Cabin Information

Saint Bernard, Truckee, CA 96161
Tahoe Donner
530 550-1770

Welcome to our home. We hope you enjoy your stay and find everything satisfactory. To help you find your way around we have made this information book. Should you have any questions or problems with anything always feel free to call us at home 925-937-1639.

We only have a few requests that apply to everyone:

We thank you for observing these requests

Basically all of the instructions are the same year around except for a few important ones that are different in Winter than in Summer, such as the water heater, and the water pipes.

Winter Time
October 1st through April 30th
Summer Time
May 1st through September 30th

There are several sections to this booklet

Opening the cabin & closing the cabin

Opening

Turn on water heater Turn water heater switch [red] to on position from the pilot position [on is 3pm]. Adjust water heater knob to triangle setting - plenty hot. If the pilot is out, follow lighting instructions on the water heater.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a digital thermostat - just toggle the temperature up or down to desired setting. Please leave fan/heater settings as they are (heater on). Adjust the thermostat from 46 degrees setting to a comfortable setting. It should always be set to heater and fan automatic. It is most important to return this setting back to 46 degrees, heater on H when you leave. There should not be a dot on the display (indicating fan on).

Closing the cabin

Turn off Water [Winter time]
Turn copper handle, located below the water heater, from 6 o'clock to 9 o'clock.
Open all the faucets - sinks and tubs and flush the toilets. This allows the water to drain from the pipes, and keeps them from freezing and breaking.

Turn down water heater

Turn the water heater from on [3 o'clock] to pilot [6 o'clock].

Thermostat

Adjust the thermostat to 46 degrees setting with H. Keep heater on setting the same. This is most important. There is an anti-freeze thermostat, as a back up, in the downstairs bathroom. Do not adjust - thanks. In case little hands got to this one - It should be set at roughly the same 44 degrees an set to heater.

Leaving checklist

Check all doors & windows and lock them. Check outside lights - particularly back door light by laundry room, outside light in Master bedroom and porch light over deck [controlled from garage and from wall switch adjacent to deck] Check heater setting is set to 46 degrees, heater on H for heat. Check the windows in the bath rooms - that should have been opened during showers…


Thank you, we hope you enjoyed your stay and will return another day.

Keeping the Cabin Clean

We hope you enjoy the use of the cabin. We haven't started to charge a cleaning deposit, and hope not to. In order to do that, it is important that everyone who uses the cabin, treats it like their parent's home. Keep it clean, or cleaner than you found it. In general, we would prefer that shoes not be worn in the house - particularly in the Winter. Keep the wet stuff in the mud room, or at least change in there and then dry it as appropriate.

Cleaning the Cabin Unfortunately it is now mandatory to use a cabin cleaning service. This is our Cabin - not a hotel. Please don't trash it just because we have a cleaning service. We have contracted with Stacy Miles to clean the cabin. She charges $90 to clean the cabin. Please leave a check on the kitchen counter addressed to "Stacy Miles"

We may not be up to check on the cabin before the next use, so that is why we instituted the cleaning service. Stacy does an excellent job, and it is 3 hours you don't have to toil over. In general, please clean up any spills so they don't set. There are cleaning materials under the kitchen sink, or in the laundry room. We are upgrading the furniture over time, so please take care not to set hot pans on the wooden tables, & use place mats, trivets, etc.

How to information

Trash

Trash is picked up on Tuesday mornings. Please bring trash down to the trash enclosure at the end of the driveway. Switch the YES/NO sign as appropriate. You can take down the blue recycle bag and put it in the trash enclosure as well. Trash compactor bags are located under the sink.

In the summer there are bears that will break into the trash container and make a huge mess. In the Winter, the dogs take over this exercise for the bears. It is very important to close the doors to the garbage can enclosure properly, otherwise the dogs and bears will have at it. We also get fined if there is a recurring trash problem, so paying attention to this detail is greatly appreciated.

Blue Recycle bag

Is located in the laundry room - they will recycle cans and bottles and newspaper. If the bag is full, please bring down to the trash enclosure and place along side the garbage cans. Replacement bags are on the windowsill.

Telephone

The local area code is 530 and local calls are in and about Truckee. Feel free to use the phone just don't use it to call your home boys in Hawaii! (that's what your cell is fo). The phone number is 530-550-1770.

TV/VCR/DVD/MP3

A local company provides basic cable - it goes out from time to time in storms. You don't need to turn on the stereo to use the TV - just use the one remote and the speaker above the TV is controllable with the remote. The DVD and VCR do go through the stereo.

If the power goes out you will need to re-program the VCR upstairs in order to get channels above 12 [the TV upstairs is old]. Downstairs shouldn't be a problem. You can watch videos upstairs or downstairs. See back of VCR remote for instructions for downstairs VCR. There is a DVD/CD player downstairs as well. There is now a cable to plug your MP3 player into the stereo.

Front, back and master deck.

During winter snow will collect on all three. During snow season, please check to see that snow hasn't collected onto the door sill (sliding glass door, master bedroom) - to keep water from leaking into the house. The deck is NOT child proof and it's a bit of a nasty drop…please take proper precautions.

Washer and dryer

The washer and dryer work well - please don't overload them. They are located in the laundry room at the rear of the house along with the water heater, water shut off valve and central vacuum storage. There are two sets of sheets for the beds in each room. If you used our sheets and/or towels, please strip the beds so Stacy can wash the sheets, along w/ the towels, etc. If you didn't, just leave her a note, so she knows she doesn't have to wash them

Furnace

The switch is on the wall left of the kitchen. In winter it is ALWAYS LEFT ON H 46 DEGREES; HEATER ON so the pipes, etc. don't freeze and crack. You remember what happened to the Brady's* when they took the voodoo doll from the cave right? Same thing happens when the thermostat isn't set correctly when you leave.

*Didn't see the Brady Bunch growing up? Well, they took a voodoo doll from a cave and had terrible luck and bad things happen to them the entire trip, until they returned the voodoo doll to the cave. Don't let this happen to you. Make sure the heater is set properly!

While you are in the cabin, you can simply bump the temperature up or down to your desired setting. Toggling the button up or down a single time will show the current settings. Toggling the button again will change the setting. Better yet, just use the wood stove.

Wood stove

Please don't burn trash, recyclable materials except newspaper, cardboard, etc. It's probably already loaded with wood and ready to light - well sometimes it is… To light: There are two levers on the right side of the wood stove. Push back the lower one and pull back partially. You should hear ticking. Push the upper lever up for maximum air flow. Once the fire is going you can set both to minimum setting - either all the way down for the top or pulled all the way forward for the bottom. There is an ash can to the right and you can scoop cold ashes into this black can.

To start fire, crumple up six or eight wads of newspaper and place several pine cones or kindling chopped from pine on top of the paper. Place a couple of thinner logs on top kindling and light the paper. Once the fire is hot make sure to go to minimum settings. Too much fire for too long and it will get REALLY HOT upstairs [trust me!]

Also, fill the black kettle with water to help w/ the humidity. It gets very dry up in Truckee in the Winter - cracked lips, bloody nose, etc. There is a humidifier under the sink upstairs as well. Please set a fire for the next group if you have time, and make sure there is a stack of logs.

Snow Removal

Snow Tech Snow Removal (530) 582-0300. We have paid for the driveway to be cleared. SnowTech will begin snow removal operations when snowfall reaches a depth of approximately 3-4" in Tahoe Donner. Therefore, the timing of snow removal may vary from day to day. However, SnowTech tries to begin its snow removal operations between 1:00a.m. - 6:00a.m., with routes taking about six to eight hours to complete.

They will plow all the way up to the top of the driveway if it is clear of vehicles. If you need them to plow again for some reason, it is roughly $100.00. Don't park in the street during Winter. You are likely to be towed and/or struck by a snow plow.

Snow blower

There is a snow blower in the garage. Its seen better days, came with the cabin, and I've used it to help clear the driveway. It isn't in working order right now.

Getting here

We are in the Tahoe Donner section of Truckee. From Hwy 80 take the Donner Pass Road/Donner State Park exit. Go left over freeway and pass the Shell station [more expensive than the independent down the street]. Make a left on to Northwoods [first light] and go up the hill to the stop sign. Go straight [Northwoods club house and restaurant & bar are located on the right, as is tennis and a pool and recreation area during the Summer] through the stop sign and make the next right on to Hansel. Take the immediate left on to St. Bernard. We are ˝ mile up on the left. Steep driveway [hairpin turn]. Look for the street numbers on the trash enclosure. There is a a Fish flag or a winter flag hanging from the deck.

The driveway

It isn't too difficult, just looks it. In the winter, the driveway can be slippery. Be careful walking up and down, or you will be on your rear end. Driving up in the snow requires a bit of a start. I usually go down several houses and make a y turn, and then get a bit of steam going to get up the hill. As long as there isn't more than a couple of inches of snow on the driveway, and you have 4 wheel drive engaged, you should get up the hill no problem.

When going down the drive. Try and go down forwards and don't lock up the brakes. If you are in low, or slightly touching the brakes you will make it down without sliding. Check for cars before heading down. They can't stop and you certainly can't stop if you are skidding.

Kitchen appliances


Disposal The disposal switch is to the right of the sink. It should always be run with water on full. Most food products could be run through the disposal, but don't try and run stringy or leafy vegetables, like celery, artichokes, egg shells, etc. To do so will almost certainly guarantee a jam up in the plumbing.

Dishwasher Settings should be on light wash. There is a button for light wash, and push the round circle to start. It still runs for about 59 minutes, but the other settings take longer. Please run the dishwasher when you leave so there are clean dishes for the next crew. Putting them away is even better.

Refrigerator/freezer There is an ice maker. It seems to work best when the lever is down for the smallest ice cubes. It is kind of touch and go in the winter since the water is turned off, but it generally makes ice. Feel free to use whatever is in the refrigerator and replace as necessary. Take all perishables home - 3 week old lettuce really reeks!

Pantry There are various sundry items in the cabinets - feel free to use and replace as necessary. Or let us know when you return what is out or dwindling, so we can replace. Thanks.

Microwave/range/oven Please don't place any metal items in the micro wave. If the clock is wrong then the power went out. The oven has a separate oven/broiler. The broiler is down below and will broil - watch carefully. Please clean up spills as soon as possible on the top and within the oven to avoid staining - thanks.

Coffee maker[s] and grinder We have a French press, a drip, and an espresso maker along with a grinder. They are in behind the sliding cover underneath the microwave, along with the toaster. You need to add water to the espresso maker and drain before you leave. Grind should be set for 2 from the left for espresso and 4 from the right for French press, even larger for the drip maker.

For French press: put two heaping tablespoons of ground coffee in, pour in boiling water and allow to steep for 2 to 4 minutes, afterwards, stir to help grounds settle to the bottom. Then push top/strainer down gently.

Alcohol There are some mixers in the refrigerator [if they were replaced] and there is alcohol in the upper cabinets. Replenishing is always appreciated.

General Information

Fire extinguisher There is a fire extinguisher located on the wall by the stairs to the garage. Also under each of the bathroom sinks.

Emergency escape ladders There are emergency escape ladders in both rooms upstairs. Please let us know if you had to use them.

Lights The front porch light goes on and off automatically. Please do not adjust these. All others please keep off when not in use. Also, make sure all lights are off when you leave, including those little hall night lights - just pull them out.

Games/Toys There is a game cabinet next to the wet room. There are books in the back bedroom downstairs. Feel free to swap out a paperback at our book exchange table.

Clean sheets and towels Are located in the respective rooms or the washer/dryer if they didn't make it to the rooms. Towels are in each bathroom in the cabinets, see previous caveat. Please strip the bed sheets and put on spare sheets for next guest. If you used our towels and sheets then run the washer and dryer before you leave.

Out and About Information

Newspapers Truckee is a one-paper town but it is published daily now. You can get the paper down at the Northwoods Club house - you passed it at the stop sign when you came up the hill. It is free. You can get Reno, Sacramento, and San Francisco papers at the deli just past Trout Creek, or at Albertson's or Safeway stores in town.

Town and stores Old Truckee is pretty interesting w/ lots of pricey stores and some good restaurants - see inserts in local paper. To get to old Truckee go back down Northwoods and go left at the light on to Donner Pass road. Stay on this road and continue past Safeway. [Or go right onto 89 to get to Albertson's, Squaw Valley, Tahoe City, etc.] Donner Pass road will wind back under the freeway and then go around the roundabout and down the road and you are in old Truckee.

At the stop sign near the end of town you can go right to go to Northstar, 50/50 brew pub, airport, Incline Village, etc. Also, the Cottonwood restaurant is located up on the hill - good food, great view, old pictures.

Tahoe Donner items of interest

All located off of Northwoods Blvd. which loops around and intersects at the stop sign. There is a use fee charged for entrance to the facilities, but once paid is good for the day at any of the facilities. You must bring the guest pass with you for entrance. There are two guest passes, each good for four individuals. A lost pass costs you $50.00. Please put the passes back up on the cork board in the kitchen when you leave.

Trout Creek recreation center. There are two pools [one open all year] with three hot tubs, a sauna, and steam room. There is also small work out center with weights and cardio equipment. There is a shower/changing room. 587-9437

Sled Hill The sledding hill is also located here and open on weekends. You can buy a ticket, a couple of bucks, for use of the hill and sledding equipment, at Trout Creek. Driving range is also located here and open from Spring to Fall. Tokens can be purchased at the Trout Creek desk.

Golf Course The golf course is located up and on the left of Northwoods and has a driving range. The slope is 128 for white tees, 6,587 yards, par 72 and lots of trees. 587-9440.

Northwoods Pool Is located just past the stop sign, on the way up the hill, near the tennis courts. There is also a rec center here, swing and slide area too.

Ski Hill The ski hill is perfect for beginners and intermediates. It is very small, family oriented and 2 minutes from the cabin. If you aren't an aggressive skier, this beats the twenty plus minute drives to Northstar, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Sugar Bowl.

Equestrian & Cross-country center is up Northwoods further [follow signs] and turn right on Fjord and left on Alder Creek road. They have full rentals available - horses in the Summer and cross country equipment in the Winter. 587-9444.

For additional information on Tahoe Donner, all of the amenities, and other information click here

thanks! Clayton and Paula