DECEMBER 1 (THURSDAY)
Waterfall and a New Moon. Night hike to the waterfall on the Mt. Rose trail.  Only if 2” or less snow on the ground, more cancels or changes destination.  Cold but moderate hike under the new moon and gorgeous stars.  All participants must have headlight, spare batteries and a second light.  Winter appropriate clothing, NO COTTON CLOTHING.  Appx. 5 miles round trip.  Trip limit 10, ND.  Leader: David Book (843-6443)

DECEMBER 3 (SATURDAY)
Leader’s Choice Day Hike.  Whatever weather mother nature brings our way, we’ll make the best of it, hiking to a scenic location somewhere in the Nevada desert.  Hike will be appx. 6-8 miles, 1,000’ gain possible. Learn about the flora, fauna or history of the area we visit.  DOK.  Moderate.  Leader: Holly Coughlin (331-7488)

DECEMBER 3 (SATURDAY)
Ice-Skating and Dinner.  Meet at the new outdoor Downtown Ice-Skating Rink at 5:30 p.m. for skating, followed by dinner after 7 p.m.  The Downtown Ice Rink is located at the former Mapes Hotel site at the corner of First Street and Virginia Street in downtown Reno.  Admission is $5 plus $2 for skate rental if you don’t have your own skates.  After 7 p.m., we’ll go out for dinner at the Contrada Café in the Siena Hotel and Casino, which is right across the street from the ice-rink.  This coffee shop has good food at reasonable prices.  Leader: Richard Arbib (685-2600)

DECEMBER 10 (SATURDAY)
Ski/Snowshoe Outing.  Assuming there is adequate snow we will do an easy intermediate trip geared to the participants somewhere in the Tahoe Meadows area.  Backcountry ski instruction provided if desired.  Snowshoers may also come along.  Storm cancels.  Call for details.  Leader:  Jackie Stroud (267-9522 or jtbear3@msn.com)

DECEMBER 10 (SATURDAY)
Carson River Railroads near Mound House.  Hike along scenic Carson River Canyon; learn about the railroads of the Comstock era.  Portions of hike are cross country.  Four wheel drive vehicles necessary.  Vehicle shuttle necessary.  Appx. 12 miles, less than 1,000’ gain.  ND.  Moderate. Leader: T A Taro (530-2935).

DECEMBER 17 (SATURDAY)
Leader’s Choice.  Dependant on weather and snow conditions, we will hike an area near Reno.  Focus will be on a conservation issue.  Call for details within a week.  Moderate.  Appx. 8-10 miles, under 2,000’ elevation gain.  DL.  Leader: David von Seggern (323-4835), Co-Leader: Dorothy Hudig (hudig@med.unr.edu).

DECEMBER 17 (SATURDAY)
Great Basin Group Annual Holiday Party.  Mark your calendar for one of our best holiday social events.  We have reserved the building at Horseman’s Park near the top of Skyline Dr. Take Skyline to Pioneer.  The party is at 2800 Pioneer.  We’ll put some red and green balloons out to help.  The party begins at 6:30 p.m.  Bring a festive dish to share and B.Y.O.B.  We will have complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, and all tableware, along with holiday decorations and music.  Optional gift exchange for fun.  Bring a wrapped gift $10 or under and see what happens!  Also, a Baked Dessert Contest.  Bring your best dessert to be judged and then consumed by our guests.  A short awards ceremony, including the Tin Cup Award, will follow our holiday dinner.  If you would like to help with setup or cleanup, please call Holly (331-7488).

DECEMBER 19 (MONDAY)
Outings Meeting.  All members welcome to join us as we plan outings for February-March.  If you have a favorite hike, snowshoe, bike ride, or easy urban walk share your ideas and watch them evolve into an outing.  Bring a pot-luck dish to share.  All beverages and tableware provided.  Meeting begins around 6:30 at Holly’s home in east Sparks.  Call Holly (331-7488) for directions or other information.

DECEMBER 26 (MONDAY)
Churchill Butte near Silver Springs.  Overviews of the Carson River, route of the Pony Express Trail, emigrant wagon routes, Fort Churchill plus ancient and modern Lake Lahontan.  Some portions are off trail.  Learn some history of the area.  ND.  Moderately strenuous.  Appx. 10 miles, 2,800’ elevation gain.  Leader: T A Taro (530-2935).