Knee surgery keeping me from Rendezvous on the Black Rock

If it weren't for knee surgery May 28, here's an event that would drag me to the Black Rock Desert - the Rendezvous May 24-29, Memorial Day weekend. Allevents are free but donations welcome.

Friends of the Black Rock Desert will celebrate the Desert, High Rock Canyon and Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. Awareness workshops, area tours, camping, live music featuring Ten Cent Lure and Albino are on tap.

Unfortunately, Friends of Black Rock are only able to conduct one tour during the weekend to Fly Geyser. It will be limited to 25 people. Friends will be doing a lottery for this event prior to the tour.

From the Web: Back in 1916, a shaft was drilled in hopes of striking water to turn part of this desert area into farmland. A geothermal pocket of water was struck resulting in a geyser of boiling water which turned the area into a desert wetland. Decades later in the 1960s, the underground boiling water found a weak spot in the ground and a natural geyser was born.

Recently, yet another new geyser has formed attesting to the ever-changing forces below the earth's surface. For unknown reasons, the original geyser no longer spouts. Perhaps the later geysers have robbed the original of its boiling water or perhaps it has simply gone dormant, waiting to spout again on its own schedule.

A camp-out is at Cassidy Mine. Bring food and water. You turn left from the West Track Playa Road, and Cassidy Mine is the big dark hill on the upper left. Cassidy is the first green road after the Soldier Meadows turnoff. Expect dusty conditions on the playa unless conditions change.

Care to volunteer? E-mail volunteer at blackrockdesert.org. And check there for all the details about the event, the Friends' biggest event of the year. You might want to advise them that you'll be there at the Web site.

This is a side of Black Rock that I haven't seen in three Burning Man visits to the area.

MAMMOTH DISCOUNTS

Mammoth is offering a discount to Nevada residents only. Through the end of the season, Nevada residents will get $10 off lift tickets when they show their ID. The season lasts through the end of May. Mammoth is currently hosting its annual month-long Spring Fest with live music, events and giveaways.

Call (800)-Mammoth 24 hours in advance and mention the Nevada Residents Discount.

SQUAW SEASON ENDING

The Squaw Valley ski and snowboard season is coming to an end. To celebrate the spectacular 2007-08 season, Squaw Valley is hosting a Reggae Pool Party at the mountain-top Swimming Lagoon & Spa Saturday.

Freedom Fighta Sounds and DJ TMelody perform live at the Lagoon at 12:30 p.m. Spring skiers and riders can shred on the mountain in the morning and spend the afternoon poolside, sipping on a cold one.

Squaw is offering discounted lift tickets through the last day of the season - Sunday. The Swimming Lagoon & Spa is now free for all guests who purchase lift tickets and for all season pass holders. Call (530) 583-6985.

RIM TRAIL Volunteers

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is looking for new Trail Ambassadors and Hike Leaders for the 2008 summer season. This is a great volunteer opportunity for active people who want to get outside and involved with the Rim Trail. Both of these programs require attending the training on May 31 to become certified trail ambassadors or hike leaders. CPR and first aid training will also be offered for those not already certified on June 1.

The Hike Leader Program teaches and trains volunteers how to lead guided hikes on the TRT. The Ambassador Program promotes safe, responsible and enjoyable use of the TRT system.

To sign up for the training contact Allison Becker at (775) 298-0238 or see allisonb@tahoerimtrail.org

SPRING KAYAKING

Join the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee at Sand Harbor for a spring kayak paddle May 17 at 9 a.m., and learn about the formation of the lake from a geologist guide.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary will also be giving safety information. There will be a post-paddle barbecue lunch for participants. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for kids up to 15.

BIKE RIDES AHEAD

Mark your calendar for Friday, May 23 when Northstar-at-Tahoe plans to open its Mountain Bike Park, with a Giant Bicycles Demo Day for the public.

• Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.