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Golden Gate Top Of The Hill Gang

Welcome to all Members and Visitors

If you are a visitor exploring membership - Welcome!
You can learn something about our club and activities on this page and by following the menu buttons at the upper left.

* The Benefits button will take you to details about the club. But in general, we are a group of mature (usually!) adults who ski and socialize together - skiing in the winter and enjoying non-ski events at other times. We ski California in the Lake Tahoe area and Mammoth. For other trips, many of our members affiliate with the 70 Plus Ski Club, a national group that sponsors weekly trips in the US, Canda and abroad. We include skiers of all abilities and some non-skiers who enjoy the non-ski events. Our membership is concentrated in Northern CA, especially the Bay Area, but with many in Sacramento and the Tahoe Area.

 * The 2026 Ski Calendar button will show you a summary of planned ski trips for the coming winter.

 * Some upcoming trips, as well as other non-ski activities can be seen by viewing the list on the right side of this page. 

* A sampling of some past events and photos can be seen in the lower areas of this page.

* A great way to get to know the club better is to join us for a ski trip or other event. Send us an email to "
info@GGTOTHG.org" and we'll get in touch to provide event details and help with arrangements. 

* For questions about Membership, contact us at "Membership@GGTOTHG.org".

* If you're ready to join the club, use the Membership Signup button to get it all done on-line. The annual fee is still only $35.

Questions? Use the Contact Us button to get in touch and we'll try to help.
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If you're already a member- this is the place to learn more about events, register, and stay in touch with other members. Most functions are available using the menu buttons at the upper left, or your personal account using the down-arrow next to your name above the menu. We encourage members to explore these menu buttons and account options.


Events - more information about events and registration is available by clicking on an event using either the Upcoming Events list on this page or the Event Calendar menu button. Generally you cannot register for an event until about 30 days beforehand, when most details have been confirmed. Check the forums for the latest information and changes.

* 70+ Club Ski Events - Registration for 70+ Club events must be done directly with that club using their website as listed on the event flyer. But please also register here to let other members know who’s attending.

Payments - Most payments for events or other needs can be made conveniently on-line with a credit card. Personal checks can also be used but will take longer to process by club volunteers.

News and Photos - These are always welcome after events and members are encouraged to send them to "PhotosAndStories@GGTOTHG.org". High-resolution photos are especially welcome.


Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events - See Calendar for More



FIOLI ESTATE AND GARDENS
JUNE 2025


It was a delightful day for 18 of us at the beautiful Filoli estate and followed by lunch and conversation at the mid-century decorated Buck's Restaurant in Woodside. Our excellent guide provided background on the features of the entertainment-centered house and the wonderfully diverse garden area of 17 acres. There were thousands of trees and plants of every shape, size, and origin, imaginable with pansies being planted that day. Visitors were seen sitting on a blanket with a sketch book to enjoy the beauty. A group of us sat under the cabana facing the swimming pool after the tour. It was a day to remember.
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2025 Fioli Gardens
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2025 Skiing



2025 SKI SEASON



The 2024-2025 ski season was a busy one for the club. We enjoyed three ski weeks in Lake Tahoe, spending most of our time skiing at Northstar. In January, we rented a large house and had one of the largest apres-ski parties in years. Other club members staying in different homes and rentals joined in. We skied in groups during the day and, as always, enjoyed lunch together.

Club members also joined our affiliated organization, The 70+ Club, to destinations including Canada, France, Italy, Utah, and Colorado.


2024 SKI SEASON

The word that most describes the 2024 ski season was FUN! The snow was good, but the camaraderie was even better. Several new members joined our skiing group. This was our first season to use our Ski Forum, making it easier to connect with other members to plan one or more ski days, other than our set ski weeks. We enjoyed several Tahoe trips, après ski gatherings and dinners to local restaurants. There was also a significant club presence at most of the 70+ Club trips. One of the highlights of the Snowmass/Aspen trip was celebrating the birthday of one of our members.

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2024 Skiing

Wetlands Bird Walk and AGM

Rusk



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2023-10 Am Canyn Bird Walk & AGM

Wetlands Bird Walk and Annual General Meeting

LJ & Mike – 10/5/2023


We were fortunate to have Mark Stevenson, head of the Napa-Sonoma chapter of the Audubon Society, as our guide on a beautiful sunny day on the bay at Wetlands Edge Park in American Canyon.


Before we left, Mark and his two helpers made sure everyone had binoculars and gave us a brief overview of what we could expect to see.  We had frequent stops along the way, as particular birds were sighted, and by use of apps on his phone, Mark could  show us close-up pictures of those birds.


We saw and were able to identify several birds that frequent our own backyards, as well as great flocks of migratory shore birds that stop in the area to feed on the rich mud flats of the bay.  We got to see a flock of White Pelicans, whose wingspan is only an inch shorter than the condor, fly right over us; and had a chance to watch Great Egrets feeding.


Our final stop on the edge of the bay was breathtaking, with sightings of thousands of feeding birds, as well as huge flocks, rising and landing as one.


Many thanks go to Mark for sharing his knowledge and experience so generously and to Betsy for putting this trip together!


We ended the day with a delicious lunch at the La Scala Italian restaurant and a quick meeting to reelect Mike and Klara and to hear reports from Don, Betsy, Tami, and Tony.


Muir Woods Adventure

Mike Rusk

 




On Tuesday morning July 18, twenty-two members met for a two-mile walk in Muir Woods followed by lunch at the Pelican Inn.

The weather was perfect and the crowd light. The main trail to the fourth bridge was an easy walk through the giant redwoods and along the creek. We had deep conversations and paused often to admire our surroundings.  We returned to the visitor center on the well-maintained hillside trail providing beautiful views of the creekside.

The Pelican Inn, only a few minutes away, has the look and feel of an old English Pub with wood interior and large tables.  The menu listed meat pies and fish & chips supplemented with typical California dishes.  There were many beer and ale options. The food was good and the talk lively.

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2023-07 Muir Woods Adventure


Tahoe Tallac Historic Site Garden Tour

Mike Rusk



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2022-07 Tallac Gardens Tour

On Monday July 18th, seventeen Gang members gathered in South Lake Tahoe.

At Tallac Historic Site, David Long led us on a wonderful walk around the gardens and buildings and along the edge of the lake.  He filled us in on the history of the buildings and families who owned the land.  He introduced us to the Victorian language of flowers with their unspoken messages as he pointed out the wild and ornamental flowers along the way.  This was a very popular summer vacation area for San Franciscans who could afford to travel by train and steamboat to stay in the hotels and cabins that lined the promenade. The walk also included the Taylor Marsh where we saw the recent work of a beaver.

The weather was perfect.  We enjoyed Dave's talk and chatting with each other.  Following the walk, we met at a local restaurant and ate lunch outside.  A big thanks to Dave for leading the walk and to Tami for organizing the day.


Tahoe East Shore Trail - Hike & Picnic - Aug 2021

8/3/2021


What fun!  A group of about 20 gang members and friends met in Incline Village on August 3rd to walk the Tahoe East Shore Trail.  Most of us walked to the overlook point where we rested in the shade before either walking on another half mile or turning around and heading back toward the restaurant for lunch.   The views of the lake were amazing, particularly from the bridge overlooking the rocky coastline.  There were lots of families out walking and biking along this beautiful stretch of new trail.



After the hike, we ate lunch at shaded picnic tables at Tunnel Creek Café sharing memories of travel, skiing, and life.  Thanks to Tami for putting this excursion together for all of us.  It takes time and effort to organize each outing.  Tami adds her thanks for all who came and made it a special day.

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2021-08 Tahoe East Shore Trail


China Camp Fishing Village Tour & Picnic

Liz Rusk - 6/22/2021


In late June, over 20 members of “the gang” went to China Camp State Park near San Rafael for an educational tour and a picnic lunch.  Our large group was divided into two groups, each with its own docent. 

The docents gave informative talks about the village and the Chinese shrimp fisherman who lived there while they showed us around the museum, the snack bar (complete with great posters) and the pier.  After the tour, we ate our picnic lunches gathered at small tables with a beautiful view of the Bay. It was wonderful to be together and share experiences from the last year.

 


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2021-06 China Camp Village


Sibley Volcanic Trail Hike & Picnic

Liz Rusk - 5/20/2021


 We could not have asked for a better day for our Sibley hike on May 20.  We met at Joe and Arnette Whitehouse’s gorgeous residence in the Oakland Hills. There were about 20 of us, and we were very excited to see each other.  Joe and Arnette were wonderful hosts, and everyone enjoyed a tour of their home.

During the hike, Joe explained the volcanic rock formations and flora.  The weather was perfect with a light breeze, and the views were spectacular. We finished the hike in about 1.5 hours and gathered back at Joe’s house to eat our sack lunches and Arnette’s delicious desserts.  It was a delightful outing that built our anticipation for additional exciting activities this summer and fall. 

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2021-05 Sibley Volcanic Trail