|
|
|
|
A Social Club For Snow Skiers and Sports Enthusiasts
August 2003
Texas Ski Council Member
Contents
Date and time: Tuesday, August 12, 2003, 7 - 9 P.M.
Location: Red Lions Hotel
6121 N. IH-35(@HWY 290, N. Austin) 323-5466Program: Trips Info & Sign-up
Hors D'oeuvres & Cash Bar
Trip Chair: Rainer Vanoni
Dec. 27 - Jan.3, 2004, 7 nights, 6 days
Are you into skiing and/or boarding? Then Mt. Bachelor is the place for you this holiday season. It has something for everyone — great tree skiing, wide open groomed runs, and 2 terrain parks with a halfpipe. It’s no wonder Mt. Bachelor is a popular destination for Austin Skiers as this year will make our 4th trip since 1995. This large, dormant volcano. located in the center of Oregon, is just 22 miles from the city of Bend. It can be your home for 6 fabulous days of skiing or riding or both. And Mt Bachelor is ranked number one for the best early snow! So you’ll have a blast riding and skiing with almost no lift lines and some of the friendly locals to be found.
Mt. Bachelor, www.mtbachelor.com averages over 350 inches of light, dry snow each year. Bachelor is a great mountain for everyone in your group. It has a great variety of terrain with excellent ski runs for all levels of skiing, 15% beginner, 25% intermediate, 35% advanced/intermediate and 25% expert. The 7 high-speed quad lifts serve all these areas, so you are assured to loose no time standing in lift lines. Snowboarders will love the halfpipe, which is really a superpipe, built to Olympic standards of 400 feet long with 17 feet sides. Yikes! And for a slower pace, there is an excellent cross-country ski area right at the base of the mountain too which has more than a dozen trails from 1 to 12K, totaling 56K of machine-groomed tracked trails. If that’s not enough, you can always snowshoe or tube the afternoon away.
The group will be staying in Bend, at the Riverhouse Hotel, www.riverhouse.com on the Deschutes Rver. The accommodations come complete with a daily continental breakfast, an indoor/outdoor pool, a spa and saunas. Daily shuttles will transport us the short 10 miles to and from the mountain. Our hotel features the Crossings Restaurant (premium steakhouse) and River Rock Grill & Spirits (with live music 6 nights a week). There are two brew pubs in town, and over 100 restaurants, from a tasty burger to five star fine dining. And enough shopping to keep anyone busy and or broke. So, come and join the Austin Skiers for New Years in the little town of Bend for memorable skiing and fun times.
Price: (price quote), 5 day lift $ 230
T
he first full day began with an incredible drive through the mountains that produce the wonderful Costa Rican coffee. Passing through small villages and over several rickety bridges (even the signs warn you that they were in ‘bad shape’), we arrived in Quepos, our first destination. Quepos is a small town at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the rainforest and Manuel Antonio National Park. Wildlife is plentiful - from your balcony (iguanas on the roof), from the bar (monkeys in the trees) or from inside your room (lizards that chirped during the night from the potted plants). What a setting! The view was exceptional and the hotel was 4-star.With all the activities that were available to us, we really had to do some ‘cramming’ to get things done. After the 3-hour bus ride, many jumped into their swim trunks for a three-hour sunset sail along the coast of Manuel Antonio Park. It was hard for the rest of us to pass up a relaxing dip at the hotel swim up bar with a 270-degree view of the Pacific 500+ feet above sea level at sunset!
Among the many excursions elected by the group were hiking Manuel Antonio Park with guides that expertly located everything from two and three toed sloths to beautifully colored grasshoppers. The white-faced ‘capuchin’ monkeys found us. We finished the steamy hike with a refreshing dip in the Pacific. Later that day, the intrepid, donned harnesses and with brief instruction, were found attached to a cable by a pulley that zipped us along the rainforest canopy. The next day, the rest of the group followed suit at a more leisurely pace to experience the exhilaration of the rainforest monkey-style.
The rest of the adventures in and around Quepos included horseback riding through the rainforest viewing waterfalls, sea kayaking in estuaries covered by a solid canopy of mangrove trees, shopping in Quepos dodging the afternoon rain, touring the butterfly farm searching for the famous ‘Morphos’ butterfly and the excitement (and chill for some) of whitewater rafting on the Savegre River complete with class IV rapids. A welcome surprise was lunch at a beautiful African-style lodge an hour and a half and a 4-wheel drive from the civilization of Quepos. Several people persisted with deep-sea fishing and we dined on the ‘catch of the day’ - freshly caught tuna and mahi-mahi thanks to our deep-sea fisher-people.
Our second destination and another lovely view of the beautiful countryside brought us to the base of the Arenal Volcano. Only discovered to be a volcano in 1968, any local will tell you a sincere but slightly different version of the volcano’s history. After a typical ‘tico’ lunch in La Fortuna, we dashed off for a hike at the Arenal Hanging Bridges, meandering over springs and through the rainforest as the eerie call of the howler monkeys sounded somewhere in the distance.
The view of the volcano inspired many of us to seek the relaxing pleasures of Tabacon Springs with its hot thermal spring pools and waterfalls as a refuge from the frenetic pace of previous days’ adventures. Except we found they had a spa in the middle of the springs where one could relax with a massage in open air cabanas or have a cleansing facial or get slathered in mud and wrapped in plastic and then rinse naked outside in one’s own private hot spring with the rumblings of Arenal Volcano as background music. As someone said, "I was Eve." That’s nature!
The Volcano Tour took us close enough to Arenal to observe the flames breathing off the lava. At night, the thermal pool permitted us to view the fireworks of the volcano like we’ve never experienced any other fireworks on the 4th of July. One perfectly clear afternoon was interrupted by the boom-boom-boom as Arenal erupted with plumes of ash and smoke. The ‘ticos’ actually turned to pay attention with this particular eruption. It made you pay more attention to the numerous ‘emergency exit’ signs scattered throughout the springs. The rumor was that the Tabacon Springs lay in the path of the next devastating eruption. You never had to watch or wait long for this very active volcano to make its presence known.
More hiking, more waterfalls, canopy tours (this time you had to do more than hold on) and a long trip to the Monteverde cloud forest rounded out the Costa Rican adventure. The charm and friendliness of the ‘ticos’ and the beauty of the country made Costa Rica a new favorite for many. Ask anyone what his or her favorite adventure was and most can’t tell you exactly what it was because all were amazing in some way.
Our first and long anticipated TSC Summer Expedition has come to a close. No one could ever describe the beauty and mysteries of this small, peaceful Central American country. It’s truly a place you’ve got to experience for yourself. Oh well, where are we going skiing?
Austin Skiers' 2003-2004 Trip Lineup!
Prices, itineraries, and other details subject to change!! Contact the trip chair if you have any questions about a particular trip.
Keystone, Colorado
November 25-30, 2003 (TSC Fall Roundup)
Trip Chair: Sue Benson Phone: 347-0490 e-mail: KeystoneTrip@AustinSkiers.org
Keystone is a brawny, purpose-built resort that has plenty of variety for skiers looking for everything from wide open cruising to challenging tree skiing. One of the first resorts in Colorado to open each autumn, Keystone Ski Area has three mountains stacked one behind the other. Keystone Mountain is known for its groomed, wide trails, perfect for families and beginners. North Peak boasts steep mogul covered runs, and smooth cruisers that cater to the more advanced skier. The Outback features gladed tree skiing and offers powder to adventurous intermediate and advanced skiers. The resort has a total of 22 lifts servicing the 116 ski trails. The Keystone ski pass also gives you access to nearby Vail, Breckenridge and Beaver Creek. Thank goodness for such a wonderful place to celebrate Thanksgiving!
Trip Price: (price quote)Lifts: 4/$120 24 participants
Winter Park, Colorado
December 16 - 21, 2003
December, 2003 (TSC Learn To Ski Week!)
Trip Chair: Gary Roth
e-mail: KeystoneTrip@AustinSkiers.org
Once again, the TSC is teaming with Winter Park to host a short week tailor made just for never-evers or novices! And what a better place than Winter Park Resort, just a quick hour bus ride from Denver! Winter Park's five major mountains provide all the skiing and boarding you can handle, and the early season time frame means few crowds and fewer dollars! So if you're a ski newbie, or even an expert who wants to come along with a newbie, this trip is for you! And a hint: you seasoned skiers might want use this week to learn how to snowboard (that counts here, too!). Price includes a 3-day all-mountain ticket (not just beginner areas!) and 3 days of lessons, equipment, and five nights lodging, this year right on the slopes in the superb Zephyr Condos! You need to get your own transportation (we have suggestions), and you can pay for a 4th day of skiing. Dates in negotiation, some time between Dec. 1 and 21. So grab that novice friend, or novices join up on your own, and enjoy a terrific taste of winter sports at Colorado's winter playground Winter Park!
Trip price: (price quote) (transportation not included!) Lifts: Included
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
December 27-January 3, 2004
Trip Chair: Rainer Vanoni
e-mail: MtBachelorTrip@AsutinSkiers.org
Mt. Bachelor is one of the great legends of the Northwest. Located in central Oregon, Mt. Bachelor rises 9,065 feet from the high desert floor creating an endless winter from Thanksgiving to July! The mountain has an almost mythic reputation among purists for the quality of its snow a light, dry, high-desert powder unlike any other in this part of the world. Three hundred pristine inches a year dust 70 runs well distributed across 360 degrees of this extinct volcano. A comprehensive series of chairlifts gives access to the entire mountain covering powder chutes, forested trails, cruising runs, above-the-tree line snow fields with fun for every ability level. By careful design, beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain is accessible off most lifts so families and friends can enjoy their favorite type of skiing and still stay in the same general area to ride the lifts. With 3,686 acres of skiable terrain, you won't get bored with this majestic beauty. What a fabulous place to welcome in the New Year!
Trip Price: (price quote)Lifts: 5/$230 36 participants
Park City, Utah
January 3-10
Trip Chair: Kevin Juhl
e-mail: ParkCityTrip@AustinSkiers.org
Located just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, the old mining town of Park City offers easy access to three world-renowned resorts: Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons. Together they offer over 8,500 skiable acres and hundreds of trails for all levels of skiers. As the home for the 2002 Winter Olympics, these ski resorts what were already some of the best facilities in North America. Park City offers a huge variety of advanced terrain, and Deer Valley has a reputation for impeccable service. The Canyons has expanded so aggressively that it is now the largest ski area in Utah and among the five largest in the U.S. The town's shuttle system makes it extremely easy to get to skiing, dining, nightlife and shopping. We'll be staying at the Park Station condos, on Main Street, near most of the restaurants, nightlife and just across from the Town Lift. Don't pass up the opportunity to go with us to one of North America's great snow destinations!
Trip Price: (price quote) Lifts: 5/$186 40 participants
Beaver Creek, Colorado
January 10-17 (TSC Traditional)
Trip Chair: Cindy Berry
e-mail: BeaverCreekTrip@AustinSkiers.org
Upscale and cultured, Beaver Creek has minimal crowds on its meticulously groomed, long, sweeping runs. Beaver Creek is a feast for the eyes and a delight for the senses. The resort is the product of a master plan, resulting in a unique combination of mountain and village environments. Designed as a premier mountain destination, Beaver Creek successfully combines western hospitality with the European charm of its pedestrian village. Beaver Creek Mountain was designed to accommodate skiers of all ability levels. Friendly staff greets you in the morning with warm cookies. Escalators deliver you to the lifts, which whisk you away to an astounding variety of terrain. For a change of pace, use your lift ticket at nearby Vail, Breckenridge or Keystone. We will be staying in ski in/out deluxe condominiums that are just a short walk to the renown Beaver Creek Village. Your Beaver Creek experience is a relaxed, winter vacation with the aura and refinements of premier European resorts.
Trip Price: (price quote) Lifts: 5/$185 36 participants
Snowmass, Colorado
January 17-24
Trip Chair: Tom Zimmermann
e-mail: SnowmassTrip@AustinSkiers.org
The four mountains of Aspen/Snowmass comprise one of the best-known ski resorts in the world. Snowmass is easily the largest of the four with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, and a 4,400-foot vertical drop. Terrain is varied here, though 55% is considered intermediate. Aspen Mountain (also known as Ajax) and Aspen Highlands are similar mountains, both over 3,200 vertical feet and each about 700 skiable acres. They are both geared toward advanced skiers. Buttermilk ski resort caters primarily to beginner and intermediate skiers. A free shuttle service interconnects each of these mountains, so you can experience multiple areas during your vacation. Snowmass Village is clearly built with access to the slopes in mind. The design is 'tiered', with multiple levels extending up the hillside. It has a number of restaurants, bars, pubs, and shops - plus many more in Aspen just 12 miles north. No long bus ride on this trip, we'll be flying directly into Aspen airport. Also our lodging in Snowmass is the Top of the Village ski in/ski out condos. You will be able to step outside, step into your skis and take off. Experience skiing the way it was meant to be!
Trip Price: ( price quote) Lifts: 5/$196 36 participants
Garmisch, Germany
January 24-February 1
Trip Chair: Wendy Buck
e-mail: GarmischTrip@AustinSkiers.org
Garmisch is a town that is rich in history and culture. Local people often dress in traditional styles and many of the older buildings are decorated with beautiful frescoes. It is Germany's premier winter sports center. At the top of Garmisch is the majestic Zugspitz, Germany's highest mountain (9,730'). It has over 4000 vertical feet of skiing, with terrain for all abilities. There are nearly 200 miles of trails in the area, spread across a dozen moderately sized resorts stretching over the Austrian border. Our hotel is located a short walk from the cog railway or aerial tram. In addition, lots of unique day excursions are planned, including fairy tale castles that even Walt Disney can't match. Experience Alpine skiing with a uniquely German flavor!
Trip Price:( price quote ) Lifts: 5/$160 36 participants
St. Moritz, Switzerland
January 23-31
Trip Chair: Carter Rowles
e-mail: StMoritizTrip@AustinSkiers.org
With elegance, prestige and variety unparalleled by any other resort, St. Moritz is the number one winter playground of the international jet set. Impressive choices of skiing on five major mountains surround the resort. 220 miles of meticulously groomed slopes are serviced by 65 lifts! The "dry, sparkling champagne climate" has become legendary - the famous sun of St. Moritz shines an average of 322 days a year. Après-ski is as fabulous as the skiing itself. Stylish cafés, gourmet restaurants, chic dance clubs, picturesque traditional Swiss pubs, a casino and some of the best shopping on the planet are among the options you'll enjoy after the lifts close. We'll be staying at the centrally located Hotel Hauser where the breakfast buffet and dinner are included each day. Enjoy the life style of the rich and famous on this fabulous European vacation!
Trip Price: ( price quote ) Lifts: 5/$174 22 participants
Kimberley-Fernie, British Columbia, Can.
February 21-28 (TSC Winter Shootout)
Trip Chair: Cherilyn Hack
e-mail: KimberleyTrip@AustinSkiers.org
Located within the spectacular Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountain ranges of British Columbia, Kimberley Alpine Resort is renowned for long, groomed fall-line runs, un-crowded slopes, consistent snow conditions and an abundance of sunshine. Recent terrain expansion now makes Kimberley larger than Alta, Beaver Creek and many other major North American Resorts; with over 2,465 feet of vertical and 1800+ acres of terrain; the trip will include a day at Fernie. With an average annual snowfall of over 29 feet, Fernie Alpine Resort is a powder lover's dream! The 2500 acres of terrain, 2800 feet of vertical, 5 spectacular open bowls, ridges & glades provide endless adventure on this mountain. The city of Kimberley is known as the "Bavarian City of the Rockies" -the area combines old European flair with outstanding hospitality, set against a beautiful backdrop of mountain scenery. The downtown area is called the 'Platzl' and looks like a small alpine village, closed off to traffic. We will be staying at the Marriott Trickle Creek deluxe ski in/out condominiums. Kimberley is owned by the same company as Lake Louise, and we all know what a fabulous resort that is! The Kimberley adventure is too good to pass up!
Trip Price: ( price quote ) Lifts: 5/$149 32 participants
Reno/North Lake Tahoe
February 28-March 6 (long)
March 3-7 (short)
Trip Chair: Nancy Roth
e-mail: RenoTrip@AustinSkiers.org
There is a lot more to skiing Lake Tahoe than just the resorts on the south side of the lake. The north side offers fabulous resorts such as Squaw Valley, Northstar, Alpine Meadows and Mt. Rose. Squaw Valley offers 4,000 acres of lift-served terrain, an annual snow pack of more than 450 inches and an abundance of warm California sunshine almost 300 days of the year. To ensure time is spent skiing, not waiting in lift lines, Squaw is serviced by one of the most extensive lift networks in the world. Northstar's Mount Pluto and Lookout Mountain offer 70 trails covering 2,420 acres of downhill. Terrain ranges from gentle bowls to long, steep runs and is serviced by a modern network of lifts to get you up the mountain fast. Perched high on the Nevada side of the Sierras, Mt. Rose has the highest base elevation of any ski area at Lake Tahoe 8,260 feet. The lifts take you up to 9,700 feet, offering fantastic views of Lake Tahoe and Reno. Mt. Rose has more than 900 acres of skiable and rideable terrain. We will be staying at the Golden Phoenix Casino, right in the heart of Reno. Lots of restaurants and nightlife are within walking distance; our first stay in this fabulous town should be incredible. And speaking of incredible, wait till you see the price - you cannot afford to stay home!
Trip Price for Long: ( price quote ) Lifts: 5/$200 40 participants
Trip Price for Short: ( price quote ) Lifts: 3/$128 14 participants
Big Sky, Montana
March 13-20 (TSC Final Showdown)
Trip Chair: Doug Jordan
e-mail: BigSkyTrip@AustinSkiers.org
Big Sky is nestled in the Northern Rockies just 18 miles north of Yellowstone Park. The skiing at Big Sky is truly legendary - huge vertical and breathtaking scenery! The facts tell the story: 3 mountains, 3,600 skiable acres, 17 lifts, 400 inches annually of light, dry snow, no lift lines and the nation's second largest vertical drop of 4,350 feet. Two optional day trips are also planned. One is to the outstanding Bridger Bowl ski area (just ask anyone who skied there on our last trip what a great area that is). The other is an opportunity to tour Yellowstone, our nation's first and best-known national park, either by snowmobile or snow coach. We'll be staying in ski in/out condos, each with their own hot tub. Also in the condo complex is a lodge with spa, large outdoor hot tub, deli, and restaurant. On-call, free shuttle buses run until midnight for those emergency grocery or pub runs! Whether you're a seasoned Club vet or a newcomer who loves great skiing and gorgeous scenery, Big Sky should be your choice!
Trip Price: ( price quote ) Lifts: 5/$175 40 participants
Holland Bike & Barge Tour June 3 - 12
Trip Chair: Barbara Bobo
e-mail: HollandTrip@AustinSkiers.org
Explore the waterways, towns and countryside of Holland on a bicycle with a barge as your hotel. Former cargo barges, these vessels have been converted into passenger ships with restaurants serving breakfast, and dinner, and cabins with private baths and individual beds (no bunk beds). Each barge is staffed with experienced, friendly English-speaking crews providing a high standard of comfort and service. After breakfast pack a lunch from the buffet, then spend the day leisurely sightseeing using the bicycles provided. Tour guides and route notes help you find your way. In the afternoon return to your hotel/barge, which has moved down the canal to meet you. Bicycles are as much a part of Holland as tulips, windmills and clogs. They are so widely used, the Dutch make it is easy to tour by bike. Holland is flat and the cycling is easy. Trip price does include 3 meals daily, and your touring bicycle. This is the excuse you have been looking for to buy that new camera, so join us in seeing Europe in an entirely unique and different way.
Trip Price: ( price quote ) 24 participants
Western Caribbean Cruise
September 12-19 (TSC Summer Expedition)
Trip Chair: TBD - contact Gary Roth for more information
e-mail: CruiseTrip@AustinSkiers.org
Sail on Carnival's Elation. She's majestic. She's a marvel of imaginative design. And she's the largest "Fun Ship" floating resort to ever sail from Galveston to the Western Caribbean. The greater size of this ship means more clubs, lounges and deck space in other words, more room for more fun. On this week long "Fun from Texas" adventure; discover the beauty and hospitality of the Elation cruise liner. In addition to shore excursions at Progresso/Mérida, Cozumel and Belize, there are lots of activities on the ship and some of them will be just for the TSC. This is the perfect way to have fun and unwind at the end of the blazing hot Texas summer.
Trip Price: ( price quote ) 20 participants
Well, your "votes" are in many of you "voted"- with your "ballots" (trip applications) and even your wallets (those deposit checks- ouch!) during our mail sign-up period! Since we're still in a "voting" mode (er, trip signup season), I wanted to return to a "ski polls" Web site I found last year; it's British, Euro-centric, and anything but scientific, but great August filler (and funny, if not accidentally informative). For instance, when asked "Which is easiest to ski?", voters preferred 'powder' over 'ice' by 58% to 23%, while 'slush' came in at 19%. Regarding equipment, by a whopping 71%-29% margin, voters said that all skiers should wear helmets. And, despite the new "carver" skis, most felt that snowboards still "out-cooled" the skis by 68%-32%. Also, respondents reported that their boots were comfortable (75%-25%), and reported that they would buy the following this winter: skis (31%), jacket (28%), boots (21%), other (20%), and an 'unmentionable' (??) 1 vote (0%).
And this poll also covers more than the basics; it even gets into the broader, more serious and essential facts of ski life. For instance, the "worst thing about skiing" included: cost (62%), hangovers (17%), sore feet (14%), the cold (7%). On the other hand, the "best thing about spring skiing" is 'a great tan' (37%) which beat out off-piste skiing (32%) and low prices (31%). And apparently some people have their limits: when asked what would lead voters to give up skiing, 52% said they would never give it up, while a logical 32% said 'death.' Other answers were: injury (8%), and a tie at 4% with 'boredom' and 'bankruptcy'. Even life or death issues are polled: um, taking a "#1" on the slopes was reported as: 'convenient' (57%), 'no big deal' (17%), 'disgusting' (12%), 'cold' (11%), and 'impossible' (3%). And finally, in an exact repeat result from last year, by a razor-thin margin, voters would give up skiing (51%) rather than sex (49%)! So if your quest for scientific knowledge drives you onward, take a look while trying to kill time while at your dog-days-of-August office. The site is http://www.complete-skier.com/community/poll/
We know that cancer is among the cruelest of diseases; the unfeeling way that it often suddenly and coldly intrudes upon a healthy life, asserts itself, then rapidly destroys that life, is too maddening for words. As many of you know, one of our own members, Cindy Moore, recently suffered this very fate. Cindy was intending to go on our Costa Rica trip when she was suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer in January. Despite treatment, Cindy lost her battle to cancer in early July and passed away. Those who knew Cindy know she was full of life, laughter, and wit. We in the Club express to her family and loved ones our deepest sympathies and good memories of Cindy. She will be missed greatly. If you would care to make any donations on her behalf, her family has requested that you make them to the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org (972) 855-1600).
Items of interest: if you missed the mail-in sign-up, remember you still can sign up at our August 12 meeting! note that the Winter Park learn to ski (board) week now has firm dates Dec. 16-21!... remember that trip prices can (and often) do change, especially in this time of unstable air schedules and general travel inconsistencies; keep looking at your trip article each month for any of these changes!... also remember to bring your old ski stuff to our ski swap at the August meeting!.. looks like I'm goin' to Garmisch and Reno where are you going?
This will be your chance to Sell some of your "ski stuff" that you don't need anymore or Buy some "ski stuff" at a really good price! Members are encouraged to bring ski related items & be a part of our SWAP SHOP. You can buy, sell or trade on. Tuesday, August 12 and again September 9, 2003 (Club's Monthly meeting). Bring items labeled with price, size and your name.
Editor note: In Our Deepest Sympathy
A beloved friend of the ski club, Cindy Moore, passed away suddenly, in early July. She will be missed by those who knew her. At the request of her family, donations on her behalf can be made, to the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org (972) 855-1600).
Happy Hour -
Waterloo Ice House(North)
August 10 Sunset at the Oasis
August 12 Monthly meeting at the Red Lion Hotel
August 15 Sunset Bat Watching Cruise
August 29 Stargazing at Wild Basin
Happy Hour -
The Tavern, 922 W. 12th St.
Sept 6 Blind Taste Test Wine Tasting(IV)
Sept 9 Monthly meeting at the Red Lion Hotel
Sept 13 Peter Pan Mini Golf
Sept 20 Westcave Preserve/lunch at Rosie's Tamale House
For questions on Special Activities, contact Rhonda Keenan, Activities V.P. at activities@austinskiers.org
Austin Skiers supports TSC and our own sponsors:
Remember Our Ongoing Activities!
Anyone interested in doing occasional bicycling tours should contact Kevin Collins, who will be leading biweekly or monthly outings. And for you roller skaters/bladers out there, contact Marcia Honeycutt if you want to join a weekly outing.
Cap'n Hank Miller says that it's time to shimmy up the mainsail and scrub the poop deck, he'll be organizing occasional weekend Sailing excursions on the lake. If you want to be a first mate, contact Hank by e-mail at hank@pop3.realtime.net. If anyone is interested in parasailing out at the lake, we can receive an hourly group rate if enough people attend the activity (approximately $21 per person). Please contact Rhonda Keenan if you are interested and we'll see about setting up this activity sometime in the near future.
Get "Teed Off" At
Another Season of Golf!
With all the wet winter weather, the golf courses are looking spectacular, and yes, golf season is starting. We'll play every week as long as the warm weather lasts (into next fall), after work, usually at a discount for nine holes before sunset. Details about which day(s) of the week, tee times, locations, and other information are coming together, but if you want to get started, contact Cindy Swannack who can give you more information on the next outing. Note: it's important that you talk to Cindy to get on the e-mailing/calling roster, because just showing up without pre-reserving is highly discouraged! Look for this to be included under the "ongoing activities" in future issues!
Sunday, August 10, experience the sunset over Lake Travis while enjoying great salsa music from "The Brew". No cover, music starts at 7pm. Food and drinks available and free salsa lessons provided. 6550 Comanche Trail - 512-266-2441. For more information contact Maria Mayer.
Friday, August 15 A one hour tour on Town Lake in a 32 ft. electric cruiser called The Little Star. Boat departs from dock between the Hyatt hotel and South 1st Street bridge at approximately 8:00pm. Adults $8, Senior Citizen $6 and $5 for children under 12. Free parking behind the RunTex building at Riverside and South 1st.
Friday, August 29 – 7:45-9:15pm – RSVP to RK by 8/25. Learn about plants, stars and constellations as you peer into the fathomless, fabulous night sky. Bring drinking water, a flashlight and a cushion to sit on. Adults - $3, ages 5-12 - $1, under 5 is free. Meet at 6:30pm at La Salsa Restaurant, 701 S. Capital of TX Hwy (Westlake Center)
Blind Taste Test, Wine Tasting(IV)
Saturday, Sept 6 - The fourth rendition of this popular event will take place at Tere Ayson house at 7:00pm with the wine tasting beginning at 7:30pm. The focus will be on wines found south of the equator. Bring a bottle of wine and an appetizer (or one bottle and appetizer per couple - anyone can be a couple!) and we'll sample them unidentified then reveal what's what. As usual, there will be a prizes for the best and the worst vintages. This is limited to 20 people, so yet your $5 to Tere Ayson by August 30 or the cost goes up to $7 after that date. For more information contact Tere at publications@austinskiers.org.
Saturday, Sept 13 - . Yes, we can do this, remember those warm summer nights playing putt-putt as a kid? Well, you're never too old to be a kid again. Meet at 7:30pm and play 18 holes for $5 per person. 1207 Barton Springs Rd. 472-1033. Maybe we will grab a bite to eat or beer at the 19th hole near by, and the winner will have the bragging rights until the next time. For more information contact Rhonda Keenan at activities@austinskiers.org
Westcave Preserve/Lunch at Rosie's Tamales House
Saturday, Sept 20 - . Public tour(limited to the first 30 visitors) begins at 10am, gate opens at 9:30am. Adult $4, children $2, family $10. Located 30 miles west of downtown Austin. This 30 acres preserve is a natural wonder and the Hill Country treasure, a breathtaking cave formation with waterfalls and deep pools, carpeted with lush vegetation and teaming with wildlife. Tours allow visitors to view these natural formations along with the variety of natural vegetation. From Austin travel west on Hwy. 71 to the village of Bee Cave, Turn left on Ranch Road 3238, also known as Hamilton Pool Rd. Travel 14.5 miles on Hamilton Pool Rd. to the Pedernales River. Westcave Preserve is the first gate on your right after crossing the river. For more information on the preserve call Ph(830) 825-3443. After the tour join us for lunch at Rosie's Tamales House on Hwy. 71. For more information about this outing contact Rhonda Keenan at activities@austinskiers.org .
Check out "Inside the Texas Ski Council"
See what's news for the TSC in their online "Inside" newsletter. This contains key events, info, and goings on which just might be relevant to you and a TSC trip you're on. To view the latest issue, just go to their link at http://www.texas-ski.org/insidetsc-news/inside-tsc.htm . The TSC appreciates your continued support!
July Door Prize Winners
| Austin Skiers shirt | Barbara Bobo |
| Water bottle from Sun & ski | Sue Benson |
How do you like spam email? Are you for eliminating all forms of spam? Or is there a happy medium? California bill makers are trying to require email senders to get opt-ins from recipients unless they have an existing business relationship. The bill under discuss would enable consumers to seek damages of up to $500 for every illegal spam message they receive. WOW! If you are like me, you are probably drowning in spam email. I get at least 30 to 40 spam messages a day. I do want something done, but opt-ins and lawsuits are not the answer. And if this bill is made law in California, there is a great probability it will come to you in the near future. So what is the happy medium?
Why do I bring up the subject SPAM? Well, Austin Skiers is starting up its email list again, after a several month hiatus due to technical issues. Just to be sure we are not pestering you with these infrequent messages from the club informing you of activities and breaking news, we ask that you signup for the mail list. Send the Webmaster an email soon to get on our email list to be sure you won’t miss out on what’s happening with Austin Skiers. If you have been on this list in the past, no action on your part is required, unless you want to be removed.
What do you do with all those trip pictures your take though out the year? How would you like to win a club photo contest from the pictures you take this next year on club trip? Hold that pose, as more information to come next month….
Tere Ayson.
A non-profit ski club
President Mike Hagye
president@austinskiers.org
V.P. Trips Gary Roth trips@austinskiers.org
V.P. Trip Planning Cindy Berry tripplanning@ austinskiers.org
V.P. Programs Jon Martin programs@ austinskiers.org
V.P. Marketing Marcia Honeycutt marketing@austinskiers.org
V.P. Membership Donna Peterman membership@ austinskiers.org
V.P. Special Activities Rhonda Keenan activities@austinskiers.org
Secretary Linda Raymer secretary@ austinskiers.org
Treasurer Wendy Buck treasurer@ austinskiers.org
V.P. Publications Tere Ayson publications@ austinskiers.org
Webmaster Kevin Juhl skiwebmaster@ austinskiers.org
Past President Doug Jordan pastpres@ austinskiers.org
Board of Directors
Cindy Carlson director1@ austinskiers.org
Cindy Swannack director2@austinskiers.org
The Austin Skiers' newsletter is published monthly, 12 issues per year. Subscription is included with payment of yearly membership fee. Articles and correspondence should be addressed to the Editor by e-mail at publications@austinskiers.org or by phone (see above). Deadline for submission is the 15th of each month. Send issues regarding the Club Web site to skiwebmaster@austinskiers.org. For more information on the next Club meeting or other related activities, contact any of the following:
Austin Skiers Hotline 335-3662
E-mail: skimail@austinskiers.org
Web site: http://www.austinskiers.org
|
