There at the end of a dirt road is the beginning of good times. These good times are fueled not by libations or potions but by a shared delight for life and adventure. This is the regional event of Ski For Light. The header picture on this page shows a view from the outside into the large front windows of the lodge. White cane users and guides gathering around coffee and hot chocolate excitedly making plans for exploring the surrounding hills via the logging road and various foot paths.
This event is held on the grounds of Land of the Vikings (generally known simply as LOV) in Sherman, Pennsylvania. On a map, the knife point is resting on it but Google will be more precise if you look for Deposit, New York and go slightly south.
The property consists of 150 acres surrounded by 5000 acres of state game land. It is a beautiful setting regardless of the season or weather and we do our best to travel as much of it as we can with or without snow. In the following photo, snow has fallen early in the morning and only lightly covered one of the mountain trails. Nevertheless, the layering of sky, tree line, descending mountain sides, and dry underbrush provide a scene unique and charming. What cannot be experienced by merely looking at or reading about the photo is the absolute quiet of the remote mountain area. It is still and unhurried.
When there is snow, we ski. When there is no snow, we hike. Seems obvious but I didn’t want anyone to be confused. We are active in the great outdoors regardless of the weather.
Of course, snow is preferred. These series of photos depict the ease and freedom of donning “skinny skis” and enjoying the expanse of LOV.
A blind skier and sighted guide snap into their skis and “make tracks” either on an open field or on surrounding paths on the foot of mountains. The the trails are not groomed, so this is what one might call “authentic” cross country skiing.
The blind participant and sighted guide explore the area together. The time shared on the trails is at an agreed upon pace that provides exercise yet safety and comfort as well. The guide provides sufficient descriptions regarding direction and obstacle avoidance ensuring safe passage.
When there is not snow deep enough on which to ski, hiking to the water falls are in order. It’s always fun to discover what shapes have formed on the rocks after a good cold spell.
Here we see that the edges have frozen hard while the middle still flows freely. The splashes have provided the medium for the frozen sculptures.
Overlooking the lodge is small mountain on which is perched the “snow lady.” She gets visited regardless of the snow conditions. Actually, she’s something of an “all weather lady” in that she is more of a scarecrow (really!) than anything.
Snowshoes are sometimes in order but the hikers here braved the trail without them. The visit always calls for a photo op.
Then the downhill walk, slide, tumble, or any way you can get back to the lodge is the perfect occasion for a visit to the hot chocolate machine.
The rooms are simple but comfortable, and all have private baths. There is a dining room, a Viking ship bar and a lounge area with a circular fireplace, and a game room.
From a Sunday evening to a Sunday morning, opportunities are presented all week for winter time activities covering the spectrum of old fashioned sledding in the snow and snowball fights to cross country skiing or snowshoeing on open fields and hillside trails.
The regional chapters of Ski for Light, Inc. share the basic mission of offering activities to enhance the quality of life and independence of visually or mobility-impaired adults through a program of cross-country skiing. You can learn more about Ski For Light, Inc. by visiting the official website sfl.org.
Now I’m going reflect on this year’s trip over a mug of hot chocolate. Thanks for visiting.
