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Sugarloaf, Maine
Date:
January 13-16, 2017
Trip Leader: Raghu Naik
Trip Assistant: Len Szymanski
 The
43 trip participants met at the Piscataway parking lot at noon. It was
great to see everyone again, plus welcome some new faces to the Club.
Soon we were cruising up Route 287. As we approached the New York State
Thruway, the trip leaders began serving beverages and snacks (including
healthy options like carrots and apples). It was now time to sit back,
relax, and watch some movies. As we approached Bridgeport CT, we hit the
usual traffic problems, only to be repeated at Hartford. Several folks
commented that they were glad that they weren’t having to deal with the
traffic; a perfect reason to take a bus for a long trip.
Despite more traffic near Boston, we made it to our dinner stop at the
Kennebunk, ME service area by 7:15pm. Time to stretch the legs and have
a meal. Forty five minutes later we were on the road again, arriving at
Sugarloaf at 11:00pm. After volunteers helped unload the bus, we headed
to our own rooms for rest.
  On
Saturday morning we awoke to cold but calm weather with occasional
sunshine and only light winds, which made for a great day of skiing. The
mountain had excellent snow conditions, and to top it off, it was not
crowded. Ski lessons were a great benefit to most participants,
including some new skiers who wanted to take advantage of our three free
lessons. A great day of skiing or riding must be followed up with a hot
tub, and Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel has a big one.
  On
Saturday night the trip leaders hosted an après ski party with chips,
salsa, salmon/lox, cheese, crackers, wine, beer, juice, soda, etc. The
party was a good opportunity to connect with old friends and new ones,
catch-up on life events, and reminisce about the day’s adventures.
  Sunday
morning: its time to repeat the procedure. Overnight we had a dusting of
snow across every surface that provided a sparkling reminder of the look
of that iconic New England winter morning. When we got to the top of the
King Pine lift, we were treated to several inches of fresh snow on top
of groomed runs. Later that day the wind picked up and things got cold
enough for people to take a “warming” break at the pub for some
well-deserved arm lifting exercises.
One nice thing about Sugarloaf is that you will probably meet up with
most of the group somewhere on the mountain, where you can trade trips
about which trails are most enjoyable.
  Monday
dawned and time for our last day at the Loaf, and we were treated to a
bluebird sunny day. We had the mountain almost all to ourselves; No lift
lines whatsoever and frequent fresh tracks. By noon it was time to
change out of our ski gear to get ready for the ride home. Since the
hotel check-out time was 11am, the hotel provided the Club with two
changing rooms and a luggage room. Many people went to the excellent
deli in the base area for a bodacious sandwich made with homemade bread.
Our bus arrived by noon and everyone loaded their bags. Once again, it
was time to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. We stopped for dinner
at 7pm where there were some, hungry children, and adults.
 We
were back in Piscataway by 10:30 pm. Hands were shaken, hugs traded, and
well wishes shared. We would sincerely like to thank all the volunteers
to helped load and unload the bus. Thanks to all for making this a
pleasurable memorable trip.
 To
see what you will experience during a Holmdel Ski Club trip to Sugarloaf
, click on this Youtube link.
- Raghu & Len
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