The Potsdam Après Ski Club
2006 Trips
Smuggler Notch Ski Trip -- January 13, 14 and 15, 2006
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The trip to Smuggler’s Notch (Burlington Vermont) on January 13, 14 and 15 turned out to be an adventure in skiing, socializing, shopping, and experiencing new cuisine and art.
Some people cancelled at the last minute because of the impending rain forecast, which is certainly understandable. Six ski club members traveled to the Anchorage Inn located across from the University Mall in Burlington: Shirley & Bob Metcalf, Jutta & Joe Fitzsimons, and Joanne & Dick Partch.
The skiing was very good on Friday with variable conditions. Smugglers Notch is a great ski resort with a variety of trails for every taste. Friday night was steak night at the Outback after some socializing by the pool and Jacuzzi.
The real adventure began Saturday morning; it was pouring rain; so skiing was not a good idea. The rain did not dampen anyone spirits though, in fact, everyone was anxious to explore Burlington. The shopping included, looking for unique furniture pieces and checking out new cars, buying luggage and baby gifts. Then of course everyone was ready for a soak in the Jacuzzi, happy hour and dinner. The highlight of the trip occurred Saturday evening when the Fitzsimons’ found an out of the way restaurant called the “Taste of Burlington”. We knew there was something special about this place as soon as we walked in. The art work displayed on the walls were outstanding. The cuisine (especially the duck and oysters), the service was excellent. The chef/owner (Rick Benson) joined us at our table where the conversation flowed, then to the bar and a tour of his art work, Jutta & Joe purchased an “owner signed” unique piece of art.
Sunday morning the “art theme” continued at breakfast. A hockey team of young ladies from Manhattanville were drawing pictures at the table next to us, Joe decided that someone should collect some money and judge their work and hand out prizes. The photos included tell it all, it was hilarious. Then Dick took home some art work as well, the winning picture was signed by the young artist.
Whiteface Trip, Lake Placid, NY -- March 17, 18 and 19, 2006
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The skiing was great on the Whiteface Mountain Ski Trip. Shirley and Bob Metcalf, Joe and Jutta Fitzsimmons and Carolyn and Gene Kaczka enjoyed the Comfort Inn in Lake Placid which had pool, Jacuzzi and private bar.
Friday night was dinner at the Alpine Restaurant which is now under new management. Saturday morning the Kaczkas led the group on a hike on Mirror Lake. First time the Metcalf’s ever walked on water. It was pretty thin ice but we had faith in our guides. Sunday we skied Whiteface, which was great considering the winter we have had.
La Petite Ski Trip -- February 3, 4 and 5, 2006
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As always, the ski Trip to LaPetite Rouge was a fun weekend. When people left Potsdam on Friday, it was warm, raining, and no snow, which made everyone apprehensive about crossing the ice bridge in Lefaivre, Quebec, and the skiing conditions at LaPetite. Although there were puddles of water on the ice bridge, which splashed on top of cars when crossing, the "gate keeper" assured everyone the river was frozen to 18 inches thick and it was safe to drive on it. Everyone in the Meyermobile was praying for the rain to change to snow, but it didn't. Upon arriving at LaPetite, it was nice to find there was plenty of snow for skiing.
Some people arrived early on Friday and got some good skiing in. Saturday was excellent skiing as well. Saturday morning the snow was wet and the temperature slightly above freezing. Sunday morning we woke up to a downpour -- raining so hard we drove vehicles from the house we were in to go to breakfast. A number of people left after breakfast. However, those who stayed, waited the rain out, and reported they were able to go skiing before heading home, since the sun came out nice and bright and warm later in the morning.
There was a mix-up this year on cabins, so the group was split. The Meyers, Buchanans, Nagles and Meins stayed in the rental house, equipped with a full kitchen and spacious living room. Great accommodations, but an 8 minute walk to the lodge and the cabin where the rest of the group (Russ Nelson, Tomaltys, Kaczkas and Gibbs) were staying. Those in the house were thankful the weather was nice or it would not have been a pleasant walk to and from meals.
This was the Tomaltys first trip to LaPetite. They had a great time and planning to attend again next year. They found there was plenty to do besides ski and eat: the torch walk, tubing, dancing, and the horse drawn wagon ride was back, as well as board games and card playing. When it came to dancing, Sandy and Gene had a great time doing the polka.
Russ introduced the groups to a new "train" board game, Ticket to Ride. However, it was obvious that Russ was an expert and played the game a lot. Guess who won all the "train" games? All games were fun and it definitely seemed like the men were more competitive than the women!
The group party was held in the house, which was great with all the extra room, but having one group out in the "hinterlands" tended to separate one from the other during the weekend. A vote was taken regarding accommodations for next year and it was unanimous to have the two cabins side-by-side again.
Bob Meyer does a terrific job organizing this event. Many thanks go out to him.
Submissions from Russ Nelson, Carolyn Kaczka, Bob Meyer, Sue Gibbs and Dorothy Mein.
Photographs by Bruce Buchanan.
