Written by Sue Ticotin

Rain and a chilly fall wind swept through New England as ski club members and guests flocked to the lodge for the second Pub, Grub, and Wine tour organized by Don Taggart. This year was a mix of familiar faces from the first tour two years ago and several first-timers, all eager to participate in this spirited event.

Our tour bus departed early Saturday morning. As we approached the Rutland-Pico area we were excited to see the gorgeous colors of the fall foliage and the area’s first snowfall of the season. Our first stop was the Long Trail microbrewery, but first a round of Happy Birthday to Roy. Don asked all non-drinkers to raise their hands to identify the “losers” (all in good fun) and to get a head count for who would be participating in the beer sampling.

We learned that the Long Trail Brewing Company is the 15th largest microbrewery in the US and got its name from the oldest long distance hiking trail in America. The bartender/guide gave us a history and details of each beer as they poured samples for our group. Some took advantage of the self-guided tour and gift shop, while others were happy hugging the bar or taking pictures with the moose head that was mounted on the wall.

Our second stop was the Snow Farm Vineyard, which is part of the Quechee Village Mall. Here we had a chance to sample a variety of wines and do a little shopping. Cabot Cheese caught our interest as many of us wandered around the store sampling their cheeses, dips, and the famous Vermont maple syrups. Other stores offered handcrafted products from area artisans, silk products, moccasins and shoes, antiques, furniture, and of course novelty Vermont t-shirts and souvenirs.

Outside the mall we gathered for our train ride around the grounds with train operator Charlie. As the train approached this large tent that had been set up just outside the mall, we could see a smiling and waving Glenn standing in the doorway waiting to greet us. As the train chugged past the tent………….. Please click here to continue.

Photos by John Generoso, Larry Ticotin, Lee Desantis, Rob McDonald, Roy Spierer, Tracy Jelonnek

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Glenn greeted us with his rendition of “Moon River” that many of us will have etched into our memories for a very long time.
Afterwards, Charlie the train operator gave us a ride on an antique carousel. Built in 1939, the magnificent machinery moved ever so cautiously with its raddled appearance and eerie creeks and squeals.  You could almost hear groans coming from the wooden horses that labored to lift its patrons up and down as the carousel spun around.  We enjoyed the few moments of nostalgia and could only imagine the happy faces of the small children who once rode this colorful Merry-Go-Round years ago.

We lunched at Fire Stones, which was just down the road from the Ouechee mall.  Lunch was wonderful and although we were assigned waitresses, Don gave a helping hand and served many of us our lunch.  After finishing our death by chocolate dessert, we wandered outside where the conversation seemed focused on comparing our various food stains on our clothing and muttering how we ate too much.  Kiersten found the perfect place to rest, lying across the laps of Glenn, Chuck, and Darren who were seated on a bench outside the restaurant.  As we headed back down the road, we decided to take in the spectacular views of the Quechee Gorge, which we learned was formed by glacial activity approximately 13,000 years ago!  The Ottauquechee River flowed 165 feet below us where we stood on the Route 4 bridge….the perfect place for bungee jumping!

Our next stop was Harpoons, but due to a miscommunication, the staff did not know we were coming and so we only stayed briefly to experience some of their beers.  We decided to head to McGrath’s, an Irish pub located near Pico where we spent some much needed relaxing time around the toasty fireplace and reflect on the day’s activities.  Some watched the ballgame in the room next door.  Others enjoyed a few beers or a game of chess.

The night was still young as we headed back to the lodge.  Lee and Abbie got the dance party started with some music while dinner was prepared.  It seemed like this not-too hungry crowd had just ate, but we were happy to enjoy the wonderful cuisine Phil had cooked for us.  Some stayed up late to enjoy the music and more dancing or just hang out, while others retired early.  We all scurried Sunday morning to eat, pack up, and head home or on to other travels.

Great job, Don Taggart! All appreciated the time and effort you took to organize this event and all agreed that this was another successful tour.  We look forward to the next one!

Written by Sue Ticotin

Photos by John Generoso, Larry Ticotin, Lee Desantis, Rob McDonald, Roy Spierer, Tracy Jelonnek

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Fall Motorcycle Ride
October 23

 

Six Club members and one guest took a  fall motorcycle ride through New Jersey,  New York and Pennsylvania.   We departed from Lake Hopatcong and went through Sussex and Orange counties and up along the Delaware to Barryville NY where we had lunch at the Cedar Rapids Restaurant (recommended!).  Dwight learned the cruising range of a Honda Shadow.  Justin got to take his new bike through the curves of the Hawk’s Nest on Route 97.   Abby got to proof test her new heated winter ski gloves.  Diane entertained us at lunch with her displays of manual dexterity. 

We will plan another ride in the spring, when it will be a little warmer (we hope!)

Thanks – Marc Blaine!

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OCTOBER 29th, 2010 – FRIDAY
Hanover Marriot, Whippany, NJ (Rte 10E at 287)

Where BOARDERS & SKIERS Celebrate SNOW!

Show Hours – 7pm to 10pm
Dancing 10pm to midnite

Halloween Costumes Welcome!

Raffles

Free Admission & Parking

Restaurant & Bar onsite

Diane Bogert is welcoming any Craigmeur Ski Club Members to “man” our table between 7pm and 10pm.  We have a few volunteers, but the more the merrier and our club knows how to be merry!  Any half hour or hour slot you would be available would be awesome!  Please contact Diane by clicking here.

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BRING YOUR SKIS/BOARDS WEDNESDAYS:

STARTING NOVEMBER 3rd “KICKOFF PARTY”

BRING YOUR SKIS and/or BOARDS.  John and Mark from Pabst Ski Tuning Service once again are offering their ski/board tuning service and valet pick up service during our meetings  STARTING November 3rd!  Skis and Snowboards will be tuned with the latest state of the art equipment using the Wintersteiger tuning machine.  Afterwards your snow equipment will be returned to you at the following meeting.  They have kept their very reasonable prices from last year. Skis or boards picked up each week will be returned at the following meeting. We must have a minimum of 4 pairs of skis or 4 boards or any combination for the valet service.

PABST EQUIPMENT TUNING PRICING

Thank you to Roy Spierer for setting this up!

Diane Bogert

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WHERE: The Exchange in Rockaway
WHEN:  7:30pm
WHAT:  Club Sponsored Beverages
WHAT ELSE:  Vendor supplied Give-Aways
But Wait…There’s more!:  Slide Show
But Wait… There’s still more!:  Great Company…

Side note – No Regular meeting on 11/3…

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NJSC Monthly Report

meeting date: October 11, 2010
next meeting: November 08, 2010

Rep: Chris Budd – skijcb@hotmail.com

Welcome Back – Guidebook publication will be completed in October and you can get your NJSC Guidebook copy at the NJSC Jamboree, October 29, 2010 at The Hanover Marriott.  I will also have copies of the guidebook after the November NJSC meeting.

Our club listing page has also been up-dated to reflect the most current contact information.  Please take a look and advise if any changes need to be made.

When patronizing retailers / resorts / restuarants in ski country or anywhere else, remember to show your Club membership card with the NJSC member sticker to inquire about discounts and deals.  Also check the new NJSC web site for additional point of sale discounts under the “Membership Direct” heading.

Points of interest this month:

NJSC Jamboree – Friday October 29, 2010 at the Hanover Marriott, Route 10 East.  Exhibits will run from 7pm – 10pm, dance party & social mixer will run from 9pm – closing (midnight-ish).  Admission & parking are free.  There is an Irish pub on premises to purchase a meal if you are hungry or a beverage if you are thirsty.

NJSC membership stickers for the 2010-2011 season have been delivered at the Oct 2010 meeting and will be placed on the back of your Craigmeur membership card when you renew your dues.  Show this sticker to retailers / resorts / restuarants in ski country or anywhere else you patronize to let them know you are a member of NJSC and would like to enjoy any discounts they offer to NJSC members.

Ski Skills Tune Up Day – Saturday December 04, 2010 @ Windham Mtn.
Check the attached flyer.  If you are interested, please print a copy of the flyer for your reference.  You must sign up with me BEFORE November 16, 2010 as NJSC will only accept Club checks.  See me at any regular meeting.2010 NJSC SKILLS TUNE UP DAY

ASIA / PSIA participation

Amatuer Ski Instructors of America / Professional Ski Instructors of America – if you want to improve your skiing skills, these programs are all highly recommended.  Follow the link to the flyer and print a copy for your reference.  Further information can be found on the NJSC web site.2010-2011 ASIA PROGRAM FLYER

TRIPS:

NJSC – Snowmass / Aspen, CO – Feb 26-Mar 05, 2011 – follow the link to the flyer.  There are various levels of lodging options so be sure to review the flyer thoroughly.  If you are interested, sign up soon.  Initial deposit & second payment are due.
2011 Snowmass Aspen Flyer

NJSC – Sunday River, Maine – Sunday March 20 to Friday March 25, 2011 – follow the link to the flyer.  Great east coast resort with seven contiguous peaks, slope side lodging and daily lessons.  It’s a great deal with many extras. 20110320 NJSC SundayRiverFlyer

VOUCHER DISCOUNTS:

Kids Ski Free programs – follow the link to the flyer – offers vary for fourth thru seventh graders.  Each state has unique requirements.  Follow the links in each flyer for add’l info.
KIDS SKI FOR FREE PROGRAMS

NJSC Discount Vouchers will be available thru Chris Budd at any Craigmeur meeting.  Sign ups began October 13 & payments are taken upon sign up.  Sign-up cutoff / voucher delivery dates as follows:

cut-off 10/28/2010 – delivery November 10, 2010
cut-off 11/19/2010 – delivery December 15, 2010
cut-off 12/22/2010 – delivery January 12, 2011
cut-off 01/21/2011 – delivery February 16, 2011

A determination will be made in February 2011 whether vouchers will be available beyond the last delivery date.  Weather and participation will be determing factors.

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An intimate group came out for this year’s fall NYC bike ride this year, including 3 that were new to this ride.  Weather was perfect; the bike path in NYC was a bit more crowded that we have seen before.  We even were required to walk.  The Heartland Brewery treated us well, the food and drink were quite needed after peddling 25 miles.

Looking forward to next years ride!

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