Sue Smith's Passing

It is with sadness that I post this message from Claudine. I'm sure many of you knew Sue as she has been on several trips; most recently the 2009 trip.

Hi everyone,
It came to my attention yesterday that several of you may not be aware that Sue Smith passed away last week. Here is the notification I received from Hal Burchard on May 27:

Susie passed away peacefully this morning. Rich, Morgan and Rick were by her side to say their final goodbyes. Private funeral services followed by a memorial ceremony are being arranged.
Rich, Morgan and Rick want to thank everybody for their incredible support during this hardest of times.

The Service will be this Saturday:
On Saturday June 6th there will be a private funeral service for the family followed followed by a Memorial Service at Sacred Heart Church in Bellevue. Please join us in remembering Susie. This service will start promptly at 1:00PM.

What a joy it was to be with Sue on our March trip, share her happiness and be with so many good friends. We will treasure those memories!

Claudeen

Robb Rough's Rough Ending

Oh mannn…what a way to end the ski season.

Last Sunday Robb Rough, a ski buddy and regular on the Euro Ski Trips, had a season ending accident on the last day of the season. Since Claudeen made the first announcement of the accident I naturally assumed that she might have led him astray with her classic line, “follow me.” But I’m advised by Eva Sabo and others that Claudeen was not involved. It was just one of those inexplicable accidents.

Here is Claudeen’s report of the incident:

Hi everyone,
A few of us stumbled across each other at Crystal yesterday (Sunday) for a fabulous ending day at Crystal. Unfortunately, Robb Rough kept the ski patrol busy with a broken leg. He has a spiral fracture of the femur. After three hours of surgery last night, Robb is resting in the hospital. He is doing well this morning and should be home in one to three days. (As Gretchen reports below, this didn’t happen.)

Robb, of course, has always been there for any of us, anytime. He truly knows the meaning of friendship. I hope everyone can take a moment to wish him well.

His contact information is:
Mailing address: P.O. Box 728, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Email: robb.rough@boeing.com

Robb needs his rest, so perhaps phone calls could wait for a bit (cell 206-849-4145).

Prayers for seamless healing, well wishes, and a few smiles might make the next few weeks brighter for Robb.
Thanks everyone!
Claudeen

Other Ski Master’s friends have stepped up to help out including Gretchen Callan and Craig Weber. Here is Gretchen’s report from Tuesday the 21st.

At Robb's request, Craig Weber and I went down today to retrieve some things from Robb's house (cell phone charger, clothes, etc) and took them to him. We got to the hospital about 2:00 PM and spent about 45 minutes visiting. He had had the IV removed and all systems are working. He had been up once with the walker but got pretty dizzy so did not get much further than the door (same as yesterday.) … He had not seen his doctor today and there is no word about discharge….

Craig and I talked about getting him home. Looking at his home (which is quite wonderful) there should be no problem getting him into the house and making him comfortable with "a little help from his friends". Although we still do not know when Robb will be discharged, we would like to set up some sort of system whereby at least one person goes down once a day. Given the number of people on the team, that seems like it should be do-able. Let me know (reply all) if you want to help and when you might be available -- knowing Robb, all that will be involved is some food and company. I am out of town Monday through Thursday of next week. We will likely need help starting Saturday. Thanks. Robb thanks you for all your prayers, energy, and good wishes --G. (Gretchen)

So a big GET WELL SOON message from the blogger.

If you would like to participate in “Gretchen’s Meals on Wheels” program or help out in any way, give Gretchen a call at 425-941-3222 or drop her a note at gcmstengel@comcast.net.

Wengen and Alpe d'Heuz Are Memories; Courmayeur and Solden Beckon for 2010

Photo by Jason Tang

Life is returning to normal for the Euro travelers of 2009. Now the director of trip planning, Ms. Claudine Lyle, is busy finalizing plans for next year at Courmayeur Italy and Solden Austria. Details about the 2010 trip can be found at Ski Masters Euro Trip.

2009 memories were captured by our resident professional photographer, Jason Tang. Those interested in seeing the evidence can visit his site by clicking HERE.

Now the blogger's thoughts are turning to spring. If the April showers that have pelted the Northwest are a sign, then we will have a good spring!

Farewell Alpe d'Heuz;On to Annecy

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Every SM Euro trip must come to an end and what an ending we had. After two days of storms and/or flat light and just “OK” ski conditions Thursday dawned with blue skies and a four inch dusting of new snow. Thoughts of packing were tossed and the group rushed through breakfast and out the door.

Claudine and her chasers attacked the powder on the hill nearest to and visible from the hotel. By the time the next wave of skiers hit the slope the first group had a half dozen runs under their belt. It was a picture of happy skiers. Judging from radio intercepts it sounds like the trip leader led her group into pasture land around noon. Participants claim they didn’t actually ski on grass; rather they were on thin layers of snow….

Some stayed in that area all day while others moved around the mountain to sample new skiing and restaurants. The sun stayed out and, though soft slopes were encountered, you didn’t have to work hard to have a great day.

Now it is packing time, that end-of-the-trip time when you have to pack wet gear and try to figure out how you got it to Europe in the first place.

The blogger will be off line for a few days. A trip recap may be produced but no promises on timing. I will let you know when it is available.

THE GRUPPEN
Good resorts, good weather and good snow all contribute to a successful trip. But the real key is a good group and the 2009 group was indeed a good one.

Robin and Gretchen Callan always bring a balanced energy to the trip; she is exuberant and he is a calm and moderating influence.
Dick and Kay Krutch, though they didn’t ski, were always around with a pleasant smile and a good story.
Eva Sabo took her spoons in stride and made the most of her first trip.
Katie Van Hees also joined the action with aplomb and, in addition to skiing, has become addicted to Sudoko by her roommate Eva.
My wife, Kathy, has put up with my blogging and proofed most of the postings. The good stuff is hers and the errors are mine alone.
Linda Lee has been a goodwill ambassador, engaging in long conversations with friendly locals at every stop.
Her son, Jason Tang, has been a non stop bundle of energy photographing anything that moved both off and on the slopes.
Veteran travelers Steve and Lin Sanford have been enjoyable ski companions and full of good spoon stories.
Larry and Vicki Geist have brought an energy to the group. Even after having their flight was cancelled and their skis lost Larry was a bundle of optimism.
Tom Naden, at eighty years old, is a role model for all of us struggling 20 years behind.
Tom’s son, George, is either crazy or committed. In addition to skiing hard and fast he manages to fit in a run each day, snow or sun.
Rich and Sue Smith are fun to be with on the slope or in the hotel. Rich claims he has imposed a 10,000 word per day limit on Sue but it doesn’t seem to dampen her energy.
Bob Dixey and Mo O’Neil liven up any dinner and his rendition of “Happy Birthday” will live in our memories.
Ed and Lorrie Meyer seem to enjoy every minute on the slope and off.
Stephen and Michelle Turnovsky, with their academic backgrounds, raise the collective IQ of the group and offer most interesting dinner conversations.
Kim Kaiser has managed to balance skiing his brains out with time for Pam, who is on injured reserve for this trip. We are glad she was able to make the trip.
Kevin and Sylvie OKeefe have been kind enough to allow the blogger to visit their room each night and post the blog. The blogger’s computer doesn’t seem to speak enough French to hook to the internet. And Sylvie’s command of the French language has helped in several tight spots.
Robin deRegt is a welcomed addition to the group. She and George Naden were even able to use their medical skills to assist a young skier until ski patrol could take over.
John and Carol Powis are always fun to have around. John has given new meaning to the term “my best friend” and Carol is the most spoon worthy traveler who has never actually received the spoon.
Robb Rough, except for the night he totally forgot about the bargain wine party, is always a key part of the group and conversation.
Mark Matthews appears to be having fun even though his wife has been in Vegas with their daughter doing we don’t know what all.
And finally there is the fearless, competent, care free leader of this whole rag tag bunch, Ms. Claudeen Lyle. She holds the whole thing together and proves that beneath the veneer of carefree whimsy lies an organized trip leader who can “bring’em back alive” after a long two weeks in Europe.

THE SPOON
Kevin was able to pass the spoon on to Kim who was accused of leading the fast skiers off course and into some “walk out” situations. Kim, for his part, claims he wasn’t actually the leader of the group at the time but, never mind, he now wears the spoon.

LATER THAT EVENING
Following Wednesday dinner about half the group gathered in the bar (now that’s a shock isn’t it?) The restaurant manager showed up and began pouring shots of various area liquors. Most were good, though some could double as paint remover. But few turned him down, not wanting to appear unappreciative. After several shots the blogger retired and, it was reported, the shots and new brews kept coming.
We were not sure what motivated his behavior though some believe he was feeling guilty about an incident at the dinner hour.
In any case, when I arrived for Thursday breakfast I was pleasantly surprised to see that everyone appeared to have made it back to their rooms and there were no Ski Masters still reclining in the bar.

Storm Eases; Faithful Return to the Slopes

Wednesday, March 25

Tuesday’s storm blew itself out, the lifts reopened and the group ventured out to explore the new fallen and somewhat wind blown snow.

The aggressive group was out by 9:00 hoping to find some off piste pleasure. Reports indicate that, while there were moments of exhilaration, many icy surprises lurked beneath the new snow forcing most back to the pistes.

The more refined skiers departed later in the morning and found lots of available snow. The long run to Oz was not up to Monday standards but everyone took the occasional flat light and sticky snow in stride. Once again skiers were able to discover new areas just when they thought they’d seen it all. This is a big place!

Afternoon breezes in upper areas slowed beer sales but hot wine consumption took up the slack.

TUESDAY EVENING; THE EVENING THAT WAS
The highlight of Tuesday evening was the much loved Ron Lyle bargain wine event. Thirty people packed into Sylvie and Kevin’s room, which was itself noteworthy. Competition for the least expensive, drinkable wine was fierce. Mark Matthews weighed in with a worthy contender in the bubbly category with a champagne like beverage that was high on the drinkability scale. But, at over two Euros a bottle, it was not a finalist. Trip rookie Katie Van Hees contributed a red with a fine looking label and a 1.90 Euro pricetag. While a fine wine she soon learned that price is more important than quality.

In the end it was Kim Kaiser’s 1.25 red that was eased out by my own 1.20 white. I made no claims as to quality but it was drinkable and cheap. In all modesty I owe my success to years of travel under the tutelage of the bargain wine master himself, Mr. Ron Lyle.

Steve Proudly Displays His Cheap Wine Award

The wine portion of the event was closed with Bob Dixey serenading his wife with a wine fueled rendition of “Happy Birthday” in his best Donald Duck voice. Some may remember the event from past trips.
Bob Singing to Mo; A Touching Scene

SPOON REPORT
Kevin was unable to make a spoon presentation. The foul weather had kept the group from committing any reported screw ups. But he was on alert today, Wednesday, and we can assume a new spoon holder will be crowned this evening.

While we were gathered for the wine event and in a small room where we wouldn’t offend the other hotel guests an “Untold Spoon Stories” program was launched. Promised immunity from spooning, attendees were encouraged to tell of incidents on past trips that, while spoonable, went unreported.

Kim Kaiser and Lin Sanford reported on a time they and the Powis’ left a restaurant without paying their bill. Each assumed the other had handled it and, between restroom stops and other distractions, no one did. Later in the day Kim returned to the restaurant, confessed to the crime, paid the bill and was rewarded with several rounds of grappa by a grateful owner.

Several hillside restroom incidents were reported but will not be repeated.

Carol Powis’ name frequently came up amid accusations that she has, in the past, resorted to bribery and granting of unnamed favors to avoid being nominated for a spoon.

Gretchen Callan reported on several occasions when she was new to the group and traveling as a single that watchful and caring Tom McGrath and Jay Kane saved her bacon and helped her avoid the indignity of a spoon.

The spoon’s rich and storied history was enhanced by the evening discussions/confessions.

Winter Comes to Alpr d'Heuz

Tuesday, March 24
Monday evening was clear and cool; stars were scattered over a clear black sky. We all suspected Tuesday would be another fair day.

But the front desk clerk said it was going to blow and snow Monday night and Tuesday. The Meyer’s Monday guide predicted similar conditions. The waiter at the slope side restaurant began stacking tables Monday afternoon, predicting high winds. The gondolas were all removed from their cables and stored at the bottom of the lifts. The CNN weatherman said a storm was sweeping across Europe.

The clear Monday skies turned out to be deceiving. Tuesday morning dawned with six inches of new snow, winds whipping around the hotel and drifts in the lobby. By 9:00 am, the normal start time, the lifts that were occasionally visible from the hotel, were not running.

A problem? At 9:15 Claudine led Eva Sabo, Jason Tang, Robb Rough, Mark Matthews, Robin deRegt and George Naden into the white fury in search of an operating lift. She was hoping a poma might be operating somewhere.

The not-so-hardy/sensible part of the group savored their morning coffee while contemplating a more leisurely departure predicated upon a favorable turn in the weather and operating lifts. The weather never turned though a lift did begin to operate.

How bad was it? By 10:30 Claudine and most of her entourage was back in the hotel. According to Mark, the only runs accessible from the lift were wind blown and offered intermittent ice patches to keep you alert. Even for the dedicated, conditions didn’t justify the effort.

Kim, Gretchen, the Turnovsky’s and John Powis were all seen in ski gear but no one braved the hill for long.

Making the best of the weather most of the group took advantage of the downtime to find great places for lunch that didn’t require a lift. From early reports, all were successful.

In honor of Ron Lyle tonight is “cheap wine night.” (Inexpensive wine night for the more refined readers.) The goal is to find the least expensive, drinkable wine in town and bring it to a party being held in the area of Kevin, Sylvie and Mark’s rooms. Multiple rooms are required since none of the rooms are particularly large. It is not clear who will define “drinkable” but one can only assume it will be a fair contest. No box wines or plastic bottles are allowed.

SPOON REPORT
Monday evening Steve Sanford was able to pass on the spoon. He first reported on several runner ups.
On Sunday the Powis’ managed to get separated on the first run of the day. They never reunited. It is unclear who lost who and the parties to the event have yet to agree. They seem to have made up and continue to share a room.
Monday morning, in front of spoon holder Steve, Gretchen managed to get her pole caught in a fence while boarding a chair. She spun from the chair, lost her ski and was dumped unceremoniously into a snow pile beside the line. The lift was stopped and she reboarded with grace worthy of a long time ski masters student.

The winner was Kevin OKeefe. As he tells the story he was speeding toward a lift line when he noticed a woman in red on a converging course. She appeared to be looking right at him and he was certain she would be turning but, alas, turn she did not. When it was too late to avoid a collision he somehow lost a ski and slide into the innocent woman bringing her down. It was then he noticed that, out of 5000 people on the hill he had taken out Mo O’Neil from our group. Hoping he hadn’t been recognized he thought of leaping up and yelling at her in French, to deflect the blame. But the wounded lass rolled over and said, “Kevin?”

For that regrettable act Kevin now wears the spoon.

Sun Continues at Alpe d'Heuz

Monday, March 23

It was another sunny day at Alpe d’Heuz but, before I launch into a report of the day I need to deal with some old business.

First, it was brought to my attention that last Monday’s spoon report on this blog was incomplete. I reported that Kim Kaiser received the spoon but cut off the reason. I have corrected that report and added last Monday’s report to the end of today’s news so you don’t have to scroll down to get the answer.

Second, several readers have inquired about the use or misuse of bidets on the 2009 trip. Apparently bidets were the subject of much discussion on the 2008 trip and the subject of a previous post on this blog, if you look at some of last year’s postings.

Sorry to say no spoons have been awarded for the misuse of bidets on this trip because we haven’t had any to misuse. Absent the bidets we are finding other ways to wash clothes and cool beer.

Finally, yesterday I reported on a group of intrepid skiers that made the slush run from the very top of the mountain to the bottom thinking that only a small group would be foolish enough to make the trek. Silly me! At dinner it sounded like everyone who put on skis Sunday made the run. It didn’t matter what time of day they made the trip, it was lousy. Typical Ski Masters travelers; there are no challenges they will not tackle. It turns out that even those skiing with guides made the run which suggests that it was not all that out of the ordinary.

The long run still was not very good.

Now for Monday skiing.

The first day the area seemed pretty big. Today, as we explored more areas, we began to discover just how big it is. Just when you think you’ve found all the good runs another one turns up. Areas we thought were too low to ski still had good snow on some faces. This is a big area and good snow can be found in the most unexpected places.

There are also some challenging areas. Round a bend at the wrong time of day and you may find yourself facing a sea of slushy piles. But they are forgiving and, other than being a bit tiring at the end of the day, you can make your way through them and likely will find firm snow around the next bend.

The on-slope food has consistently met with acclaim and this group has high standards. The first night our ski school representative suggested four restaurants in particular. I have sampled two of them and heard outstanding reports on the other two. The only complaint I’ve heard is that we can only squeeze in one lunch stop per day.

The Hotel
We were spoiled by the outstanding hotel in Wengen. The Pic Blanc is good but not quite at the same level. The dinners have been superb but the breakfast arrangement has been a notch below Wengen.

One difference in the hotels can be found in the closets. Yes, it sounds petty but hear me out. In Wengen we had lots of hangers; the kind you have at home that hook over the clothes rod. They trusted us not to steal them.

Here in Alpe d’Heuz they took their closet design from the Motel 6 chain where they assume all the guests will steal hangers. We have hangers with the little straight ends that slip into plastic holders that are affixed to the rod. The problem is that the plastic parts are so worn that the hangers keep slipping out and falling to the floor. You try again and think you have found a secure match and then, before you can cross the room, the hanger slips out and the clothes fall to the floor. Now, to be fair, not every hanger suffers from this defect but enough do that I’ve found it easier to toss the clothes directly to the floor and save the trouble of hanging them.

From conversations with the group the problem is widespread. Ah, the things one remembers about the trips.

SPOON REPORT FOR LAST NIGHT, SUNDAY MARCH 22
The Sunday spoon went to Steve Sanford for tossing his ski pole from the viewing platform at the highest point at the resort, the top of Pic Blanc. Now, in fairness, Steve would argue that the wind actually was responsible for the pole slipping under the rail and there may be some truth to that. But the spoon is not about fairness and Tom Naden was pleased to pass it on.

To compound the problem the pole could only be reached via a very precarious route. His wife, Lin, was unable to watch his trek across a slippery ice face to retrieve the pole. But pole and Steve were recovered and both joined the spoon for a nice evening in Alpe d’Heuz.

SPOON REPORT for last Monday, March 16 and left off of the original posting.
The Saturday spoon was presented to Eva Sabo for confusing cattle feed for snowballs. It may have been unfair to pick on a newcomer but it was Claudine’s choice and bus days are usually slow days anyway.

Eva was able to pass the spoon on immediately to the Sunday recipient, long time SM Euro traveler, Kim Kaiser. Kim the commercial pilot who packs bags and travels many times a month. Kim who has been on the trip 12 times. Kim, who normally has his act together. Kim came to Europe without his ski clothes.

He knows exactly where they are; stacked in the back bedroom ready to be packed. But they weren’t. And Kim received the spoon.

Pam and Kim actually arrived in Europe a few days before the group and were tucked in bed in Zurich when Kim woke up with one of those “Oh S***” moments. So the next day they were able to round up some fashionable gear so he wouldn’t have to make his purchases at the ski resort.