Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail in 15 days

Nevada Appeal Staff Report

This could be the year for you to backpack the entire 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is now accepting applications for the 2009 Annual Thru Hike. This 15-day backpacking trip will begin on July 25 or 26 and end on Aug. 8 or 9.

This is a unique opportunity to do a "supported" 15-day backpacking trip on the Tahoe Rim Trail. There will be two groups of 15 people, and each group will have two to three experienced guides and some remarkable views along the way.

One thing that sets this backpacking trip apart from others is the support you will receive. Your support comes from "Trail Angels" that appear every one to three days with food, fuel and water. Trail Angels also reward you with cold beer, warm pizza and lots of other treats along the way.

This is the ninth year the Tahoe Rim Trail Association has offered the Thru Hike. The Thru Hike is life-changing and has left many with life-long memories and great friendships. This event is also the TRTA's largest fundraising effort.

The $1,750 from each participant directly contributes to the education, outreach and programs that are offered each year.

So make this your year to complete this life-changing adventure. Take the challenge of backpacking the entire Tahoe Rim Trail in 15 days and helping to ensure the sustainability of one of the most beautiful trails in the world.

Space is limited. Registration is now available online for the Thru Hike at www.tahoerimtrail.org. For more information or questions, call Emily Williams at 775-298-0231 or e-mail emilyw@taho

erimtrail.org.

For more information about the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, call 775-298-0012 or visit www.tahoerimtrail.org. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization, which works to enhance, expand, and promote the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and encourage stewardship, and provide assess to the beauty of the Lake Tahoe region.

The association works in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and Nevada State Parks.