Magazine: May 2008 Issue
On The Water
Published: 01-May-2008
Before they moved here, many local residents recall making the trip to the North State to spend the week on Lake Shasta. With Interstate 5 as their pipeline, they journeyed from the big city with speed boats, water skis, life jackets and ice chests full of food, the good kind that you only take on vacation; kids scruffy from laying under the camper shell; light-hearted parents, sneaking away from the craziness of work - all looking for a little fun and relaxation here in this place we call home.
Of course, this get-away feeling still exists today - even for those of us who are lucky enough to live here. The Aqua Devils are a local group who hit the lake in their 1982 Miller boats, with blinding fleck paint, no windshield and a Chevy 454 pushing 500 horses. Can you hear the buzz of the first boat on the lake now? This team of 30 includes brothers, sisters, fathers, uncles, husbands, wives and friends looking for any excuse to shatter glassy water and watch it explode into rippling psychedelic waves. “It’s why we live here,” says one Aqua Devil. Another way to enjoy the North State is with fishing rod in hand. An escape best experienced in early mornings on the lake or river, before anyone else stirred - the best time to go fishing, so no one would know if you were stretching the truth about how many fish you caught and how many got away. Shasta Lake has 365 miles of shoreline (when full) and is the state’s largest reservoir - and that’s no fish story. Fishing in our lakes and rivers appeals to young and old since anyone can reel in the big one. Who can forget pulling in their first trout? We treasure our adventures, but how about finding hidden treasure as a new activity? Geocaching is the new 21st-century game of hide and seek. Go on a treasure hunt with your family and learn how you can find gifts left behind by other adventurers. So crank up the engine, get out your paddles or grab your rod and reel. It’s time to head to the water on jet boats, drift boats or kayaks. Get set to make a splash whether you’re skiing, wakeboarding, fishing or trying something new this season... on the water.
Featured Articles in This Issue
Recreation: Favorable Winds
Published in May 2008 - Story: Sandie Tillery Whiskeytown Regatta Sails Again A rainbow of sails billows in the breeze as sailors enjoy some friendly competition every year during Memorial Day weekend on Whiskeytown Lake. A labor of love put on by the Whiskeytown Sailing Club, this year’s Whiskeytown Regatta begins Saturday, May 24, with the first race beginning at 11 am followed by a series of races Saturday and Sund..
Interest: Full Bloom
Published in May 2008 - Story: Irene Castro Upcountry Gardens in Shingletown The entrance of Upcountry Gardens evolves and blossoms as the season changes. In the display areas, the gardens are living demonstrations of how trees, shrubs and plants can be used in the local environment. The owners of Upcountry Gardens, Nick and Holly Zydycrn, embrace the opportunity to help customers navigate their gardening challenges. Altitud..
Recreation: Get Hooked
Published in May 2008 - Story: Jon Lewis Fishing in the North State Lightning sparks a blaze that rages through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, far from the reach of fire hydrants and water tenders. From the sky, the cavalry arrives, bailing out of a plane and parachuting into the woods. “I always wanted to pursue a job that was kind of extraordinary,” says Rick Rataj of Redding, who will soon begin his ninth..
Interest: Home of the Brave
Published in May 2008 - Story: Sandie Tillery Northern California Veterans Cemetery The carillon rings out the hour with clear precision, followed by “America,” an anthem to the freedom so valiantly preserved by the soldiers interred at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery. On an isolated knoll in the foothills southeast of the Trinity Alps with mountains rising in the distance on three sides in tribute, th..
Spotlight: Last Frontier
Published in May 2008 - Story: Kerri Regan Redding Based Region 5 Smokejumpers Lightning sparks a blaze that rages through the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, far from the reach of fire hydrants and water tenders. From the sky, the cavalry arrives, bailing out of a plane and parachuting into the woods “I always wanted to pursue a job that was kind of extraordinary,” says Rick Rataj of Redding, who will soon begin..
Enjoyables: On The Water
Published in May 2008 - Top Ten on the Water Activities Living in the North State gives us many opportunities to get out and play in, on and around different bodies of water. For some, it’s the hot summer weather that pushes us towards the ocean, lakes, streams, rivers and swimming pools. For others it’s the love for your favorite (water) sport - no matter what the season is. Here are some of your favorite pastimes: ..
Recreation: Paddle Power
Published in May 2008 - Story: Kerri Regan Flatwater and Whitewater Kayaking Whether you’re looking for a leisurely paddle around Whiskeytown Lake or an adrenaline-fueled trip down the Trinity River, a kayak just might be the vessel for you. Kayaking on a lake (“flatwater”) requires no more instruction than playing golf; but it’s wise to take some lessons before careening down a raging river (“w..
