It’s a little chilly for all but the die-hard of the die-hards to be rafting this time of year (although we will take you year round if the South Fork’s calling to your crazy self) but if you’re hankering for a little Sierra Foothill scenery before the 2012 rafting season starts, head to Boeger Winery in [...]

Many of you have probably rafted the South Fork of the American River and wondered about the wildlife that lives on the riverbank and in the canyon.  If you’ve been particularly curious about the feathered creatures, you’ll be interested in a special event hosted by the American River Conservancy at the end of January.  Point [...]

Rumor has it–and by “rumor” I mean online reports and also some “professional snowboarder” that Amy d talked to who read the 2012 Farmer’s Almanac–that a storm in the Sierra is on its way.  We, as are all of you no doubt, are quite excited.  Sometimes it snows early, sometimes it snows late, and there’s a [...]

If your weekend is still open and you’re looking for something fun–and inspiring–to do, don’t forget that the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Nevada City starts tomorrow, Jan 13th. Films this year run the gamut from explorations of the Congo River, New Environmental Activists, and Biodynamic Farming in Egypt, so there is probably literally [...]

Start the new year out with some inspiration, some beauty, some cold hard facts, and the information you need to make a difference!  The annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival in the lovely Sierra Foothill town of Nevada city is back! The three day festival runs January 13, 14, and 15 and will showcase diverse [...]

California rafters provided the Christmas tree for the Capitol this year!  Well, not really.  But the tree DID come from the Stanislaus Forest, which is verrrrrry close to some of our rivers…………..so we like to think that we somehow had something to do with it.  Probably a bit of vainglory but it is the most [...]

Our annual rafting expedition to Chile’s beautiful Patagonia region is just around the corner.  The “Rio Futaleufu” is a genuinely world-class river.  Challenging rapids, high-volumne water, jaw-dropping scenery………..all that and then you get to come home every night to a wood-fired hot tub, tasy dinners, fabulous local wines, and a comfy bed.  Did I mention [

Yes, it’s hard to imagine now, but after the holidays are over and it’s just you and your resolutions and cloudy skies and rainy days, you are going to be seriously glad you planned ahead and got tickets for the annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Nevada City!  This year’s line-up will include pieces [...]

Apparently AO likes zee French (who doesn’t, let’s be honest.  Ok maybe the lactose intolerant and those with celiac disease.  Also teetotallers.  And people afraid of mimes.  Anyway.), because for the second time, I present, AO en France!  And not just en France, but by le Tour Eiffel!  Oh la la! Here  river guide  Britt [...]

Grab an ice augur and make tracks for your favorite ice-fishing lake. The ice in many Sierra lakes is sufficiently deep to walk on. Caples, Red and Silver lakes off Highway 88 are ready with depths ranging from 6 inches to 2 feet. Boca Lake near Truckee off 80 is ready along with Davis and [...]

The game with the most interesting history to watch this weekend is Sunday’s National Football Conference championship between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. Growing up in the Midwest, games between these two were nicknamed the “black and blue bowls” because of how tough and brutal they were. Sunday’s game is only the [...]

There are spectacular views at many of the ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe region. But do many people really take the time to look around and marvel at the beauty? In the more hustling, crowded environment of Tahoe’s downhill resorts, which typically attract large crowds of skiers and snowboarders, the splendor of the Sierra [...]

January 9 Fastest time of two courses: Boys team 4: No. 1 Bib: Zachary Fitzpatrick, 21.4; Blake Xavier, 21.92; Martin Padilla, 22.42; Hunter Lay, 24.19; Joel Kaderka, 25.28; Michael Xavier, 25.55; Tyler Atkinson, 26.08; Shaun Gilmour, 26.15; Brady Ruppenthal, 26.76; Charles Straight, 28.72. Girls team 4: No. 1 Bib: Amanda Pinski, 26.73; Fiona Zeier, 27.83. Boys [...]

Wish Ali well. A season so full of promise ended too soon for Ponderosa’s Ali Ryan. Thursday in the Lady Bruins’ final preseason game against Franklin, Ryan, a three-year varsity player, had scored nine points in the first four minutes when tragedy struck. On her third fast break of the quarter, she raced end-to-end for [...]

Editor’s note: Somerset section hiker Norm Stoldt, trail name “Stormin’ Norman,” was hoping the “Triple Crown” — hiking the Appalachan, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide trails was within reach.. He planned and prepared to finish a portion of the Continental Divide Trail this summer. His excursion was cut short but like he has every year, [...]

Off-road vehicle users continued to vent their anger over a proposal to significantly reduce the number of miles of roads and trails open to motorized recreational activities in the Eldorado National Forest during a Tuesday night meeting in Folsom.