Skiing and Hiking around Woods Lake.

Cross-Country Ski/Snowshoe Trip
Lapland Lake, Benson, N.Y. - February 7-10, 2003

This cross-country resort is run by a 1960 Olympic participant and has green, blue, black, and three double-black ski trails to suit everyone. Add the great snowshoe trails, cozy tupas (cottages), and pet reindeer to the mix, and this resort location proved to be a big hit.

Friday night we sampled Lihapallot (meatballs), Kaalikaaryleet (cabbage rolls) and glog (hot mulled wine) at the resort restaurant. Saturday we skied early in the day on packed, groomed trails that were fabulously fast. Ask Mike R. Then we enjoyed many of the club member's homemade soups, chilis and Mary E.’s "roadkill stew" for lunch. In the afternoon many went on an Adirondack backwoods snowshoe tour (a "three hour tour") with our resort guide, Andy. Andy explained the local wildlife and pointed out tracks for snowshoe hare, fisher (mink) and a pair of bob cats, plus potential prints from coyote and more obvious deer and squirrel prints. He said he hadn’t seen any mountain lion prints in two years. New snowshoer Melinda finished the trek first - good job!

Saturday night we feasted on champagne, shrimp cocktail, and Richard’s Beef Wellington. As requested by our gracious hostess Carol and host Jon, we wore accessories to fit into our setting of "elegant ambience" followed by votes for the best female and male. Pauline stole a prize mood ring with her foxy collar shawl. Steve R. won for his tux shirt, tie and ski tights. Steve’s prize? - A whoopy cushion that really whooped up the audience. Later that evening, a group hiked to the lake and regenerated a low burning camp fire to enjoy the moon and stars.

On Sunday Jon, Jackie, and Dan K. took a ski racing class. Jackie bought a new set of racing skis. After lunch many departed for home. Eleven of us stayed for a third day to ski and snowshoe more, and enjoy another late night hike to the lake. Ask Alice and Jon to do their Three Stooges rendition. This group got to enjoy a sunny, warmer morning of activity on Monday, followed by a lunch in the main lodge with a wood burning stove and mellow Finnish "Muzak". The owner, Olavi, joined us and shared his Olympic experience at Squaw Valley in 1960. His ski broke during the race and he finished on a ski loaned by a spectator. Last, we gathered for a group photo with the friendly, local pooches before saying goodbye to the Finnish hospitality.
- Gail U.