Skip to main content

Golden Gate Top Of The Hill Gang
⛷   🚵🏻‍♀️   🏂   😃   🥂


Welcome to all Members and Visitors

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

* The club Benefits button will take you to a more detailed description of the club.
* The 2024 GG Ski Calendar button will show you a summary of available ski trips for the coming winter.
* These events, as well as other non-ski activities can also be seen using the Events Calendar button or viewing a list of some Upcoming Events 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 $35.
* Questions? Use the Contact Us button to get in touch and we'll try to help.


If you're already a member - this is the place to learn more about events, register, and conduct club business. 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 Event Calendar button or the Upcoming Events list on this page. 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. You must also be a member. The annual fee remains at $15.

* 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

Wetlands Bird Walk and AGM

Rusk



Slideshow
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.

Slideshow
2023-07 Muir Woods Adventure


Tahoe Tallac Historic Site Garden Tour

Mike Rusk



Slideshow
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.


San Franciso Coastal Trail Walk

5/31/2022














Slideshow
2022-05 SF Coastal Trail Walk

Glorious sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and spectacular views of our namesake bridge highlighted the Gang’s May event. Sixteen of us met at the Land's End Lookout Visitor Center in San Francisco and walked the Coastal Trail to Baker Beach. The million-dollar views were matched by the massive houses on Camino del Mar, many of which were undergoing renovation. We lunched and snacked before and after the walk. It was great to connect with friends.






Annual General Meeting, Lunch & Murals 2021


The Annual General Meeting for 2021 was held at the Rio City Diner overlooking the river in Sacramento. This was followed by lunch and an afternoon socializing with friends and seeing a visual treat, the stunning murals in downtown Sacramento. Our thanks to Don and Tami for organizing this event.

 

The business meeting was short and sweet.  We elected officers and heard reports from Don on finance, Betsy on membership, Tami on non-ski activities, and Tony on ski-activities.  Don gave a heartfelt reminder to the group about Roger’s accomplishments as President of the club and specifically establishing our website. There was plenty of time to enjoy our view of the river, savor lunch and share stories.

 

After the meeting, Tami and her friend Judy each led a group on a walking tour of a score of murals in the R Street neighborhood. The area has become a street arts center featuring a broad selection of public murals representing many artists, styles, and subjects.  The walk was followed by another opportunity to socialize over drinks and desserts in a nearby café.


Slideshow
2021 Annual General Meeting


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.

Slideshow
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.

 


Slideshow
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. 

Insert
Slideshow
2021-05 Sibley Volcanic Trail


Slideshow
Kayak trip 2020

NAPA KAYAK TRIP 2020


Well I think the photographs speak for themselves. Those taking partially had a lot of fun.  WE really thought this was not to be as our first date for the trip landed right in the middle of the awful fires. The trip had to be cancelled twice because of the atrocious air quality.our warriors and Tamie were not to be outdone and eventually successful and they reported a wonderful dyad distancing rules were obeyed. It was a welcome relief to all to not be cooped up at home on at least one day.
Thank you so much Tamie for your perseverance in getting this trip of the ground and making it enjoyable for all. Hopefully next year we can repeat it in better times when more people feel they can take part .

Tai Chi Classes July 2020

Screen_Shot_2020-07-02_at_11.04.10_AM_1578450154.png

The pandemic made us look at a way of getting together and do something to keep us fit and active virtually on Zoom. So, Penny and Robert offered Tal chi classes for club members. What a great idea. Well we have just about completed our Tai Chi classes for now. We have promised to continue with what we have learned so that we can emerge from this pandemic fit and happy. THANKS VERY MUCH TO OUR TWO EXCELLENT TEACHERS.
Hopefully we will soon be allowed out to see each other and set about doing some of the wonderful activities set up by Tamie before lock down


Utah Ski Trip Feb 2020


Several members of the gang took a trip to Utah again this year by joining with the 70+Ski Club. The Skiing was very good as were the after-ski activities mostly in the form of eating and drinking and much conviviality as you can see from the photos above. One such dinner turned into a Dinner Dance enjoyed by everyone. 

 

One gentleman joined with the group was 102 years old, skiing downhill and dancing at the dinner. Now there is a challenge for everybody reading this. Will you be doing that in 30 -50 years from now??

 

Despite everything the ski season was very good, if a bit truncated. 


Slideshow
Utah Trip 2020


 

 

 

 



Slideshow
Skiing 2020

Skiing January 2020. 

Well the season has got off to a good start in the second week of January at Lake Tahoe at both NorthStar and Heavenly, with at least one person needing new boots.

There is another Tahoe trip planned for later in January. See upcoming events or tap on the green   Events Calendar” tab, for more info. 

Some of us are off to Europe for a 13 day trip to Paradiski - France and Geneva - Switzerland in the middle of the month. 

Watch this site for more trips to Tahoe, Mammoth, Lake Louise in Canada.




2019 Annual meeting and Dinner

We had our Annual Dinner and Meeting at the Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville. The food was great and the company even more so. 

Brief Reports from the board were given
 

This was followed by Election of 2 of the 4 Officers who serve for the next 2 years.

Mike Rusk was elected as Vice President and Don Magdanz as Treasurer.

Next year we will elect a President and Secretary each for 2 years.

Roger Avery announced that after 6 years, he is not running as P
resident. It is time for someone new. He is willing to stay on the Board as Web Master if the Board wants him to. 

I hope that everyone had a great Holiday Season, and we look forward to great New Year for everyone.

Roger Avery


Slideshow
aAnnual Dinner

 



Slideshow
Buttes Hike 2

 

Our club has once again gone out for a really lovely day trip this time to the Sutter Buttes. Just in case you do not know about this area, it is known as The Smallest Mountain Range In The World’, as it is only approximately 10 miles in Diameter. It is just west of Sacramento

We were taken on a guided interpretive tour by two members of the” Middle Mountain Foundation”. These hikes are not easily available as they are within the property of surrounding farms. They are only available with guides who are a mine of information. They led us around safely and gave us much information on the trees, animals, birds and trees of the area. We also found out about the indigenous people who used to come to  commune with nature, collect their food in the form of acorns for flour making, and other cultural activities. We saw the stones thrown up during the formation of the Buttes which are now home to about 100 different types of lichen giving a wealth of information to researchers. We had a picnic lunch under the trees and at the close of the hike we went to the Ranch House Restaurant in Yuba City. It was a very enjoyable day thanks to our guides

For more information on guided hikes in this area see the Middle mountain Foundation Website

Another Great day out with our Club

This time 18 of us went to the LICK observatory on Mt Hamilton in San Jose. This was the first mountain top observatory and it was builtin 1888and is still in use. The road up to it was an adventure in itself. It was incredible windy, as it was made originally as a dirt road for the donkeys to haul the supplies up the hill to 4200 feet The views from the top were immense and very wonderful as the day allowed us to see for miles The LICK is an important Scientific research institution, run by the University of  California. 

We were taken around, on a private tour of the facility, by Gail, one of the incredible researchers at the institute.   She gave us the history of the place and much information about the research going on there. She told us of the community living there and how it is still changing. There used to be a school up there but is not needed at present as the children there are not yet of school age. She told us that they have staff members whose job it is to watch for airplanes when Laser Beams are being projected into space for research purposes. We saw the original Dome and learnt of many of the technological achievements, including looking for new planets outside our solar system. It sure was fascinating stuff. It was incredible to walk inside the Domes and learn how these telescopes worked and what they were looking at. There is also a museum on site and the public are welcome 

We finished of the day with a barbecue at a member’s home. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we once again thank Tami and Norma for organizing such a wonderful day for us. 

Rose Marie Avery. 


Slideshow
LIK Observatory

 


Slideshow
Chefs Day out with Joy

COOKING WITH JOY 

This year after a pretty successful ski season we  had our first post season event. It was made great  thanks to Joy. 

Joy is a chef and she welcomed us into her lovely home as  Sous chefs for a Kitchen adventure. There were about 20 of us in her kitchen all wearing our aprons and ready to go .She had set up preparation stations for us with recipes and ingredients in front of us.  We all had a go at making a small part of each of the many dishes that were going towards the party food. It was very well organized with each of us spending 15 mins at each station. One person kept the time and sounded the end of each 15 mins.  Joy kept an eye on us all and gave us tutorials on how to do things efficiently and easily. We all had such fun with the occasional glass of wine too, smoothing the way to a great day.Guess what, we all learnt something from Joy that day, and will hopefully be able to put the many tips into practice. A number of men joined the ladies as Sous-chefs. Those that had no interest in cooking stayed at the Belew house during the preparation time, nattering and playing Pool .

After all this we went out around the pool and had a brilliant party. This time all the men joined in


Thank you so much Joy and Tami for organizing such a really enjoyable day, and thanks to all the others  who helped make everything run so smoothly.


Our next summer event is to the Lik Observatory  outside San Jose. It is scheduled for July 18th , (date not yet finalized) and will be followed by a barbecue. So look out for the information in the events section of this screen.


Rose Marie Avery

Ski Season; January - April 2019

We have had a pretty busy ski season despite some poor weather . Several trips to Tahoe  were made, visiting both Northstar and Heavenly, in January February and March.

There also were, two 2 trips further afield in the US, to Big sky Montana, Utah and Mammoth.

Some members went abroad taking a trip to Jan Val Gardena in Italy with a pre trip to Lisbon Portugal. 
There is one more trip planned to Tahoe at the beginning of March and into April.

Everyone reported having a good time on these trips although one in Tahoe was subject to such snow and wind  in California that it caused the mountain to be closed. This cut most people’s trip short. However it did not put our members off from going on any trip that weather permitted. 

As you can see one of the photos, shows how deep the snow was  and another shows how much one of our members was having a good time with  large plates of food . The second plate was not his but it certainly looks from the photo that it might have been.

All the trips were well attended and the participants got together for lunch and dinner/party time each day. California welcomes the rain and snow,  as it has ended our drought but wish the Torrents / Falls came down on non ski days.


We are now looking to our summer event that both skiers and non skiers participate in. They are being planned as I write so keep an eye on the right upper part of this screen for that news. 


Slideshow
Tahoe Jan 2019

 


Slideshow
 Tahoe Jan 20

Great start to the 2019 Ski Season.

We had two groups. The first started the week on January 6th in Northstar and reported a good time and pretty good skiing conditions. Our second group started their trip on Tuesday January 8th  at Heavenly and were joined by a good number of the North star skiers. They of course started their evening with Dinner at the Blue Angel Restaurant.

The next day they found that the Heavenly Gondola was closed. Not to be daunted, the group went to gain the mountain by Tram on the California side or by chair lift to the Nevada side from Stage coach.They reported the snow was good but the visibility not so good.

The evening was dinner at the Lake Side Inn. The next day the Gondola was opened so they could ski both the California or the Nevada side or in fact both sides, if they chose to. However this did lead to temporarily lost skis and one lost boot which was not found.


Of course the evening had to have a party to celebrate  the opening of our ski season. Thank you Patricia and Leon for opening your home and providing such good and yummy things for the party  It was definitely very much  appreciated by the approximately 30 people that attended.


Rose Marie Avery

 


Slideshow
Delta boat trip august

Delta Boat Trip

I am sorry for not including these photographs earlier. Thank you Barry for sending them to me. As you can see from the photos above everyone was enjoying a lazy hazy day of summer on the Delta boat trip- good eats and drinks, good company and great surrounding
Thank you Joe and Arnette Whitehouse for graciously hosting this lovely party on your House Boat. it was greatly enjoyed
Santa Rosa tour of Luther Burbank House and Gardens and the Charles Schulz Museum

What a lovely day we had in Santa Rosa. We toured the Luther Burbank Gardens and learned how important he was to Californian Agriculture with his multiple experiments of grafting and seeding and enquiry. He spent his whole life looking for different and  improved plants to grow in our fertile soil. 

Men and women are still experimenting and carrying on his legacy in these gardens. 


We then toured his house and learned about his life and how he and his wife lived.


Our lunch, enjoyed by all, was at an unexpected place at the 
Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, Sky Lounge.
In the
afternoon we  visited the Charles Schulz Memorial Museum. This brought back lots of memories for our group and it was quite amazing how prolific he was. Our Docent was a friend of his and was able to give great insight as to what made this man tick.

Thanks once again to Norma and Tami for their research and organization which gave us all such a splendid day out.

Rose Marie Avery


Slideshow
Santa Rosa Trip

 


Slideshow
San Quentin outing

Tour of San Quentin Prison

This outing was amazingly interesting, informative and  often emotional.  7or 8 prisoners volunteered to talk with us . They were extremely forthcoming about their reasons for incarceration. They spoke to us about their life at San Quentin and how they were taking advantage of the many programs offered them with a view to easing them back into normal life on release.  

They stayed with us during the tour of the facility, generously answering all our questions. We saw where the prisoners produced the prison newspaper. It was very professional in every way and was produced once a month.  

The prisoners also produce a pod cast called earhustle. It won an international contest in 2016 from 1500 entrants. We also saw the recreation Quad, the prisoners cells ,the hospital and  the prison ER,  the prisoner made murals and the old very dark dungeons from the 1800s.lastly we saw the execution chamber.  All our very many questions were answered.

The cages you see above of some of our members in cages are used for the prisoners during group therapy. What looked like a very non therapeutic situation  is in fact well thought out. By doing this the prisoner are  safe and can speak freely as no prison guards have to be present and other prisoners cannot become violent towards another. The Therapist is also safe. 

We spent about 4 hours on this tour which kept our interest all the time. 

Thank you Don, Tami and Norma for arranging this excellent tour.

If you want more information about the 
podcast you can find it at www.earhustles.com

Rose Marie Avery

Presidio Walk and Artificial Intelligence Talk 

Well we got off to a good start for our Non- ski season activities. 

Our third outing of the this season was a resounding success. A wonderful walk around the Presidio in San Francisco was led  by John Maerzke. We walked about four miles and really enjoyed the wonderful paths,forest,views of the Bay, and Coastal bluffs, and Andy Goldsworthy's Natural Art. Of course we started our outing with food at the Presidio Cafe. 

After the walk we went to Penny and Eds Home for Happy Hour and very substantial appetizers organized by Joy Crist. 

When we were replete Ed Feighenbaum treated us to a fascinating lecture on "What is artificial intelligence. " He then gave generously of his time answering our numerous questions with humor and patience.  I believe we came away with a greater insight and admiration for some one who can make this subject so interesting.

Thank you John Maerzke, Penny Nii,Ed Feighenbaum, Joy Reed  for a great day, and of course Tami Belew  and Norma Dillon and Don Magdens, for doing the overall organization. We also thank all those who helped set up our evening drinks and sumptuous repast 

Rose Marie Avery

Slideshow
Presidio walk,A.I. lecture May 2018

 


Slideshow
Benecia Outing

Outing to The Benicia Ghost Walk and House Tour  

Well we got of to a good start for our Non- ski season activities. 

A number of  us met  at the Lindsay Art Glass Studio in Benicia and watched a demonstration in Glass blowing. The blower had one piece that broke but that is par for the course when such a delicate piece is being produced.We then were taken through the Old  State  Capitol mansion. This had served as the state capital for 13 months in 1853-1854. It was very interesting indeed.

We all then sat down for a good dinner with the usual conviviality and enjoyment.   Later in the evening most of us joined "The fun Ghost Walk in Benicia" . It was led by Paranormal investigators telling us spooky tales
 of the paranormal history of Benicia.  It was interactive and fun.
 
Rose Marie Avery

Ski Season 2018

We are  at the end of a busy ski season which was enjoyed by all who took part. There were 5 trips to Northstar and Heavenly at Tahoe. and also trips to Mammoth, Utah  and Japan. The Japan trip included time in Tokyo and time in the Japanese Alps at Hakuba Valley.

It was a successful. and enjoyable season.
Our thanks goes to Tony Suh's whose organization made it possible for us to join the 70 + organization  at both Utah and Japan and join  our LA sister ski  Club at Mammoth. This all added to the enjoyment and variety of our club events,

We are now looking forward to our Summer and  Fall events. Look to the Top right of this pagto see what has already been planned thanks to Tammi Beleuw and  Norma Dillon. There will be something planned for most months of the summer and fall season and we look forward to many participants taking part .  So keep looking there to see what is next and sign up or else you will miss a great time. 

Rose Marie Avery.


Slideshow
Snow Basin