Sierra Club Outings | Just for Grandparents and Grandkids, Tahoe National Forest, California

Just for Grandparents and Grandkids, Tahoe National Forest, California
July 13-18, 2008

Highlights:

Spend quality time with your grandkids
Hike portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, go swimming, or just hang out at the lodge
Learn about the history of California's settlement

Includes:

Accommodations at Clair Tappaan Lodge
All meals included
Lots of activities

Share your love of the Great Outdoors with your grandchild(ren). Take short hikes together through the woods. Swim in refreshing mountain lakes. Explore the historic sites of Donner Pass. Then return to the comfort of our rustic lodge for a well-earned rest before dinner � and a lively evening program. All of these activities, and more, are possible on this eleventh annual lodge-based event.

The fun begins at Clair Tappaan Lodge, the Sierra Club's own mountain home on a forested hillside near Donner Pass, roughly 35 miles from Lake Tahoe. Built by Sierra Club volunteers in the 1930's, Clair Tappaan still retains its original rustic character. The lodge is situated in the middle of miles of scenic country full of spectacular overlooks and small alpine lakes. Summer here means glorious wildflower displays in the surrounding mountain landscape of Tahoe National Forest. Hiking trails begin right out the back door. Three historic wagon routes are less than three miles away, and the route of the first Transcontinental Railroad is visible from the lodge. There are even nearby Native American petroglyphs to puzzle over.

Here's a sampling of some of the planned events: Short walks through fragrant pine forests and open meadows, with optional longer hikes; refreshing swims in hidden mountain lakes; exploring the original wagon and train routes over Donner Pass. On other days, we'll take a nature walk in a glaciated area, have a beach picnic at Donner Lake, take a tram ride and go ice skating at Squaw Valley's High Camp, and visit the Donner Memorial Museum. Admission to the Squaw Valley tram, ice skating rink and swimming lagoon, the Donner Memorial Museum, and the beach picnic are included in your trip fee.

There are many free-time options: Walking on the lodge's own nature trail, visiting historic downtown Truckee, hiking up to an overlook, kayaking on Donner Lake, rock climbing on School Rock � that sort of thing. Every activity is optional. You are welcome to accompany us on the planned adventures each day or sign-out and take the day off to check out Lake Tahoe. You can hike portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, or just hang around the lodge all day and count blue jays.

In the evening, we'll gather to take a stroll, play games, or watch videos. We are also planning a lively evening of folk and square dancing. And don't forget our grand finale Talent Show!

The Lodge is located at 7,000 feet in California�s Sierra Nevada. It�s 48 miles west of Reno, Nevada and about 12 miles west of Truckee, California. Participants flying into Reno/Tahoe airport should rent a car or make arrangements to carpool with other trip participants. All participants will receive detailed driving directions and a trip roster so that you may make arrangements to carpool. All transportation to the lodge, trailheads, or other activities is the responsibility of each trip member.

Though not a luxury lodge, Clair Tappaan has a spacious living room, an enormous fireplace, a cozy library, and a large communal dining room. Wholesome family-style breakfasts and dinners are prepared each day by professional cooks. Every morning before breakfast, trip participants will pack their own lunches to take on the day's adventure. There are vegetarian options for all meals. Alert the trip leader well in advance if you have other dietary restrictions.

Sleeping accommodations are bunk beds with mattresses and pillows. That's all. Guests must bring their own sleeping bags or bedding, towels and toiletries. Rooms vary from very small two-person cubicles to family rooms that can accommodate from four to eight people to the larger men's and women's dorms. There are two men's and two women's bathrooms, as well as a hot tub.

A small, friendly staff cares for the Lodge. In keeping with the cooperative spirit of the Lodge, each guest pitches in by doing a simple chore that requires, at most, about a half-hour each day.

The best thing grandparents and grandkids can do for themselves is to get in and stay in good shape. Remember, we'll be hiking and playing above 7,000 feet where the air is thinner, and that thin air will make our lungs work harder. Start some kind of aerobic conditioning regimen now -- you'll be happy you did.

Imagine you're going camping; you'll need just about the same gear at the lodge, except for plates, cups, and cutlery. The leaders will send you a departure bulletin with reminders about equipment and pre-outing preparation before the trip begins. You should expect evenings in the low 40s and days in the mid-80s, as well as an occasional afternoon thundershower. Note that the lodge is not heated in the summer. The grandkids may want to bring along a favorite game, hobby supplies, a frisbee, a whiffle ball, and books to read.

Your leaders are volunteers. We have a long-term dedication to the Sierra Club, conservation, and enjoyment of the outdoors. We hope to impart to you some of our love for the Sierra Nevada and for the work of the Sierra Club. We'll be practicing �Leave No Trace� wilderness etiquette throughout the trip and discussing ways that children and adults can become better environmentalists once they return home.

The area around Donner Pass is a readily accessible recreation mecca, appealing to both summer hikers and winter skiers. We'll discuss the ecological implications of the area's popularity.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Originally from England, Roz and Derek Bray have been American citizens since the 1960s. Besides homemaking, Roz has been a physical therapist, Master Gardener member, and Club backpack trip leader for 15 years. Derek's field was semiconductor engineering, from which he is now retired. The Brays have four children who have given them six grandkids.