Discussion Topic |
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dave yerian
Trad climber
the parking lot
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Topic Author's Original Post - Nov 15, 2014 - 05:22pm PT
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This year TPR celebrates its 100th Anniversary. Built in 1914 by Al Gardisky, a Russian immigrant, Tioga Pass Resort has a rich, often unrecorded, history. Over the years TPR has provided housing and food for many rock and ice climbers around the world as well as alpinists and skiers.
It's time that the stories and photos of this place be recorded. All of you world wide that have enjoyed the area, been embraced by its beauty and experienced the ghosts please post up. Cheers, lynnie
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 15, 2014 - 05:33pm PT
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OOPS BIG TIME! Dave and I were working on our book and forgot to change back to my account. Anyway, It's Lynne that's doing the TPR Thread not DY. Maybe our wonderful host/master Chris McNamara can fix this.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Nov 15, 2014 - 06:38pm PT
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Thanks Dave!
I mean Lynne!
:)
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 15, 2014 - 08:04pm PT
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So where do we start with this gracious ladies history? (Like sailing vessels, I think of resorts like TPR in the feminine gender.) Well, I can only begin where I came in 5 seasons ago.
Trying to recreate my life after Dan died, I heard much about this TPR place in the Eastern Sierra. I also learned that it was every dirtbaggers wanna be place to work because it's all about location, location, location and TPR has one of the best. Located on 120 E, at an altitude of 9950, two miles from the entrance to Yosemite and about 20 minutes from Tuolumne Meadows this place rocks.
Thanks to Hoss Julia I got what I consider to be the job of a lifetime. Cruising home from the Outdoor Retailers event in Salt Lake City, 2010, I picked up a cell phone call. "Lynnie, you still want a job here" asked Julia? Oh did I ever. "Where are you? Get here now!" For those of you that know Julia she meant, "get here now!" I put the van into hyper drive and flew toward TPR, only stopping to shower at the Mono Vista RV Park for my interview, which I found out later was a complete waste of time. God, I was a nervous wreck. I hadn't had to interview for a job in years.
Pulling into the parking lot, I got out of my van, took a few deep breaths and walked into the building that would hold my future in its hands. There was a young guy sitting at the front desk. "Hi," I said, "I'm Lynne. Is Joe around? I'm here to apply for the job."
The guy looked me in the eye for a moment and then said, "You're hired," and walked away.
This is when I really began to learn that life, real life, is not measured by how much stuff you have. It's more about the people around you and where you are existing. Al Gardisky picked a pretty awesome spot. And it was just him, his dog and his mule. Simple Living.
Edit: Jaybro, Dude, hope you're recovering well!!!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 15, 2014 - 09:27pm PT
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Taking a break for now. Will bring more pictures and stories manana. My goal, to commemorate the place and the people that make it what it is. Hope you will join in. lynnie
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Nov 15, 2014 - 10:00pm PT
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Nov 15, 2014 - 10:07pm PT
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I am, Lynne thanks for askng. Did you get my email?
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Nov 16, 2014 - 08:01am PT
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Love the TPR, great times there and behind at Junction CG. Thanks Dave.
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dee ee
Mountain climber
citizen of planet Earth
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Nov 16, 2014 - 08:10am PT
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Awesome Lynne, I'm envious of your location!
Stuck in LA world.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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Nov 16, 2014 - 08:20am PT
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Awesome place, thank you for all your hospitality. Congratulations and here's to another 100 years and
Here's to sweat in your eye
Mr Mud
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crankster
Trad climber
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Nov 16, 2014 - 08:23am PT
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Great place, summer or winter.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 16, 2014 - 04:28pm PT
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QITNL, have never seen that picture before, thanks for the history.
A breakfast like this Chris Mac with Bob the Bakers fresh peaches?
Lunch and Dinner ain't bad either Chris Mac. :)
There is a huge variety of adventures for residents and guests of the area. The 395 corridor alone could keep you busy for the entire summer. I first thought of Mono Lake as ewwwww, black flies, and water that coats everything it touches with a heavy coat of salt. Now the Lake is a passion and kayaking is the best way to see it imho.
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Roots
Mountain climber
Tustin, CA
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Nov 17, 2014 - 12:03pm PT
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Nice place!
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Nov 17, 2014 - 12:10pm PT
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Wish they'd open in the winter again.
The cinnamon rolls and coffee on the ski into TM were incredible.
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Rhodo-Router
Gym climber
sawatch choss
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Nov 17, 2014 - 12:36pm PT
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Hey Lynn if Bill Lundeen is there would you pass him my email/
Rob
who likes to camp out up by the Bridger Jacks next to Bill but lost his phone no.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 17, 2014 - 12:44pm PT
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Roots, have you and Amanda spent any time in Tioga/Tuolumne?
Jaybro, I did not get your email.
You are so right on TGT. The stories I've heard of the winter's when TPR was open are wonderful and I hope to share a few here or have others contribute.
Was Bob cooking then? He was noted for his pastries and soups and has been TPR's pastry chef for the past 13(?) years.
Mouse, thanks for the gorgeous picture. Hope more people post theirs up.
Rhodo-Router, Bill is an awesome individual and I love working with him. I will try to get you contact information for him.
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Bruce Morris
Social climber
Belmont, California
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Nov 17, 2014 - 12:46pm PT
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The TPR "crew", Summer of 2012:
TPR wide-angle interior:
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 17, 2014 - 12:51pm PT
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Bruceeeeeee! Can't thank you enough. In your first picture the man in the white shirt, Emigdio (sp?) worked at TPR for many years and was a wonderful, gentle man. I think your pic shows him the last year he worked at TPR. He had to leave half way thru the season due to health reasons and I had no pictures of him. Again, thanks! L.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Nov 17, 2014 - 01:41pm PT
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I resent that email to your taco adress
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JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
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Nov 17, 2014 - 01:50pm PT
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My wife and I enjoyed seeing Lynne and Dave at TPR in early September a few years ago. We need to get back there more often.
John
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Bruce Morris
Social climber
Belmont, California
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Nov 17, 2014 - 02:03pm PT
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TPR 'Dog Land':
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hossjulia
Trad climber
Carson City, NV
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Nov 17, 2014 - 02:29pm PT
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 17, 2014 - 02:30pm PT
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What a sky, signature Eastern Sierra. Charlotte on L with her wonderful dog Bear who went to Heaven this summer, Jim Lozano and I believe Nancy Chen (?) from the Bay Area and a "regular" at Junction Campground.
Edit: Not so, great selfie Julia!
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F10
Trad climber
Bishop
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Nov 17, 2014 - 02:50pm PT
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TPR June 4 2011
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Nov 17, 2014 - 04:22pm PT
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hey there say, lynne... WOW... i simply loved this whole post...
and, oh my, it even has neat birds in it, :)
thanks for the great share, and more on your work place... :)
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 17, 2014 - 07:09pm PT
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F10- Awesome picture. It took the guys a month to dig us out. This was probably a picture taken in June. We opened about July 7th. What a glorious season.
I arrived first week of June. Got up one night to see the glory and walked across the bridge that connects the Yurts with the main parking lot. The stream was just cresting the little bridge. Wondered if I should alert Joe, but he's always on top of stuff so I just enjoyed the the rush of water and the uncertainty.
That's what it's all about up there the rush and the uncertainty. :)
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 17, 2014 - 07:28pm PT
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Rock Climbing so Rocks in Tioga and Tuolumne. Hope some of you Yo's will post pics of the new routes put up by the green bridge, Tioga Pass area and the cherished classics, (Fairview Dome and more) along with the hardcore stuff. (Medlicott Dome)
Anyway, for us that love rock and climbing with family here's a few fun pics and a great little climb, Bunny Slopes.
Retreated to the best Lake in the area, Tenaya. Respect it's history and traditions.
You may get tired, but you will never get bored here.
Tomorrow.....local folk and Bouldering.
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Fossil climber
Trad climber
Atlin, B. C.
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Nov 17, 2014 - 07:48pm PT
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Lynne -
Thanks so much bringing this BD to our attention! Great place, great people, great history. And thanks for the photos. Sure hope you are there next time I come through.
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pocoloco1
Social climber
The Chihuahua Desert
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Nov 17, 2014 - 07:50pm PT
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Winter looks fun,got to check it out.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Nov 17, 2014 - 09:13pm PT
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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Nov 17, 2014 - 09:24pm PT
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"Double cream - double sugar"
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 17, 2014 - 09:45pm PT
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Thanks TM Jesse, Ferdinand was very much heart and soul of the area. Legend has it after he was let go from his Ranger position he died of heart break.
Tears and Love to one who cared so much for this extraordinary place. Anyone got a pic of Ferdinand?
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kunlun_shan
Mountain climber
SF, CA
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Nov 17, 2014 - 10:14pm PT
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Lynne, here's one from the YNP Facebook site:
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 17, 2014 - 10:22pm PT
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Kunlun_shan, Thank you so much. It's all I can do to process all the pics I have from the past 5 years. I so appreciate you finding that Very special photo. Honor to this special man who gave his heart to a place he loved.
Peace, Ranger Castillo.
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Fossil climber
Trad climber
Atlin, B. C.
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Nov 18, 2014 - 12:04pm PT
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Ferdinand was the spirit of Tioga Pass for a long time, greeting visitors with tremendous warmth and enthusiasm for the park and often spending a lot of time talking to interested visitors. He was exceptionally concerned about wildlife.
At that time there was a large population of Yosemite toads around the Pass. In the spring when the snow melted off the south facing road cuts just west of the entrance, they would emerge from hibernation (Ferdinand thought in the muddy banks) and would be all over the road for a time. He actually tried to requisition a "Caution - Toad Crossing" sign from the sign shop.
The toad population has long since crashed.
I think the powers that were felt that Ferdinand was treating Tioga Pass too much as his own little fiefdom and transferred him to the Big Oak Flat station. That shattered him. I think everyone who knew him grieved for him.
There ought to be a memorial to Ferdinand somewhere.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 18, 2014 - 01:49pm PT
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Great post Mouse. The floor shows....hehehe...that would be around our campfire ring. :)
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Nov 18, 2014 - 01:55pm PT
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No competition here. You don't operate in the Park and they don't operate outside.We could go have a stack at Nicely's in Lee Vining, a visit to the Mono Basin's Heritage Park, and top it off with a burger at Mono Cone or some fish tacos at the gas station resaurant...what's its name again?
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 18, 2014 - 05:20pm PT
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There should be Fossil Climber. We have a picture and a plaque in the TPR Cafe and many guests from all over the world ask about it. But, Ferdinand is worthy of much more. Any Ideas from all Yo out there. You know we can make it happen. Indeed we can! If we can figure out where to put it, I think I can fundraise for it. Thanks, Lynne
I'm not a scientist, but toads that literally covered the roads here in Valley Center, CA when it rained have completely disappeared. This must mean something.....probably sad and scary about the earth we live on.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 18, 2014 - 06:36pm PT
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No matter what needs to be done at Tioga Pass Resort, Jennifer knows how to take care of it and to do it with her great smile.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 18, 2014 - 08:36pm PT
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and a great, fun friend, poseur extraordinare and co author of our book Tuolumne Climber due to be released before I die, hopefully. :)
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 21, 2014 - 06:16pm PT
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A hiatus....my computer is gone, died. I will need to transfer photos. But I think the topic is important for history. Just in case the planet survives a bit. L.
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Onceaclimber,always
Sport climber
tucson,AZ
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Nov 26, 2014 - 10:42am PT
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Great pictures Lynne! Justin and I look forward to our time @ TPR every year... it is my favorite place on earth. We stay in cabin 8 and have had more than one experience with heavy boot steps across the wooden floors heard at night/early morning when it is still dark and still. Both brother Jim and I have heard this on different nights. No one is on the deck or in the cabin ... we are sure it's Al's spirit watching over his place.
TPR has the best food, the best location, and the best employees EVER!!!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Nov 26, 2014 - 12:19pm PT
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Thanks so much for the post. Please give Justin a hug and a Happy Thanksgiving.
One day at work this year as guests were checking out one morning,a family related this story to me.
"Uh, do you know that there are things that go bump in the night along with interesting lights outside our cabin?"
"Oh, is that so?" I replied. "Well," I continued, "I have heard a few stories like that." (Didn't want to be too specific.)
Our manager swears he has gone into the cafe in the middle of night and seen two ladies from "the olden days" sitting and chatting.
I myself like to take a look at the stars in the middle of the night and walking from my Yurt to the front parking lot.....well, I feel an unseen
presence. Not a bad one, but something.
Hope to continue with lots more pictures as I get this new computer up and running. Cheers, Lynne
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Hot off the press, never before seen, pictures from the closing 100th season.
His philosophy, "Don't come to me with problems, come to me with solutions." I liked that take.
Two of the most awesome people I have ever had the gift to work with. Someone should do a book on Bill's life.
My shining moment this past summer.....I threw a ringer over his double ringer bwahahaha. Well, I thought it was great! :)
Tom (Mammoth Dude) has worked several seasons now and moved up from kitchen line to full on breakfast/lunch chef. Like clockwork started up the kitchen at 5:30 a.m. and ready to open the door before 7 a.m. Tom was great to work with.
Song and Brenden were new to TPR this year. Song worked at the front desk and Brenden in the kitchen as prep. Both are avid fisherpeople and hikers. Brenden gave us another one to join in on the horseshoes. Yeah! A fantastic addition to our TPR Team.
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davidtmori
Social climber
Roseville, CA 95747
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Sep 23, 2018 - 01:36am PT
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Yes, I worked at TPR for several seasons before it was sold by the Agard's. I am ThePieGuy! I LOVED working there!!! I was good friends with Hoss Julia. Been trying to catch up with her, Hoss Julia lately!!! Please tell her HELLO for me if you happen to be her friend!
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Sep 23, 2018 - 07:18am PT
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Looking forward to when it can reopen, always great to see Jim up there in the vicinity. Here Jim is showing us his beautifully carved wood cane:
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Sep 23, 2018 - 07:47am PT
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Will it ever open again?
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Larry Nelson
Social climber
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Sep 23, 2018 - 07:47am PT
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Wow, what a great thread.
I've stopped in to eat at TPR many times over the past 40+ years.
Great place and people. Thanks for all the stories and pics
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Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
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Sep 23, 2018 - 01:15pm PT
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Will it ever open again?
Yes, they are continuing to work on the historic lodge structure that was damaged by snow loading, they also built a new bridge and they are repairing all the flood damage the cabins experienced. It’s an extraordinary amount of work and there’s infrastructure work on top of it all. No doubt the owners love of the place is the driving force and having the capital resources to deal with it all is fortunate for everyone.
Someone else closer to the crew should chime in on the schedule for completion.
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rottingjohnny
Sport climber
Sands Motel , Las Vegas
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Sep 23, 2018 - 09:12pm PT
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Looks like a bunch of burned out climbers living the hippy dream....
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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Sep 24, 2018 - 12:03pm PT
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Is this available?
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davidtmori
Social climber
Roseville, CA 95747
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Yeah, yeah yeah, whatever!!! I worked there for several seasons as "ThePieGuy" I baked THE BEST PIES with Claudette Agard's original recipes!!! Working at TPR is the best job in the world!!!
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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OMG, totally forgot I even posted this thread. Life streams on, ya'll know that. So glad I did, it captures much that should not ever be forgotten about a place that not just captures your soul, but ends up owning it!
I stopped by a couple weeks ago and lo and behold Henny was hard at work with James putting the place back together. The owners would like some type of opening next summer sometime, but best guess for full opening is 2020.
Cabin 3 is being redone. Many of us felt a serious vibe cleaning that place. The bridge on the west side has been rebuilt and is wider and architecturally gorgeous! :)
I thank God that I was given the blessing and privilege to work at TPR.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
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What a great thread, Say no, to closed thoughts
I hope it stays open forever!
in the posts one can sense the magic.
all the sweet memories!
There are {mostly} -the not so known- then one of my own heroes. with the infant now all grown
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