The latest from the Gang ... 

Après-ski

Good fortunes and good skiing, both downhill and cross-country, happily were reported at our Sunday River trip this year. As imparted by one of our members in this newsletter, there were ample opportunities for venturing out for cross-country skiing, and for that matter snowshoeing and hiking, right in the vicinity of the Sunday River Resort.  For the most part, we had favorable weather, most typically in the mornings, and skiing conditions improved throughout the week. As in many circumstances in downhill skiing, variable conditions can exist throughout the days, and different skiers have different notions about the ski conditions, and the varied slopes.  Several skiers ventured down the renown “White Heat” double diamond trail (STEEP!)

Our group of 29 members were fortunate in room accommodations because most of us were lodged in the same area and floor of the Grand Summit Hotel. Of course, we had four exceptions to this, but these four members would always be able to find us for après skiing and the like. Arrival night on Sunday was a rel welcome wih a pizza party right at the hotel, and we all met again on Tuesday evening for the traditional buffet. On other evenings we were able to find accommodations for après ski, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in gathering around a fireplace. 

Ray G

Sunday River Ski Trip from a non-skier I have found going on one or two of these ski trips a year is very enjoyable; I get to meet and socialize with a different group of Gang members than those I run into during the summer activities. Because I don’t ski downhill doesn’t mean that there aren’t things to do.

On this trip I packed my snowshoes, a pair of micro spikes and hiking boots. Bethel has a wonderful pathway that runs along the Androscoggin River in the valley; and I just needed my hiking boots to follow it for about 3 miles on two different days. The skiers were being troubled by some wind, but in the valley there was none. I went further afield to Greenwood (8 miles) on a different day and hiked without spikes (although I probably should have had them on) on the trails in "Maggie’s Nature Park” which I found online by looking for hiking trails in the area. Maggie’s was just a wonderful walk in the woods, a little steep in some areas but trails were marked extremely well so were easy to follow even with a snow covering of 2”.

There were some cross-country skiers in the group and they found both Carter’s Ski area and the trails at the Bethel Inn, which by the way has some great snowshoe trails also. Needless to say I ended each day in the pool and hot tub. It was a great trip and with a little investigation there is always somewhere to hike or snowshoe; it's just great to get out and move.

Meredith P

The South Mystery Group didn’t go to Thailand but they did go to the Bangkok Cafe for delicious Thai food.  We were joined by members we had not seen in a very long time.  Our luncheon lasted a little over 2-1/2 hours.  Lots of catching up to do.
Joan S and Faye S left early and are not in the photo, but they added to our enjoyment before leaving.

Lucille S

Walking the Carrabassett trail in Maine

Is it Spring yet?  Our week at Sugarloaf started with frigid temperatures but good snow conditions pleasing most of our intrepid skiers. Some of our group preferred to ski the top areas of the mountain but many of us were very happy with the lifts that went three quarters of the way.  We gathered for lunch and rest at Bullwinkle's Pub halfway up the mountain. In all, the snow conditions were great. Sugarloaf was a wonderful mountain to ski with something for every level.  
 The cross-country skiers in our group found a variety of activities at the Nordic Outdoor Center. Besides cross-country skiing, some tried snow shoeing at the Center or later tried hiking on the Narrow-Gauge Trail, a local conservation area maintained by the town.  
At the Sugarloaf Inn, we dined at the Shipyard Brewhaus where the included breakfasts were wonderful and the dinners were fantastic. The 2 for 1 night on Tuesday was very kind to our wallets, and the Wednesday Asian night specials did not leave us hungry an hour later!!   

Weather went from a low of 18 degrees on Monday and Tuesday to a gradual warm up over the next three days moving from the mid to high thirties on Wednesday to even the fifties by Thursday and Friday.  For our trip, Mark Twain's quote surely applied: "If you don't like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes."  Good Times were reported by all.

Ellen W.

Warming up after single digit skiing

Snow started gently falling the afternoon we arrived at Old Field House, and continued through the night and all the next day. Conditions for skiing and snowshoeing were ideal– on a scale of 10 , they were an 11!!

The first evening found us gathered in the family room of Old Field House sharing fruits of the grape, munchies and conversation with a fire burning in the fireplace. Pizza and salad were on the menu for supper, followed by desserts made by Peg T and Judy T.

Gang members went to Jackson, Bear Notch and Whittier Woods where conditions for both skiing and snowshoeing were super! All that exercise worked up our appetites, so we strolled across the street to enjoy great meals at the tavern at New England Inn the next two nights. Of course, the diehard game players entertained themselves with various fun card games in the evening.

Wednesday afternoon’s highlight was a trip to the Mount Washington Hotel to enjoy cocktails in the windowed great room overlooking Mount Washington in all its snowy splendor.

Great time, great companions, great conditions – who could ask for more???

Judy T

The trip was planned on the prediction of snow and yes there was perfect snow at Appleton Farms on January 31. 

This an area is managed by the Trustees of Reservations and the cross-country ski trials are groomed by the North Shore Nordic Ski Association.  So even though the fresh snow was deep, there were groomed trails with tracks to ski on. 

It has a large area for parking and the lot was plowed. And at our 1:00 start time, the parking lot was close to full. 

The sun was shining and there was vey little wind.  It made for a perfect afternoon of skiing for Ilene and Dan P, Dan Y, Mary McG, Karen L, Miriam J and Anne W, trip leader.

Anne W

When The Gang gets together, a good time is guaranteed. Despite Covid restrictions the Gang persevered with tremendous spirit and had a fabulous time. This year the snow was fresh, the trails were well groomed, and the skiing was great. Gathering around the fire pit was hot and fun, and the cafeteria food was good.

We enjoyed mask free meals and lingered, happily visiting with friends we had missed for two years. Morning coffee and evening conversations in the community room continued in smaller groups in spite of Covid restrictions. Everyone was welcoming to first time members who loved the beauty of the spot.

Janis said it best with her summary that “skiing around the lake on a bluebird day was wonderful and a special treat”. We will return for a covid free trip next year!!!

Sue B

We had three glorious days of skiing with perfect weather, not too cold, cloudless skies, great grooming, and no wind. The only problem it was supposed to be a four-day trip. The trip was bookended by a blizzard that dropped twenty-four inches of snow in the greater Boston area, causing many skiers to show up a day late followed by the worst ice storm that we have had in 30 years causing everyone to leave a day early.

In addition, we had many cancellations due to Covid-19 concerns, but we were joined by several “day trippers”.

The arrival Pizza Party was delayed one day due to the weather, but it was still a fun time.

The hotel was nice as well as very accommodating with our group allowing us to use a private gathering area for a little après party each evening

Overall, considering the weather everyone had an enjoyable week

There was downer for the week in that Pam F had a bad fall and broke one of her legs. According to her family she did have surgery where they inserted a metal rod in her femur. They said that she was up and about with crutches, that her spirits were good and that she was going home on Sunday February 6. So, we wish her well and hope that her recovery and rehab go well

Bob G

Anne W, Dan Y, Joan T

The trip to Gunstock went very well, perfect skiing conditions, lovely day, nice company.

Photo by Kimberly T.

On Monday, Martin Luther King day, a snowstorm that missed Boston but went north to the mountains, blessed MT. Snow with 14 inches.  What a gift the day before our trip there began.  So Tuesday skiing was good but long lift lines, very unusual for midweek skiing, but we assumed many locals skipped work & took advantage of the new snow.
Wednesday was less crowded, but windy up top, still lots of good skiing, but Thursday was a 10!  Sunny, 25 degrees, no wind, less crowded, lots of snow & a beautiful day for skiing!  I’m so glad I went.   Nine of us enjoyed this trip.  Besides me, Pat P. came just to get away and did not ski.  Bob G, Peter C, Kimberly T, Susan B, David G and his friend Jodie, and a new member, Peter B.  

Although The Mountaineer didn’t cook dinner for us, they did serve a hardy breakfast, buffet style, which we enjoyed.  Getting together at the hot tub and social hour after skiing topped it off.  So happy we went.

Maryann D