You are invited to join JOA for an exciting camping retreat to spectacular Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite's high country jewel. Located at 8,600 feet, this is the premiere hiking and camping area in Yosemite, and perhaps all of California.  Join fellow Jewish outdoor enthusiasts for a fabulous four-day weekend of new friendships, awe-inspiring nature, terrific hiking and renewed spirits.  It is also a great trip for first-time campers because there is so much easy-to-access beauty close by. (FYI, this will be the last JOA camping weekend for the summer.)

Key Details of this Adventure 

 

Date:  Arrive Thursday, July 29 and leave Monday, August 2.
 
Campground Details
We will be staying in a large group campsite in Tuolumne Meadows Campground located off of Tioga Road (Hwy 120), about 1.5 hours northeast of Yosemite Valley.  There will be plenty of space and good facilities, including bathrooms, running water and best of all, showers nearby.
 
Gear Details
Stoves and lanterns will be provided, as well as all cooking and eating utensils, paper goods, food, etc.  The key camping items you will need to bring are a tent, sleeping bag and a sleeping pad.  They can be rented from either REI or A-16 (see links below), or typically borrowed from friends.  A complete list of recommended gear to bring will be emailed to everyone on the final RSVP list.
 
Transportation
Via carpool.  List of participants will be shared with everyone so you can coordinate carpooling.  Cost to be shared among carpoolers.
 
Weather
Warm during the day and most likely a bit chilly at night, due to the high altitude.  Afternoon rain showers are possible in the high Sierras, so be prepared.
 
Planned Activities
There are so many wonderful hikes to choose from that it will be difficult to pick just a few!  We will be hiking some of the most beautiful areas of the high country, including Tuolumne Falls, Cathedral Lakes, Cathedral Peak and other trails starting right from the campground.  Of course we will have the traditional campfires at night with entertaining activities.
 
Cost
$195 early bird, if received by 7/11/10, $225 thereafter, if space is available.
Cost includes campsite fees, group supplies and gear and all meals (kosher and delicious, including salmon, chicken and pasta, with a veggie option for those who request it).
Not included are park entrance fee of $25 per vehicle and cost of transportation via carpool.
Minimum age is 25 years old.  Sorry, but no pets.  JOA reserves the right to deny anyone's request to join this trip.
Please email JOA promptly if you wish to RSVP.  Spots will only be secured once payment is received.  Upon payment, you will be emailed with a formal confirmation.  Please send payment via PayPal to: amialoncpa@yahoo.com (simply copy and paste this email address into the "to" field).  A debit payment is preferable.  PayPal link 

 

Important Notes
Keep in mind this is a popular trip and space is limited.  Your reservation is confirmed once a check is received and you have been emailed with a formal confirmation.  If you RSVP and then delay your check and it is received after all the spots are filled, you will be waitlisted for any spot that may open up.  JOA reserves the right to deny anyone's request to join this trip.
 
Showers are available nearby at the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge during limited hours.  Also nearby is the Tuolumne Meadows Store which stocks basic food and camping supplies, in case you forget something.
 
Cancellation Policy
50% refund for cancellation by Thursday, July 15, 2010.  No refunds after that.
 
Note that we will proceed with the camping trip even if the weather reports indicate questionable weather.
 
Initial Logistics will be sent to people who signed up, approximately two weeks before the trip date.  Final logistics will be sent a day before departure.  Carpooling is highly recommended.  Campers will be assigned to help out for meal preparation and cleanup and everyone is expected to participate in a team-oriented fashion.
 
Feel free to call or email if you have any questions.

 

Lewis Groner, lgroner@jewishfoundationla.org, (310) 770-7962
Ami Alon, JewishOutdoor@Yahoo.com, Office (310) 858-6875, Cell (310) 926-1344