2009 Lake Tahoe trip ... now past history!!!

As we gently set down at Philadelphia airport late Saturday night, February 28th, a contented sigh of relief fell over the sturdy group of 36 Philadelphia Ski Club members with the knowledge that our annual "big trip" was now complete.

Beginning with an early turnout near 6 :00 A.M. the previous Saturday morning, our club collectively gathered to anticipate a wonderful week's skiing out in Nevada/California.

Our travels began with a change over in Phoenix to Reno. Most of us found libation in an airport bar in the form of 22 ounce drafts, coupled with a quick sandwich or some pick food. Our flight to Reno went smoothly and upon arrival, found our bus 50 yards away
waiting to be boarded. Hundreds of pieces of luggage, skis and boot bags later, the only fatality was a Pat Fallon piece of luggage that was assaulted with some vile liquid; proper paperwork filed, we embarked for Harveys.

Rooming accommodations were all set, baggage brought to the rooms without a glitch and dinner and gambling begun.

Our week's weather was, shall I say ... different! Rain greeted the boldest of our group Sunday, with wet snow in the mountains. The general consensus was ... " it was very, very wet" up there.

Monday met us with great expectations amid more rain, so a group of about 15 or so joined in a movie expedition to see "Slum dog Millionaire" ... consensus ... well worth the money!

Tuesday was one of those" drop dead gorgeous" ski days that everyone took full advantage of .... blue skies, groomed hills, little wind ... .it was long awaited and just perfect.

Wednesday was our trip to Squaw Valley. A personable and charismatic bus driver took us around the Lake and presented us with numerous stories and tales from the area, starting with the "Cartwrights" of Bonanza fame, to the naked land baron who chased a shotgun. Squaw itself was windy ... sometimes brutally windy, but we made the best of it, climaxing with the dinner and dancing aboard the Tahoe Queen as our trip home. group get together dinners went off without a hitch and an impromptu drink and eat fest! Sing along at the Waldowski's room carried most of us into late Thursday evening. Some of the singing was excellent, much was strictly karioke and some, were down right funny. And who knew our own Tony Navarro could be the next American Idol.

Bottom line, interesting weather, great trip, great travel, great friends and company (including the Montana contingent of Karen and Mark).

Thank you all for your efforts and cooperation.