Horsehead Bay, Forest Beach, the spit, Henderson, Fox Island. The Puget Sound, the waters of my childhood. A magical place to grow up... Shimmering salt water, sunlight dancing sparkles on the water. The call of a gull, off in the distance. We knew the sound of everyone's outboard motors, the best way to jump cruiser waves, the optimal time for glassy waterskiing, and tried best to understand the ebb and flow of tides, adults and the world around us.
I now live next to a different body of water - in a far different terrain than succulent salt water, verdant firs and towering volcanic peaks. Mountains cup this inland fresh water sea, holding the vast aqua blue in a myriad of ever changing hues. The essence remains however - as I glide across the lake on my specialized standup paddleboard, pulling my equally high tech paddle through the dense fresh water -- I grin the grin of a 12 year old -- as I did so many years ago on our neighbor's red plywood paddleboard, using a stick for propulsion.
My husband Jared and I thought about this notion of paddling around Lake Tahoe last year - skimming across the water more than a casual paddle, or participating in a race. Exploring the vastness of Lake Tahoe, perhaps seeing eagle and bear wandering in the less populated shores of the lake. Taking the time to circumnavigate the lake, raise awareness of the environment and the people of the lake, the Washo people. For over 10,000 years, the Washo lived on the shores of this lake - they are as much a part of the landscape as the towering pines and sparkles on the water. The language of the Washo, deeply reflects that connection.
And we thought it would be easy. Follow the water trail map, figure out where we'll stay on the six day trip. Write some press releases, and wait for the hordes of folks that will sign up. That didn't happen, we had very limited response. It turned out to be an opportunity for Jared and I to explore together "Da ow aga." Next year??
We'd like to thank James Shoshone, Washo Tribal Member who graciously donated the beautiful artwork for the poster. Lynda Shoshone, Language Coordinator, and all the elders of the Washo Nation. Meeks Bay Resort, for graciously donating a free night at one of their splendid cabins. Camp Richardson and Zephyr Cove for providing lodging at a reduced price.
And a special thank you to Ron Richman, for providing land support, and always "showing up" for us.
The blessed silence of paddle slicing through the water, ripples lapping under the board. The beauty of moving across the water.
The artwork above was generously donated by James Shoeshone, Washoe Tribal Member
