May 12, 2006 1:04 pm US/Pacific
New Experiences
Are you in your comfort zone in the great outdoors? Think you've seen it all, because you've gone hiking or biking a few times? Tom's about to shake things up a bit by learning a few new outdoor sports – join him for a televised lesson, and see if there is something you'd like to pursue!
Looking for a new thrill on the water? With a lesson from Launch Wakeboarding School, you could be skimming the glassy surface of the San Joaquin Delta and catching big air! Although headquartered at Folsom Lake outside of Sacramento, they are expanding operations into the Discovery Bay area. The learning curve is easy – you'll be riding in no time!
http://www.launchwakeboarding.com/ Centrally located to the best parts of the Delta, the B&W Resortoffers cottage rentals for overnight visits, as well as bait, tackle, and marine supplies, a snack bar, a 24-hour fuel dock, and covered berths.
http://bandwresort.com Do you want to get a taste of the big waves, just like Tom? Richard Schmidt School of Surfing will have you hanging 10 in no time! Surf classes are offered year round, and a week-long surf camp is offered in the summer. And if Santa Cruz isn't exotic enough for you, Richard offers a lesson package in Costa Rica, as well!
http://www.richardschmidt.com/ Find a hidden lodge in the Santa Cruz Mountains! The Inn at Pasatiempo offers a pampered alternative to the busy pace of the beach city. From complimentary room service to country/French appointments and vaulted cathedral ceilings, this stay will be a one-of-a-kind experience!
http://www.innatpasatiempo.com/ For the ultimate documentation of big wave action in Northern California, look to the talents of Powerlines Productions. Eric W. Nelson and Curt Myers take years of experience in the water and use them to find and capture unbelievable wave attempts and eye-popping wipeouts!
http://www.powerlinesproductions.com/ Perhaps the finest world-class outdoors destination in California, Yosemite National Park is a wonder of glacial activity. Steep sided granite cliffs soar above the valley floor, and carved rock outcroppings stand in mute testimony to the awesome power that shaped this land. One of California's last outdoors ice skating rinks operates in the Valley during the colder months – it's an unforgettable experience to glide on the ice with a superb view of Half Dome!
http://www.nps.gov/yose Getting out into Yosemite in the early morning allows you to experience the park before anyone else. The best way to do it is to stay at one of the Yosemite Park Lodging options. For a rustic experience, you can reserve a campground, and if you prefer not to sleep on the ground, Camp Curry offers tent cabins. A stay at the Yosemite Lodge or Tenaya Lodge offers hotel accommodations. And the Ahwahnee Hotel makes for the ultimate stay in Yosemite! For trip planning information or reservations, call (599) 253-5676
http://www.yosemitepark.com/ It's a breathtaking view in the main chamber of Moaning Cavern… but are you prepared for the 165-foot drop? Dangling like a spider, you can rappel from a crack in the ceiling, down the enormous cave to the bottom. For the faint-of-heart, secure handrails are provided on a spiral staircase that makes the descent to the cavern floor. The cave is open year-round, so drop in anytime!
http://www.caverntours.com/MoCavRt.htm Looking for a comfortable base of operations for your outdoors trip to Calaveras County? Cedar Creek Realty offers many vacation rental properties, just next door to these outdoors destinations, that can accommodate everyone, from couples to large families and groups.
http://www.cedarcreekrealty.com For a comfortable stay in Calaveras County, make a reservation at the Dorrington Inn. This charming bed and breakfast offers a wonderful retreat with comfortable rooms. In the morning, enjoy a meal of fresh food while you overlook the neighboring meadow.
http://www.dorringtoninn.com The Calaveras Visitors Bureau is a great resource to plan a trip to the many outdoors destinations of the County. Caving, fishing, hiking, camping – there's so much to do in this area!
http://www.gocalaveras.com You can find additional information on these outdoors locations and others in Tom Stienstra's guidebooks, available from his website.
http://www.tomstienstra.com Email Tom Stienstra at
tstienstra@sfchronicle.com
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