Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
February 5-12, 2005

     We had a great trip to Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada (see group photo below). The snow was great, the weather cooperated, and the casinos were gentle with us.

     The trip out went smoothly, with about an hour layover in Las Vegas. The trip back was a little more hectic because our flight was almost an hour late leaving Reno-something about rain in Phoenix! Go figure. Anyway, they held our connecting flight in Vegas for us, so the planned layover was literally non-existent. They pulled us into the gate beside our connecting flight; we ran from our plane; sharp right u-turn at the gate; onto the next plane. We appropriately thanked the crew and passengers for waiting and got in a plug for the Harford Ski Club to all those folks returning to Baltimore. However, we lost Pat and Hanns Vandrey in the Reno airport. Could she still be playing the slot machines? (Actually, they relinquished their seats for an airline credit.)

     As on most of our trips, we welcomed some new members and people from other cities. We had three folks from Pittsburgh: Mike and Mary Lynn Collins and Kellie McMahon. I met some new friends: Ernie and Catherine Braue, Elizabeth Robinson, Chris Gomon, Ned Hoedebecke, Doug Schlorff, and Terry Nickerson.

    At the Saturday evening welcome party, everyone received a "commemorative" tee shirt and information about the mountains. At the Super Bowl party, Richard the bartender gave out prizes all evening. Our Super Bowl football pool was won by Rob Agostini, Leo Gawor, Doug, and Rick Swinder. And on the Tahoe Queen boat-more prizes! On the bus back to Reno, Rick S. was brave and admitted to leaving the most money behind at the "tables;" about $60. His prize was a "diamond-studded" key ring.

     ON THE MOUNTAIN. During the week, three of our folks skied all six days: George Mojzisek, Heather Gokee, and Chris G. (I told you, it was great!) Chris G. won this bus prize, which was awarded by lottery. Ned and Terry reported on a good day of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Kirkwood-a day we all skied in a beautiful, light snow. Unhappily, Chris Breidenbaugh couldn't join us on the slopes this trip. However, his son, Chris B. III, took up the baton, straight to the Blacks! Susan Lawrence was named "Most Improved Skier" for the week. That was because Rick Horne left her with Bobby Jones and Bob Bossoli who promptly took Susan, Candy B. and Zee down an "unmarked" Black! Very sneaky! (Actually, Susan wasn't going to do it until she heard they were selling chili at the bottom.) Pam Agostini was named our "Fashion Statement" for the week. (She looks good in anything-darn it!)

     QUESTIONS for the week: We know what you call a man who hugs another man, but what do you call a man who hugs a tree? (For the answer see Leo G. or Gary M. to join the Tree Hugger Club.) Actually, I am very happy to report that we had no serious injuries this week, although Doug did spend a few hours at the local clinic. Seemed like an allergic reaction to something-I hope it wasn't the SNOW! And, with such mild weather, what caused Candy, Susan, and Zee to freeze-up on Kirkwood's "Caples Crest Travers?" Finally, who received a call from hotel security about a wine glass? Could his initials be L.E.O. ? ?

SOME SPECIAL MEMORIES:
View from the Heavenly gondola
Meeting in the Tahoe Room for breakfast
Watching extreme skiers at Squaw
Newly weds from Jarrettsville
Romantic photo ops on the Tahoe Queen
Richard's Scottish brogue
The girls and Smirnoff's Triple Black
The "1908" elevator
Playing nickel slots in Reno airport
Inversion clouds over the Nevada desert
Mardi Gras beads
Dancing in the aisles on the Tahoe Queen

I wish to thank everyone who joined us on this trip. Special thanks to Pat V. who helped me promote the trip and to Chris who always keeps our finances straight.

Hope you all enjoyed this trip as much as I did!
Zee Breidenbaugh, Trip Leader
Think Snow!

GROUP PICTURE!