Weekend Sherpa

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04.12.07

Sherpa Gone Wild

You say you're in charge of your friend's prewedding plans? Or maybe you're just looking for a good group adventure. Take it outside.

whitewater raft american river

All American

“Forward paddle! Back paddle! High side!” Nothing bonds a group like plunging down Class III whitewater. Try rafting the South Fork of the American River. It’s the perfect combination of adrenaline-pumping rapids and downtime opportunities for water fights and riverside lounging. Our recommendation: Divide the 20-mile-long stretch into two 10-mile days. You'll tackle those friendly rapids: Meat Grinder, Troublemaker, and Satan's Cesspool. And at night, after a fireside feast, you’ll be camping with your friends on a bank by the river, swapping stories under the stars. Happy whitewater dreams.

BONUS: Looking for a little more bump and grind? Run the Middle Fork of the American River and brave the Tunnel Chute rapid, a 15-foot-wide slide that shoots you through a rock tunnel.

A variety of companies offer trips on the American. Check out nonprofit ARTA, which organizes excursions on both the South and the Middle Forks: 800-323-2782.

Activity
Water, Overnights
Region
Points Beyond
Old Schoolhouse Point Reyes

Old School

For a party mix of wild, wide-open country and fine artistic refinements, we have just the place: the Old Point Reyes Schoolhouse Compound. Located on a five-acre hilltop a few minutes’ walk from charming Point Reyes Station, this retreat offers several eclectic accommodations nestled amid coastal beauty. Bring four of your best friends and stay in the Old Schoolhouse creatively restored by the owners, a tapestry maker and a carpenter, with abundant artistic touches such as stained glass (courtesy of a friend in Inverness). Or if you have a larger group, rent Gray's Retreat and the Barn Loft (pictured). You can simply relax and revel in the solitude and scenery or go out and explore: kayaking with Blue Waters on serene Tomales Bay, horseback riding with Five Brooks Ranch, or winetasting at the nearby Point Reyes Vineyards. For dinner, wander into town for a feast of Tomales Bay oysters and local organic veggies at the lively Station House Café. And since there’s no designated driver needed, you can order that fourth bottle of Chardonnay. At this Old Schoolhouse, every day is recess.

The Old Schoolhouse is $385 per night and sleeps up to five. For larger groups, Gray’s Retreat and the Barn Loft can accommodate up to nine people; cost is $505: 415-663-1166. Blue Waters Kayaking: 415-669-2600. Five Brooks Ranch: 415-663-1570. The Station House Cafe: 415-663-1515. Point Reyes Vineyards: 415-663-1011.

Activity
Relax, Overnights
Region
North Bay
Lovely Martha

The Lovely Martha

Test your deep-sea mettle on a salmon safari aboard the good ship Lovely Martha. Captained for 35 years by San Franciscan Frank Rescino, Lovely Martha is considered by the Coast Guard to be one of the finest wooden boats on the West Coast. The ship was built in 1959 and has enjoyed some serious upgrades without shedding its true sea ways. Crafted in oak and mahogany, it travels anywhere the salmon do: under the Golden Gate Bridge, near the Farallon Islands, all around Point Reyes. The old-new Martha is equipped with some of the finest salmon-tracking technology around, so all you have to do is bring the brews, the food, and a seaworthy attitude. Oh yeah, and show up by 5 a.m. This lovely lady freshens up and departs the wharf by 5:30 a.m. sharp--keeping your bait on the hook for a few solid hours of trolling and mooching, and increasing your odds of catching a fat Chinook or King salmon for your barbecue feast later. As the captain says, all you’ll need is to get lucky.

Cost: $85 per person for the open-load Party Boat, or charter Martha for $1,745 for you and up to 29 of your closest friends: 650-871-1691. www.lovelymartha.com

Activity
Water, Relax
Region
San Francisco

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