Old dog trying to learn new tricks

Long been a practitioner of a five-times-a-week morning workout, saving Saturday and Sunday for hiking and skiing.

But one reaches a point where the same old routine may not be doing the job. As we age our bodies change (I just found out that I'm 5-foot-7 rather than 5-foot-9 after years at the taller level). So it's probably time to look for a new routine, keeping what works and tossing what may be outdated.

A physical trainer seems to be the answer, so checked around for some help. One gym wanted to sign me up for 16 to 20 sessions with the trainer (at $50 a pop), disparaging the offered four sessions.

That seemed kind of dumb to me; I've been disciplined enough to do my hourly session regularly for years, so a couple of sessions to replan the routine and an occasional fine-tune should be enough. It seemed to be a hustle to me. So I've looked more and found a spa that seems more interested in my welfare than my money. Let you know how it works out.

Meanwhile, Horse Thief Canyon off Highway 89 is a good, steep climb with some fine views and an entry to a Job's Peak's trail. Besides, Snowshoe Thompson is reputed to have paused there back on the days he skied from Placerville to Minden. About 7 a.m. sounds like a fine time to start - and who knows how far we'll go.

MOUNTAIN JAM CONCERT

Squaw Valley USA hosts Mountain Jam, an afternoon of great rock 'n' roll and jam music improvisation. Shag and Tea Leaf Green will take to Squaw's mountain top summer stage Saturday, Aug. 6. The outdoor mountaintop concerts, free with a Cable Car ticket, offer a unique setting for an afternoon of music beginning at noon.

The Mountain Jam music concert takes place on Squaw Valley's outdoor summer stage. Blankets and low back beach chairs are permitted. Food and drink will be available. (Small coolers are permitted but guests are not allowed to bring alcohol.) Call (530) 583-6985.

A SALUTE TO THE OLYMPIANS

The Lake Tahoe Ski Club Foundation hosts the 12th annual Gourmet Fiesta and Asado on Sunday, Aug. 21 1-5 p.m. at the Quist residence in Tahoe City. This lakefront event features a salute to the many Olympians from the North Shore who competed in alpine events of past Winter Games.

Current U. S. Alpine Ski members Julia Mancuso, Marco Sullivan and Daron Rahlves will be on hand. Other notable skiers include Olympic bronze medallists Jimmie Heuga, Greg Jones and three-time Olympian Tamara McKinney.

Highlight of the salute features an authentic Asado barbecue by three-time Argentinean Olympian Osvaldo Ancinas. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. at the lakeshore Quist estate in Tahoe City. Contact Dean Headley at (530) 581-4400.

HEAVENLY KICKS IN

For the third consecutive year, Heavenly Mountain Resort will award $4,000 scholarships to five recent high school graduates, bringing the resort's overall commitment to the Heavenly Resort Community Scholarship Program to $60,000. The scholarships are designed to help further the education of local area students.

"This is one way Heavenly gives back to the community that has done so much to support us over the years," said Blaise Carrig, Heavenly's chief operating officer.

The program was established to assist qualified high school seniors with annual financial support to help offset the expense of a college education. Five scholarships are awarded each year to seniors coming out of Whittell, South Tahoe and Douglas high schools. Two of the scholarships are awarded to dependents of Heavenly employees and three are awarded to eligible applicants from the community.

This year's recipients include Emilie Esders, Whittell High School; Megan Roberto, South Tahoe High School; and Collin Kamholz, Douglas High School. Victoria Prestella of South Tahoe High and Monica Cain of Whittell were the recipients of the Heavenly dependents scholarships.