You are invited to a bachelor party. We will have time to bond as men/boys and create memories for a lifetime as we camp and fish. My party will piggyback on the Men’s and Boy’s annual trip to the Walker River. Let me know if you have any questions.

Stream Fishermen's AssociationThe Men & Boys Trip

I never dreamed that this annual pilgrimage would end up being such an important tradition for so many men and boys over the past 33 years! I hope you are able to join us and to even invite some of your friends who will bring a boy to five days that are always guaranteed to change lives. Remember that you do not need to know how to trout fish. When I started this trip very few of us knew anything about fishing a stream or even camping. The real intent is to share the fellowship. You can come for one or all of the days. There will always be a space for your tent.

The 2009 DestinationWe are headed back to Levitt Meadows again. We have gone to this area for twenty-four of our trips. We camp along the Walker River that has always provided us with many more trout than we can eat each year. Stream conditions are always determined on the snow pack, but it is always spectacular fishing. Our destination is the eastern slope of the Sierras. We will be walking a stream, or hiking to a lake, or doing nothing at all each day with nightly fellowship around the campfires.

Directions To Levitt MeadowsFollow your Northern California map to Manteca - near Tracy and Stockton. Take Highway 120/108 all the way to Levitt Meadows. You will pass through Sonora, Strawberry, Kennedy Meadows and then go over Sonora Pass - the second highest pass in California. After you have descended from the summit you will pass by the Levitt Meadow Pack Station. About a 1/4 mile past the old general store area turn right into the campground. If you are coming north or south on 395, go west on 108 about five or six miles to the Levitt Meadow campground. There are only 16 campsites and it is first come, first serve. Who ever gets there first, reserve all the campsites you can. We will need them all this year.

What we have found to be helpful for this annual trip is to have an adventuresome spirit, some patience with not having all of life's little conveniences, and the love of mountains, streams, lakes, big blue skies and bright starry nights. We have first hand knowledge that lives have been changed for the good for all who risk joining us on this adventure. If you have further questions please call me. I know 2009 will be an unforgettable year for all of us!!! I can’t wait to catch up!

Jim WalbergJim Walberg – (925) 260-8800Jim@JimWalberg.com Association SecretaryPerfect Attendance Member

Items To Bring For Your Basic Comfort

A warm sleeping bag and sleeping pad or cot.A tent with a ground cover to protect you from the elements and occasional thunder showers.Warm clothes for the evenings and lighter clothes for the days. Layering is the best concept since the weather can be unstable at this time of year. We have had both thunder storms and hot weather. Comfortable hiking shoes and a pair of sandals, plus a hat and sunglasses. Swim trunks, lots of socks and underwear are also useful since we are getting wet several times a day on the river.Toiletry items - a towel and wash cloth, soap, etc.Trout fishing equipment, plus a camera for your unforgettable photo ops.Ice chest, flashlight, and, if you have them, a lantern and camp stove.Eating utensils, drinking cup for hot liquids, paper plates or camping plates for your meals, some type of plastic glass for drinking cold liquids, and some kitchen clean-up stuff.Reading material for your quite times, parlor games for group activities, sports equipment, a frisbee, and some type of camp chair for your comfort.If you have any musical instrument there are always campfire jam sessions.Please bring some firewood. We will need it! We will find some in the high country, but the first few nights it's good to have some on hand.

Food Ideas

Almost any type of food and seasoning are appropriate. The concept we use is to bring food that is easy to prepare, easy to clean up, and doesn't spoil easily. Remember, we will be cooking on butane gas camp stoves which have limited burner space. The campfires at night and in the morning will be for warmth, popcorn, marshmellows, and fellowship. (Bring a coat hanger to roast your marsh mellows.) Fruit, vegetables, cheese, crackers and dried salami work well throughout the day for snacks and lunches.Costs

The costs for this adventure are minimal. Your per-night camping cost is around $15 per tent. Whoever gets to the campgrounds first snags as many campsites as possible and we all settle up at some point. There also may be a per-car fee depending on how many we are squeezing into each campsite. There are only 16 campsites.

Other Activities

Besides, fishing, hiking to the awesome lakes, and just hanging out at the campsites, there are several excellent field trips available in the area. Bodie State Park is a mining ghost town that is fascinating. There will be the occasional drive into Bridgeport for ice and supplies - about 17 miles. And the Marine Alpine Warfare Training Center is just five miles from camp. We will also be focused on the Piute Indian culture in the area during our stay. There is a lot to learn and see in this little bit of heaven on the Eastern slopes of the Sierra's. I can't wait to share it with you!