I am pleased to announce that Sandra McCunnis will be our new Vice President of Activities for 2009/2010. She has lots of great ideas for some traditional, new and “blast from the past” activities that I think everyone will enjoy. Please support her by volunteering to AC some of these great events and sharing some of your own ideas for activities or Happy Hours! Sandra and I will be hosting our Annual Volunteer party sometime in June and will need volunteers to help with this always fun and well attended event so give Sandra a shout if you can volunteer some time to assist us.

We have an April Happy Hour cheduled for the 23rd at Two Rows in ice Village. April should have nice eather to enjoy their patio and I believe they validate parking or the garage. The annual Sandcastle competition is June 6th. e need lots of volunteers for this fun activity. Remember volunteering” for this activity involves sun, fun, lunch and lenty of complimentary beverages!

In closing, I would like to give a final thank you to all ho supported me throughout this year! It has truly been a last!

Well SCSC’s ski season is over. I hope you enjoyed the trip you went on. If you didn’t get to go with us this season, hopefully you heard fun stories that will entice you into going next season I think all the trips were great successes. Even though I only went on two of them, I vicariously experienced the others through the TCs and ATCs I worked with – and I found them to be really fun trips! For the non-ski trips, we had the TSC revival of the Summer Meltdown and we still have Panama to look forward to. We can still add you if you sign up in next few weeks. The price is as follows: Cash - $1495 Full Pkg/ $875 Land Only; PayPal - $1537 Full Pkg/ $899 Land.

The trips went well because of the creative, diligent, funloving TCs and ATCs. I want to thank you for all your hard work – beginning at our training last June through the post trip party where we got to share the great trip stories that were the fruit of your labor. I hope you all know how much I appreciate what you did. Many thanks to Craig Campbell, Cheryl and Walter May, Judy Schiro, Ron Hays, Sandra McCunis, Edmond McGee, Sarah Granbery, Leslie Caldwell, Ross Baker, George Lopez, Thuy and Richard Rocque, Dennis Hughes, Patti Finch, Cindy Moore, Ann Rogers, Vicki Faulkner and Shirley Lang. And of course a special thanks to my Directors of Trips, Diane Stotz and Melinda Hughes, for helping me keep all the trips running smoothly.  We really did have a wonderful team this year! And I know next year will be great with Melinda as your new VP of Trips.

Speaking of next season and great trip leaders, please consider being a TC or ATC. This year we had a combination of new and “repeat” trip leaders. Whatever your experience,  we can find a way for you to help as long as you are a willing, dedicated and fun loving person. Let Melinda know if you are interested. She will be reaching out to you at upcoming meetings, happy hours and other events. An application for TC or ATC can be found on the website. Go to www.spacecityskiclub.org – then to the Trips Page.

I have enjoyed being your VP of Trips. Things are winding down, but I am looking forward to one of my last duties of the year – attending the TSC BidFest. Hope to see lots of you there.

Ahoooo the call went out to all powder hounds seeking the illusive Utah powder. They heard the call and come they did. Carol “Sunshine’ Cain heard the call and came from Fredericksburg; Bob “DeHound” DeBell from Nacogdoches, Frank “Rat” Adams came from Colorado and “Heli” Dave Rietzen from as far away as New Jersey. They joined a core group of SCSC diehards led by George “CRS” Lopez and Camille “Nurse Nelly” LaRoe, who boarded planes, lots of buses and automobiles to seek their next great adventure at Powder Mountain and Snowbasin.

Everyone knows that Utah is not the party capital of North America, so the expeditioners had to bring the party with them. As is traditional with the club, the group made a grocery and liquor stop on the way to the condos, but to assure the desired results, additional full-strength supplies were brought in from Colorado by The Rat. No near beer for this crew.

A welcome party the first night gave the group a chance to get acquainted. Quiet Cindy Morgan revealed that she was the only one snowboarding in the group. Ted “MIA” Widmer would be trying on his skis for the first time after a two year hiatus. Mark “Chatty” Smith proved that it is possible to eat drink and hold three different conversations at one time. Mary and Bob Simpson were condo mates with Debbie Abadie and Betty Storms and shared their anticipation with the rest of the group about what the next morning would bring.

The bus was there early and off to the mountain they went. Powder Mountain felt like a throw back in time. Small rustic lodges, vast terrain, open  lifts, no snow making and burgers and beers that one can buy without applying for a mortgage. The group was given an orientation to the resort by two mountain hosts and the official ski adventure had begun. Soon the group split up into several packs. Keith “Trail Boss” Kirkman led an elite group of hounds on exploratory missions through steeps and deeps and trees as well. Charley ‘Sweeper” Roberts made sure no stragglers were left behind. Melinda “Trooper” Hughes attacked the terrain and stayed consistently in the middle of the pack. A second group went on a quest for the perfect blue run. Camille, Betty, Debbie, Bob and Mary cruised and got a great view of George and Mark playing demolition derby. Can you say yard sale? And by the way has anyone seen Ted?

That night was the Super Bowl and another excuse to party and party they did. Frank made chili to compliment the copious amounts of treats and drinks needed to satisfy the hungry crowd. Jim Hodges and Davis Tucker watched a good game on the tube in between comparing notes on the runs
that day. When football was over Camille introduced the group to the game Left Right Center and cash began to change hands. Dennis “The Gambler” Newell was reported to have been the big winner.

Morning came early and so did the bus and off to Snowbasin we went for Day Two. Wait is Ted on the bus? Snowbasin is everything Powder Mountain is not. Gondolas, snowmaking, chandeliers in the lodges and yes gold-plated bathrooms. Nancy “Demo” Schultz was working on her second pair of skis as the pack spread out over the mountain. It was then that George realized he left his boots at the condo. Can you say rental shop? While there, he ran into Beverly “Eveready” Roberts who had gone in for batteries for her heaters, but somehow had found her way to the jewelry section. Charley what’s in your wallet?

Day Two proved to be a dark day for SCSC, however, as two of its members suffered serious injuries. On the first run of the day Cindy Morgan fell and broke her left wrist. At the end of the day, while she was off to the hospital with Nurse Nelly LaRoe, the rest of the group watched through the windows at Earl’s lounge as the ski patrol brought down Gary “Bump” Davis from what had been a last run with Bill “The Bomber” Prater. The Bomber later related that adhering to the philosophy of go big or go home; Gary executed an impressive double release, leading to a hundred yard tumble. Had it not been for the French judge, he would have scored a perfect 10. Instead he managed to break both bones in his lower right leg - a feat that earned him an exciting ride in a sled and a two day stay at the local hospital and the thoughtful attention of increasingly more experienced Nurse Nelly LaRoe. Thankfully the rest of the trip was injury free.

Two or three more days at Powder Mountain served up plenty of ski adventures. Dave Rietzen got his day of helicopter skiing and six others took a guided tour of Powder Country. Others toured Ogden and visited Gary at the hospital. Yes Matilda they do roll up the sidewalks in Utah at 6. A group breakfast, two more condo parties and a fine group dinner at Bistro 258 kept the adventurers well nourished for the rest of the trip.

Alas, on the last day of the trip the snow gods smiled upon the group and delivered the illusive fresh powder. Excitement and tension were in the air as this was the return trip to Snowbasin. The better part of a foot of fresh stuff had fallen, but the early runs were tenuous as visibility was poor. As the day progressed the light improved and rewarded the group with an awesome day on the slopes. A gourmet lunch was followed by more awesome skiing in the afternoon. The pack had taken on Snowbasin and won. Late in the afternoon Trail Boss Kirkman led the pack to one last run through trees and knee high powder. There was little left in the tank. Legs were sore but smiles were wide. The pack stopped to catch their breath and admire the view one last time. It was then that that Bob DeHound DeBell began to howl Ahoooo Ahoooo and the rest of the pack soon joined in Ahoooooo, Ahooooo…

Saturday, February 7th, was a beautiful day for a drive up to Snowmass from Denver. The weather  as great with promise for some snow during our stay in Snowmass at the Top of Village Condominiums, a ski-in/ski-out resort less than two turns into the village. Barbara Della Longa and  Chuck Britton must have had their sights on Aspen since they were dressed ready to hit the town. You know what they say when skiing, you’ve got to look good first……and they did.

Approximately 45 minutes from our destination our driver decided that it was a good time for a potty break. . However, the bus didn’t think so. Upon starting the engine, the bus let out the biggest billowing puff of black smoke ever seen. Two miles later limping along we finally agreed it was dead. While all the boys took turns guessing at what was wrong, the driver provided one of the fastest replacements known to skiers. Within no time, we were back on the road and soon were socializing at the condo clubhouse, picking up lift tickets, enjoying wine and very happy with the accommodations.

On Sunday, you could see most of the group lining up on the slope which was only a few steps from our units. The weather and snow conditions were great and one by one we made our first turns down to the lift to head up the mountain. We quickly scattered across the mountain as everyone worked on getting their ski legs. Our two newest ski club members, Ben & Sarah Treadgold, had joined the Big Dogs for some extreme skiing even though Sarah is a snowboarder!

With so much to ski and so little time, every other day offered an opportunity to try a new resort. On Day Two, Keith Kirkman led The Big Dogs which included Thuy & Richard Rocque, David Novak, Barry Caspar, Frank Adams, and Charles Allen to Aspen Mountain. We immediately scoped out the trees and found a few inches of fresh snow that had fallen overnight. Meanwhile back at Snowmass, a newly formed ski group called Robin’s Renegades, aptly named for their leader, Robin Novak, enjoyed chasing each other down the mountain and occasionally through the trees. This group included Ron & Roberta Rambin, Janet McKenzie, Roger Holzman, Ron Hayes, Judy Schiro, Pat Piech, Kamron Kirkconnell, LaDaune Ashley, and Derek Schoobridge. It’s amazing how they never lost each other with such a big group! On Coffee Pot, Ron Hayes found his way into a nice scenic nature trail
with frequent stops along the way. Evidently, the stops accounted for a nice way for the rest of the group to close the gap, or pile up as story goes.

We ended Monday evening with our group dinner at Nardi’s Italian restaurant. It was then that we learned of the first hard “nose-plant” into the hill. No worries, however, Cheryl Hoffman said the broken goggles actually protected Dan Hoffman’s fall. Isn’t that why we wear all that stuff on our head in the first place? Speaking of head equipment, Robin Novak finally broke down and purchased a helmet. What a great sport, I think that everyone had horror stories for her which she took in stride smiling before finally caving in. Even I was ready to give in and buy a helmet and I already own one.  What pressure!!!

Our number two helmet buyer on the trip needed a little more convincing. As Thuy & Richard Rocque, along with Sarah Treadgold watched Derek Schoobridge dive nose first into a tree at Snowmass, we could only pray for a soft landing. Yup, prayers answered. After Sarah grabbed his feet and pulled his head out of the snow we uncovered a good miss. The tree lucked out but sent another to the local ski shop for a helmet.

Day 3, we were getting snow, so what better time for The Cirque, Snowmass’s highest point and double black diamond bowl that quickly heads into the trees. Like many runs with this group, the ladies go first and boys are forced to follow or walk around the rest of the group hanging onto their tails. As Sarah jumped on the tow-rope, Thuy, Richard, Ben, and David all quickly jumped in line. Once at the top all you had to do was jump in; no Sarah, not over the headwall. All got down safely, and without a doubt, it was one of the best runs of the day. Nothing broken, and all manly-hood still in tact.

Not so fast, new day, new leader. On Day 4 at Aspen Highlands, as Keith Kirkman, Richard Rocque, Barry Caspar, and Charles Allen stare at one of the steepest runs we’ve come across on the trip, admiring the beauty of Steeplechase’s double black runs, yet still deciding whether or not to ski down, Thuy dives in. We heard Yes? No? Hell No! All were ready to ski down the other way but it was now too late. One by one, intimidated by our trip leader who took the plunge, we all fell in line……and some continued to fall as we made our way to the bottom of this endless chute some 45 minutes later. After that, Ben and Sarah sought out the tightest of trees, but the “older Big Dogs” decided to head to the other side of the ridge.

But wait, not so fast, one is missing. While most managed to take a right turn at the bottom of the run, Charles decided that the  run was too good to be over and continued on - right over the catwalk and into a nice 4 foot, 5 foot, no must have been a 6 foot snow bank. Snug as a bug in a rug. No kidding . . . he was stuck. Good thing that a member of Aspen Expedition was only a few minutes behind. It was deep and we would have all gone under as well (like quicksand) had we gone in after him. Which we were all prepared to do. I mean that’s what Big Dogs do for one another. Right? Charles was fine once hoisted out of the little snow pit he created and by the end of the day we had a good laugh. Another good sport!

Did I say falls??? There were plenty, but not Roger Holzman. He skied 6 days, first on and last off the lifts and not one single fall. We also decided that June Griffiths and Art McKnight get the “Improve With Age” Award…..just like fine wine since they give us all hope that we can ski well into our 70’s and likely beyond. Larry Hord fought the altitude long and hard before deciding it was time to drop a few thousand feet and return to sea level. We were sorry to see him go, but the best of trips in the future, Larry. Back at Snowmass, Ron Hayes and Judy Schiro had taken the day off to do a little shopping in Glenwood Springs where Judy got her Valentine’s Day presents early! The Novaks took advantage of the economy and arranged for a nice massage back at the room. Two for one . . . and room service. What a deal.

Day 5 provided a chance to hit Buttermilk – a short bus ride away. Toward the end of the week, the short bus ride was harder to justify with the slopes just a short walk out the front door. However, Barbara and Chuck managed to make the trip and loved it. They had taken lessons earlier in the week and were ready to ski, leaving no run undone. Steve Samuel and Donna Hathaway decided a snowmobile tour might be a nice change of pace around mid-week. What a great idea, give the legs a break and find yet another way to cover the mountain side. And, just in the nick of time, for  shortly afterwards poor Donna was raced to the emergency room due to a bad case of appendicitis. Better at the end of the week than the beginning. In the end, we were relieved to hear she was fine. Thursday evening, we traded our ski stories at the Pizza Party that our trip leader hosted in the condo club house. The pizzas were really good, but what everyone raved about was Merlyn Harger’s Pronto Pralines….surely they were low calories. We savored this sweet delicacy while watching the snow falling outside and praying that it keeps up so we would wake up to lots of powder!

On the final day, most everybody skied at Snowmass since we got over 4” of fresh powder. It was EPIC! We were all playing in the trees with powder up to our calves and laughing the entire time saying that’s the best skiing we’ve ever had. Kamron Kirkconnell decided on the very last day that  the boots he had purchased were finally just right. 1000 adjustments later but isn’t that Murphy’s Law? I think that it’s simply a matter of Kam’s blazing speed. First down the mountain as everyone tried to catch up and then complaining that the group was wearing him out. Speaking of boots, Merlyn Harger finds that his new boots are like slippers. Rumor has it he slept with them on. Bruce Baird, Steve Samuel and Dan Hoffman all fell in love with Aspen Mountain and may have been the only 3 that made their way back to the challenging terrain on the last day. All good things must come to an end, so after the last pizza slice was eaten and Merlyn’s famous Pronto Pralines were consumed at Derek’s and LaDaune’s Leftover Party Friday night, we all headed back to our condos to be ready for the 6:30AM baggage call. The consensus on the bus ride was that this trip ranks pretty high on everybody’s list of best ski trips. New friendships were made and old friendships were  renewed, but one thing is for sure……we all can’t wait to get back on the slopes again next year!!!