News

The Dude Ranch Trip finally rolled around May 18-20, with 28 brave souls making their way to Del Rio, TN. I really thought Mother Nature was going to throw us a curve; it rained all the way up on Friday and poured all Friday night!  Well, what can you do? BUT on Saturday, what a surprise with sunshine and breezes all day.....Sunday too!  The ranch is in a very quaint area and we could see the French Broad River from the porch. Due to all the previous rain, the river was out of it's banks, swift and muddy. However, after a LOT of training and caution, the riding was on. Due to the great weather, everyone was able to ride as much as they wanted, wander around or relax in the the rocking chairs on the porches with a drink. The food served family style was plentiful and good and the rooms were comfortable. The Saloon was very accommodating, serving our own libations. Did I hear a couple of people say they saw a snake? We did have kind of a "bluegrass" band Saturday night. Not sure where they came from.......but some people managed a dance or two!

Thanks to all my peeps that took a chance on this trip, it seemed everyone had a good time, saw lots of smiles.

Carolyn Crabtree

HELLO EVERYONE,

Seems we all have been busy so far this spring.  Eighteen of our members had a great time in the Abingdon, Virginia area a couple of weeks ago.  The Creeper Trail was in full bloom, with colors of bright green and all the smells of spring, which made for a memorable ride. The weather threatened to dampen our ride but it held off until we finished it. We had some new members on the trip -- this seems to be one of the strengths of our club -- getting new members.  I would like to say a big thank you to the members who volunteer to lead any of our trips.  We have several more great trips coming up in the next few months, and I am looking forward to hearing about those in our monthly meetings. Our lake party is coming up in July, so please make plans to attend.  See you at the June meeting. 

Thank you,
Mike

 "The best way to predict the future is to invent it " Abraham Lincoln

FINAL REPORT FOR THE EUROPEAN TRIP, or “I‘VE NEVER BEEN TO SPAIN, BUT I'VE BEEN TO ………”

In March, 36 members of the Chattanooga Ski Club took off for a 12 day excursion to parts of Austria and Spain with hearts full of anticipation and the lingering smell of wine on our breaths from the flight across the pond.

After leaving Munich by bus, we made contact with our trip director, Ina Gerlach of Alpine Adventures, and proceeded to the German town of Lindau for lunch.  Lindau is located near the meeting point of the Austrian, German, and Swiss borders and is nestled on the massive Lake Constance. While having the most delightful lunch, we caught a quick look at the quaint sleepy buildings and unique harbor entrance to the city, and found out many portions of the town were built somewhere in the 9^th century.

From Lindau, we went to Schruns, Austria. Schruns is a small and beautiful Austrian town and we unpacked our bags at the town’s five star hotel, The Lȍwen. Interestingly, the Libherr Crane Company, which is a thriving family business of crane manufacturing started in Germany and is known internationally, has a plant right in Schruns. Libherr always has company hotel next to the business, which in this case was The Lȍwen, fashioned in the most up to date European new wave chic. The cost of our room, without the club discount, would have been more than what two people would have paid for the entire trip. Add six course dinners every night; day trips to Innsbruck, St. Anton, Liechtenstein, and Alpenzell, Switzerland; and throw in a spa that was full of naked good looking men and you had the makings for a hot time in the old town for a week.

Then on to Zurich and Spain, specifically Barcelona. Barcelona has a charm and a spirit that is more than can be expressed in words. Good wine, tapas for lunch and dinner by just walking down the street, and the Gaudi buildings, especially Sagrada Familia church that I will never forget.  I constantly had my mouth open for food or because of sheer awe of the city’s beauty.

Then off to Madrid, the capital, and it is safe to say that it must be one of the cleanest cities in the world. Museums, more tapas, more wine, and it was back to the states with the smell not of wine but of a good time in Spain on our breaths.

Special thanks to Pat Ownby, Ina Gerlach, and Jim Mullinax for making the trip such a success.

Another Chattanooga Ski Club event that will be difficult to forget.

Past President,
Ashley Ownby

“Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.”

"Bicycling is better for your body, mind, wallet and world. Bicyclists make better lovers! A bike ride a day keeps the doctor away!"

The above quotes sum up the mantra for the Virginia Creeper Bike Ride May 2018 for 17 CSC members brave enough to trek to Abingdon, Virginia on Friday May 4^h in spite of the 100% chance of the rain prediction for ride day, Saturday May 5^th.

We had all arrived Friday by 4:00 p.m., checked into our rooms, secured our spot on the bike shuttle for Saturday morning, and headed down to Wolf Hills Brewery for craft beer and a taco from the taco trailer that pulled up outside the brewery.  Despite the looming gray sky and a few drops of rain that begin to fall, we all were sure that the rain would hold off until after the ride on Saturday.

After dinner Friday night, we made our way to the Barter Theatre. I had been very apprehensive about the play, “In the Heat of The Night," and to be perfectly truthful, I only purchased my ticket to ensure that we received the group rate. To my delight and surprise, we all enjoyed the performance.

Saturday morning, it was thankfully not raining, and we gathered at the bike shop to board the 8:30 a.m. shuttle to the top of White Top Mountain.  After the traditional stop at Green Cove Station for the group picture, we had a little trouble with the rented bicycles, with one blown derailleur and two flat tires. Yes, it is worth the effort to bring your own bike!  Thankfully the rain did not begin until we reached the Ice Cream Shop. Most of us decided to board the shuttle back, and the rest rode the 20 more miles to Abingdon. 

After the ride we gathered on the veranda for “Happy Hour." Much thanks to Larry Plemons for the margaritas, wonderful after a day on the trail.  Again the rain cooperated and held off until the exact time to leave for the Tavern Restaurant, so instead of walking, we carpooled the two blocks there. 

All in all a GREAT TRIP!!!!

Go with us next time, October 19-21, 2018,

Barb Wise
Special Trip Coordinator

FRENCH BROAD RIVER OUTPOST DUDE RANCH

MAY 18-20 2018

Don your Cowboy Hats and Chaps all you Dudes!!

IT IS ALMOST TIME FOR ALL DUDES

Dates are May 18-20 at the French Broad River Outpost Dude Ranch. This is an all inclusive ranch in Del Rio, TN., about an hour north of Knoxville, TN., past Newport, TN. www.frenchbroadriver.com

The ranch consists of furnished lodge rooms, cabins and the Lone Star hotel with saloon. Included: dinner Friday evening, three meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning, all served family style; room w/air and private bath for two nights, activities such as guided trail riding, hiking, fishing, etc. You may bring your own kayaks, SUP's with you to further enjoy your experience on the French Broad River. Towels, sheets, pillows, blankets are provided, but no toiletries. So don't forget your toothpaste!!

Alcohol; beer and wine coolers are for sale in the Saloon. Alcohol won't be served while you are involved in an activity. You may bring your own alcoholic beverages with you (please label with your name), which will be delivered to and distributed by the Saloon. Saturday evening there will be a band and dancing. Also board/card games in the saloon. If you are hankering for another guided trail ride, you may extend your Sunday check out to include a ride, and lunch for $62.88. PLEASE let me know ASAP!

If you plan on riding, you must take part in an orientation on Friday afternoon and the Saturday morning ride during which you will become familiar with your horse. If you feel you will be arriving after check-in (4PM), let me know so we can push orientation to later in the evening.

The cost of three days of fresh air, rippling waters, good fun and fellowship is $300.00. We have 28 guests going, so we have the entire ranch to ourselves!!

Cancellation Policy: If you have to cancel, you will get a refund less $50.00 fee unless you replace yourself with another guest. We have to keep a 20 person minimum to retain our discount.

Directions from Chattanooga; I-40E to K'ville. Stay left, take exit 432B for US-25W E/US-70 toward Newport TN. Continue on US-70E to Old River Rd. Merge onto US 25W S/US-411 N/US-70E. Continue to follow US-70E, Turn right onto TN-107W, turn right onto Old River Rd. Destination on the left: 461 Old River Rd., Del Rio. TN 37727. 800-995-7678

This cannot be paid on line, so please contact Carolyn Crabtree, carolyn.b.crabtree@gmail.com or 423-838-3622. Any checks are made to the Chattanooga Ski Club, 504 Crewdson Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37405

HELLO EVERYONE,

First of all, I would like to thank Ashley for the hard work and wisdom he has bestowed on us for the last three years.  Thanks also to everyone else on the board and all those who have contributed in making our club a great success.  It takes the collective energy of everyone to make it happen.  

Our club has come a long way, offering so many great activities for everyone in the last few years. That reflects on the attitude we all share. Sometimes our best laid plans do not work out perfectly, but even if the weather doesn't cooperate or mishaps happen, we all have a good time. 

It's very refreshing to see new faces at our monthly meetings. Keep them coming! 

Looking forward to seeing everyone at our May 1 meeting.

Mike Hood

HELLO EVERYONE,

Well, turn out the lights, the party is over regarding the ski season.

 Seems like it was just yesterday we were getting our stage and comedy acts together going to Steamboat for ski camp, and then, what do you know, Austria and Spain are in the rear view mirror and we are looking to 2019 for our next big snow fix. Another great year of ski trips with the club, and the best thing is we have so many other weekend trips in spring, summer and fall to keep us occupied until winter decides to grace us again with its cool presence as always.

If you get a chance and go to the April meeting, say thanks again to Jim Mullenix, Roy Brunner, Bob Tramel,  John Neblett, and Pat Ownby.  These folks were the wind beneath the club’s trips sails this year and all did a great job.

ELECTIONS, ELECTIONS, ELECTIONS….

We have the election of club officers for the next year at the April meeting. Make sure you show up and vote till it hurts.  Seriously, it is a good feeling to serve the club membership to have as many people as possible at the election and know everyone is behind you.

There will be some changes to the leadership of the club. I will talk about this in the newsletter in just a little bit.

THIS IS THE “LITTLE BIT” PART

Wow, this little bit sure came up as fast as a $800.00 per month car payment.

Anyway, this is the last President newsletter I will write because it is time for some “new money” to come into the game, and it is time for fresh and energetic blood to come into club leadership.  Mike Hood, once elected, will be the new President for the next year and in speaking with him, he is excited to take the club into the near future. Mike has been an important part of the club for years and will do an excellent job.  

For the past three years, I have had the time of my life being President of the club, seeing everyone each month at meetings, and telling the stupidest stories time and time again that at the least made me laugh whether anyone else got the joke.

I loved the officer position and I further found out that loved everyone in the club even more. To want to do good things for everyone in the club and to be associated with Board members that all wanted the same was a very special experience.  All little puppies and kittens go to heaven, and so do Chattanooga Ski Club Board members. I never knew what you could receive by just giving a little bit to others until the club board taught me that lesson.

Many years ago, Willie Nelson was so confounded with the same old grind of playing bars and honky-tonks until early in the morning hours and, in a fit of artistic romancing of Texas saloons and night life, he wrote the following ode to a good time coming to an end. I feel it is good and proper that we look at the lyrics, do minor self-reflection, and if a good time ends, always look for the next one coming right behind it. It is the following:

 

The Party's Over

Willie Nelson

 

Turn out the lights
The party's over
They say that all
Good things must end
Call it a night
The party's over
And tomorrow starts
The same old thing again

What a crazy crazy party
Never seen so many people
Laughing dancing
Look at you, you're having fun
But look at me
I'm almost cryin'……

Turn out the lights
The party's over
They say that all
Good things must end
Call it a night
The party's over
And tomorrow starts
The same old thing again

 

See you at the next meeting,

Ashley Ownby

At the March meeting, Trip Coordinator Jim Mullenix announced two western ski trips for next year. They are:

Telluride, Colorado
January 19 - 26, 2019
$1,450 per person
Jim Mullenix, Trip Leader

Park City, Utah
February 9 - 16, 2019
$1,575 per person
John Neblett, Trip Leader

Both locations have slopeside condos. More information will be given at the April meeting. Events have not yet been set up on the website. Also, more information will be announced for the upcoming European trip.

At the February Board meeting, a tentative slate of candidates was offered for the upcoming year. They are as follows:

• Mike Hood - President
• Bob Tramel - Vice President
• Tom DuBose - Treasurer
• Hilda Jones - Secretary

Jim Bates has agreed again to be the Nominating Committee Chair for elections scheduled for the April general meeting. If you are interested in running for one of these offices, please contact Jim Bates at: (706) 965-6331 or jimbates18@gmail.com.  Elections will be held on April 3, 2018 at the Enclave.

HELLO EVERYONE,

Well, we are mucking our way through this winter with cold temperatures and then hot springs days in February that are filled with the poison toxins of pollen. Wow, who said, this is the best of all possible worlds? Interesting time, I think we will all agree.

BIG SKY

All reports from Big Sky say that it is negative below zero, but when you are bundled up and outside skiing, everyone has a warm glow going down the hill.  Montana has the snow, the cold, and the ski club so it must be kind of like heaven, white and homey.

BIG DAY COMING

As many of you know I will resign as President of the Ski Club in April. Now that event is for another newsletter. However, I understand that very few members read the newsletter each month, and even fewer click on the President’s column.

But in a manner similar to how Neil Diamond sang the same songs he sung in the 60’s and 70’s, I want to republish the column I did a couple of years ago in hopes of everyone understanding what pure banality is in written form and how it can add basically nothing to your life in general.  But remember, even a diet cola can taste good and be refreshing on a hot day.

So once again, from June of 2016, here is the monthly note that was in the Ski Club newsletter.

JUNE 2016:

MONTHLY HAIR GEL STUFF

Ambrose Bierce was a writer extraordinaire, American editorialist, journalist, and satirist. He wrote the short story, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” and, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” that received quite amount of notoriety around the turn of the century. Here are a couple of examples of “The Devil’s Dictionary.”

• ·      Conservative (n.) A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal who wishes to replace them with others;
• ·      Egoist (n.) A person of low taste, more interested in himself than me;
• ·      Faith (n.) Belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge, of things without parallel;
• ·      Lawyer (n.) one skilled in circumventing the law. (He is right on there).

Bierce was stationed in San Francisco and went to the Mexican Revolution as a journalist and was never heard from again.

I think that we at the Chattanooga Ski Club need to have our own dictionary, closely aligned to  “The Devil’s Dictionary,” as a way to welcome new folks in the Ski Club and hope they will feel as comfortable as Osama bin Laden did when he was sent to Hell by Seal Team 6.

 Here we go:

• 1.     APRES SKI BARS - The only bars in the world were after a day of skiing and libation, the song “PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC WHITE BOY,” is played twice an hour, really sounds good, and petitions are on the every table for making it the U.S. National Anthem that you really want to sign;
• 2.     LIFT TICKET - An ounce of Legal Colorado marijuana purchased for you and friends;
• 3.     SKI PANTS - The only type of clothing that men feel comfortable telling their wives truthfully, “No, Honey, your butt doesn’t look big at all in those ski slacks;”
• 4.     SKI HELMET - An article worn over the head as a safety device but everyone knows is absolutely no protection when going head first in a tree.  The only purpose of the object is keeping your head warm on cold days. (Of course, that is something);
• 5.     SKI BOOTS - Torture tools of the Spanish Inquisition used to find infidels, witches, and warlocks. Through the years, good skiers understand that to ski well their boots must cause them unimaginable pain. If their boots feel good, pious gods will attack your ankles and knees, and you will get hurt and require serious surgery. (“ .…WHERE IT’S AT, I GOT REAL TIGHT BOOTS AND MICROPHONE….”)(take-off on a Beck song);
• 6.     SKI GOOGLES - what the world looks like after seven (7) Moscow mules at the end of the day in the local ski bar;
• 7.     BUMPS - When seen on a ski slope, they are just like ones on your body: not real attractive and can be killers if not taken care of with extreme care by a trained professional;
• 8.     POMA LIFTS - The opposite of falling and sliding down the mountain, a poma lift never stops, going up the mountain and always requires that you fall getting on.   The best way to be shamed and noticed on a hill at the same time is a poma lift;
• 9.     SKI POLES - What you call a group of folks from Warsaw at the après ski bar.

This is not complete but will hopefully get it started and everyone thinking about proper definitions for the Chattanooga Ski Club for words that we use all the time a ski resort.

Quote of the Month:

I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.

            Henny Youngman, comedian extraordinaire

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE NEXT MEETING.

Ashley Ownby