Producers from the Oprah Winfrey Network will be providing a top notch locksmith to help crack open a safe that may have belonged to a Stateline casino owner who was killed by a car bomb in 1968.

The television network, producers and the locksmith are flying in Tuesday to see if they can open the safe which was found during the demolition of a building that once housed two casinos in the region — Barney’s Casino and Bill’s Lake Tahoe Casino.  Read the rest of the story.

Black Hawk, Globemaster, Hornets, Warthogs, Sea Stallion, The Nanchang.  Think these are the names of rock bands that you’d ask your kids to turn down? Think again!  These are some of the amazing planes and helicopters that will take place in the 22nd annual Lake in the Sky Airshow taking place this weekend in South Lake Tahoe.

The Lake In The Sky Air Show takes place at the Lake Tahoe Airport, in South Lake Tahoe, CA on Saturday, August 27th, 2011.  It is widely known as the biggest and best airshow in the High Sierra.

The show attracts about 15,000 people so you’ll want to arrive early and stay late.  Bring the kids too because there will be lots of activities for them to enjoy including a free rides.

Parking is $15 per vehicle but free bus transportation is available from the Y.  Admission is $5 per person including those that take the bus.  For complete event information and show times visit the Lake in the Sky website.

This year I finally climbed one of the tallest mountains in the Lake Tahoe basin, Pyramid peak. Pyramid peak sits on the west side of the mountain range overlooking South Lake Tahoe. Traveling with two friends we collectively decided to start on the west side of the peak as we had heard it was a bit easier.

To get to the west side trail take Highway 50 west toward Sacramento (from South Lake Tahoe) and turn on the rarely used Wrights Lake Road turn off right before Kyburz. The road twists back and forth for about a mile and then stops at the trail head.

We grabbed our packs, had one last look at the truck, and headed out on the first 5 mile stretch heading toward Lyons Lake. We walked for about two hours passing beautiful wildflowers and small alpine streams. The trail is relatively flat until you reach the gushing stream about 4 miles in. At this point we had to change into our “water” gear which would be flip flops and shorts.

I crossed the fast flowing stream first; fighting the current, slippery rocks, and just above freezing temperatures with a 30 pound backpack. I admit it was not an easy task. Somehow we all survived and we all soon realized why the river was flowing so fast even in August. There were snow drifts taller then me standing at 6’3.

The final ½ mile stretch before Lyons Lake was the by far the most challenging. The lake still had quite a bit of snow at the waters edge and along the peaks around us. Still we pitched camp for the night; enjoying our hot drinks, freeze dried dinners, and the stars.

Upon sunrise the next morning we packed up our things and back tracked a short mile until we reached lake Sylvia. Once there we stashed our packs and started the great climb to the summit….which was easier said then done.

I don’t think any of us realized how challenging, albeit fun, this hike is. Thirty minutes into this part of the trail we looked at our map and realized that we still needed to climbed 2000 ft. in elevation. The terrain was difficult at best and the 2000 feet took us several hours.

At last we reached the summit and oh what a summit it is! Amazing views! If you happen to make it to the summit you’ll find a waterproof box with a pad of paper in it. This is your bragging pad. Write your name and the date so that others can see that you also conquered the mountain.

Relax, take in the views as well as some food and water but don’t forget you still need to climb down the mountain.

~Patrick
Americana Village Resort Manager

Like live music? Then you should to Tahoe and you won’t be disappointed.  Here’s a few notables that are free.

Party with Arty: Renditions of Van Morrison to party and dance hits from Shaggy.
Every Friday and Saturday at Harrah’s Casino Center Stage!  It’s the best disco, dance, R&B and soul party in Lake Tahoe! “Arty the Party” as he’s affectionately called has been playing in Lake Tahoe for several years and now calls Casino Center Stage at Harrah’s his home.Arthur’s incredible music career began as a lead singer for San Francisco’s 13-piece Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra. He then went on to star in the city’s famous stage musical production “Beach Blanket Babylon.” It didn’t take long before the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s and the 49er’s invited Arthur to come and sing the national anthem to open their games.

Murphy’s Irish Pub:
Fridays: 7.30 – 12.00 midnight – Mark Wilson and friends, enjoy, acoustic, Jethro Tull, Zeppelin and more.
Sundays: 7.00 – 11.00pm – Guest Duo’s, always a relaxing Sunday night sound.

Deep Fried Mojo: – Alternative / Progressive Blues Driven, Jam Band / Funky Chill Psychedelic Fusion
Friday: 7:00 pm – at the Flight Deck at the Lake Tahoe Airport.

There are numerous craft shows and fairs going on in town right now and through the weekend.  Here are a few to check out.

• The Horizon Fine Art and Quality Craft Shows presented by McCollum Studios, feature regional quality handmade fine art and crafts, food and an outdoor bar.  It’s located in the drive through next to the Horizon.  You can’t miss it.
• South Lake Tahoe Middle School – on highway 50 just west of the casinos.  Show runs from 10 am to 6pm.
• 3rd Annual Boatworks Mall Fine Arts and Crafts Festival 760 N. Lake Boulevard (Hwy 28)in Tahoe City. 10am-5pm

If you make it to one (or all) of these we’d love it if you shared your experience and pictures with us.

The annual Great Gatsby Festival comes to town again this year to entertain the vintage side of us. With antiques, vintage clothes, accessories, live music, interactive historic house tours, vintage auto rides, vintage vendors, food, ice cream, cotton candy, old time kid’s games and even costumed tour guides for the history of the estates! Meet at the Tallac Historic Site at the Pope Estate to join in the festivities! Call 530-541-5227 for more information.