWA Jet Ski Stunt Show, Hot Bike Show, and more. No alcohol will be permitted outside on the resort grounds throughout the weekend.
At night, some of the biggest names in music will take the main stage, outdoors, under the stars, in the intimate 5,000-seat Konocti Field Amphitheatre.
On Saturday, Sept. 1, Kid Rock takes the stage, and on Sunday, Sept. 2, Toby Keith performs with special guest Miranda Lambert followed by an end-of-summer fireworks spectacular immediately following the show to close out the Lake County Summerfest Grand Finale celebration.
For more information, an event schedule, tickets, or reservations, call (800) 660-LAKE or go online to: www.konoctiharbor.com.
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