Like bears, Markleeville goes into semi-hibernation

After the hoopla of Halloween, a few Markleeville entities shut down completely for the winter. Just as the slumber patterns of the black bear (Ursus americanus) vary, so do the hours of the little town of Markleeville change. Some businesses limit their hours during cold weather, while still others plod ahead in their normal gait.

Closed for the season are The Deli, Carson River Resort, Villa Gigli Trattoria and the Alpine County Museum. The Deli and Carson River Resort will re-open when fishing season opens; Villa Gigli when the first weekend in May rolls around; and the museum when Memorial Day weekend occurs.

The Deli owners, Warren and Deanne Jang, are in Cancun, Mexico, for a much-needed vacation. If we don't sell our place, we'll be re-opening Villa Gigli as usual, after spending our winter accomplishing art projects and traveling.

Alpine County Museum Director Dick Edwards is proud of getting the stamp mill going and finishing the carriage shed exhibits this year, and he is determined to complete the blacksmith shop next season. Alpine County Historical Society President Gary Coyan announces that there will be a Thanksgiving feast and general meeting for members 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at Turtle Rock Park. Tom Turkey will be provided by the society, but members are asked to contribute salads, vegetables, bread or desserts to the feast. A special treat is that the Alpine Trio will be playing for musical entertainment and dancing.

Winter hours for Grover Hot Springs State Park Pool have been cut back to 11 a.m. Ð 7 p.m. every day, except Wednesday when the pools are closed. Prices remain at $5 for adults and $2 for youths younger than age of 16.

The Wolf Creek Restaurant and Bar are now under the management of ever-popular Joely Abdoo, who explained their winter hours, "Monday and Tuesday, we're planning to be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and we'll continue the tradition of Taco Tuesday by serving tacos at the bar from 3-9 p.m. On Wednesday, the restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m."

Sandy Matlock will open the door of her café at the J. Marklee Toll Station at 8:30 a.m. each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The Visitor Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Dec. 26, when it goes into weekend hibernation.

"We have some great books and other items for sale that would be wonderful Christmas gifts for folks who are fond of this area," said Teresa Burkhauser. "We also issue snow park permits and Christmas tree-cutting permits."

The Alpine County Library, administration offices and courthouse, plus the Markleeville Post Office, will retain regular hours, as will the motels and vacation rentals.

Halloween not only marks the time for semi-hibernation, but also is a time for kids of all ages to celebrate in a glorious parade through town. Led by fire engines, EMS truck and sheriff vehicles, sirens sounding at full decibel, children and parents first gather in the library parking lot at 5 p.m. and then march through downtown Markleeville to "trick or treat" businesses and residents.

After the parade, costumes are judged, the haunted house is visited, games are played, friendships renewed, and free hot dogs and hamburgers and candy are provided to everyone at the party at Diamond Valley School. Sponsors for this jubilant carnival are: Alpine County Behavioral Health, Sheriff Deputies Association, Alpine EMS, and Markleeville and Woodfords Volunteer Fire Departments.

n Gina Gigli is a Markleeville resident. Reach her at ginagigli@gbis.com