Garnet Hill Cross-Country Ski Weekend, February 4-6, 2005

We had a warm, sunny weekend with good, quick, groomed runs to enjoy, plus the company of many friends and hearty meals together (26 Huggers made the trip). Thanks to all who brought the wonderful chilis, soups, salads and desserts. We exercised hard over the three day weekend and Jonnie Boy was ready for bed at 10:00 Saturday (hard to believe). The better skiers only did Duffner’s Run once, a double black that was a little too dicey. Skull Duggery was so good it was skied repeatedly with a competition on who could glide the furthest at the bottom.

We know everyone is dying to hear who won this year’s ping-pong tournament. Ann S. won in the novice category in a rousing game against her sister Amy. Our trip leader Joyce won in the advanced category, however, only after two promising candidates, Larry B. and Paul B. lost interest and went to bed. Joyce loves ping pong so much she even sleeps with her equipment (ask Gail for details).

In addition to skiing there were those who enjoyed snowshoeing, suntanning in Adirondack chairs outside the lodge, or exploring the area on foot. Mary E. led an outing on foot to visit fellow Huggers in a nearby lodge for a few toddies and circled around a few times much to her followers’ dismay. We can’t imagine her sense of direction after the toddies. We heard Don and Carla were vying for the affection of a llama atop Mountain View run; Don won so they guessed it was a female llama. And this year again we woke up to "moose" undies on the Big Shanty moose (ask Mary for details). A big thanks to Joyce Henzel for running another fun-filled weekend at Garnet Hill.
- Gail U.