A short but demading hike

If the thunderstorms aren't too wild this weekend and you're ready for a truly demanding but short hike, give Horse Thief Canyon a try.

Head for Minden and take Highway 88 out of town. You'll roll through some pretty country en route. As you start the long climb up toward Hope Valley you will want to keep your eyes peeled for a sign on the right for the Canyon, about 15 miles out of Minden.

There's a nice parking area there and off to the left is an old road that legend has it Snowshoe Thompson used on his trips between Placerville and Genoa. There's even a shelter under an overhanging rock that he allegedly used during storms.

But that's off to the left. The trail starts dead ahead and if it seems steep, it is. It's probably as steep as any well-defined trail in the Sierra Nevada, even including the top of Horsetail Falls.

Lots of things to catch your eye off to the right across the canyon -- great towering volcanic rocks jutting into the sky like lost skyscrapers or ruined castles.

There were several wet spots along the trail last weekend and even one modest brook crossing the trail. About halfway up you'll spot a meadow off to the right, reportedly where horse rustlers used to bring their captured horses for a stop before moving on. Ergo, the name of the canyon.

After about 3 miles you'll come to a dirt road coming in from the left. This marks the end of the maintained trail as the signs will advise. But if you're in the mood for a more extended trek, continue along a rough trail that takes you to Job's Mountain or Job's Sister.

-- Northstar-at-Tahoe hosts the 21st Annual Lake Tahoe Summer Music Festival on three dates this summer.

The first on July 31, will be a bluegrass extravaganza featuring Open Road and Pine Mountain Railroad. Nominated as Emerging Artist of the Year for the International Bluegrass Music Awards, Open Road's recent CD titled "Cold Wind" was ranked at No. 9 on the June Bluegrass Survey Album Chart.

Pine Mountain Railroad was named as a Showcase Band at the 2002 International Bluegrass Music Awards.

Tickets for the event are $25 for adults and $15 for youth. Preferred tickets are available for $35. Doors open for the show at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m.

On Thursday Aug. 7, jazz vocal group Manhattan Transfer will play at Northstar and on Saturday, Aug. 9, the American folk band Kingston Trio will round out the series. Ticket prices vary so check www.tahoemusic.org for more information.

-- Squaw Valley USA and the Tahoe Forest Hospital are joining forces in the fight against Breast Cancer August 2-3 by hosting a special benefit weekend.

Events include the 23rd annual Squaw Valley Mountain Run & Fitness Walk and the first Wildflowers Music Festival featuring women artists, including a headline performance by Shana Morrison. The events are a benefit for The Tahoe Forest Hospital's Breast Cancer Fund and Tahoe Women's Services.

The weekend festivities begin with the popular Mountain Run & Fitness Walk, open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities, which follows a challenging 3.2 mile scenic mountain road that climbs 2,000 feet from Squaw Valley's Base Village, at 6,200 feet to the High Camp Bath & Tennis Club, at 8,200 feet. The competitive portion of the run brings professional runners from around the world, racing to break the current course records of 28:32 for the men and 33:34 for the women. The non-competitive Fitness Walk is open to individuals preferring to hike for health, fun and fitness.

Following the Mountain Run guests are invited to High Camp for the first Wildflowers Music Festival, a two-day music event celebrating female singers and songwriters. Acts scheduled to perform on Saturday include the guitar strummings and original tunes of North Tahoe local Kirsten Rose at noon, the inspirational lyricism and romantic guitar of Nikky Avatara & Friends at 2 p.m., followed by popular San Francisco songwriter and composer Noe Venable and her group The Noe Venable Trio at 3:30 p.m. On Sunday, songstress Neva kicks off day two of the festival at noon, followed by a second performance by Kirsten Rose with her band Rosie's Garden at 1:30 p.m. The Festival's finale is Sunday afternoon when Shana Morrison, daughter of the popular musician Van Morrison, takes to the stage at 3 p.m.E

The concerts take place on Squaw Valley's upper mountain at High Camp and admission is free with a Cable Car ride. Blankets and low back beach chairs are permitted. Food and drinks will be available on-site (no coolers or alcohol permitted up the mountain).

Registration and check-in for the Mountain Run & Fitness Walk take place near Squaw Valley's ticket portals from 6:45-8 a.m. and the event begins at 8:30 a.m. for runners and 8:45 a.m. for walkers. The entry fee is $35 the day of the race. Call (530) 583-6985.

-- Athletes and amateur competitors gather to refine and brush up on their adventure racing skills this weekend Friday through Sunday in North Lake Tahoe.

The camp, presented by the Big Blue Adventure Series will include instruction on navigation, orienteering, paddling, mountain biking, ropes, trekking, training, strategy, safety, team dynamics and gear.

Outdoor-extreme athlete Michael Tobin, who was part of the 2001 New Zealand Eco Challenge champion team and adventure racer Terri Schneider will be among the professional racers and trainers instructing the camp. The camp is at Northstar-at-Tahoe.

Campers will also be treated to a Big Blue Adventure Series fleece by Sportif, Clif Bars, and a Northstar-at-Tahoe lift ticket. Attendees can bring their own tents or sleep under the stars. Cost is $1,600 for a four-person team, $1,290 for a three-person team, $900 for a two-person, and $490 for individuals. Call (510) 644-1441.

Sam Bauman is the Nevada Appeal Diversions Editor.