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Stowe, Vermont
Date:
January 12-15, 2018
Trip Leader: Raghu Naik
Trip Assistant: Len Szymanski
A light mist fell as the 45 trip participants loaded the bus in
Piscataway for the ride to Stowe. The trip leaders took the luggage from
the guests’ cars and loaded them on the bus. Thanks to Yi and Vlad for
their help with this damp task, thanks to Vlad for the ponchos. Finally
loaded, we pushed off from Ericsson at 1:00pm. Thanks to everyone for
being on time. In addition, many thanks to all those who help load and
unload the bus.
 Once
we were past Morristown, the trip leader and assistant served snacks and
beverages to the guests. Everyone was in a good mood in spite of the
weather. We headed North on the N.Y. Thruway and after 3 hours we had a
rest stop that Scott, our driver, was required to make. 15 minutes to
stretch the legs and back on the bus again. Videos, snacks and beverages
helped pass the time. At 6:30 we stopped for dinner in Vermont and then
back on the bus and the final push to Stowe. Thanks to Scott we made it
to Stowe on time even with some really foggy areas.
We arrived at the Commodores Inn at 9:30. With some help from volunteers
we unloaded the bus and checked in. Joe Ferrara from Banchi was there to
greet and distribute lift tickets, trail maps and lip balm. A relatively
(compared to other Club bus trips) early arrival gave us some time to
meet and greet each other. Then we wandered off to our rooms for a good
night’s rest.
Overnight the misty rain turned to snow. When we woke up and looked out
the window the dread turned to anticipation! Once dressed, we headed
downstairs for breakfast. Refreshed and recharged we went back to our
rooms to dress in our ski clothes for our day on the slopes. We
took the Club bus to the mountain and saw the very long ticket lines and
were happy we already had direct to lift tickets.
 Lunch
time at the top of the mountain – we warmed up and ate in the
restaurant. Many members met up with each other and chatted about the
morning’s experiences and offered tips about the best trails. Finally,
time to head back to the Commodores Inn to refresh and change for the
club reception. Saturday night at 5:30 the club hosted a reception in
the conference room. The Commodores Inn catered the reception with hot
appetizers and a veggie platter. The Club supplemented with a variety of
wine, beer, juice, and cheese/crackers. Thanks to the Manzo family for
their donation of a case of very good wine. Joe Ferrara and Scott
attended the reception as well. A good time was had by all.
 Sunday
we woke, dressed and ate breakfast before boarding our bus to the
mountain. Two morning departures and two return trips on our comfy warm
bus were appreciated by all. Monday morning was like the movie
“Groundhog Day.” Dress, eat and ski. We had one bus run to the mountain
and one back at 12 noon. A special thanks to the Commodores Inn staff
for allowing all to have a late check out avoiding crowded changing
rooms and providing a more relaxed start to our return trip home.
Loading the bus for the last time, we headed off to return to
Piscataway.
After a stop in Connecticut for dinner, we boarded the bus for home with
more videos to pass the time. We arrived at Ericsson at 9:20pm and with
help from volunteers we unloaded the bus. We shook hands, hugged and
wished each other well.
A special thanks to Scott Moser, our excellent driver, for safely
getting us to Stowe and back home.
 One
of our most rewarding observations is that the children we once knew as
little ones are now growing up and are still loving our trips. It makes
all the effort worth it for the leader and assistant. In addition, it’s
always fun to welcome new members. Thanks to all participants for a safe
and pleasurable experience. And remember if you don’t do it now you will
only be a year older when you do!
Thank You,
Raghu and Len and the Holmdel Ski Club
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