August 3, 2015 (Monday) Carson Pass Paint-Out

Carson Pass is high country and big views.  If the meeting location doesn't inspire you, there are other parking spots nearby I can direct you to.

Date:          August 3, 2015 (Monday)
Time:         9:00 to 9:30 am arrival
Place:          Carson Pass parking lot on the north side of Hwy 89
Altitude:     about 8,000 plus feet
Amenities:   a pit toilet, paved parking lot with views, trail with old growth cedar trees and views
Cell phones:  don't work on much of 89 through Hope Valley and up here

What to bring:

• food and drink
• possible light jacket
• good walking shoes
• folding chair (I don't remember any picnic tables there)
• art gear
• art umbrella
• bag for rocks to weight (possible breezes/wind)
• hat, sunscreen
• bug spray

Directions from Reno:

Take 580 to Carson City, then take 395 south to Minden

Turn right on Hwy 88 to Woodfords

At Woodfords, continue straight up the hill (it is now both 88 and 89) to Hope Valley

Stay straight at Picketts Junction and stay on 88 

Continue pass Red Lake

As you go up the pass there will be a parking area on the left that overlooks down onto Red Lake (one of the options), a little further up is a ranger station and parking and bathroom on the left (this is a second option) and just a little further up from that is the parking lot on the RIGHT (north) side --- and that will be our meeting place.  FYI, there is one more option - if you go further and down the pass on the other side there is Caples Lake camping and picnic area.  

July 27, 2015 (Monday) Wrights Lake Paint-Out

Date:          July 27, 2015 (Monday)
Time:         9:00 - 9:30 am since it is farther away for most of us
Place:          Wrights Lake, El Dorado County, CA
Amenities:     Vault Toilets, beach access, boat ramp, canoeing, kayaking, drinking water, fishing, non-motorized boating, parking area, picnic area, rafting, swimming
Closest services:  Strawberry

Overview:  This lake recreation area is located 8.7 miles off of Hwy 50 at the end of Wrights Lake Road.  This road is paved but does have potholes so go slow around them.  Traveling from South Lake Tahoe on 50, after you pass the area and lodge called "Strawberry", look for Wrights Lake Road on your right.  Total time from South Reno is about 2 hours at 83 miles by way of 580/395 to 50.

Meeting place?  Most likely the picnic area or the day parking area.  Hard to say - I have not been there.

What to bring:

• BUG SPRAY
• alergic to bees?  bring benedryl or what you use
• alergic to pollen?  bring what you use
• sunscreen, hat, art umbrella
• of course your art gear
• food and drink 
• your recreational toys for water if you wish
• a folding chair?
• camera
• cell phone

Links:
 http://www.recreation.gov/camping/wrights-lake/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70152

 http://www.paddlingcalifornia.com/Wrights_Lake.html
www.http://fs.usda.gov/ELDORADO