2008 Trip Reports

2008 Copper Trip Report

The Johnson Family (Louise, Jim, Natalie, and Brian) accompanied 21 CFSS members to Copper, CO. Copper is only an hour and a half bus ride from Denver, so we arrived before dinner on Wednesday, February 6, for three days of skiing and snowboarding. The ski area at Copper is huge and perfect for all levels. There is a whole mountain full of green slopes for beginners and "turquoise skiers" and another mountain full of blue slopes for intermediates. There are a number of black slopes and back bowls for advanced skiers and snowboarders. We also had great conditions, particularly for "powder hounds", like the Johnson men. While we were there, a blizzard actually forced the closure of I 70 from Denver. So, we had tons of fresh powder and the slopes almost all to ourselves. Later, the sun came out. This made it a little better for those of us who prefer to take it easy, like the Johnson women. Because this was a short trip, we didn't have much time for other activities. But, some of us did find time to go tubing, and there were several exciting games of Texas Hold 'Em in the "girls' suite". Everyone went to happy hour on Thursday at J J's Rocky Mountain Tavern. We arrived back in Orlando on Sunday, February 10, in time to go to work on Monday. It was a fantastic trip! The Johnsons want to sincerely thank everyone who went with us. You made our family vacation a blast!


Jim & Louise Johnson
JohnsonJim@earthlink.net

Alyeska , Alaska   Ski Trip 2/25/08   and Iditarod Dog Sled Race

 The Alyeska Ski and Iditarod dog sled race led by head mushers Brian Munger and Jeff Cottier entered into the unknown of the last great frontier in the beautiful and picturesque state of Alaska this past February 2008.  With one club president in tow and a great mixture of veteran and rookie mushers from the CFSS and Tampa Bay ski clubs and even some from as far away as Santa Fe , New Mexico on the team ; we began our exciting adventure north. 

After a long first day of travel behind us , we were all quite delighted to find the accommodations at Alyeska ski resort to be quite comfortable.  With some much needed sleep , fresh snowfall and a wonderful welcome breakfast , most of us turned to the task at hand: skiing, shopping , dog sledding, touring the town of Girdwood , and some plain ol’ relaxing massages at the spa.  Let’s not forget as always on Brian and Jeff’s ski trips there is nightly dice and card games sponsored by team game master Colleen. Just don’t play the game of Hearts with her –you can’t win.  She has these amazing magical powers when it comes to card games.

Then after 3 days of FUN, FUN, FUN in Alyeska , we were off to Anchorage for the start of the Iditarod dog sled race .  There was a slight mixup at the Hilton Hotel but with some minor adjustments, we were able to get settled in for the night and had several FREE breakfasts as compensation.  The morning of the race , we braved the  cold sub zero temperatures while standing in a parking garage for the best bird’s eye view of the ceremonial start of the race.  Then from various positions on the street , we watched all 96 sled teams with over 1500 sled dogs go one by one down the street and out of town on their 1049 mile journey to Nome Alaska .  Colleen , the brave soul that she is , ventured out to Willow to see the “OFFICIAL RESTART” the next day.

The rest of the gang took the day to enjoy all the city of Anchorage had to offer. Some visited the museum or took a walk through the Fur Rondy Rendezvous Festival with ice and snow sculptures , fur trading , Snowshoe softball, and an Eskimo blanket Toss ---what a fabulous time we had.  Let’s not forget those who tried the reindeer sausage which is only sold during the Iditarod race.  Of course our Girls from Tampa shopped till they dropped.  I don’t think they missed  any unlocked door on the main street with some type of merchandise for sale.  I’m not sure but I think some luggage going to Tampa may have been over weight on the plane ride home. 

On Monday , the group all ventured off to Seward for a Sea Life sanctuary and glacier tour but Mother Nature did not cooperate.  As always , we made the best of it and then before the bus left to Anchorage we observed about seven  bald eagles just sitting in a nearby tree.  That’s Alaska .  Too bad, so sad , it was time to come home.

We would like to say thanks to all who made our trip into the last great frontier such a huge success and it was a very good mix of  adventurous travelers / skiers that we hope join us again in BIG SKY , Montana   for our 2009  ski and snowmobile ( Yellowstone National Park ) adventure.  Info will go out on this trip as we get more details , but you can already put a  refundable deposit ( $250 ) down to hold your space until Aug. 23rd. Send to : Brian Munger at 1606 Prairie Lake Blvd. , Ocoee, Fl. 34761. or e-mail for more info at : bmunger@bellsouth.net   , jeffer@bellsouth.net .

 Brian & Jeff

     It was a great vacation for all 8 youngsters and 16 adults.  Some had never skied and some had never even seen or experienced cold weather conditions.  Our living room windows were covered with tiny hand prints made from the kids blowing on them and then making designs.  These kids may one day be ski club members or trip leaders !    The older kids had some exciting snow ball matches, cheered by us adults watching from the warmth of our condos. "Way to go Kelsey" ( She did a good job against the boys) . Michael and Stephen enjoyed some sledding.  The Bush's built a snowman surrounded by shark fins. Tony Melton wore his Tennessee clothes daily.  We had no problem spotting him on the slopes.  He and his family went snowmobiling and ice skating.The Olsons --what a nice Big family --they had Big Fun together. It was a pleasure to finally meet them.     We had 3 guys from New York join us on the trip( they got their own air and just paid the land package) .Sam, Jaime, & Tom all skied the blacks together while Judy Campbell, Jim Cole and myself all did the blues .    The nicest part of the entire trip was how well everyone got along. The children were so well behaved , we even had the youngest CFSS member ever on our trip ( 17 month old Brody) . In the last newsletter it talks about small groups having more FUN! Our group definitely had lots of Fun and good memories.     By the way , look at our website :  www.CfssSnowSkiClub and you can go to " Pictures" and see some posted photos of our trip . One of the photos with 4 people in it --look closely and you will see next to me ( Candi Robb ) is Billy Kidd, the 1964 Winter Olympic Gold Medal ski champion ( he's the one with the Cowboy Hat ).  We got a chance to ski with him. WOW!

    We are in the process of putting together a return to Steamboat trip December 26 , 2008 --January 1st, 2009.  This should attract families and couples as well as those singles off work at this time of year.  It was too late to put it on the schedule for the April newsletter but we are trying to get air and put this trip together and Candi Robb will lead this trip.     You can contact Cal Sennett at : skibum0120@aol.com for up to date info until this is an official trip listed in the next newsletter.  Of course you can also contact Candi Robb at :  candirobb@earthlink.net and let her know that you want to be put on the list for this trip when it's finalized as there is limited spaces available ---32 air seats .     Fireworks over the Holidays and great skiing --sign up now.  Maybe you might be able to ski with Billy Kidd --he skis with groups every year.