Twain’s influence on Lake Tahoe
Serendipity frequently comes into play when putting together each of our editions, yet I’m still astounded after nearly 17 years in different roles at Tahoe Weekly when it happens. This edition is no different with Mark Twain making appearances in multiple features.
First, is our feature on the newly-created Mark Twain Timber Claim Adventure Trail by the Sierra State Parks Foundation highlighting locations Twain visited on his trip visit to Lake Tahoe (during which he started a wildfire). The trail is a Sierra Nevada Geotourism Historic Place and each is located on public lands. Read David Antonucci’s feature “Walking in Twain’s footsteps” in this edition to plan your own trip to visit these sites.
Second, Twain plays prominently in the second part of Mark McLaughlin series “What’s in a Name?” on the origins of Lake Tahoe’s name. Twain, who took his nom de plume while working in Virginia City in the 1860s (his real name is Samuel Clemens), blasted the name “Tahoe” on multiple occasions in print. Calling it “repulsive” and “as weak as soup for a sick infant” among his many protestations to the name.
Passing on kindness
I invite everyone to read Tim Hauserman’s column “Tim’s Tips for life in a tourist town” and follow his example of passing on local knowledge and practicing kindness to each other. While I’ve also been guilty of being frustrated in summer traffic, I’ve had scores of great conversations with visitors through the years who looked like they needed a little help to find a local coffee shop, a pretty place for a picnic or an easy hike to enjoy with small kids.
The next time you see someone who needs a little help, offer your advice or to lend a hand. It will make everyone’s day better.
Print subscriptions available
It’s taken 40 years and a few months of software development, but we now have print subscriptions available to Tahoe Weekly. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com to sign up for your 1- or 2-year subscriptions. We’ll start mailing copies later this summer (we need at least 200 to qualify for our postal permit).
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Chase Nye and Lauren Trojniar enjoy a beautiful summer day on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore. Plan a day of doing absolutely nothing at one of our breathtaking beaches: #94 on our Ultimate Tahoe Summer Bucket List available at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Photography by Ming Poon | MingPoonPhotography.com, @Ming.T.Poon
