Monday, August 25, 2014

Labor Day Events

Labor Day is Coming


Labor Day weekend is here!  Can you believe it?!  Lots of fun Tahoe Truckee local events planned from fireworks to wine walks to shopping sales! See below for some annual events that you will not want to miss! 

Friday, August 29
6:30pm 
Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Summer Concert Series
Bring some food, buy a beer and enjoy the classic Rock n' Roll band, Jacked Up.  This is the last one for the summer.  So don't miss out on this perfect setting with Lake Tahoe as your backdrop.  

Saturday, Auguest 30
3pm – 6pm 
Northstar Village 
Wine Walk
This is the final in a series of monthly wine walk events.  Don't miss out for fun and a chance to win $100 Northstar gift card. 

2pm – 6pm 
Village at Squaw Valley
25th Annual Foam Fest
A bennefit for the Disabled Sports USA Far West, this event does not disappoint year after year.  Come enjoy over 50 craft beers and buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win season passes, lift tickets, snowboards, skis and winter gear. 

Sunday, August 31
3pm – 7pm 
Commons Beach, Tahoe City
Summer Concert on the Beach
Come and see  Joy & Madness and Groove Foundry on the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe.  Fun for the whole family

2pm – 5pm 
Squaw Valley Village
26th Annual Alpen Wine Fest
Dramatic views, good music and a variety of wine from over 40 vineyards all around.  

8:15pm 
Garwoods Pier
Fireworks

All Weekend Long
Throughout Tahoe/Truckee
SALES! 
Most all Tahoe retail stores have a sale for Labor Day weekend.  Get geared up for winter now and save BIG money.   Northstar  and Squaw Village will have tent sales.  Granite Chief in Truckee will have a street sale, Tahoe City will be exploding with sales.  

Monday, September 1
Labor Day
Take time to celebrate the American labor movement and the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.




Katie Tyler

Realtor®
BRE 01442453
c 530 277 1012 





Get Your Season Ski Pass: Winter is Coming!

Get Your Season Ski Pass: Winter is Coming! 


As we celebrate Labor day and the end of Summer it's also time to think about Winter.  Ski area season ski passes are on sale now and not for long.  Some ski pass sales are ending as soon as September 1st.  There are many, many options to what might fit your ski season best.  Take a close look and pick your mountain and pick your package.  Even though it's hard to think of snow right now when the temperatures are sticking at a perfect 70+ degrees, don't forget about the epic Winter season ahead of us! 

Norhtstar California
Season passes ranging from $409-$729
Prices good through September 1st

Squaw/Alpine 
Season passes ranging from $430-$809
Prices good through September 8th
*New this year: some passes offer days at Sugar Bowl and Sierra at Tahoe
Squaw.com

Sugar Bowl
Season Passes ranging from $249-$739
*You can also choose to include Royal Gorge for Nordic skiing
Sugarbowl.com

Homewood
Season passes ranging from $369-$419
Prices good through September 30th
Skihomewood.com

Diamond Peak
Season Passes starting at $349
Prices good through October 31st
Diamondpeak.com

Mt. Rose
Season passes stating at $399
Prices good through September 30
 Mtrose.com

Hope to see you out on the hill for some turns this winter! 


Katie Tyler

Realtor®
BRE 01442453
c 530 277 1012 



Monday, August 18, 2014

Tahoe Rim Trail: Week 10

Week 10: Ward Canyon to Tahoe City


This is the shortest run we will have in our Tahoe Rim Trail adventure with an expected milage of 5 miles.  We can have an easy week, it is good because Katie T. is working out some bad feelings in her lower legs.  We meet bright and early and head to Tahoe City as we shuttle ourselves this week.  One car at the end in Tahoe City and another to the start of the trail at Ward Creek Boulevard where we left the trail last week.  


Quickly the trail heads up a gentle incline into the thick forest.  Before we even get warmed up we have made it to the well known Page Meadows.  The trail opens up as we run through the grass that is showing it's golden fall colors.  Back in the distance we can see the mountains we climbed last week. 


From here the trail was perfect.  Soft, relatively flat and tacky as we wind through trees and even past  a few smaller meadows.


Then we start to head downhill and come to a fork just as the ankle breakers get really bad.  We stop to make sure we stay on the Tahoe Rim Trail… yes, this is the way.  


We stop to appreciate the beautiful trees and life around us.  


Then down a few switchbacks to the Truckee River.  What a great end to a short, easy day on the trail…. Too bad it's only 9am and not quite hot enough yet to jump in! 



We will proudly be sending a check to the Tahoe Safe Alliance in celebration of another section of the Tahoe Rim Trail completed! Thank you for all the work you do for those in need in the Tahoe area.  




Next week we will be running from Tahoe City to Watson Lake.  We will be running for the Truckee Trails Foundation.  With our love of running, real estate and being outdoors we support the Truckee Trails vision for trails and an interconnected community and appreciate the work that goes into making this vision a reality for our community.

TruckeeTrails.org


Katie Tyler

Realtor®
BRE 01442453
c 530 277 1012 


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Tahoe Rim Trail: Week 9

Week 9: Barker Pass to Ward Canyon



The first sign we come to indicates that Ward Canyon is 11 miles.  Only 11 miles?… Phew!  After last week, no problem! 


So many things had changed for this run compared to the last 5.  For one thing, it was 8:30am and we were already starting our run.  The shuttle ride was only an hour!  Thanks to our ride from Katie C.'s mom, Ann Linnett, we got a good start at 7:30am and a ride all the way up to Barker Pass where we so thankfully ended our run last week.  

This week we had guest runner and 100 mile TRT race finisher, Jeff Brown with us to keep the pace.  We were happy to have him along but a little weary about whether we could keep up or not.   

We wave goodbye to our driver, Ann, and head up the trail.  The fist sign we see indicates that our destination, Ward Canyon is 11 miles away.  Wow, another big change… only 11 miles?  Thanks for the break TRT!


As Jeff starts out the pace with a power hike, Katie C. says that we could start running till we stop to stretch at mile 1.  Well, from there Jeff, our pacer was leaps and bounds ahead… maybe we shouldn't have pushed him off the start. He's been resting for 2 1/2 weeks, he's full of it. 


Up and up we go through a beautiful, dark, wet morning forest as it had been raining constantly for the past two days.  With the help of the 7.5 mile drive up Blackwood Canyon to the trailhead, we were quickly looking down into deep canyons and across to all the surrounding mountaintops, back into Desolation Wilderness and ahead towards Granite Chef Wilderness.  


The trail went back and forth  from perfectly soft, moist dirt to shaley rock, ankle breakers.  In and out of the thick trees and then out to open views out across the valleys.  I am sure there were great views of Lake Tahoe but the cloud and fog was still thick so we couldn't see quite that far. 


After a short downhill it was back up again through some killer switch backs that twisted through trees that were covered in electric lichen.  Jeff decided to turn on the jets here with his well rested legs…we "enjoyed" trying to keep up.


Sitting up just below Twin Peaks with amazing 360 degree views we stop for a snack and waive to the boy scout troop that passes by with their backpacking gear.  This section has been the most populated with hikers and backpackers.  


Shortly after we get moving again we make the split from the Pacific Crest Trail and start to curve right on the Tahoe Rim Trail and the PCT keeps heading North.  Good bye for now PCT.


From here it's all downhill towards Ward Canyon.  Through crispy mules ear and past meadows, we are now looking back up at the clouds resting behind Twin Peaks and enjoying the rain packed dirt trail until the we have to put on the breaks as we are walking down very large granite stairs.


Perfect time to slow down because there is still water flowing out of McCloud Falls.  Waterfalls have a way of giving peace.  We stop for a moment and give thanks to nature and for putting us in such a beautiful place.


Below the falls we parallel the river for a short distance and get a lush trail of trees and flowers.  Then, we pop out onto a double track trail that was nice and flat.  This took us all the way to Ward Creek Boulevard where the trail popped out right where our car was waiting for us. 

With just over 11 miles for the day we were done with a whole half of a day left in front of us!  Let's celebrate! 


We will proudly be sending a donation to the Truckee Donner Land Trust as we have completed section #9 of our adventure.  Thank you TDLT for all the work that you do! 


Next week we will be running for all the victims of violence in the North Tahoe Area and donating to the Tahoe Safe Alliance.  Tahoe Safe Alliance works to empower victims in reclaiming those rights by providing safety, advocacy, support and education. 




Katie Tyler

Realtor®
BRE 01442453
c 530 277 1012 


Monday, August 11, 2014

Tahoe Truckee Market Update for August, 2014

Tahoe Truckee Market Update for August, 2014


As we move into the heart of Tahoe’s peak summer season, the dynamics of the real estate market have begun to shift. The remarkable momentum experienced region-wide over the first half of 2014 has begun to segment with divergent trends becoming apparent.

The luxury segment continues to show the same robust growth that has fueled the overall market for much of 2014 while purchases below $1,000,000 have begun to lag. 

Overall, July saw 106 total transactions. This number is exactly the historical average for July but lags the same month in 2013 by 23%.  Conversely, total real estate volume has risen 6% from the same period, indicative of fewer homes selling but at much higher prices.  Further evidence of divergence can be seen in the change in average price from 12 months prior (+37%) buoyed by 15 sales greater than $1,000,000, and median price (+9%).

A further look at purchases in the luxury segment shows incredible year over year growth:

$1,000,000-$2,000,000
124 sales
+25%
$2,000,000-$5,000,000
53 sales
+65%
$5,000,000 and up
9 sales
+300%

The composition of the 15 transactions at $1,000,000 above show an interesting mix of lakeside and resort purchases in a time that is often more biased towards summer product. Included are eight lakeside sales (including two on Donner Lake) from $1,100,000 - $9,250,000; two Mountainside properties at Northstar from $1,520,000 - $1,804,000; two Alpine Meadows homes $1,150,000 and $1,800,000; two Schaffer’s Mill Mountain Lodges for $1,000,000 and $1,450,000; and a Martis Camp cabin for $2,900,000.

At the other end of the spectrum, a slight pause to the market’s momentum is apparent for properties below the luxury threshold. Contrasting the velocity of premium sales shown above, year-to-date purchases below $1,000,000 are down 20% from the same period in 2013.  A certain amount of this slowing can be attributed to a lack of available homes in this price range early in the year.  In recent months a considerable amount of new product has been introduced to the market however many sellers are clearly overreaching with asking prices. While median price for this segment of the market is up a healthy 6%, sellers are seeking a 24% premium over comparable prices creating a wide divide for prospective buyers to bridge. The resulting stalemate has contributed to slower transaction volume and increased inventory levels.

As we look to towards the latter part of summer, historical trends indicate that purchases will increase through the peak months of August, September and October as consumers return from vacation and begin making purchasing decisions. This often coincides with sellers developing a more realistic picture of market value and either adjusting price or departing the sales arena.

Indications of demand across all price points are very strong as measured by the level of inquiries through Tahoe Mountain Resorts’ showrooms. The region is swollen with visitors enjoying all that the region has to offer ask we bask in another perfect summer.


Katie Tyler

Realtor®
BRE 01442453
c 530 277 1012 



Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Tahoe Rim Trail: Week 8

Week 8: Emerald Bay to Barker Pass



"Its not foul if there's fish"!


Yes!  We finally made it to running skirt day (which happens to be in honor of Katie C's birthday) and our longest segment of the 14 around Lake Tahoe.  With a total day of 24 miles, we celebrated with a hug and a big high five.  


This week we thank Katie C's aunt, Nancy O'Neill for our ride to the trailhead at 6:30am.  We drop a car way up at the top of Barker Pass where we will end our run and continue onto the Bayview trailhead just past the Eagle Falls trailhead where we ended our run last week.  These trails merge about half way up into the trail that spurs off the PCT/TRT.  After getting our wilderness permit, we fiddle around with the GPS watch, trying to get it going because our phone GPS probably won't last for this one.  No dice, so we waive good bye to Aunt Nancy and we're off on the trail heading straight up!  


Just about a mile up the trail the view opened up and we were looking way down on the iconic Emerald Bay.  


After a few photos and some more watch maneuvering, the watch was on and tracking.  And we were back to the straight up switchback trail.  The trail was very steep,  the air was humid, and the day was really starting to warm up.


We finally make it to where the Bayview/Eagle Falls  trails merge and we get a break from the steep calf burners just as we pass by a mountain pond nestled in as the granite rocks tower above. 


We took it all in before the trail headed up again and turned to granite stairs with the rainbow of wildflowers poping up.  This took us through the last stretch up to the Rim.  


Finally!  After the 5 mile ascent, we made it back to where we left off last week, the Bayview junction just above Dick's lake looking over the mountains to Lake Tahoe. 

We head straight towards Fontanillis Lake.  Another amazing mountain lake surrounded by solid granite with plenty of good jumping rocks (although we didn't test any out).  The trail followed all the way along the shoreline and we were the only ones in sight after passing a pair of backpackers heading out.


On the North side of the lake we skip over some rocks to get past the creek running out of Fontanillis and duck back into the woods to a soft dirt trail perfect for running.  Cruising through the woods and AAAAHHH!…. Something big, brown and moving on the trail ahead of us… Oh, it's a deer.  She didn't mind that we were passing by so we stopped and stared at each other for a bit.  While Katie C marveled at the deer, Katie T thanked the trees and gave one a big hug just before we kept on our trail towards the Velma's.  


Just around the corner we made it to the lake and just as we were keeping pace around the lake someone said, "Hello again"  We said, "again?  Where did we see you?"  He said, "down on the Bayview trail, wow, you're still running?"  We said, " yes, we had to do 4 extra miles when you kept left on Bayview because we can't miss any part of the Tahoe Rim Trail."  He said, "Cool, you girls are awesome!"  Well, that made us feel good!   


From here we skirted (pun intended) around a maze of lakes and just as we left them all we were looking back at them all stacked behind us.  


On we went-over a bridge, through a marsh with lush Corn Lilies lining the trail, and up slightly through some ankle breakers. Katie C was not doing very well at this point after eating a bar and was feeling weak and queasy.  Katie T to kept it positive and we kept moving forward.  As we got to the top of this small hill and the views opened up overlooking Desolation Wilderness, we were ready to pick up the pace again. 

Feeling deprived of lake sightings as we've gone about 10 miles without seeing one,  there was Richardson Lake!  We were so excited that we talked about jumping in and how we had to be close to the end and what we were going to do once we got to the car.  Instead of guessing, we decided to get out the trusty map to see if it was a few miles and we should stay dry or if the trailhead was right there and we could walk out wet.  


So, we know that our calculation on the map and even the markers on the trailhead have been misleading but this map was telling us that we had 13 more miles to go vs the 6 we were anticipating… ooops.. Guess we miss counted that one.  Okay, where can we get more water?  We are on the edge of Richardson Lake and there is no sign of any life anywhere nearby.  We just needed to conserve water and keep plugging along.  


Katie T decided that we needed to think positive and envision someone to be on the trail with a water pump.  Katie C knew there were no more lakes ahead but saw a creek on the map and decided that this imaginary backpacker would be there.  

Out of some crazy chance, after not seeing anyone (nobody) since the Velma's, there he was! Our imagined backpacker sitting on the side of the creek.  Was this really happening?!  Yes, he had just pumped water himself and was just taking a rest before heading north where the water sources were questionable.  Katie T asked if it was safe water?  He said it's not fowl because there were live fish swimming in it!  Katie C was all for it and a very thirsty Katie T had to trust Mr. Magical Backpacker.  He let us use the water purifying pump and we filled up a water bottle each and just for good measure as we were filling up a 3rd, we mentioned that we needed more water because we were caught off guard about how much further we had to go to get to Barker Pass.  According to his book, we were only about 5 miles away… not 13!  So, this was good news but we were still VERY thankful for the water and agreed to leave him a bottle in a secret spot under the picnic table at the Barker Pass trailhead.  


Hop, hop, hop across the stream and on we go with an undetermined distance ahead of us.  Shortly down the trail there is a trail sign marking Barker Pass as 4 miles more.  Well, we sure do have enough water for that!


We were feeling the 20 mile hurt but knew that we needed to keep moving.  The trail continued to offer everything from gigantic trees towering above, to small creek crossings, to wildflowers that have already run their course and are turning brown, to tall wildflower fields that towered above our head flowing uphill to the right and scattering down to the left.  

Just as we thought the end would never show…  There it was! We did it.  24 miles on the trail we made it back to the car full of fresh, cold water!!  We did it, the longest stretch of our adventure around Lake Tahoe!  6 more sections to go! 


We will proudly be sending a celebration check to Project MANA to help their efforts in feeding the hungry and promoting nutrition around North Lake Tahoe and Truckee.





Next week we will be running from Barker Pass to Ward Canyon.  We will be running for the Truckee Donner LandTrust whose motto is: "To preserve and protect scenic, historic and recreational lands with high natural resource values in the greater Truckee Donner region". Over the years, The Truckee Donner Land Trust has protected over 33,000 acres, ensuring continued recreational access and protecting lands for future generations. They are determined to protect another 24,500 acres in the coming years with a value of over $40 million. Thank you!








Wish us luck! 


Katie Tyler

Realtor®
BRE 01442453
c 530 277 1012