Well, Bob and I are just back from our Alaska Land and Cruise adventure with 42 fellow SSC adventurers. To sum it up in one word: WOW!!!!!!! From start to finish it was a wonderful and memorable experience. The pictures we took will never do the Alaskan scenery justice. Our first days in Vancouver were warm and allowed us to bike along the coast in Stanley Park. We next had our first experience on a cruise ship. For first time cruisers, we were very impressed with the amenities, rooms, service and variety of food on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Our ports of call of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan were all unique and the views of Glacier Bay and College Fjord were magnificent. The ship was very smooth, but one night in the open seas, it was a bit rocky. Luckily, no casualties.

Our stay in Denali was rainy and cloudy, but still full of adventures and wildlife. However, the only moose Bob and I got to see up close was the stuffed one in the Anchorage airport! Only two of our fellow travelers, Diane and Tracey, became part of the 30% club. This is an exclusive group of people who actually get to see the top of Denali Mountain. They did have a little help from a plane ride to the top of another mountain. The pictures of Denali they shared were beyond words. Thanks to all of the wonderful photographers in the group who shared their photos with all of us. Also, kudos to Barb Collier for leading a wonderful trip.

Well, the next non-ski trip adventure awaits all of us. Stay tuned for more information on our 2024 non-ski trip to Ireland.

On a sad note, condolences to Diane Eshelman whose husband Joe passed away suddenly. Joe was a former SSC board member, trip leader and Silver Ski Award winner. Joe will be missed by all who knew him.

Take care and be safe!

Would you like to get in on the ground floor of planning SSC’s upcoming year? Are you interested in seeing how the process works? If so, SSC could use your help. SSC is looking for people who would be interested in serving the ski club for the 2024-2025 year. We are currently at the beginning of the planning phase for our trips and social events for 2025 and would love you to get you involved now. This would help you see how the whole process is brought together from start to finish. It would also give you time to be mentored for a board or support staff position. If you are interested in finding out more information about your ski club or just shadowing a position to see if it may be a fit for you, please contact Bob Havice, SSC Past President at bhavice@hotmail.com or call 717-248-8696.