WHITEWATER RAFTING: CHERRY CREEK/UPPER TUOLUMNE RIVER

WITH A PHENOMENALLY STEEP GRADIENT averaging 110 feet per mile, the Cherry Creek/Upper Tuolumne run is the most challenging run in the U.S. and the standard by which Class V runs are measured. This intense and demanding stretch of river in the Stanislaus National Forest comprises long, nearly continuous rapids and only short pools. Among “The Creek’s” unparalleled array of chutes, holes, ledges and falls, amidst gigantic boulders are Jawbone, Mushroom, Miracle Mile, Lewis’ Leap and Flat Rock Falls. When you reach the bottom of a Cherry Creek rapid, you'll look back upstream exhilarated, and wish you could hike back up and do it again. HERE IS THE MOST AWESOME OPPORTUNITY to whitewater raft the ultimate Class V River – Cherry Creek/Upper Tuolumne. SIERRA MAC WILL LEAD us on this one day adventure. To learn more about Sierra Mac, visit its website at - http://www.sierramac.com/. Most if not all questions are answered on the website. Please visit the website before asking questions. ITINERARY: The date of the trip is Saturday, July 18, 2009. I was not able to reserve a group site. So, I reserved a site for the six people that RSVPed that they want to camp. This includes David, Amber, Valerie, Mark, JB, and me. Since no one else RSVPed, I am assuming that you are finding your own accommodations both Friday and Saturday nights. For the six of us, we’re staying at the Yosemite Pines RV Resort. Driving Directions From the Bay Area: Follow Hwy-120 East to Groveland. Continue 1/2 mile East of Groveland on Hwy-120 and then turn right onto Old Hwy-120. Follow Old Hwy-120 for 1 mile. You will see Yosemite Pines RV Park and Campground on the left. CONSIDERATIONS: This trip is for serious boaters only. A training seminar is required and included at the beginning of the trip. HERE'S A VIDEO of Cherry Creek/Upper Tuolumne to give you a better idea of what you're in for - http://www.sierramac.com/videos.shtml COST: The cost of the trip is $290. There’s a 5% discount if we get 6 people, and a 10% discount if we get 12 people. You do not pay me. You have to call Sierra Mac and pay them directly. A deposit of $100 is required, and the remainder is due 45 days prior to the trip. In sum, call Sierra Mac to reserve your spot, tell them you’re with Josh Borger's group, and then put in your RSVP that you’ve paid the deposit. PRICES INCLUDE: Each trip includes an energy breakfast. Wet suit, helmet and flotation vest fitting is followed by an extensive two hour white water seminar which includes training in swiftwater swimming, navigation and safety techniques. If, in Sierra Mac's opinion, you are not ready for this rigorous experience following the training seminar, you will be asked to return to the shuttle van. (In this case you will receive a 50% refund.). Sierra Mac provides helmets in addition to white water flotation vests for Class V passengers. Wet suits are provided, or you may provide your own. High energy snacks and drinks are provided during the trip with a delicious meal at trip’s end. WHAT TO WEAR: Wet suit (mandatory, supplied by Sierra Mac) Shorts and/or swimsuit under wet suit T-shirt Tennis shoes (sandals do not protect your feet) Ball cap Sunglasses (with tie-on) ADDITIONAL COOL WEATHER RIVER ATTIRE: Wool, silk or synthetic layer under wet suit Rubber splash jacket (provided by SMRT) Wool or neoprene socks Wool hat or ball cap TO SIGN UP/RESERVE YOUR SPOT: contact Marty McDonnell at 800.457.2580, or email Sierra Mac at catalog@sierramac.com. Please let him you're with Josh Borger's group in order to potentially get the discount. CANCELLATION POLICY: $50 per person of your payment is non-refundable. The balance will be refunded provided that written cancellation is received in Sierra Mac's office at least 45 days prior to the trip. No refund will be made after this date unless Sierra Mac resells your space or you find a substitute. Occasionally Sierra Mac may be forced to cancel trips due to unusual weather conditions, major storms or insufficient reservations. In these cases you receive a full refund. DIRECTIONS: To rafting meeting point on Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m. at LA CASA LOMA RIVER STORE, 24000 Casa Loma Road, Groveland, CA 95321. We meet at La Casa Loma River Store, 7 miles east of Groveland on Highway 120. Turn left on Ferretti Road. This is the second Ferretti Road option, 7 miles east of Groveland on Highway 120– NOT the Ferretti Road in the town of Groveland. Drive one block, turn left on Casa Loma Road, and park to the left of the road. The shuttle bus will meet you there, providing transportation to and from the river. Driving time to Groveland from the Bay Area is about 3 1/2 hours.