2017 Ski For Light Regional

Land of the Vikings was the venue for this year’s regional event. The lodge was comfortable, the innkeepers were accommodating, and the food was plentiful. We were blessed (?) with some rather incredible weather this year. Upon arrival, we discovered snow covered fields and a very challenging ice covered logging road.

A mere three days later, the temperature climbed out of the 30’s steadily toward the 60’s.

In just four days, the program went from Ski For Light to MUD for light.

Nevertheless, we all grabbed either snow shoes or skinny skis and made the best of what was available. While several members were racing for the virgin snow shown in the first photo, these intrepid snowshoe hikers found their way to the top of the mountain behind the lodge.

Of the random chairs found at the bottom of the trail leading back to the lodge, Linda reported: “It would have been rude to NOT sit in the chairs positioned there.” Indeed. So they sat comfortably for time and then resumed their trek.

The logging road leading to the falls about a mile and a half up the mountain is a favorite hike. In the winter, it is always interesting to learn the condition of the water spray and spillage over the rocks. What abstract gravity defying formations might there be?  Several hikers braved the icy road conditions with hopes to catch a glimpse.

As with any thaw, the cyclic nature of day time temps and overnight freezes made for some  risky hiking. Everybody made it to the falls without incident but a clear view of the falls was not possible. The path to a viewable position is steep. Slipping into the rushing frigid water was a real possibility and not relished by any guide. The water may be shallow but rocks are hard no matter the season.

As mentioned earlier, the snow finally disappeared completely. For activities, we were up against the ropes. I mean really. Dan produced from his pick-up truck about one hundred feet of rope. He then wove a rope line path from tree to tree to tree up a steep section of mountain. The terminus was a large rock formation of shale and moss.

Barry assisted by ensuring the ropes avoided foot falls that might trip up unpracticed climbers (with or without sight).

Climbing is not normally a winter program activity. We’ve done climbing but only to facilitate a safe entry into the base of the water falls further up the mountain. However, given the conditions, this was a welcome adventure. The ground was slippery from wet leaves, residual ice spots, and loose shale hidden under the carpet of fallen leaves.  Even if the conditions were ideal, the slope of the mountain offered a formidable challenge. With the challenge, there is risk. Strength is required of the person undertaking the climb. A guide is nearby for voice direction if needed but the guide is working as hard as the participant to reach the summit. Risk, danger, and significant personal effort — next year we’ll bring more rope.

Late in the week we visited the forrest around Sky Lake. Located in Windsor, NY, the Sky Lake property offers acres upon acres of responsibly maintained woodland and un-numbered miles of trails. Our interest was only in the mile or so trail leading around the lake itself. Along the path there are “Lift & Learn” placards which describe an element of interest along the groomed path. We enjoy the placards but we enjoy the enthusiastic offerings of our own master gardener. Karen includes that little extra bit of information that tantalizes the senses. When the Lift & Learn placards described a bird that might be found in the area, she produced the appropriate bird call and bird song from an app on her iPhone. She is also quite good at illuminating details of plants and taking them from the mundane to the extraordinary.

One such example is here:

This fungus was found on a flat rock near a pine branch. Soon, Karen had many of the non-poisonous gelatinous growths in her hand offering each member of our party to discover its texture with their fingers.

In case you’re curious, the fungus is known by its common names of  yellow brain, golden jelly fungus, yellow trembler, and witches’ butter. The fancy proper names are either “Tremella mesenterica” or “Tremella aurantia” depending on features I have not cataloged.

The Ski For Light experience came to a close all too soon when heavy weather was forecast and several members needed to get on the road in order to tend to their day job responsibilities. Good-byes, hugs, and the all important email addresses were exchanged as the group headed back to “the real world.”

You may have heard this before but it is worth repeating: The Ski For Light experience offers an opportunity to test yourself or facilitate growth. There is no pressure from the event leadership to do things with which you are not comfortable but there is plenty of encouragement.  Encouragement to explore your own possibilities that you may have otherwise overlooked or ignored. And that applies to everybody who shows up no matter where one’s visual acuity falls on the spectrum of sighted to blind.

You can learn more about Ski For Light International by visiting the official website sfl.org.

Visit the official website for North East Pennsylvania Regional Ski For Light and Sports For Health here: http://www.nepaoutdoors.org/.

Thanks for visiting. (Now check out the websites above.)