Transition from skiing to hiking begins

We're down to the last of the season with four resorts still keeping the bullwheels turning: Squaw, Alpine, Sugar Bowl and Mammoth.

Last weekend was a little too much of a good thing as the snow was sloshy by 10 a.m., thanks to the high temperatures. Alpine was uncrowded but sticky on Friday. Sugar Bowl was better on Saturday but Mt. Judah was closed so it was Christmas Tree, Lincoln and Disney, all of which were nicely firm.

But two days of sloppy conditions sent us on a short hike Sunday to Dead Man's Creek off East Lake Boulevard. Much erosion in evidence with a water-cut ditch at the base, but boss Ranger Domenic Bravo said that will be taken care of soon. Right now the Rangers are busy opening Washoe Lake State Park, where the lake is lapping at the edges of the park, "at least 9 feet deep at the center," said Bravo. "Probably will get to 12 feet before it levels off."

The new trail is in pretty good shape except for one muddy stretch, which will dry up in a hurry. The phlox are blossoming all over - blue, turning white, turning pink. The gazebo continues to attract the attention of those who must carve their names into wood. Sad and dumb. But the view of the lake is almost as spectacular as that of Lake Tahoe. This is an easy 1 mile hike that is a fine start to the hiking season.

CUSHING CLASSIC AT SQUAW

It was originally scheduled for April 29, but when Lake Cushing experts came out to survey the pond they said, "No way. It's frozen solid."

So the pond crossing got pushed back a week to May 6. Once again, the experts came out and the verdict was, "No way. It's still frozen solid." Rumors circulated that a secret posse would venture out with chainsaws in the middle of the night and bust through the ice. Those were only rumors and many were left wondering if the Lake Cushing Classic pond skimming event would ever happen.

Lake Tahoe's original pond crossing, the Lake Cushing Classic will return to the icy waters of Lake Cushing Saturday, May 13.

Pond skimming is when a man, woman, or super hero attempts to cross a pond on some form of ski or snowboard equipment. The Cushing Classic is held on a real pond, rather than a tarp-lined ditch or kiddie pool.

The goal is to get enough speed down the snow ramp to make it to the opposite side of the lake without falling. Judging is based on style, grace, creativity, and of course, successfully crossing the lake.

Registration is on the Sun Deck rotunda at noon with the competition starting at 2 p.m. The cost to participate is $15. All entrants MUST have a life preserver and a helmet, and sign a liability release form. Participants are split into five classes: Men skiers, women skiers, men snowboarders, women snowboarders, and unlimited (competitors on creative contraptions). The grand prize is a next season Squaw Valley midweek season pass, and $100 cash prizes will be awarded to the winner of each class.