We left Sparks Nevada this morning and headed towards Tahoe to check out the trail and conditions. Near Donner pass we stopped at the ranger station and asked about the snow and trail conditions. A Ranger told us where to expect snow and that one area had a lot of exposure  with a steep slope and 300 to 500 foot drop. We are going to think about things and decide what to do later tonight. We also left a package at the Clair Tappan lodge which will be our first stop. It is an old but cool looking place. After scouting out other options by Tahoe,  we are still not sure of what to do. Tonight we will have to make a decision one way or another. We got to the bustling Burg of Nicolaus,  California and our friend Ed’s house at 4:30 PM. His girlfriend Cheryl will come by later tonight and then is going to take us to  the trail  tomorrow morning. She left us roast chicken salad and ice cream to eat for dinner. This was very much appreciated. Tomorrow we hike. From where we do not know. Read on to find out.  One last note was while we were scouting it actually snowed on us by Lake Tahoe. The weather tomorrow is supposed to be similar not promising an easy start.