I apologize for all the problems. We had tried to schedule the trip later in July, but for a variety of reasons it did not work out. Here are some answers to questions.

Alternate accommodations: The lodge manager is out this week, but I've left a message on his cell phone to see if he can work out some way to accommodate us at the lodge. He called back saying they would work with us so our trip will be successful. I've also emailed the National Outings Director to see what he can do.

I am also looking into the Cal Lodge (http://www.callodge.org/) next door to Clair Tappaan.

I got the following response from the Clair Tappaan Lodge (CTL) staff:
  Q: What is a wedding dinner?
  A: I'm not sure of the exact menu of the wedding dinner but it means that the National Outing participants would be served the same menu. It will be similar to what we usually serve but a little fancier and with probably a few more courses.

  Q: Do you have any cots you could deliver to Hutchinson Lodge so we don't have to sleep on the floor?
  A: We don't have any cots.
The mattresses are exactly the same as the ones at the lodge.

Snow or Mosquitos:

Most people don't want mosquitoes, but are nervous about snow.
My preference is a "little" snow.

You can get this freeze thaw cycle with spring snow producing icy conditions. Thaws during the day then freezes at night. As you can see by the temperature profile on our site, we would not normally expect freezing temperatures at night the end of June, but with a record low somewhere around 21 deg. it could happen. This is not an ice skating trip so if the weather report indicates freezing at night we will opt for mosquitos or change the itinerary so we go out before or after the cold spell.

We will not pick a location where the snow is so deep that you need snowshoes or sink in more than 6 inches and as I said before if anyone feels unsafe backpacking in snow we will not do it.

High top boots: By high top I mean regular hiking boots that come up to the ankles, 5-6", not beefed up sneakers. Mountaineering boots are not necessary.

Gaiters: If you haven't already, Let me know if you want to borrow them.

Carpooling: Here is the statement our National Office requires us to put in all trip brochures:

"Due to insurance regulations, all transportation to the lodge, trailheads, or other activities is the responsibility of each trip member. Leaders are unable to arrange carpools for participants. If you wish to carpool, a roster of other trip members will be provided before the trip. You will need to share cars to get to the trailheads."
https://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/10103a.aspx

So we ask for volunteers to shuttle people and ask other to contribute to gas.

https://donsnotes.com/ctl/introtobackpacking/bulletin4b.html
last updated 3 June 2010