We have some great reads this month, including a mountain trip and photos by Sandy K., a summary of the October NSC bike ride, announcements about Warren Miller movies and our Thai cooking event, and of course, our President’s message.

Please feel free to submit any articles you’d like to write or share to newsletter@niseiskiclub.org. If you have photos to share, keep them separate from the written document, and in JPG format please. I will then place them in the article.

If you have not done so already, remember to vote by Tuesday, November 3!

by Armand Gutierrez, President

Plans for Skiing?

Although the Breckenridge trip was canceled, that doesn’t mean you should forgo the opportunity for skiing locally in Tahoe. All of the resorts are hyping that they have “re-imagined” the mountain experience, whatever that means. Sure, I get it. It’s just a less intrusive way of saying that there will be a number of restrictions at the resort, none of which are draconian in nature. But I can live with physical distancing (a better term than “social distancing”), lift ticket reservations, facemasks, and limited access to dining areas. For this season, and hopefully only this season, these restrictions will provide a safer environment for indulging in our favorite ski activities. 

As we enter November from a long dry spell, the resorts have already posted their tentative opening dates:

• 20 November – Heavenly Valley, Northstar
• 25 November – Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows
• 26 November – Sierra at Tahoe
• 4 December – Kirkwood
• 15 December – Homewood
• TBD – Mt. Rose

The keyword tentative is used because the Tahoe resorts are bone dry at the moment, unlike a certain unnamed resort somewhere in Wyoming. As usual, I’ll be waiting until at least mid-December before making that first drive to Tahoe and that first pandemic-derived experience.

Thanksgiving Holiday

Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving is my other favorite time of the year. The tradition of visiting my brother and the rest of the family might not be the same as in past years. The grandkids will be returning from college and, as has been reported in the newspaper, colleges have become a hotbed for COVID-19. However, the desire to be with family, plus throw in a measure of safety protocols, a traditional family dinner just might happen.

On behalf of the Board I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with family and friends.

by Rick Dumlao

On Sunday Oct. 18th Nisei sponsored a bike ride to the Coyote Hills Regional Park, just north of the Dumbarton Bridge.

About 10 of us set out for a leisurely ride. The air quality was good, the sun was out, and there was just enough of a breeze to keep the heat away. We all enjoyed the day together. During the ride we learned about salt flats, a Navy destroyer still shipwrecked in the bay, an old Nike missile site, the marshlands, and a 2,000 year old native Indian dwelling.

A variety of birds and other wildlife were seen on the way. The ride ended up with a BBQ at Rick’s house. We had some burgers and hotdogs and some drinks along with enjoyable conversation. In total, the ride was 15.5 miles long and took about 2 hours to complete. All in all, it was a very nice day!

Last month we mentioned the Foam Fest in Truckee during the month of October, benefitting the Achieve Tahoe Organization upcoming winter program for people with disabilities. For a $30 donation, you get three 16 oz. beers at any of three Truckee area breweries. They have extended this fun fundraiser through November 15. See more information here.

by Sandy Kiyomura

After 7 months of SIP, I finally left the island of Alameda. It was such a feeling of freedom to be able to drive “out of town”.

My first trip was to Tahoe. I stayed at “the Ridge “ in Stateline and enjoyed the mountains that I had not seen since January. (For those of you who didn’t know, I broke my ankle skiing in January and never got to ski this year). My first stop was Granite Chief, the shop in Truckee, which adjusted my bindings before my accident. Yup, they lowered the DIN a bit. I think it’s
important to get your bindings checked. My bindings should have released (and prevented the break). Maybe they looked at my age and decided the DIN was too high.

Second stop in Truckee was to some breweries. I don’t really drink beer, but Achieve Tahoe had a Foam Fest where can get a mug and 3 beers at three breweries for a donation. It was nice to be in Truckee again.

We golfed 2 days in the Carson Valley. Beautiful golf course for $30 at Sunridge.

That was 600 miles to Tahoe and around the Lake a few times.

Next stop was Yosemite. My son was fortunate to get a campsite for 2 weeks. I’m not much of
a camper but survived 3 nights.

A little bit of family history. My son’s girl friend is Chelsea. Her mom is Elaine Morizono who is
married to Glenn Kiyomura, Dylan’s dad. We all had a “family” camping trip.

Actually, it was a climbing trip. Dylan is a rock climber. You may be able to see him in this picture.

Look near the top of the white line. He and climbing friend are at the top of the white line.

Then Dylan and Chelsea drove to Alabama
with their dog Tolby and cat Hind.

Warren Miller’s movies are still going on, and on Saturday, November 21 is the West Coast streaming premiere of the 71st film, “Future Retro.” Each event is supported by regional sponsors and there will be unique prize giveaways. Get ready for a Warren Miller experience like never before, all from the comfort and safety of your home this November. Stay tuned for more details and how to get tickets by following us on Instagram and Facebook, and on the Warren Miller website.

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Our very own Nisei Ski Club Trip Director and part time chef has cooked for many weekend ski trips and NSC Parties, feeding 30-40 people at a time. Now she’s ready to put on her apron and show you how to make some delicious Thai food. You can control
the spice level to your tasting.

Join us on Saturday, December 5th, 2020 at 1:00 pm for a down to earth virtual Zoom demonstration.
Recipes and Zoom Link will be sent ahead with ingredients needed so you can follow
along or just listen and learn.
What’s on the menu?

• Easy Green Curry with Chicken
• Pad Thai – Thai-Style Stir-Fried Noodles (TBA)
• Coconut-Flavored Sticky Rice with Mangoes

Please RSVP for the Zoom Webinar to Karen at tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org
Class time – 1.5 hours
See flyer here with pictures and all information.