Here is some introductory information. I will be sending several more bulletins as we get closer to the trip date.

The two most common concerns in previous years were carpooling to trailheads and (rarely) the accomodations at Clair Tappaan Lodge (CTL).

1. To keep trip prices down we have not included the price of a van in the trip and participants will need to car-pool to trailheads. Distances to trail heads range from 2-10 miles, with the exception of a trip the Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe which is 42 miles one way and a possible second trip, depending on participant interest, to the Tahoe Environmental Research Center which is 35 miles one way.

2. When they describe the Clairtappaan Lodge as Rustic, they do not mean rustic in the sense of the The Ahwahnee® Hotel at Yosemite ($426-$990/night) . Just to avoid any surprises you should take a look at my web site which has some pictures of the rooms and a newspaper article in addition to what's on the Sierra Club site. See: https://donsnotes.com/ctl/index.html#rooms

98% of visitors are satisfied with the accommodations, but the cubicles are small and the family rooms and dorm rooms don't have a lot of storage space. Peter, the lodge manager thinks we will have some flexibility in room choices in Sept. but he will not guarantee anything now. I'll be providing more information on how to request a room later.

Preparation:

1. If you haven't yet started a training program to prepare for the hiking then I encourage you to begin a consistent one now. Keep in mind that the elevation of Clair Tappaan Lodge is 7200 ft. and if there's any way you can hike at altitude before coming it will prove helpful. At any rate, go on hikes, climb stairs, walk, bicycle -- anything that gets you moving and your heart rate up is beneficial. Treadmills and stairmasters are good to a point, but it is important to spend time walking on uneven terrain to simulate a mountain trail. Both uphill and downhill are important as they use different muscle groups. Don't worry about the degree of strenuousness involved -- there will be more than one hiking option to fit everyone's needs. Even if you walk 4 to 5 miles a day, allow at least 3 to 4 weeks to train for a 5- mile hike (our average for the long group) (If you're new to exercise, you'll need 6 to 8 weeks).

2. I will be sending a complete equipment list later. The main thing you need to consider now is your boots. You'll be much happier if they're well broken in BEFORE the trip. You won't need heavy-duty hard-core stiff all-leather boots - nylon uppers are fine, as we won't be hiking more than 8 miles or so, and all of it will be on trail. However, high-top boots are recommended over "walking shoes".

3. Plan to meet in the Clair Tappaan Library at 4:00pm Sunday afternoon for a happy hour and introductions. Allow about 2 1/2 hours from the Reno airport to pick up your luggage, get to the Lodge and checkin. My transportation notes at: https://donsnotes.com/ctl/index.html#transportation will give you some ideas on transportation from the airport.

4. In future correspondence to the group I'd like to share participants e-mail addresses so they can arrange ride sharing from the airport or compare notes. If you'd rather I not share your e-mail please let me know.
If you send me your cell phone number I will include it on the participant roster I will distribute.

I have a web site where I post copies of the bulletins I send out and information about the Clair Tappaan Lodge and Donner-Tahoe area at: donsnotes.com/ctl/50prtr/index.html

Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions. I am retired, so you can call anytime 8 AM-11 PM EST (732) 560-0369.