Dear Participants,

I hope all of you are as excited about this trip as I am. Last weekend, I did an overnight camping trip as past of a class I took to become a Leave No Trace (LNT) trainer. It was so good to be outside in Nature and smell the pines. Luckily, the course ended just as it began to pour.

Yes, the weather is still a big question mark. Right now, it looks like we can make it in to two trailheads and hike to beautiful lakes. The roads may be muddy, but passable. The hikes will probably be at least 6 miles round trip at around 7000'. There will be elevation gain and loss on trails that will probably be muddy and snowy in places. The stream crossings will be safe, but be prepared to get across by walking through the water, since the stepping-stones may be under water and the banks too wide for jumping. I highly recommend broken in, over the ankle, waterproofed hiking boots. You might want to bring your water shoes (not sandals) for stream crossings. What an adventure! Are you in good condition?

I'd like to welcome our latest participant on the trip - Steve Bruckner from Virginia.

ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS
For those of you who have not been on a trip with me before, or any Sierra Club trip, for that matter, I'd like to let you know what I consider to be my role and responsibilities. My job is to plan the trip and meals and carry out the hikes and activities. I will let you know the schedule and itinerary for each day. I will give you driving directions to the trailheads and you can follow us there in your vehicles. I will always be very careful with your safety. I will be open to any concerns you may have.

Here is what I expect from you: Have fun!!! I also expect you to be courteous and flexible, to be in good condition, to be on time, to participate in the meal preparation and clean up chores, to act safely, and to have the appropriate gear. If you have anything you want to offer to the group such as music, knowledge of nature, photography or conservation issues to discuss, I welcome your contributions.

MEALS and LODGING
I've planned to have protein at every meal including breakfast -cheese, eggs, nuts, beans, chicken, turkey luncheon meat, and peanut butter. Three dinners have chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, please let me know. There will be no problem accommodating you.

There will be plenty of food, so you don't need to bring your own. However, if you do bring food, please plan on keeping it in your room since the refrigerator will be reserved for group food.

Let's be prepared to practice conservation by using reusable containers for our lunches. Bring a cloth bag to carry your lunch in and a plastic container with a lid for your sandwich. You can also use a bandana for a napkin and your own mug for drinks at every meal.

Here are our tentative sleeping arrangements.

Second Floor:
Jackie's Bedroom Bruce and Georgette
Carol Lou's Bedroom Edward, Steve
Top Level Loft Joe

Middle Floor:
Joanie's Bedroom Jack and Georgia, Mara, Joelle,

Lower Level:
Tommy's bedroom Linda, Frances, Ellen, Karen
Lower Nook Oliver

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
DAILY
7:00 a.m.   coffee and breakfast drinks
7:15 a.m.   cooks begin breakfast and lunch preparation
7:30 a.m.   make your own lunch
8:00 a.m.   breakfast
9:15 a.m.   meet for the day's activity
4:00 p.m.   snacks
5:15 p.m.   cooks begin dinner preparation
6:00 p.m.   dinner
7:15 p.m.   evening program

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Sunday:	Meet at 4 pm for orientation, snacks, dinner and evening program.
Monday:	Hike. Evening program.
Tuesday:	Kayak on Pinecrest Lake in the morning. In the afternoon, walk around the lake or climb up to Cleo's Pools.
Wednesday:	Free day
Thursday:	Hike. Evening program.
Friday:	Tour the waterfalls and views of Yosemite Valley
Saturday:	For those who return to Joseph's Cabin, the trip ends after breakfast.

Happy hiking,

Linda Conklin
140 Tidwall St.
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-2956 home
(209) 840-0336 cell
lindac@mlode.com