Nisei Ski Club Annual
Membership Meeting & Luau Picnic
Sunday, June 28, 2015

Save the date! Save the time! Save your energy for catching up with friends!
Who: NSC members/ families and invited guests.
Look for your Evite invitation in June.

Link to the : 2015-2016 NSC Picnic Flyer 

This hike is by far the most popular of the series. This is an ideal time of year to do it (unless our crazy weather patterns continue).  Some of the highlights of the hike are:

• Climb the Coit Tower neighborhood that many people have been close to, but never seen.
• Explore expertly-manicured gardens along some of the many hidden stairways in town.
• See Diego Rivera’s political mural at the San Francisco Art Institute on Chestnut.
• See beautiful, architecturally historic homes on Russian Hill.
• See the curvy part of Lombard Street from a new perspective.
• Walk the last wooden street in San Francisco.
• See the wild parrots of the Telegraph Hill.

MEET 9:30 AM AT LEVI STRAUSS PLAZA at 1255 Battery St. (bounded by Sansome, Battery, Union and Greenwich) with water, lunch snacks, camera, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection/sweater (depending on the weather), SF map and energy. Parking meters don’t run on Sunday again, so you should have no trouble finding a spot on Sansome, Battery or their cross streets.  If all else fails, try for an all day parking lot along the Embarcadero.

Although a fairly strenuous hike of about 3-1/2 hours (but less than 5 miles), we will stop frequently for the views and snacks. We will eat lunch at a local restaurant (optional).

To sign up and get detailed meeting instructions or help with transportation, contact Hoyt Nelson at Stairs#1@niseiskiclub.org.

HURRY: Signup limited to 20 applicants so we can point out the many features of note without shouting.

Presented by : Karen Soo & Sandy Kiyomura

Join Nisei Ski Club on this easy paced, mostly flat ride. We will bike along the Alameda shoreline and the Oakland Airport via the Ron Cowan Parkway. Bike past the airport and continue along the SF Bike trail towards San Leandro ending at the picnic area across from the Monarch Bay Golf course.  The ride is approximately 11.5 miles with an optional 4 miles to Sulfur Creek, Hayward after lunch.  Lunch is available for purchase at Monarch Bay Golf Course

23- 30 miles round trip.

Meet:      Crown Memorial State Beach Parking Lot in Alameda.
Parking: Free street parking or $5.00 for the parking lot.
When:    Saturday, May 30th, 2015
Time:     10:00 AM, rolling out at 10:30 AM
Cost:       FREE for Members and Guests

SIGN-UP DEADLINE: May 27th, 2015

What to bring: All riders MUST wear a helmet and should carry a pump.  Bikes should be in good condition.  You should bring a water bottle, spare inner tube, patch kit, tire levers, sunscreen, lunch and snacks to share (optional).  Due to unpredictable weather, a light jacket is suggested for cool weather conditions.

Directions and Information:  We will send information in a separate email.

Help needed:  Group leaders and flat-fixers needed in case we split up into multiple groups.

No SAG Support but we will be equipped for flats and minor repairs.

RSVP Please email Contacts:    Karen Soo            alamedabike@niseiskiclub.org
                                                Sandy Kiyomura   alamedabike2@niseiskiclub.org

*Photographs of this event including participants may appear on the NSC website or in the newsletter.

**All participants must sign the Nisei Ski Club Waiver at the start of the ride.

All are welcome.  Minors under 18 must be accompanied with an adult.

Alpine Meadows
BAC & Sierra League
CLUB APPRECIATION DAY!
Saturday, December 13, 2014

Goal of the Nisei Ski Club:

1. We Want To Build Membership in Our Clubs
2. We Want To Retain the Current Membership in Our Clubs
3. We Want To Encourage Clubs to Have A Race Team & Racers
4. We Want Everyone To Have Fun!

Alpine Meadows is assisting the Bay Area Snow Sports Council (BAC) & Sierra League to accomplish all of the above!

Included is a Lift Ticket & Lunch Voucher ($15.00 Value) ~ Plus ~ A FUN RACE!

Cost:
$62.00 for ages 23 to 64
$52.00 for ages 13 to 22 ~ or ages 65 to 75
$38.00 for ages 12 and under ~ or ~ 76 and above

For those who have never skied or boarded before there is a Learn to Ski / Board option!

Cost: $61.00 for all ages which includes 2hr 15 minute lesson, beginner lift ticket and rental equipment.

It does include the Lunch Voucher ($15.00 Value) but not the Fun Race. 

These lessons are offered at either 10:00AM or 1:00PM and must be signed up for in advance.

Final details for signing up for the lessons and when and where to purchase your Club Appreciate Package at Alpine Meadows on Saturday December 13, 2014 are still being finalized.

Cross your fingers, toes & skis for SNOW!

Please contact Karen Soo at tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org

(click to see flyer)_BAC_Appreciation_Day.pdf

~Hoyt Nelson~

New hike date Oct 26, 2014

The temperature trend is going down now so let’s try for this new date. It’s a 5-mile steeple-chase through up-scale neighborhoods in the Oakland hills with even more stairs and hidden paths than in our SF stairway hikes. This hike was last run in 10-06, so it will be new to most of you.

We will meet on the E end of Broadway (near Hwy. 24) at the corner of Rock Ridge Blvd. at 10 AM. There is plenty of free parking on Rockridge. It’s about 4 blocks from the Rockridge BART (which should have bathroom facilities). From BART, go under Hwy 24, on College Av. And take the 3^rd L onto Lawton.   Just across Broadway, jog R a few feet to Rockridge. We should be back to our cars by 1:30 and out from (optional) lunch by 3:00 or 3:30.

Bring warm and cool weather clothing, hat, camera, drinks and snacks and sturdy walking shoes. Except for shops on nearby College Ave., there are no places for food, drink or facilities. If we are lucky, we may find unlocked construction porta-potties along the route, but they don’t seem to be available as much lately. After the hike, we will plan to meet at a local restaurant for lunch (optional). Since we go mainly through residential areas, I have to limit size to 17 maximum, so contact Hoyt Nelson at rockridge@niseiskiclub.org soon for signups or more info.

SJ SHARKS vs VANCOUVER CANUCKS

The first ever Bay Area Snow Sports Concil’s (BAC) San Jose Sharks Hockey night is coming up!!!

When : Thursday, November 6, 2014
Game Time : 7:30 pm
Where : San Hose Shark Tank,, AKA SAP Center , 525 W. Santa Clara St San Jose, Ca
Cost : $43 / ticket

Ticket Ordering DEADLINE : October 9, 2014

Details in the BAC Flyer:  2014 BAC Sharks Game FLyer 

For more info, contact Dennis Heffley (bac.president@skibac.org) or 925-998-4415

Sharks Home page: http://sharks.nhl.com/index.html

Nota Bene – This is NOT an NSC event

Just in case you didn’t get onto Armand’s Jackson Hole trip, here’s an invite from the Far West Ski Association (FWSA) and BAC to go with them to Whistler, British Columbia.

Hello Fellow BAC Skiers!

The FWSA Ski Week to Whistler BC is coming up next year, and it is going to be an AWESOME trip.  Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America with the longest runs, and a new “Peak to Peak” gondola connecting the twin peaks.  It is consistently rated the #1 Ski Resort in North American by Ski Magazine, so this will be a trip you do not want to miss.

  We already have over 70 people from 8 different ski clubs in the BAC signed up, but we couldn’t help but notice that no one from your club is signed up!  We have attached the announcement flyer and a trip preference form here.  Could you please circulate these to your members and put them in your newsletter?  Thanks for helping get the word out.

 ~ by Hoyt Nelson ~

Hike Date : Suday, August 17, 2014

We will meet at 10:00 AM in the parking lot just uphill from the Cliff House (at the Visitor Center next to the Merrie Way parking lot).  We will explore the old Sutro mansion site and bath ruins before following the trail east along the headlands towards the Golden Gate Bridge.  Trails are mainly flat with some stairs and 5.5 to 7 miles round trip – depending on where we elect to turn around.  Time is 3.5 – 4.5 hours depending on our preferences.  Bring layered clothing, camera, strong hiking shoes, water and snacks.  Bathroom facilities are at Visitor Center, but very limited elsewhere.  There are several restaurants I can suggest after the hike for lunch.  If you are game, I will also lead an optional short walk up Strawberry Hill in the middle of Stow Lake (in GG Park) for some surprises many have never seen.

To sign up or request carpool help, contact Hoyt Nelson at landsend@niseiskiclub.org.  Some can carpool at my place.

~ President Armand Gutierrez ~

Jake the Ski Fool says “follow me to Jackson Hole for our 2015 ski week trip.” NSC has not been to Jackson Hole since 2001 and it’s time to make a return trip. There’s a new big “Red Tram” to whisk us to the top, Corbet’s Couloir for the insane skiers, the Vertical Foot Club, and perhaps a moose or two on the slopes.

Dates:    January 24 – 31, 2015
Price:     $1475 (Senior – $1400)

Trip price includes:

• Roundtrip airfare from San Francisco to Salt Lake City to Jackson on Delta Airlines
• Roundtrip charter bus from Jackson to Teton Village Accommodations
• 7 nights stay at the Nez Perce, Sleeping Indian, Rendezvous, and Teewinot condominiums (free shuttle bus to Teton Village, plus pool/hot tub)
• 5 of 6 day lift ticket (6-day optional, senior (65+) also available)
• Farewell Dinner
• NSC Souvenir
• Mid-week activities at no additional cost:
  • Skiing
  • More Skiing
• Price does not include Baggage Fees
  (see http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage.html for current baggage fees)
  • Baggage fees as of May, 2014:  $25/first, $35/second. Boot and ski bag are consideed a single bag.

Price and availability guaranteed for 50 seats only. Sign up now.
Link to the sign up form :  Jackson Hole Flyer -SignUp

Sign-up deadline: September 15, 2014

Rooming: Condos are 2BD or 3BD. Accommodations will be assigned based on roommate preference and room availability.

Cancellation Policy:  It is your responsibility to find a replacement if you cancel. Cancellation fees will depend on what NSC is charged and what is refunded from Delta Airlines or Jackson Hole Resort.

You must be at least 21 years of age and a member of the Nisei Ski Club to sign up for this trip.

Questions? Contact: Armand Gutierrez at jacksonhole@niseiskiclub.org

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Save the date!  Save the time! Save your energy for catching up with friends!

Who: NSC members and their invited guests. Look for your Evite invitation.

What: Our annual meeting combined with a picnic. NSC will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, beer, water,etc.  Attendees are asked to bring side dishes and dessert to share.

When: Saturday, August 9, 2014 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Where: Picnic area #1 in Las Palmas Park, 850 Russet Drive, Sunnyvale.
                See the link at the bottom for exact location and parking information.

Why:  To update our membership on the club and its future plans and to enjoy a pleasant day together.

Cost: No $$, Just Bring (3) – $1.00 bills for our game of luck and chance

For more information please email Karen Soo  tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org

http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Portals/0/Sunnyvale/DCS/Parks/Las%20Palmas-r02.pdf

  by Hoyt Nelson

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2014

The hike at the Fall Creek section of Cowell Redwoods is only about 5 miles round trip and is fairly flat and shaded.  It follows the beautiful Fall Creek for most of the way and has a stop  after 1.5 miles at an area with 12 foot high abandoned lime kilns.  We will lunch a mile later amid the scattered machinery of an old barrel factory.  It’s a bit far to drive for some, but believe me, it’s worth it.

Directions:

• Take a Right onto Mt. Hermon Rd off Hwy 17 just a couple of miles North of Santa Cruz
• Drive about 5 miles through Felton,
• Continuing across Hwy 9 up the hill for less than a mile
• to a signed dirt parking lot on the Right.

There is also a winery across the road just before the lot for free tasting afterward.  If anybody still has energy, we can stop at one of the best Japanese gardens in the state, Hakone Gardens (free parking if we take the short trail up the hill, but $7 entrance), on the way back in Saratoga.  There are several great restaurants nearby to round the day off.

There is neither water nor bathrooms along the hike, but there are at the winery.  Bring layered clothes for changeable weather, a lunch with drinks at the old barrel mill, and possibly something to share.  Due to the distance, carpooling is highly recommended.  At the least, we should meet at my house in Campbell and consolidate vehicles there.  I plan to leave my place in Campbell at 9:30 AM and I can take 5 more people.

For more info. or to sign up, contact me, Hoyt, at  fallcreek@niseiskiclub.org.

~ by Hoyt Nelson ~

Great views of Lexington Reservoir to the West at the start and a sweeping view of the Santa Clara Valley to the East at the top.  There will still be monkey flowers, Scotch broom and remnants from the vineyards that supplied sacramental wine for the Novitiate in Los Gatos many years ago.

Take Hwy 17 South  just past Los Gatos and go R at Bear Creek Road  so you can double back on the other side of 17 on Alma Bridge Road across the spillway.  If no room there, you may need  to pay for  a parking lot on the R where boaters put in.   We meet there at 10 AM where the hike begins just a few feet further on the left up the hill. 

I have done this hike 3 or 4 times, but can’t find any my pix, so I attached a few from bahiker.com.   This is a good source of hiking information in the Bay Area for your future reference.  It’s a little over 3 miles round trip on a semi-loop dirt trail  with about 650 ft. of elevation change.   We should be done by noon.  Not much shade, so bring a hat, drinks,  and layer your clothing.  Also bring camera, sturdy footwear and snacks.   There is no water , but bathroom facilities are in the parking lot.  There’s lots of spots for lunch nearby after the hike, or you can bring your own. 

Contact stjosephshill@ niseiskiclub.org to sign up and get more information.

~Karen Soo, Trip Director ~

From a galaxy far, far away comes Star WARS – WHERE SCIENCE MEETS IMAGINATION

Join Nisei Ski Club at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose

Cost – $21.00 per person for the Jedi Package.

The Jedi Package is the ultimate experience for true STAR WARS fans. Purchasing the Jedi Package will grant you access to STAR WARS: Where Science Meets Imagination and guarantees your voyage on The Millennium Falcon Experience. The IMAX theatre is not included.

Date – Sunday, November 24, 2013

Time– Meet at 9:30am at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose  located at 201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 95113

If interested, please email Karen Soo at tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org by November 10, 2013

201 S Market St, San Jose, CA 
Tel: (408) 294-8324

Sports Basement has agreed to host another shopping party for us at their Sunnyvale store from  6 to 8 PM on Friday, Dec. 6.  They will supply complimentary beer, soft drinks and munchies while you browse through their extensive stock of the latest  sports gear, socialize with other NSC members and enjoy our NSC standard 10% discount on any purchase.  

Feel free to bring any friends and they can probably get the discount as well, but please include their names when you reply to the E-vite which you will receive in a few weeks.  The store will remain open for business until 9 PM.   If there are enough of us, they promise to give us a short talk about the latest ski equipment trends.

Sports Basement – 1177 Kern Ave.,Sunnyvale

Sports Basement is  located at 1177 Kern Ave. in Sunnyvale.  From the E bay  take a R off 880 South in Milpitas onto Hwy 237 towards Mt. View.  After about 5 miles, go S (left) on Lawrence Expressway for another 2 or 3 miles and go R onto Maude at the traffic light.  (If coming from San Jose, take Lawrence Expressway N and turn Left onto Maude.)  Take the first R onto Santa Trinita and then the first R onto Kern.  Sports Basement is at the end of the block on the left.  (Note that you can only turn R off Santa Trinita to Lawrence as you exit.)

by Hoyt Nelson

This hike, like many others in my popular series, was adapted from the book “Stairway Walks in San Francisco” by Adah Bakalinsky, now in its 7^th edition.  As usual, it has lots of stairs, interesting neighborhoods, fine views and flower gardens.  It will take about 3.5 hours with stops for views,  snacks and/or lunch.

DIRECTIONS: From north or south on Hwy 101 in San Francisco, exit at Cesar Chavez (Army) and take it going W.  After about 0.5 mi. W on Chavez, go L (south) onto Folsom, which turns into  Bernal Heights Blvd. somewhere after it veers left.  Stay straight at the next junction after that (at a small parking lot on the right) and follow Bernal Heights, staying right at the next 3 junctions (the last being Ellsworth – see map).  About 0.5 mi. past the small parking lot (a bit past Ellsworth and Anderson) Bernal Heights takes a hairpin turn R at a dry open staging area on the L with a drinking fountain and 2 stone benches. We will meet there at 10:00.  Select the link and Ctrl-click it to see the map.  If you have trouble, just go to Googlemaps, enter “Bernal Heights San Francisco” and zoom in.  The staging area is a “bump” on the lower left side of the wide, brown area that is Bernal Heights.  http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Bernal+Heights,+San+Francisco,+CA&hl=en&ll=37.74498,-122.410698&spn=0.006863,0.016479&sll=37.768086,-122.405441&sspn=0.006446,0.013175&oq=Bernal+Heights&t=h&hnear=Bernal+Heights,+San+Francisco,+California&z=17

Bring liquids, snacks/lunch, layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection and camera.  Also bring a piece of cardboard or carpet “sled”  for a slide along the hike.   Later, we can lunch in one of the many interesting places on/near Valencia St. (or elsewhere).   To sign up or for questions, contact Hoyt at Bernal@niseiskiclub.org.

Jake the Ski Fool says “follow me to Sun Peaks BC for our 2014 ski week trip.” NSC has never been to Sun Peaks and the snow conditions are outstanding. Remember the “snow ghosts” at Big White? Well, Sun Peaks prefers to call them “snow angels”. Experience the thrill of skiing through trees, light powder, and meet up with a few snow angels!

Dates:              February 8 – 15, 2014
Price:              $1475 (Senior – $1400)

Trip price includes:

• Roundtrip airfare from San Francisco to Seattle to Kelowna on Alaska Airlines
• Roundtrip charter bus from Kelowna to Sun Peaks
• 7 nights stay at the Crystal Forest condominiums (5-minute walk to lifts and village, plus private hot tubs)
• 5 of 6 day lift ticket (6-day optional, senior (65+) also available)
• Farewell Dinner
• NSC Souvenir
• Mid-week activities at additional cost:
  • Dog Sled Tours
  • Fondue Dinner and Evening Descent
  • Ice Skating
• Price does not include Baggage Fees (see Alaska Airlinesfor current baggage fees)
  • Baggage fees as of June, 2013:  $20/first, $20/second. Boot and ski bag are consideed a single bag.

Price and availability guaranteed for 32 seats only. Sign up now. (See Sign-up form).

Sign-up deadline: September 15, 2013

Rooming: Condos are 2BD or 3BD. Accommodations will be assigned based on roommate preference and room availability.

Cancellation Policy:  It is your responsibility to find a replacement if you cancel. Cancellation fees will depend on what NSC is charged and what is refunded from Alaska Airlines or Sun Peaks Resort.

You must be at least 21 years of age and a member of the Nisei Ski Club to sign up for this trip.

Questions?      Contact: Armand Gutierrez at sunpeaks@niseiskiclub.org

Save the date and time!
Come out and catch up with current and past NSC members.

The current NSC board members would like to invite you to a picnic.

Who’s invited: NSC members and their invited Guests.

When:  Saturday,June 22, 2013 12:00PM – 5:00PM

Where: Las Palmas Park  / Picnic Area #1
850 Russet Drive, Sunnyvale.

See the linkbelow for the exact location and parking information: http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Portals/0/Sunnyvale/DCS/Parks/Las%20Palmas-r02.pdf

Why:   To update our membership, discuss what’s in store for next year, and enjoy a pleasant day together.

Cost:   NO COST, Just bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share.
NSC will supply all beverages, plates, utensils, & napkins

RSVP information and food preference will be listed in an upcoming EVITE.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Game time @ 7:05pm

$32 seats, regularly $35

Bay Area Snow Sports Council, BAC

Presents it’s Eighth Annual

FUND RAISER for Disabled Sports USA Far West

All proceeds over cost go to DSUSA

Additional contributions will be greatly appreciated

Deadline for purchasing tickets: July 12th, 2013

Click this link for the  << Event Flyer >> and full details!!

 Lead by Hoyt Nelson

>>> ERRATUM – NOTE contact email address has been revised- see end of article <<<

Great views of Lexington Reservoir to the west at the start and a sweeping view of the Santa Clara Valley to the east at the top.  There will still be monkey flowers, Scotch broom and remnants from the vineyards that supplied sacramental wine for the Novitiate in Los Gatos many years ago.

Take Hwy 17 South just past Los Gatos and exit at Bear Creek Road (Lexington Reservoir on your left) so you can  go left and double back on the other side of 17 on Alma Bridge.  Continue across the dam spillway  to a parking lot on the right.   There is a $4 parking fee and you may get a ticket if you park along the road to avoid this so carpooling is suggested.  (We can meet at my place at 9:30).  We meet in the parking lot at 10 AM where the hike begins just a few feet further on the left up the hill.

I have done this hike 3 or 4 times, but can’t find any my pix, so I attached a few from http://www.bahiker.com.   This is a great detailed source of hiking information in the Bay Area –  60 hikes that are roughly as far south as Santa Cruz/Gilroy to about Healdsburg to the north and to Brentwood in the east.  It’s easy to navigate and  includes exhaustive lists of related information.

The hike is a little over 3 miles round trip on a semi-loop dirt trail with about 650 ft. of elevation change.   We should be done by noon.  Not too much shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, drinks, and layer your clothing.  Also bring camera, snacks and wear sturdy foot. There is a porta-potty but no water in the parking lot.

I can suggest lots of spots for lunch nearby or you can bring your own.

Contact Hoyt at StJosephsHill@niseiskiclub.org to sign up and get more information.
>>> NOTE – revised email address <<<

The new Pinnacles National Park has become the 59th full national park in the United States, joining Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, the Everglades and the other most storied parts of America’s national heritage.

The park, a 26,000-acre expanse featuring rocky spires, caves and California condors that was first set aside as a monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, also becomes the closest national park to the Bay Area now, supplanting Yosemite National Park.

Nisei Ski Club is planning this hike for Saturday, March 30^th, 2013, weather permitting.                                               

MEET at Hoyt Nelson’s house in Campbell at 9:00 AM SHARP.
Directions will be provided via email.

It’s a 2 hour drive from the Hoyt’s house in Campbell. Carpooling is encouraged. Suggested $10.00 contribution per person for transportation fees and group entrance to the park. Please let us know if you can drive passengers.

We will enter from the East side where we will park at Bear Gulch Visitor Center. From there we hike up Moses Springs, Caves, Reservoir and High Peaks.
Hike Route: http://www.cyberhikes.com/HPNM01MP.HTM

The length of hike is approximately 4 hours with an ½ hour at the visitor center. Moderate to strenuous,  just like Hoyt’s Stairway hikes.  We will be back in Campbell  around 5:00pm/5:30pm.

WHAT TO BRING  – Dress in layers; wear good hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen; bring : lunch, water, trail mix, protein bar and water, headlights or flashlights for cave hiking, camera, Annual Park pass, or National Park passport; oh, did I remember to mention to bring water?

Please email Karen Soo at pinnacles@niseiskiclub.org to RSVP by March 25, 2013.