Final preparations for the regional SFL trip were nearly complete. However, there was some debate about whether or not we should pack our skis. We’ve been through this before — carry skis only to hike in mud. A careful review of the most up-to-date long range weather forecast seemed to indicate that skis would not be necessary nearly as much as good rain gear might be. In fact, the forecast was so foreboding that the coordinators published an advisory to participants. “If you ride the bus to the venue to not encumber yourselves with what will certainly become extra baggage.” Which was to say “Do NOT bring skis.” But with an intro like that, you know what’s coming — snow.
Yes, snow was on the ground and completely ski-able. If only we had skis. So we rummaged through the remnants of the old ski shop at Land of the Vikings (LOV) and found some vintage cross country skis and ski boots. Here are the happy folks who found boots, skis, and poles that fit.
The weather forecast was still calling for rain. What snow was available on Monday could not be counted on to remain past the afternoon nor Tuesday and certainly there would be no chance of any snow on Wednesday. Wrong, wrong, and wrong. So here is how it played out.
Monday was a good solid cross country ski day. The temperature was just below freezing and about right for good gliding. After several laps of the field, everybody started feeling a bit frisky and challenges were offered between skiers. An all out race ensued. Suddenly the slow and retiring gentle skiers turned into raging cross country Olympians! There was even a “grudge match” between spouses. (Do not worry. No marriages were dissolved.)
Tuesday was another good snow day but the weather was warming. We skied in the morning as best we could. Since there was a distinct shortage of guides this year, a new and innovative guide technique was put into action. Long distance guiding. Be advised: In order for this to work, the terrain must be completely flat, the guide must have a strong “outdoor” voice, and the skiers being guided must have excellent hearing. This imperfect solution to overcoming a lack of guides did have an impact on some skiers. Happily the impact left no visible marks. (Apologies to Linda finding the fence and Louise [ouch!] finding the road.) That afternoon, we wisely moved to “Marty’s Bump” which, in spite of its name, is quite tame.
Normally, there is no need for a day by day description of activities. But the emphasis here is more about how we kept expecting heavy rains and then playing in snow anyway. We saw outdoor activities five out of six program days. Overnight rain took us into Wednesday but amazingly we still had some snow. We broke out the snow toys, shovels, and muscle power to cover bare spots.
Not seen in the photo are other members of the snow party who moved snow from the far reaches of the surrounding brush area to Marty’s Bump. Professional snow grooming could become a seasonal retirement job.
Finally there was no more avoiding it. Thursday rains took away all but the memory of snow. Ultimately the scene was no different from the 2017 event. It just took one day longer. On that day, Ken organized a shuffleboard tournament. The pairings were good, the games exciting, and trophies, well, there weren’t any. But braggin’ rights are better anyway.
Friday we visited our friends at Sky Lake. Oddly, only 8 miles to the north, Sky Lake itself and the surrounding woods were covered in snow and ice throughout.
We enjoy the lake path on these visits and the guides read aloud the various “lift and learn” nature information posts along the trail. This day, the breeze coming off the lake was cold and at times strong. The readers were encouraged (sometimes with *great* enthusiasm) to read quickly and KEEP MOVING !!!
The woods were full of winter wonder.
The lift and learn posts are placed around the lake along the path. They are unobtrusive and can be missed if the hiker is not aware of this feature. (NOT a criticism. This is a good thing.)
One of the group’s favorite posts is about a rotting log. (Or you may prefer to think of it as recycling.)
Back at LOV, the rain turned to sleet and then snow. This was another odd extreme of weather and bore no resemblance to what we had heard leading up to the event nor experienced earlier in the week. The forecast was for rain but we got snow.
Saturday morning, the snow was heavy and wet. The temperature was approaching 40 degrees Fahrenheit so we skipped the skis and hiked up to the water falls. We did not expect to see any wondrous formations of frozen falls but it is a nice hike with good sounds along the way.
The the two human guides and two dog guides were augmented by two more humans. The photos show the two dog users hiking the trail uphill. Far behind Tiffany and Black Lab Quest you can see the other hikers. There aren’t many who can maintain the pace of these energetic duos.
At the top of the falls, we all formed up for a group photo.
From there, some members continued for a long circuitous route back to the lodge while the others went back the way they came.
And speaking of “going back the way they came,” Sunday we also did that with regard to wrapping up the program and returning to our various daily routines. Well wishes were exchanged, phone numbers and email addresses updated, and everyone packed out to get on the road.
If you’ve been following these almost annual blogs about this particular regional program, you’ve already seen what is to follow and you may stop reading now and move on to your next click. For all others, read on.
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 abilities 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.)
Yes Marilee said y’all had a good time overall. Looks like a lot of fun but weather has been crazeeee this year!
Suzanne — There is still time to sign up the the 2019 program. Text me for details!