Thirty Scouts and eight adults leaders, brimming with confidence, buckled their boots, waxed their skis/boards and began one of the most awe-inspiring, energy-filled quests for supreme domination of the slopes that has been seen in the modern age. Two-plankers as well as knuckle-draggers combined to attack the slopes of Dodge Ridge.
With spirit's high in anticipation of the next days activities, the Troop arrived, unloaded, claimed their bunks and settled down (well, as much as possible) for a bit of shut-eye.
The day was phenomenal, with fast slopes and no lift lines. The miles flew under the polished boards locked onto the adventurers’ feet, testing the limits of their endurance. Yet the mountain could claim few injuries this day. In fact, the only really unusual observation was finding Ryan in the infirmary with a bloodied nose. Rumor has it he got punched while rescuing a young lady from the clutches of an evil alien abductor, but others attributed it to the altitude. Either way, our leader was sidelined for most of the day Saturday.
Back to the camp for dinner and, of course, no Scout ski trip would be complete without the traditional snowball fight. A brutal battle of strategy, skill, courage, and stamina.
The adults awaken to the smell of coffee and IbuProfen. Ready again! Yes, we can keep up with these young men!
The day started out clear and warm but soon turned cold as the approaching storm periodically threatened to freeze us on the lift. But the Scouts were not afraid...layer of clothing after layer of clothing, hoods, hats, bands, and goggles....they were ready to battle the elements.
We all believe Mr. Wolpin had a "death wish" this day as he was often seen as a blur, bouncing across the mogul tops approaching light-speed, followed closely by Mr. Arken. One attempt down The Flume was nothing less than spectacular (crazy, suicidal, out of his mind may better describe this athletic endeavor) narrowly escaping certain death, turn after turn until the mountain claimed its victory. As he brushed the snow from his glasses, he realized to his embarrassment, that this "face plant" had happened right in front of some of the senior Scouts. As our Scoutmaster tried to regain his dignity, he started to climb back up the mountain to recover all the equipment he had left scattered around the slope, resembling the look of a weekend yard sale. To his horror, he found Ryan had stolen his poles...(Ever try to get into ski’s without poles? Not an easy thing to do...) But not to be bested by this park, a couple locks of the bindings, and a shake of head...the games began again. Back to the slopes, refreshed, rejuvenated and pumped...
The storm struck dumping snow across the mountain. Cold with poor visibility. Time to head for the barn. Balancing on the edge of fear and panic, with one brief testosterone rush, the Scouts jumped into the white silent void for the final run to the lodge.
The ski day complete and again the mountain beaten...
Mother nature did not taking this beating lightly, and she really started dumping snow, complete with thunder and lightning. But these Scouts handled the conditions without batting an eye. They were up to the challenge.
Breakfast came too fast, but Mr. Leatherman’s artistic pancakes were a big hit. There was time left to build a snowman, clean the cabins, and dig out the cars. But alas, it was time to head home. There were those that considered stopping for one last bit of skiing, but alas the mountain offered no more challenge...The Troop had already beaten it.
It was truly a great Troop 233 adventure.
What’s a ski trip without a few injuries…fortunately nothing too serious. Sprained ankles, a minor concussion from a wild snowboard, a banged up (maybe broken) arm, and a black eye, were about the extent of it. Everyone recovered quickly.
Be Prepared: Every scout needs to be responsible for his own gear. The first day, a couple of Scouts left their snowboard boots back at the cabins and required an adult leader to make a trip back to the cabin and it kept those scouts from getting on the slopes early. Every scout should check to make sure all of his gear/equipment is where he thinks it is before leaving.