High Sierra Trek to Winnemucca Lake

Trailhead for our 6 mile trek to Winnemucca Lake

 There were many options for Day 5 at the Wilkin Reunion. Norman has listed a description of trails around the area, we chose a 6 mile roundtrip, moderate trail through high Sierra meadows, glaciated granitic boulders with my purpose to make it to Winnemucca Lake (and back). But once there, my objective was to eat green grapes at Winnemucca Lake. Let's go!

A migrating California Tortoise Shell butterfly
pausing to collect minerals on the shore of
Frog Lake.

It was a 40 minute drive to Carson Pass, the trailhead for our hike, which coincided with the famous Pacific Crest Trail that arduous 'through-hikers' walk from the Mexican border to the Canadian border.

Once we set one foot in front of the other on our trail, we were amazed to be in the migratory path of thousands upon thousands of California Tortoise Shell butterflies who ripped past us a great speed, heading south.

As flatlanders, we took it at our own easy pace. Stopping to examine the mineralogy of the granitic boulders on our mountain trail.

Mark on the PCT

We exchange observation with a birding couple packing in for one night

Vista across a high Sierra meadow

Indian Paintbrush blooms between granite slabs

High Sierra mountain meadow

We climbed to Winnemucca Lake, elevation 8,980 feet. We gained about 500' in 2.5 miles. I was pleased that an often sedentary 68 year old still had the lungs and legs to do this trek. Victory!

Wife at Winnemucca Lake

My goal for the day: Eat green grapes at Winnemucca Lake.

Green grape at the ready.

Set.

Go!

Mission accomplished!

Enjoy the journey.

***

Sue and I meet up with Maz, a PCT hiker who has done 400 miles.

We were almost back to the parking lot at Carson Pass Trailhead, when we met Maz, a hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail. He is planning on completing the whole PCT in sections, having already walked 400 miles through California when we met Maz.

He asked us if per chance, we might be heading toward South Lake Tahoe. I told him we were indeed planning to go that direction.

He asked, somewhat tentatively, if he could hitch a ride into town with us.

My mom always told me that if you stop and pick up hitchhikers, you never know what these strangers will do to you. So I told him, "yes, we'd be glad to give him a lift." 

He was so relieved, he had never asked for a ride before and was glad it turned out to be this easy. Maz is from Seattle and teaches computer programming at a Preparatory School. 

Maz had reservations a PCT Hiker's Hostel near the Nevada State Line. I told him we'd deliver him to his targeted doorstep.

He asked what our plans were for the day. I told him we'd just hiked 6 miles and I thought we earned a reward. I had some ice cream concoction in mind. I said, "My six miles to your 400 miles, I'll be happy to treat you too."

We found the creatively named, Lakeview Creamery in town and I ordered a root beer float. Maz ordered a double scoop waffle cone and insisted he pay for all three of us. I accepted.

Just like mom always said, "If you stop and pick up a strange, smelly hitchhiker, you never know what they'll do to you."

Mom was right, our PCT hitchhiker bought us ice cream. You just never know.

Enjoy the journey.

Wilkin Family Reunion: Day 6, The Sun Sets on a Wonderful Week

 The fortunate few were we who were able to stick around for a pizza party on our last night together in South Lake Tahoe.

Natali suggested that after pizza, we head for the pier on the Valhalla Estate, an erstwhile glitzy home of a well-healed tycoon that now belongs to the State of California and is free. 

Natali guaranteed a spectacular sunset for our last night at the lake. Enough said. Natali is true to her word, and I have photo evidence to prove her absolutely right.

There was a private wedding happening in our sunset observing spot. We acted like we belonged there, and slipped past the gals in strapless gowns and I don't think anyone noticed us at all.

Norman, Natali, Sue and Carl
on Valhalla Beach

Our boisterous party had to slip past a private wedding party at Valhalla.
We took a long walk around the wedding event to a short pier.

Melonie Maher photographs the photographer

Melonie and a friend prepare for an evening swim at Valhalla

Melonie in the sunset waters of Lake Tahoe

Cousin Carl waits for the sky to gives us a farewell show

Natali was our perfect hostess. As promised, she delivered a beautiful Tahoe farewell. We enjoy every single moment. What a wonderful Wilkin family.

...and the texting chatter over our cell phones came the echoing sentiment, Long live the Wilkin clan!

Wilkin Family Reunion: Day 6, Hospitality & Comfort

 The Wilkin Reunion was in a wind-down phase by Day 6. Many had other obligations back in the real world and had said their goodbyes. Those that remained were continued to be treated with the most gracious hospitality of Natali Maher. The good time continued under the shadow of Mount Tallac.

Carl Haack, an avid fly fisherman, give cousin Norman Maher
a few suggestions for the proper fly to use in each situation. 
Guaranteed to land the large trout. 

Mixologist Carl inventing the 'Tahoe Sunset' cocktail
In Natali's kitchen as his son Wes (L) and partner Luka help out.

Hospitality and comfort aplenty on the deck with Norman and Natali

Wilkin Family Reunion: Day 4, A Visit with Margie and Norm

 Of concern in the midst of all the reunion activity was the well-being of my Aunt Margie, who found the thinner air at an elevation above 6,200' to be unconducive to her getting about. Her four children and the grandchildren present alternated in visiting 'Mima' in the hospital as she awaited a portable oxygen to be delivered.

Once Aunt Margie was released, she stayed in her vacation home, attended to by her family. While some of the family was out on a lake cruise, we extended family took the opportunity to pay a call on Aunt Margie and Uncle Norm.

It was joyous occasion to visit and remember some good times. Aunt Margie has given me some memorable gifts over the years; for Christmas, 1962, I got a green and white wool cap with a pompom on top, which was shipped from Morocco, where Uncle Norm was stationed with the US Navy. I also got a piece of smoky quartz that year. I still have both of those gifts from Aunt Margie when I was in kindergarten.

Grant Maher shares a piece of family lore with Uncle Norm

Sue and Aunt Margie swap tales as Grant and Norman listen in.

Norman and Natali enjoy an early afternoon on the porch with Uncle Norm and Aunt Margie

Wilkin Family Reunion: Day 3, Beach Day

Wilkin Family Reunion, Day 3.

I'll confess, I am not a 'beach person'. What's the point? Pick a spot between strangers, stake out some territory with a beach towel and lay down in the hot sun. Wait a little while and get skin cancer.

Many in the family were headed for Pope Beach on the shore of Lake Tahoe. It is a fun family and a delight to get to know them more, so personal preferences be damned. This pasty white boy loaded up with sun screen [Lake Tahoe elevation 6,248'] and joined the party. It was a great day at the beach.

There were interesting people to whom I am some how kin to them. The water was cool and refreshing. I swam out into the lake. Norman brough a sea kayak, so Sue and I went for a paddle along the shore together. The water felt so good, I took a second swim into the lake. This was the best beach day.

Natalie and El Hadj launch into the waters of Lake Tahoe 
with an assist from Warren and Norman

newly engaged couple Emmy and Steph hang on the shady shore
of Pope Beach with Sue

Carl's son Andrew arrives from Sacramento,
visits with El Hadj and Saydi

Warren, Norman, Natali, Dan with partner Katie Occhipinti

Norman and Natali give a master class in synchronized kayak paddling

Carolyn comes ashore on the paddle board

 

Wilkin Family Reunion: Day 1 High Country Crawfish Boil

 Where to begin?

Over a year in the planning. Natalie Diongue and her Uncle Carl Haack hatched a plan for The Wilkin Family Reunion at Lake Tahoe for the summer of 2026. 

What a great idea. 

What a monumental undertaking. 

What fantastic fun!

By my count, 36 people related by birth or marriage or fond association to the three Wilkin Sisters; June, Mary Lu and Margie, gathered for a week of meals, swapping stories, meeting and reacquainting, lakeshore activities, hiking and all around great fun centered around the home of Norman and Natali Maher in South Lake Tahoe, California.

The opening round for all gathered at the Maher home was a fantastic feast billed as the High Country Crawfish Boil. Ever the wilderness foraging provider, Norman had set his crayfish traps in a couple of lakes and reaped a bountiful harvest of 'mudbugs' or, in this case 'granite bugs', lifted from the sandy sediments of the High Sierras. There were sausages, taters, corn and Natali's tasty dipping sauces and home baked French bread beside the optional hamburger. Impressive and satisfying.

Buckets of boiled crawdads, plenty of fixin's as the clans
of Mahers, Haacks, Occhipintis and Sunesons gather under ideal weather
on Norman and Natali's deck, South Lake Tahoe.

13 out of the total of 36 Wilkin Reunion folks.
Warren, Carl, Carolyn, Cindy, Natali Maher, Steph, Bryon, El Hadj, Daba, Natalie Diongue, Saydi, Emmy, Sue 

Everyone in their Spirit Wear - Wilkin Family T-Shirts
Warren, Carl, Carolyn, Cindy, Natali, Steph & Bryon

More group photos
Natali, Steph, Bryon, El Hadj, Daba (4), Natalie, Saydi (2), Emmy 

El Hadj with daughter Daba, wife Natalie, son Saydi, Emmy (Steph's fiancé), Sue, Ruby & Alex

Many Mahers.
Warren, daughter Wila, wife Cheri, daughter-in-law Effie, Jenny (Effie's mother visiting from Taiwan -behind) and Norman Maher

Honored patriarch, my Uncle Norm Haack, flanked by newly engaged couple
Emmy and Steph (Norm's grandchild)

Bryon Ing looks for the photo drone
while wife Cindy and Steph pose

Our Hostess with the Mostest, Natali Maher
Welcomes my cousin Carl Haack & my wife Sue
to the Maher South Lake Tahoe chalet 

Beau & Ruby watch their father Alex fish for the  
most fascinating dinner item of all time -
a live crayfish.
Crawdad hunter extraordinaire, Norman Maher grins 
as daughter Lana grabs a mudbug. 

Little Beau Occhipinti dares to get close to the roiling pot
of crawdads.

Lana Maher gets a two-for. One big crawdad, one little crawdad.
Into the hot tub these dudes will soon go. Umm.

Carl Haack, Cherie [Maher] Martchenke, Carolyn Occhipinti gather
in Natali's kitchen with the smell of her fresh baked French bread. More yum.

Cherie Martchenke and brother-in-law Grant Maher

Large family feast on the veranda

Carolyn Occhipinti, Cindy Ing and Steph

Needless to say, the Wilkin Sisters Family Reunion goth off to a superb start. With thanks to Natalie and Carl for the concept and the organization to make it all come together. With additional thanks to Natali and Norman Maher for their comfort home, deck and patio, foraging skills and hosting aplomb to make everyone feel more than welcome into the family.

And it gets even better as the days go on!