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| NORTH TAHOE SKI ADVENTURE, February 23-25, 2010 What a great time we all had skiing at Sugar Bowl, Mount Rose and Alpine Meadows! The weather-makers blessed us with fresh snow each day, which made sliding on the groomed runs as well as gliding through the trees lots of fun for all. Participants in this three day adventure included Wendy Stevens, Susan Shanelec, Monte Schmid, Fred Tiff, RC Upham, Ron Bourtayre, Carol McKenzie, Bob and Tanna McGrath and Judy Agid. Also attending, but not staying at Boomtown were Margge Wood and Jim and Susan Stratton. On Tuesday the dozen+ participants in the three day adventure were joined by another ten or more 49ers who came to Sugar Bowl for the day, and what a wonderful day we had!! It was a little windy on the ridges, which closed the new Summit Chair Lift, but all other lifts remained open all day and the skiing was great! At day's end ten of us headed for Boomtown Hotel and Casino where we had tiddlies in RC's and Ron's room before heading down for a pretty nice meal at Denny's Restaurant, which is conveniently located inside the casino building. After dinner we exchanged our free breakfast at Denny's coupons for the "real" coupons, and in the process became members of the Boomtown Bonus Club, which entitles members to Boomtown specials. We ran into Jack and Dolores Underwood as well as Fred and Myra Pierce, who were also staying at Boomtown, but skiing at Northstar to get their "points." Dolores gave us a brief lesson in gambling and playing the Bonus Club system to get best advantage. Carol McKenzie tried her luck and scored a full $1.80 for her efforts. On Wednesday morning we enjoyed our FREE Grand Slam breakfasts at Denny's before heading out to Mount Rose for another glorious day of playing on (and IN for some of us!) the snow. There was a lot of intermittent fog on the hill and were advised by locals to ski the lake side of the mountain, where there would be less fog, so we did. Jim and Susan Stratton led us down a "tree run" and all enjoyed this special challenge. We enjoyed lunch at the lodge at the former Slide Mountain location. During lunch Bob McGrath struck up a conversation with Brian, a "local," who offered to guide us around his home turf in the afternoon. We eagerly accepted his offer. We were joined by another skier named John (I think) and about fifteen of us went off for more sliding on the snow. The fog lifted (for the most part) in the afternoon and some of us enjoyed views of beautiful Lake Tahoe. Worn out by another day of playing, we decided to do some shopping at Sheels, a sporting goods store in Reno similar to REI and Cabella's, but much larger. Bob McGrath scored a new ORANGE ski parka, but declined to buy the matching $7,000 orange TREK bike. We then had a very nice dinner at the Olive Garden restaurant, which is in the same shopping mall. Thursday's breakfast was a replay of the day before, more FREE Grand Slams!!! The weather was near perfect as we headed out for another day of skiing, this time it was Alpine Meadows and we were again met by ten or more 49ers who joined us for the day. It was an SPF 35 day, with only light breezes. After a couple of easy runs off the Roundhouse Chair, we more or less split up into smaller groups to ski our pleasure. Carol and Terry couldn't wait to get over to the Sherwood Bowl to make tracks there. RC feigned tired and spent a few enjoyable moments with Tanna at the Base Lodge before heading out on Summit Express to enjoy the challenge of Alpine and Wolverine Bowls. Lunchtime found us at the Base Lodge where we commandeered three tables on the patio. We ate and rested and then headed out for more runs down the mountain. This was the best weather day of the Mini-Adventure. After we were all skied out, we spent some pleasant time on the Base Lodge deck again, reflecting on the good times we had and counting our blessings that the weather held for us and that there were no injuries. Just another wonderful adventure in the beautiful Sierras with very pleasant company. Thanks to all who participated and helped to make this an enjoyable Mini-Adventure!!! RC Upham BIG SKY SKI TRIP, February 6-13, 2010 (Pictures) - - - and a good time was had by all!! Getting there was airport dull for most of us, however once we arrived at our 4 star Summit at Big Sky Hotel, It was fun, fun, fun all week. The resort welcomed us with a wine and munchies party and an introduction to the people from the resort who would serve us with super efficiency. We skied for the first days under clear skies and on cold, cold snow. As the snow was wearing down, the next 3 days brought 2-3 inches of snow each day/night for a powder experience. The hill is huge, the runs numerous, fresh tracks exciting, and something for everyone--slow-goes to experts. We loaded up on calories at the extensive and delicious buffet breakfast at either the small dining room at the Summit or a short walk to the large windows' view of Lone Mountain at the Huntley dining room. Over a multitude of breakfast choices, we watched the sun or the clouds embrace the mountain peak. Skiing began out our back door at the base of the two main high speed lifts as the 25 of us made plans together or "where is everyone?" The three non-skiers and the 22 skiers either chose the day's activities or happened on to an activity--skiing, shopping, snowshoeing, walking, reading, etc. The two way radios functioned well but there were owners who didn't bother to turn on the radio or replace worn batteries. Because of malfunctioning owners, one day some of us spent an hour or so scattered like cats over the hill searching for a lost skier who had returned to the hotel. And the indoor/outdoor hot tub provided a relaxing warm soak after a full day of cruising the hills. Most of the group went on a Yellowstone snowcat tour midweek, far enough into the park to watch Old Faithful spout in the snow. Two people chose a tour to the North Yellowstone entrance and sightings of many of the park's wildlife. There was tiddlie time in the condo-like rooms advertised as "lofts", in Chet's bar entertained by the wild Austrians, and a group field trip to Buck's T-Bar restaurant for a truly gourmet dinner on Thursday evening. An unusual and exciting event at the dinner was the paper airplane competition at the end of the meal. Most of us left the hotel at 3:30 Saturday morning to return home with an hour ride to the airport. Our hotel hostess, Katy, made sure that we left with a boxed breakfast and thus we were able to nibble our way home. Many thanks to Sandie at Daman Nelson and the people at the Big Sky resort for their help and planning and to the 49er group who want to have fun and share their good spirits. Carol Klein SOUTH LAKE TAHOE SKI ADVENTURE, January 12-14, 2010 On Tuesday, January 12th, in spite of foul weather predictions, six fearless 49ers set out for Kirkwood to enjoy a day of skiing at this less often visited ski resort. Participants were: Pete Kieffer (driver), Wendy Stevens, Ron Bourtayre, Pat Hardy, Andrea Woelfle, and RC Upham (driver). The trip there was not as challenging as anticipated, and all arrived safely. At about 10:30 we were organized, lift tickets purchased, and ready to start skiing. Winds were light, snow conditions were pretty good, and all enjoyed a great day of skiing. After skiing, we traveled to South Lake Tahoe and checked into The Big Pines Mountain House. All of us remarked about the very nice accommodations and the relatively low price. We decided to forgo Tiddlies on Tuesday night and head straight to dinner at a restaurant that is located close to the Heavenly Gondola. We all enjoyed our meals and the service was pretty good too. On Wednesday morning we awoke to a winter wonderland with about six inches of new snow at lake level and reports of up to a foot of powder on the Heavenly slopes. At breakfast, at Pete Kieffer's suggestion, we decided to venture up Kingsbury Grade and ski on the Nevada side of the mountain. It turned out to be a good choice because we found the reports of new powder were true. Skiing on the groomers was excellent, and the tree skiing was perfect. For the most part winds were light, clouds were light, and the view of Lake Tahoe from the California side was no less than spectacular. Wednesday evening we enjoyed Tiddlies in RC's room, followed by a nice meal at Carrol's. On Thursday morning we all packed up, checked out of our very nice accommodations, had breakfast at Denney's and then headed up the hill to Sierra-at-Tahoe. We were joined by a large group of other 49ers who had driven up to enjoy a great day of skiing under sunny skies and no wind. The resort was crowded, but for the most part lift lines moved quickly. Once again, skiing in the trees was good and there was a lot of untracked snow in there to have fun on. We had an enjoyable three days during this mini-trip and returned home to rest and recuperate. RC Upham, Trip Coordinator SNOBALL, December 7, 2009 (Pictures) Well, another exciting Snoball to start the holiday season. Eighty-two members and guests enjoyed a splendid dinner of chicken, N.Y. steak or salmon, topped off with cheesecake. President Paul conducted a short meeting, recognizing our celebrity member - Vanna and also a surprise guest - a Sarah Palin look-alike (Nancy Burton). Doug Meredith serenaded us with his unique selection of music and then we danced the night away. Marily Miller COSUMNES NATURE PRESERVE HIKE, November 11, 2009 I had announced a plan to hike on Veterans Day to the Consumnes Preserve. Wendy informed me that we can't do that, mainly because there is no such place. The correct spelling is "Cosumnes." There is no N after the O. So we all went to the Cosumnes Nature Preserve. The hikers were Hilde Bly, Ron Bourtayre, Bill Hammond, Marggi Holtz, Allie Huberty, Valerie Phillips, Marv Philo, George Ramsey, Susanne Ramsey, Wendy Stevens and Carol Tice. We walked along the new concrete trail to the kayak launch site. It is marvelous. There is a floating pier for launching and we don't have to crowd around the mud bank to step into the boats. From that spot we saw various birds. The most notable was the green heron. Unlike other herons they are small and usually stay in trees, do not walk in water and they prefer to be alone. We then walked across the rusty steel bridge; through the big meadow; to the river and into the tall forest. We later crossed to the west side of Franklin Boulevard to see ducks, geese, herons, blackbirds and a red-tail hawk making lazy circles in the sky. After that workout, we enjoyed a brown-bag lunch at the picnic tables. Ben Fleming MONTEREY GETAWAY, October 4 - 9, 2009 (Pictures) Thirty 49er members plus three guests enjoyed another great outing to Monterey. The three guests were Joan Q's sister Doris from San Diego, her young Aunt Mary from Texas and her friend Loray from Minnesota. It's hard to believe but, arguably we experienced the best weather of all our outings to Monterey. On Monday the hikers drove to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park only to find that the trails were closed because the bridges that crossed the creeks had burned down in last years Big Sur fires, and had not yet been rebuilt. We did however walk to the overlook to view the always beautiful McWay falls. The hikers then headed to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park only to find their main trails were also closed due to last years fires. Undaunted the hikers adjourned to Nepenthe's to enjoy libation and lunch while overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, back in Monterey, the bicyclists enjoyed their ride. In the evening the majority of 49ers had dinner at the Old Fisherman's Grotto on the wharf. On Tuesday, the majority did the always popular and scenic coastal bike ride to Carmel where most enjoyed lunch at Il Fornaio. On the return ride back to the motel the group of six bicyclists led by WWW (Wrong Way Wahl) took a R. turn. After some distance of not recognizing the surroundings, WWW pulled over his group, most of whom were now pushing their bikes. WWW informed them that he had taken a wrong turn and we were probably headed toward Gate 1, which is opposite of the gate where we intended to go. After considerable discussion and some suggestions to reverse our direction WWW convinced the group that although it would be a difficult climb, once we reached the top of the ridge it would be an easy downhill ride to the motel. So we continued on Seventeen Mile Drive in search of Skyline Forest Dr where WWW planned to exit. Upon arrival at the point of exit the already frustrated group was shocked to discover that what WWW thought would be a surface intersection instead was an overpass above us. After consulting his map WWW suggested pushing the bicycles up the embankment and continue the ride on the street above. The group having completely lost confidence in WWW would no longer blindly follow him. instead, they sent scouts Valerie and Lonnie to scramble up the embankment in search of street signs to confirm or contradict WWW's understanding. Scouts Valerie and Lonnie returned to confirm that the street overhead was indeed Skyline Forest. But they also brought back a message from a local resident who's opinion indicated that WWW's intended route was too confusing, and instead suggested we take the bike "trail" that parallels Highway 68 and Freeway 101. The mutinous group now had four different opinions on how to proceed: (1) reverse our direction on Seventeen Mile Drive, (2) continue ahead on Seventeen Mile Drive, (3) follow the locals suggestion, or (4) follow WWW's suggestion. After some stern arguing that options 1 and 2 would be too lengthy, that there was no bike "trail" along either Highways 68 or 101, and thus more dangerous; WWW convinced the little army to take option 4. In WWW's defense, he did say the route from there was all downhill, and the final stretch took only 13 minutes to complete. Tuesday evening most of the group attended the local street faire. Wednesday was a smorgasbord with small separate groups bicycling, golfing and kayaking; and Agathe C. rollerblading. The kayakers enjoyed some memorable moments with Freddy the Friendly Otter who gently touched my kayak with his nose and then drifted on his backside partially under the hull. Freddy then went on to charm the ladies (a group of about five). Joan Q. and Wendy S. said he kissed their kayaks and looked into their eyes. I guess at that point he became Freddy the Friendly, Flirtatious Sea Otter. A touching moment. Wednesday afternoon Joan Q. and her group toured the Monterey Bay Aquarium and were very impressed. Thursday, one group of bicyclists rode to Pebble Beach, had lunch and returned; while another group rode to Marina, had lunch and returned. Friday morning before returning home, Lew, Annmarie, Joan Q. and Doris did an exploratory coastal hike at Soberanes Point in Garrapata State Park. This short hike of approx 1 1/4 hours revealed some pretty flowers, a beautiful shoreline and some attractive tide pools. All agreed that the flowers would be spectacular in the Spring. Only one injury was reported. Bill A. while riding his bicycle took evasive action to avoid colliding with a baby in a stroller and in so doing struck an immovable pole, sustaining either a badly bruised or cracked rib. With the pleasant weather, a variety of activities, daily cocktail hours, good food and great company, I think everyone had an enjoyable time. Looking forward to next year. Lew OKTOBERFEST, October 3, 2009 (Pictures) Seventy four members and guests enjoyed having good food, weather and a perfect setting for the Oktoberfest party. The round tables worked much better than regular tables because of the informal setting. Several members brought delicious red cabbage, sauerkraut and potato salad dishes. Many thanks go to our hosts Jean and Pat Hardy. We also want to thank all or our helpers: Ron Dingman for setting up tables and chairs; Bartender - Joe Dewald; Cooks - Frank and Fred Tiff; Pete Keefer for directing parking; Lew Wahl for bringing the BBQ and sausages; Joy Mueller for providing the decorations and purchasing the drinks, apple strudel and buns; and Paula Dewald for purchasing the paper goods. Co-Chairman: Dick Pryor/Joy Mueller MT. JUDAH HIKE, September 22, 2009 (Pictures) While the Valley was baking in 100 degree heat, eighteen 49ers, one guest, and Brandi the dog hiked in delightful weather. We climbed to the top of Mt. Judah for lunch and enjoyed spectacular views in all directions from the summit at 8248 feet. We saw a variety of lakes including Donner Lake, Lake Mary, Alpine Lake, and Lake Van Norden, as well as all the surrounding peaks of the Sierra. We hiked along the Pacific Crest Trail as far as Roller Pass where the pioneers dragged their wagons up the last steep slope coming up Coldstream Canyon from Truckee on the way to Fort Sutter via the shores of Lake Van Norden to the west. Unlike the pioneers, we walked only 4.5 miles while climbing 1000 vertical feet and were all back at our cars before 3 p.m. Unlike some previous 49er skiing, kayaking, and biking outings, we finished our hike with no broken bones or concussions, but just to appease the mountain and to encourage early snows some of us made minor blood sacrifices to granite snow snakes and the tree spirits. This hike was a great way to start the fall. There are already a few glimmers of fall color, but peak color in the Sierra is a few weeks and a cold snap away. Jim & Susan S. PETE’s 71st ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BIKE RIDE AT NORTH LAKE TAHOE, September 1, 2009 Twenty-two 49er’s and their friends joined Pete Kieffer on his 71st annual birthday bike ride at North Lake Tahoe. Once again, It was a once-in-a-lifetime event. The weather was balmy, the sparkling sun literally danced along the entire length of the Truckee River’s roiling waters. Birds sang their enchanting melodies as nymphs cavorted in the forests lining the West shore. Sorry if you missed them. As is honored tradition, the group procured monstrous gourmet sandwiches at the Tahoma Market, packing them down to Sugar Pine Point State Park to be voraciously devoured. Although swimsuits were optional, not a soul ventured to wear one. The soft touch of the cool green grass below the Ehrman Mansion made it all the more difficult to crank up for the leg back to the River Ranch Restaurant. Back at the River Ranch, we were again turned away. The patio was closed as the result of the slowed economy and attendant lack of business. We were redirected to “The Crest”, a little restaurant tucked into the woods on the other side of Alpine Meadows Drive. They were really happy to have us! We were happy to be there! The biking party quaffed Lagunitas IPA and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer in celebration of Pete’s achievement. It was a good one. True measures of success could be that no one was injured, no one was lost, other than the three who checked out early, and the broad smiles emblazoned on all faces. Too much beer, I think. Thanks to everyone who joined in, and to those who weren’t able to make it but who sent their well-wishes. We’ll do it again next year. (See photos from last year's ride.) CARSON PASS HIKE, August 18, 2009 (Picture) 17 49ers, 4 friends, and 2 dogs hiked a wonderful 6-mile-loop near Carson Pass. We started at Woods Lake (about 8,000’) and climbed past Winnemucca Lake to Round Top Lake (about 9,000’) where we had lunch before descending. The weather was perfect: sunny, mid 70s, and a slight breeze. Highlights included a snow snake coming out of hibernation and tripping Judy and then Judy leading the group on a long-cut to a stream at a more interesting (difficult?) location than the trail crossing. This provided great entertainment as we watched others crossing. No one fell into the water here or at another location where we all had to cross a stream doing a balancing act across a downed tree trunk. Gary and Judy LOON LAKE, August 3-10, 2009 (Picture) Once again a band of outdoor 49er enthusiasts with 13 tents and 13 RV’s filled up Group Site #1 at beautiful Loon Lake , a two hour trip from Sacramento with many arriving on Monday. Cari Butler posted a daily schedule of activities list. On Tuesday after fishing, kayaking, Mexican train, bridge, and a short hike, we were served a delicious bratwurst dinner cooked by Clark Smith, aided by his lady, Jane Mendenhall. On Wednesday, more fishing, kayaking, cards, and a long hike in the desolation wilderness led by Jim & Susan Stratton. Thursday, the usual fishing, kayaking, cards and a hike to Spider Lake led by Carol Thomas. This was followed by an outstanding Pork Ribs barbeque cooked by Joe Woelfle. By the way, the rains came just before dinner but the “mighty 49ers” were not even slowed down as two canopies provided by Lew Wahl and the Underwood’s kept everyone dry. On Friday the great Sierra weather returned and the kayakers were out in force. That evening we had a “cook your own meat” barbeque enjoyed by many and others ate leftovers. Saturday was another beautiful day with more Mexican train, bridge, a hike and lots of conversation about the week of fun. Sunday morning a delicious brunch was served by Valerie Phillips and Carol Swan with help from many volunteers. The finals in the Mexican train tournament were completed with Carol Klein emerging as the 2009 winner. Her name will be engraved on the large annual trophy! Special thanks to Dolores Underwood and Monte Schmid for hosting us. Ed Underwood OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, May 11-18, 2009 The 2009 49er Ski Club trip to Ashland Oregon is now history. What a trip!! One might sum it up to say we “Skied the Plays instead of the Slopes”. Hiking, biking, shopping & exploring in traditional 49er fashion eloquently blended with the sophisticated but casual cultural aura created by world-class drama with a Shakespearian flavor!! Almost all of us attended at least two of the six different plays at two of the three Ashland Theatres. Diverse opinions abound as we experienced everything from "Macbeth" to "Music Man". Thirty three 49ers attended all or part of the 8 days beginning May 8 with a "pre-trip" on Mother’s Day weekend, led by Carol & Terry Tice centering in Redding to visit the Sundial Bridge, a ride to Whiskeytown Falls, and a hike to the Sacramento River headwaters. The main group arrived in Ashland on Monday May 11 for tiddles at the Econolodge. About 1/3 of the group stayed there, while most of the RV group donned their headbands and pony tails and stayed at the rather unique Jackson Wellsprings Campground ½ mile down the road. The remaining third stayed at bed and breakfasts, other hotels, or the Holiday Campground in Phoenix. Weather was in the 60s to mid-seventies – a bit below average. On Tuesday, Ben Fleming led about 20 of us on a moderate, beautiful 4 ½ mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in intermittent misty sunshine, and, yes, a little snow, followed by a delightful lunch at Callahan’s at the base of the trail. That evening, Jean Hardy arranged a culinary delight for 25 of us at Omar’s in Ashland. Wednesday was highlighted with a 21-33 mile bike ride led by Bob and Carol Johnson along the Bear Creek Greenway bike trail between Ashland and Medford, with lunch at the Black Bear Diner in Medford, returning just in time to beat the afternoon rain. Most would agree the ride was very much like our own Friday Bike Rides. Thursday was a bit rainy, and several small groups shopped in Ashland, took strolls in Lithia Park (awesomely beautiful), chocolate, and, of course, ice cream. We also made similar daily jaunts to Jacksonville (15 miles away) and Medford. Thursday Golf led by Debby Schmidt was somewhat rained out. That night, Jean Hardy arranged another fantastic dinner at the Macaroni’s Ristorante by the theaters for ten of us, and Pat O’Brien arranged for a group seven to experience five star dining at New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro, in Talent. Several of us stayed through Friday for plays, and a real treat of a four star home-cooked dinner at Larks in the Ashland Springs Hotel, arranged by Ann Marie Buchanan. The diversity of accommodations and play venues, plus the need to get to our evening plays by 8:00 pm brought the groups together in some unique ways. Tiddlies on Monday and Wednesday had to be at 5:00 PM, and dinners were scheduled for 5:30 pm. It worked – we seemed to be able to interact as well as on more traditional trips. Everyone seems to think this is an activity of such diverse possibilities that we should do it again. There is a wealth of other options to consider in future years: We haven’t tried the kayak and river raft options, wineries, Crater Lake, other hikes and bike rides. And the plays are different every year. Pat Hardy |