The International Wanderers

Today is the deposit deadline!
Zoom call for the people that I received deposits from. The trip is currently full with the deposits I received.

Carol and Bob
Linda F and John
Gwen and Andy
Andy E
Cecilia
Elena
Marie Noelle
Patty L
Chris M
Jane
Kris
Linda M
Gail W
Jeanette
Emily
Jane

I will cover the itinerary!

Leigh Skizewski is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Austria
Time: Dec 5, 2024 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 828 577 6135
Passcode: 004236
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Patty Lassen has graciously offered to host us at her house!!! Patty saves the day!!! We do have a maximum or 40 people so send in your $$$

We will celebrate the holiday season with our wonderful hiking/traveling buddies! Good food, a few games and lots of comradery!!

What will you need?

• To come dressed in prom attire...thrift store quality! 😁
• $20 contribution for expenses and prizes. Please send to Leigh Skizewski 2305 Lytton Springs Rd Healdsburg,CA 95448 You will be on the waiting list until your contribution is received.
• A hearty appetizer contribution (please avoid chips and dips)
• A wonderful gift for a gift exchange ...A MINIMUM value of $25 please
• Your smile and good cheer!

Address to forwarded at a later date!

We do need volunteers to help clean up and put things away after the party!!!

First time ever! 1 night backpack with boat support from Eric
Bad weather will cancel.

We are headed around Lake Sonoma. We will be going counterclockwise starting from The Ranch parking lot. We will do 13 miles and 2500 ft. the first day and then 12 miles and 2200 ft. to finish the loop and come back to our cars.

Eric Tiff has a boat and will help us carry the bulk of our items. He will meet us at the trailhead, where we can load up his boat and then by the time we get to our campsite at the far side of the Warm Springs Arm at the Sawmill Campsites or Buck Campsites he will be there. Those of you wanting to be independent are welcome to carry all of your own things. We will all be responsible for our own food for the two days. There won't be room for coolers on the boat, so plan accordingly.
It's possible that we might do a group dinner on Monday night and all chip in. I'll keep you posted.

I tried to call and get more information about booking the campsites, but I couldn't get anyone. I will stop by the visitor center when I get back from Australia to get the info.

For those of you that haven't enjoyed visiting Lake Sonoma, here is the info!! Lake Sonoma is a man-made reservoir in northern California, that was created by the construction of Warm Springs Dam on Dry Creek. Completed in 1983 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the dam was built to provide water supply, flood control, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding area. Towering 319 feet high and stretching 3,000 feet across, the dam helped transform the landscape, creating a beautiful reservoir that serves as a valuable resource for the region. Lake Sonoma's location in Dry Creek Valley, a fertile region renowned for its vineyards and agricultural heritage, only adds to its charm, blending nature with the area's deep-rooted wine culture.
Before the valley was flooded to form Lake Sonoma, the region was a patchwork of farms, ranches, and vineyards. Dry Creek Valley remains famous for its world-class Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, and though the reservoir altered part of the landscape, it also added new dimensions to the area's appeal. Today, Lake Sonoma serves as an important water resource and a habitat for wildlife, including steelhead and coho salmon, supported by the fish hatchery built nearby.
Hiking the Warm Springs arm of Lake Sonoma offers a special way to experience the area’s natural beauty. This arm of the lake extends into the scenic, forested hills and provides hikers with a variety of trails that wind through oak woodlands, manzanita groves, and chaparral-covered ridges. The trails often offer stunning views of the lake’s deep blue waters below, framed by rugged hillsides. Hikers can also spot local wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds as they trek through the quiet, shaded paths. The terrain can be steep in places, but the rewards are plentiful, with overlooks providing panoramic views of both the lake and the surrounding Dry Creek Valley. This section of Lake Sonoma is perfect for those seeking a mix of challenge and tranquility in a setting that showcases the natural beauty of Sonoma County. It will take us two days to do the entire hike!

We can take about 16 on this trip. We will need a sag wagon that we all can take a short shift driving. Participants with emergency bike repair knowledge with get 1st dibs. Most will be on electric bikes, but any well-maintained bike will do!

The cost for the 2 nights and tours will be about $350 pp double occupancy. If you opt to stay at the Santa Rosa ski Club on Sunday night (so that you don't have to drive on Monday morning) it will be $40 more.

Join us for a 3 day romp around Lake Tahoe! We will enjoy a GORGEOUS bike path for about 30% of this ride and we will have a dedicated bike lane for about for about 50% of the remainder. There are short portions on a narrow curvy rd. Make sure you would be comfortable with that.

We will leave from Truckee Monday morning and head to Kings Beach for the first night. Along the way we will meander our way along the Truckee River until we veer slightly off our route to visit historic Ganlibakken Ski Area and then a stop at the Tahoe Maritime Museum and the Tahoe City Museum. We will check to see if we can see the huge trout from Fanny Bridge. We will have lunch at
The Bridgetender in Tahoe City. We then will head for Watson Cabin and Carnelian Bay. We end our day with a Wet Woody at Gar Woods Bar and Grill and then go check into our lodging. This day is about 30 miles and 1200 ft.
The following day we head out for a busy day of biking and exploration. 10 miles along our route after enjoying the beauty of Sand Point and Bonsai Rock, we are in for a special treat, a tour of Thunderbird Lodge at 9:30. We continue on and have a late lunch in South Lake Tahoe and continue on to our lodging for the night. This day is about 38 miles and 2300ft. We will have dinner on the water at the Grove beach bar and grill that is right by our lodging.
Our last day is a delight. We start at Tallac Historic site. The Tallac Historic Site, nestled along the southwestern shores of Lake Tahoe, offers a vivid glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the early 20th-century elite who once summered there. Comprising three grand estates—Pope, Baldwin, and Valhalla—the site is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and natural beauty. We will take a detour into Fallen Leaf Lake, enjoy Eagle Falls, visit historic Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay, check out D. L Bliss state park. We then make our way back to Truckee to end our scenic and historic 3 day bike ride! We do about 40 1700ft miles this day.

This is basically a "save the date". Details could change.

When we were in the Dolomites this past summer we had a HF Holidays guide named Trevor that has hiked more than 200 different hiking trips in Europe. When I asked him his favorite place, he without a hesitation said Mayrhofen. I think we need to go! We will be combining a self-guided ebike trip with hiking in Mayrofen. The tricky part about this trip is that you would need to be interested in BOTH hiking and biking.
We will be BIKING in the Corinthian Lakes area on mostly bike trails.

Hiking in Mayrhofen offers a truly unique alpine experience, nestled in the heart of Austria’s Zillertal Valley. Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and verdant meadows, the region caters to all levels of hikers, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. Whether you prefer leisurely walks through tranquil valleys or more challenging high-altitude treks, Mayrhofen's trails promise breathtaking vistas at every turn.
As you explore, you’ll be treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. The dramatic Zillertal Alps provide the perfect backdrop, with the opportunity to encounter glaciers and cascading waterfalls. One of the highlights is the Ahorn Plateau, easily accessible via the Ahornbahn cable car. Here, panoramic views stretch across the valley, and wildlife such as ibex and marmots can often be spotted in their natural habitat.
Mayrhofen's trails are dotted with traditional alpine huts, where hikers can rest and enjoy hearty Austrian cuisine. These cozy retreats offer a taste of authentic alpine culture, with specialties like Kaiserschmarrn and Tyrolean dumplings to refuel you along the way.
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the High Alpine Nature Park Zillertal Alps awaits. This protected area invites you to hike through untouched landscapes, home to diverse flora and fauna, and some of the highest peaks in Austria.
With a network of cable cars, including the Penkenbahn and Ahornbahn, reaching the higher elevations is easy, ensuring that the spectacular views are within everyone’s reach. In addition to hiking, Mayrhofen’s vibrant outdoor culture also attracts climbers, paragliders, and mountain bikers, creating a lively atmosphere that enhances the sense of adventure.
Hiking in Mayrhofen is more than just a trek through the mountains—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, experience alpine hospitality, and create memories in one of the most scenic corners of the Austrian Alps.
Continuing our outdoor adventure, the nearby Carinthian Lakes region offers an equally enchanting experience for cyclists. With its crystal-clear lakes, rolling hills, and idyllic countryside, it’s a haven for bikers of all levels. The well-marked cycling paths wind through charming villages, past serene lakes, and across lush meadows, providing stunning views and a refreshing rides.

Hi All!
I am in the process of finalizing Austria in September and I need to have a better idea of who is committed. A deposit is due now of $175.00. The deadline is by 11/5/2024.
Leigh Skizewski
2305 Lytton Springs Rd
Healdsburg,CA 95448

The check will be shredded if you don't get on the trip. You will have until the zoom call to be reimbursed the $$ if you change your mind. After the zoom, you are committed!😀

Need to know facts about the trip!

• Group size 16-20
• Leaving around 9/15 give or take a day or two Home by appx October 4th
• Plan on 2 days of travel
• 1 day of relaxation after arrival
• 5 days of hiking Moderate-Strenuous hiking with short hikes available on some days with Patty Lassen. You are welcome to take a break day at any time since we are at the same hotel the entire time. You are also welcome to turn around on any hike, if it stops being fun for you and return on your own.
• 1 Transfer day from Mayrhofen to Villach
• 5 days of e-biking (you can opt for a regular bike) around 35 miles a day. You will be expected to participate in the Tuesday or Friday bike rides as preparation for this.
• 6 days at the same hotel in Mayrhofen
• the bike trip is two or 3 different accommodations.
• 1 or 2 nights in Munich
• I recommend that you extend and see more of the area. You will be dropped at Munich Airport and all extensions should be planned from there or you can forgo the included transport to Munich and leave from Villach
• I ask that everyone arrive at the same time. Please do not arrive in advance of the group. You are free to leave anytime you like.

Hiking in Cyprus is a truly captivating experience, offering a blend of diverse landscapes, rich history, and a mild climate that makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The island's varied terrain includes the majestic Troodos Mountains, where dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views create a hiker's paradise. Along the coast, trails like those on the Akamas Peninsula provide breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, with rugged cliffs and secluded beaches adding to the charm.
Cyprus is steeped in history, and many trails wind through ancient ruins, Byzantine monasteries, and historic villages, allowing hikers to step back in time as they explore. The Kyrenia Mountains, for instance, are home to medieval castles and ancient settlements, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The island’s Mediterranean climate ensures that hiking is possible almost year-round, with mild winters and pleasant spring and autumn seasons. In the higher elevations of the Troodos Mountains, snow adds a magical touch to the winter landscape, while spring brings trails lined with vibrant wildflowers. Cyprus is also rich in biodiversity, and hikers may encounter a variety of plant and animal species, including the island’s unique mouflons, as well as numerous birds and reptiles.
One of the most appealing aspects of hiking in Cyprus is the tranquility. Many trails are peaceful and less crowded, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature. The island's well-maintained network of trails, is,is clearly marked and provides informative insights into the surrounding areas.
Adding to the allure of hiking in Cyprus is the warmth and hospitality of the Cypriot people. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, Cyprus is a destination that promises an unforgettable hiking adventure.

The 12 days will be appx $1500
The airfare will be about $1700