Field Trips   

In the late 1860’s when the Transcontinental Railroad was being built, Chinese workers stocked a local natural pond near Donner Summit with non-native catfish to supplement their meager diet. Descendants of these fish have survived in this same pond for over 160 years. Terry McAteer will lead you on this relatively flat 1 1/2-mile (roundtrip) hike at 7000 feet elevation to lunch at the pond and feed the catfish. The views are spectacular! Terry will supply some catfish food!

• You should be in good physical condition for this hike.
• Wear good hiking shoes, bring a lunch, hat, sunscreen, and plenty to drink.

Meet at 10:00 am at the dirt parking lot across the street from Donner Ski Ranch on Donner Pass Road. Limited to 35 people.

Make it a full day with Terry! Following this hike is the “Walk Through the Historic Transcontinental Railroad Tunnels at Donner Summit” field trip that begins at 1:00p. If you would also like to participate in this field trip you must register for it separately.

Field Trip Cancellations and Refund Policy

• If we have to cancel a field trip you will receive a full refund.
• If you cancel a field trip:
  • Day Trip: must be canceled at least 2 weeks prior to the field trip to receive a refund (minus a $10 cancellation fee).
  • Overnight field trips require a 45-day cancellation notice for a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee). No refunds given after that date.  

OLLI Goes Back to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Wednesday, June 4th- Friday, June 6th

OSF is back! They have a new artistic director and new series of plays which look fantastic. With the “return” of OSF, tickets for the revived Oregon Shakespeare Festival are at a premium— nearly every play is sold out. We will travel by Sierra College bus or private auto to Ashland, Oregon on Wednesday, June 4th.

We arrive in Ashland in the mid-afternoon. Our first play that night is “The Importance of Being Ernest” a farcical comedy by Oscar Wilde. On Thursday morning, we will have a private back stage “Behind the Scenes Tour” of the three performance venues. This is a great way to fully appreciate the OSF theatrical experience. We see a matinee that day of Shakespeare’s classic “Julius Caesar” performed by an all woman cast indoors in the Bowmar Theatre. Finally, our evening performance is either at the outdoor Elizabethan stage, to see the Tony and Grammy award winning “Into the Woods” with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim or in the Bowmar to see August Wilson’s drama “Jitney.” (Both are sold out so we could only get 30 for one play and 30 for the other. Those who reserve for this trip first will have first selection of which play they’d like to see.)

We will stay at the Stratford Inn (breakfast included) which is a three block walk to the theaters. All other meals, except a picnic lunch on the way to Ashland, will be on your own discovering the many fine eateries of Ashland.

Our first “pit” stop along the way to Ashland will be at the Ide Adobe State Historic Park (Ide led the Bear Flag Revolt) along the banks of the Sacramento River. Our picnic lunch (included) on the way to Ashland with be at the lovely Sisson Fish Hatchery in Mt. Shasta City.

In total— three world-class plays, a behind-the-scenes tour, lodging with breakfast, transportation by a Sierra College bus and a picnic lunch. What a fun adventure with your tour guide— Terry McAteer.

Only Double Occupancy—(due to limited number of rooms) $510 pp on bus: $460 pp self drive

32 on bus (16 couples); 16 drive yourself (8 couples)

Refund/Drop Deadline: Wednesday, April 29, 2025 for a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee). 
No Refund after Wednesday, April 29, 2025.  

OLLI Goes Back to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Wednesday, June 4th- Friday, June 6th

OSF is back! They have a new artistic director and new series of plays which look fantastic. With the “return” of OSF, tickets for the revived Oregon Shakespeare Festival are at a premium— nearly every play is sold out. We will travel by Sierra College bus or private auto to Ashland, Oregon on Wednesday, June 4th.

We arrive in Ashland in the mid-afternoon. Our first play that night is “The Importance of Being Ernest” a farcical comedy by Oscar Wilde. On Thursday morning, we will have a private back stage “Behind the Scenes Tour” of the three performance venues. This is a great way to fully appreciate the OSF theatrical experience. We see a matinee that day of Shakespeare’s classic “Julius Caesar” performed by an all woman cast indoors in the Bowmar Theatre. Finally, our evening performance is either at the outdoor Elizabethan stage, to see the Tony and Grammy award winning “Into the Woods” with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim or in the Bowmar to see August Wilson’s drama “Jitney.” (Both are sold out so we could only get 30 for one play and 30 for the other. Those who reserve for this trip first will have first selection of which play they’d like to see.)

We will stay at the Stratford Inn (breakfast included) which is a three block walk to the theaters. All other meals, except a picnic lunch on the way to Ashland, will be on your own discovering the many fine eateries of Ashland.

Our first “pit” stop along the way to Ashland will be at the Ide Adobe State Historic Park (Ide led the Bear Flag Revolt) along the banks of the Sacramento River. Our picnic lunch (included) on the way to Ashland with be at the lovely Sisson Fish Hatchery in Mt. Shasta City.

In total— three world-class plays, a behind-the-scenes tour, lodging with breakfast, transportation by a Sierra College bus and a picnic lunch. What a fun adventure with your tour guide— Terry McAteer.

Only Double Occupancy—(due to limited number of rooms) $510 pp on bus: $460 pp self drive

32 on bus (16 couples); 16 drive yourself (8 couples)

Refund/Drop Deadline: Wednesday, April 29, 2025 for a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee). 
No Refund after Wednesday, April 29, 2025.  

OMG!!! On this OLLI Adventure to San Francisco with Terry McAteer, we will take in the de Young Museum’s exhibit of 250 newly discovered Paul McCartney photos of the Beatles in 1963, and a private tour of the museum’s American Wing. At the Legion of Honor, we will view the largest showing of Sacramento’s famed artist Wayne Thiebaud and relish a private tour of their extensive collection of Rodin bronzes.

There’s more!! We will dine at the classic Original Joe’s in North Beach before taking in the intimate live cabaret “Dear San Francisco” at the infamous Club Fugazi (home of “Beach Blanket Babylon”). “Dear San Francisco” was the 2024 SF Chronicle’s Award Winner for Best Live Theatre, and Best Venue.

Yes, there’s more!!! We will have a private tour of Historic Fort Point, located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, built to guard the Bay from Confederate raids during the Civil War, we will lunch at the iconic Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito overlooking SF Bay and enjoy a night at the elegant Proper Hotel in The City with its delightful rooftop bar and lounge.

Double Occupancy - $550 per person
Single Occupancy - $700 per person

Refund/Drop Deadline: Monday, May 5, 2025 for a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee). 
No Refund after Monday, May 5, 2025.  

OMG!!! On this OLLI Adventure to San Francisco with Terry McAteer, we will take in the de Young Museum’s exhibit of 250 newly discovered Paul McCartney photos of the Beatles in 1963, and a private tour of the museum’s American Wing. At the Legion of Honor, we will view the largest showing of Sacramento’s famed artist Wayne Thiebaud and relish a private tour of their extensive collection of Rodin bronzes.

There’s more!! We will dine at the classic Original Joe’s in North Beach before taking in the intimate live cabaret “Dear San Francisco” at the infamous Club Fugazi (home of “Beach Blanket Babylon”). “Dear San Francisco” was the 2024 SF Chronicle’s Award Winner for Best Live Theatre, and Best Venue.

Yes, there’s more!!! We will have a private tour of Historic Fort Point, located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, built to guard the Bay from Confederate raids during the Civil War, we will lunch at the iconic Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito overlooking SF Bay and enjoy a night at the elegant Proper Hotel in The City with its delightful rooftop bar and lounge.

Double Occupancy - $550 per person
Single Occupancy - $700 per person

Refund/Drop Deadline: Monday, May 5, 2025 for a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee). 
No Refund after Monday, May 5, 2025.  

The Grass Valley Museum depicts the rich history from the Gold Rush days to 1930 with displays of furniture, art, objects d’art, clothing, musical instruments and artifacts of the Victorian era. The Museum also features large Old California Style paintings, a Victorian bedroom, Lola Montez’s bathtub, a table used for the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco in 1945 and many instruments and medicine from Dr. Jones the first doctor in Grass Valley. Today you can almost hear the echoes of children reciting their lessons as you stand behind the teacher’s desk in the restored classroom.

These tours are limited to six people. There are ten steps to the second floor where the Museum is located. Tours are estimated to last 90 minutes. The Grass Valley Museum is located at 410 South Church Street, Grass Valley, two blocks from the historic downtown. Participants will provide their own transportation to and from the event. Registered members will meet instructor at location.

Field Trip Cancellations and Refund Policy

• If we have to cancel a field trip you will receive a full refund.
• If you cancel a field trip:
  • Day Trip: must be canceled at least 2 weeks prior to the field trip to receive a refund (minus a $10 cancellation fee).
  • Overnight field trips require a 45-day cancellation notice for a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee). No refunds given after that date.  

The Grass Valley Museum depicts the rich history from the Gold Rush days to 1930 with displays of furniture, art, objects d’art, clothing, musical instruments and artifacts of the Victorian era. The Museum also features large Old California Style paintings, a Victorian bedroom, Lola Montez’s bathtub, a table used for the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco in 1945 and many instruments and medicine from Dr. Jones the first doctor in Grass Valley. Today you can almost hear the echoes of children reciting their lessons as you stand behind the teacher’s desk in the restored classroom.

These tours are limited to six people. There are ten steps to the second floor where the Museum is located. Tours are estimated to last 90 minutes. The Grass Valley Museum is located at 410 South Church Street, Grass Valley, two blocks from the historic downtown. Participants will provide their own transportation to and from the event. Registered members will meet instructor at location.

Field Trip Cancellations and Refund Policy

• If we have to cancel a field trip you will receive a full refund.
• If you cancel a field trip:
  • Day Trip: must be canceled at least 2 weeks prior to the field trip to receive a refund (minus a $10 cancellation fee).
  • Overnight field trips require a 45-day cancellation notice for a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee). No refunds given after that date.