TSCWDC

See you online in January!

A Club For All Seasons!Ski Club of Washington, DC l www.SCWDC.org l December 2013 / January 2014 l Volume 80, Number 6

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President’s Message

President’s Message…………………………2sailing…………………………………………2Meetings………………………………………3Western triP list…………………………4-5eastern………………………………………6-7social………………………………………9-10culture………………………………………11recreation ……………………………………12tennis……………………………………13-14teaM sPorts………………………………14Hikes………………………………………15-16

table of Contents

Hello Fellow Members, I realize we have made BIG changes during the past year and I appreciate your patience. We have tried very hard to keep you informed of our website updates. Although there

has been some confusion at times, our IT committee asks for your continued support, suggestions, and offers to help as we

move forward. At this time we have come to the next step, changing our magazine to a mostly online production. This December /January issue will be the final one to be printed and mailed to all members. It is essential for us to proceed in this direction in order to conserve funds and keep our dues at their present level. We are considering the possibility of producing a single printed issue once a year listing all of our ski trips and upcoming events. It will be possible for those members who do not have web access to receive a printed and mailed copy of the magazine upon written request sent to our SCWDC office (5309 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207). Please make sure we have your correct name, address, and zip code. Our Ski-O-Gram will be continued with headlines linked to the articles on our website. If you were not able to join us for the September Ski Fest, it was a great success thanks to the Western Committee working tirelessly to plan our ski season. For the second year, we held an Eastern Ski Fest in November with Zumba! Recreation activities have been very successful with the Bike and Barge trips as well as the Colorado Dude Ranch. We have more coming up next year, so don’t be left out! Our Cultural committee has done a superb job of offering opportunities for your enjoyment. Please be sure to check the website for all of upcoming events. To all of our volunteers: thanks for your support. We had a wonderful volunteer party and hope to have more of you attend our celebration next year. A good time was had by all!!As always, I love to hear from you.Madeline (mzkbox@aol.com)

sailing Red sky at morning, sailors take warning; Red sky at night, sailors’ delightDelight with us on our February trip to Belize, and plan to spend many red skies with us on the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay in the spring.

ESCAPE WINTER AND COME SAIL AND SNORKEL IN BELIZE!Escape the gloom of winter in Washington and go sailing in Belize! If balmy easterly trade winds, turquoise waters, and 74 - 84 degree temperatures are your idea of paradise, this is the trip for you! Join us in Belize from February 23 – March 2, 2014.

We will be sailing primarily in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, recognized as a United Nations World Heritage site in 1996. This incredible coral reef is the 2nd largest in the world. The beauty and unique character of these waters lures less experienced and veteran sailors alike to return time after time for more adventures in one of the best snorkeling and diving locations in the Western Caribbean. If there is sufficient interest, we will also schedule scuba diving.Belize is a beautiful, English speaking country in Central America. We’ll fly into Belize City, then transfer to a short flight to Placencia, a small seaside town which is becoming a tourist destination. From there, we’ll sail aboard 5 large catamarans on which we’ll be living for the week. Every day will include sailing and snorkeling, and some days will include excursions on the cayes. The cost for this fantastic trip with a shared berth is only $1,515 for members and $1,565 for guests. A single supplement is available for an additional $995. Price includes 7 nights on a fully equipped catamaran including all meals, a group dinner ashore, travel insurance, souvenir trip shirt, and a pre-trip party. Transportation to and from Belize is not included in the price; that allows you to fly to Belize for free using your frequent flyer mileage. For more information and to receive an application, contact Charlie Lorenzetti at 301-352-7392 or clorenzetti51@verizon.net. There is also much more information available at www.scwdc.org.

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www.scwdc.orgSKI CLUB OFFICE: 703-532-7776

scwdc@verizon.net

President: Madeline MetcalfeVice President: Leo BoelhouwerBoard of Directors: Leo Boelhouwer, Carol Finley, Peter Hartogensis, Bill Johnston, Gene Lee, Patrick Normyle, Margaret Schwartz, Rene’ ThierryRecording Secretary: Jeanne GardnerTreasurer: Brian Camp General Counsel: Peter Hartogensis, Scott SexauerMember Services Chair: Gary Rubens Administrative Officer: Pete CampbellFinancial Manager: Brian ChollarWeb Administrator: Bill JohnstonWeb Master: Ken EngWeb Editor: Frank PeñarandaMagazine Editor: Leo BoelhouwerSki-O-Gram: Pete CampbellCapital Ski and Ride, Meetup.com: Chris KlocekSCWDC Facebook: Jeremy DiamondCopy Editors: Leslie Baldwin, Anne BertschProgram Chairpersons:Eastern Ski Trips: Charles LorenzettiWestern/International Ski Trips: Sue MillerSki School Director: Mike CavallaroRecreation: Judy BurlbaughHiking: Amelia LancellottiSailing: Pam Burdick and Patty Hagan (Co-Chairs)Sports: Geoffrey PennoyerCultural: Joan Zawacki and Ann Webster (co-chairs)Social: VacantTennis: Casey Tarr and Peggy Comerford (Co-Chairs)Young Professionals: Jeremy DiamondCommittee Chairpersons:Activity Leader Evaluation (ALEC): Bernie GilbertBudget and Finance: Bill JohnstonHistorian: Kate Hayes Meetings: VacantMembership: Frank WilsonPast Presidents Advisory: Howard FisherPolicy: Howard Fisher

SCWDC (ISSN 0883-6817) is published bi-monthly, June/July, August/September, October/November, December/January, February/March, April/May and is published at the SCWDC office, 5309 Lee High-way, Arlington, VA 22207 (Periodicals postage paid at Arlington, VA and at additional post offices). Subscription is limited to members of Ski Club of Washington, DC, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the SCWDC office, 5309 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22207. Ski Club phone number:703-532-7776. © 2013 SCWDC

MeetingsDecember Social Tuesday, December 3, 2013 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crystal City (Arlington), VAThe Evening’s Schedule:6 to 7 p.m. - Happy Hour and Dinner (optional) at Veranda Café in the Hotel7 to 7:30 p.m. - Visit with Event Leaders and Exhibits - Space will be provided for ski trip leaders to exhibit their trips. 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. - Opening remarks followed by our speaker for the meeting,

Katrina Gayman, the Manager of Marketing and Sales at Whitetail. She will discuss all the new upgrades and acquisitions at the three Snow Time Resorts (Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail)

January Social, January 7, 2014 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crystal City (Arlington), VA The Evening’s Schedule:6 to 7 p.m. - Happy Hour and Dinner (optional) at Veranda Café in the Hotel7 to 7:30 p.m. - Visit with Event Leaders and Exhibits - Space will be provided for ski trip leaders to exhibit their trips.7:30 to 8:15 p.m. - Opening remarks followed by our speaker for the evening.We meet in the Veranda Café on the second floor where we will have the restaurant to ourselves along with wait staff to serve us before and throughout the meeting. We will start out with a 6 p.m. happy hour/social. Our meeting will start at 7 p.m. with the evening’s speaker coming on at approximately 7:30. You may check out the Club Meetings Section of our website, www.scwdc.org for more details. For detailed directions go to their website www.cpnationalairport.com and click on Directions. Free parking is available below the hotel. The Crowne Plaza is also Metro-accessible. Take the Blue/Yellow line to the Crystal City metro stop and use the Crystal City Underground to reach the hotel.

An improvement over the rope tow.

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Western triP listTrip signups: If you want to sign up in December or January, contact the leader as you will probably owe the full amount. The leader will ask you to submit a trip application and give you your payment options. The Trip Leader will provide confirmation by email or letter when your trip application is accepted, and you are definitely on the trip. Reservations/space on the trip is determined by the order in which deposits are received. In the event of cancellation, vacancies will be filled from the trip wait list, in order of receipt of deposit. Many trips are full, but cancellations happen. If you are interested in a trip, join the wait list. The SCWDC web site has complete leader contact and trip information.

Depart Return Location Price Trip Leader and Contact Information

1/11 1/18 Whistler, British Columbia $1,720 Geoffrey Pennoyer, 202-702-6044, cometjeff@verizon.net

1/18 1/25 Park City, UT - Sundance Film Festival

$1,850 Joe Gilbert, 434-962-2490 joegilbertresults@hotmail.com

1/18 1/25 Jackson Hole, WY $1,420 Dan Churchey, 571-222-7674, danchurchey@gmail.com

1/25 2/1 Taos, NM $1,840 Kenneth Eng, 301-320-5135, captain.ken@email4u.com

1/31 2/8 Grindelwald, Switzerland $2,890 Richard Quayle. 703 439 0273 rquayle40@yahoo.com

2/1 2/8 Snowmass, CO $1,635 Judy Burlbaugh, 703-772-1733, judyburl@verizon.net

2/8 2/15 Vail, CO $1,815 Don Kersten, 703-455-8219, wrldchngr@gmail.com

2/15 2/22 Crested Butte, CO Presidents Week

$1,640 Rita Togni, 703-556-0485, rita.togni@longandfoster.com

2/22 3/1 Beaver Creek, CO $1,590 Bill Johnston, 703-597-6310 bjohnston2@aol.com

3/1 3/8 Steamboat, CO $1,535 Lisa Hedrick Churchey, 540- 330-3932, lhedrickscwdc@gmail.com

3/7 3/15 Cortina, Italy BRSC Eurofest

$2,440 Nancy Shimp, 703-476-5663, nshimp@verizon.net

3/7 3/19 Cortina. Italy BRSC Tuscany Extension

$3,205 Nancy Shimp, 703-476-5663, nshimp@verizon.net

3/8 3/30 Sun Valley, ID $1,595 Pete Campbell, 703-532-5862, pcampbell@scwdc.org,

3/15 3/22 Snowbird, UT $1,650 Brian Camp, 215-932-1880, bcamp.scwdc@gmail.com

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The Western/International Program has three featured trips for 2014Whistler, Canada, January 11-18. North America’s biggest resort has 7,071 acres spread over the two mountains. Whistler’s terrain is vast enough to offer a combination of European glacial skiing and American tree skiing. Combined with a village that never sleeps, this resort is a skiers’ paradise. It warrants gold for terrain, challenge, value, lifts, service, on-mountain food, dining, après-ski, off-hill activities, and scenery. We’ll be staying at the Delta Village Suites located in the center of Whistler Village and an 8-minute walk to the lifts (the hotel offers free shuttle service). The hotel has a heated outdoor pool with indoor access, indoor and outdoor hot tubs. The spacious units include full kitchens with dishwashers and microwave, DVD, sofa bed in living room, and washer/ dryer. The 2-bedroom units have two full bathrooms. Leader information and trip application can be found in the January 11 event posting (departure date) for this trip on the SCWDC web site, by navigating to the January calendar.

Park City - Sundance - 1/18 - 1/25 Deliberately planned to coincide with the renowned Sundance Film Festival, this trip offers wide open slopes by day and film festival festivities by night. This is the 10th year anniversary of this trip! There is typically a good blend of new trip attendees and regular returning participants that can show the newcomers how to navigate the Sundance Film Festival. This trip does not include a lift package but discount group lift tickets may be purchased through the trip leader. Trip participants will create their own lift package, selecting and paying for the number of days and places they want to ski, so that they may enjoy the festival along with some of Utah’s best snow. Ski one, two, or all three resorts: Park City Mountain Resort, The Canyons, and Deer Valley Resort. Or ski not at all and attend the film festival both day and night. It is easy to get to the Park City Mountain Resort via the Town Lift, just a short walk away from our condos. Deer Valley and The Canyons are a free shuttle bus ride away. (Sorry, but if you are a snowboarder, you can’t shred at Deer Valley.) Can’t wait to ski the first day? Ski free the day of arrival with the Quick Start deal at Park City. Want a more challenging ski experience? Ski 5 peaks in one day on a guided backcountry tour. You’ve got options! More information about this trip is posted in the SCWDC web site, check it out.

Crested Butte, February 15 - 22 Crested Butte is a world-class ski resort in a league of its own. Far removed from the more crowded interstate highway resorts off Colorado’s I-70, the charming western town and resort are situated in the southwestern part of the state, tucked away in the Elk Mountain Range. We’ll be staying at the Plaza Condominiums at 2 & 3-bedroom suites with hot tubs, sauna, just a short walk to a main lift. Perfectly positioned to catch Colorado’s best winter weather fronts, storms that sweep down from Canada generally hit Crested Butte head-on dumping exceptional amounts of snow. Here you’ll find the lift lines short and slopes uncrowded. It doesn’t get any better than that! 48% of the mountain is intermediate terrain, offering a wide variety of exhilarating runs including playful blues and long groomers. 50% of the terrain is advanced, with glade skiing, expansive bowls, and “gut check” steeps. Don’t worry--novices have plentiful beginner terrain to develop their passion too. Crested Butte leads the state in teaching first-time skiers. Off the slopes, you’ll find the old mining supply town of Crested Butte to be authentic and unpretentious, but not lacking the frills and extras of a world-class ski resort. The town’s main street, famed Elk Avenue, offers an abundance of exceptional dining and entertainment opportunities. The friendly locals of this small, unique town know how to welcome and entertain their guests. Be prepared to return home feeling you’ve just had a “real ski vacation”. Leader information and trip application can be found in the February 15 event posting (departure date) on the SCWDC web site, by navigating to the February calendar.

Western HigHligHts

Cross country anyone?

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easternWelcome to the Fall Season! This is the time of year to start preparing for winter fun!

Now is the time to have your skis or snowboard tuned and waxed, your bindings checked, and to unpack the old ski clothes. Need new ski fashions and equipment? Do it now to catch the best early season deals and beat the rush at the ski shops, especially Alpine Ski Shop (formerly Willi’s), Washington’s Ski Center, or Sun and Ski Center (formerly Ski Chalet), valued supporters of our club. You need to stop thinking about “Just Doing It” and start getting your muscles ready for ski season. The now-colder winter weather is the kind of stuff you will encounter on the slopes soon. You might as well get out into it now.

Get those legs and lungs in shape for the season! You don’t want the mountain to wear you out by lunchtime, do you? The Eastern Ski Trip schedule is complete and the highlights are listed below. Final pricing for all of the Eastern trips is here, although only the member price is listed below. The SCWDC web site has full information about guest and credit card pricing.

For each of the trips below, there is a flyer and application posted on the website. The club makes lodging reservations in advance for all these trips, but we cannot hold the reservation past a certain time without trip sign-ups. When you get this magazine and have an interest in one of these trips, please call or email the leader and have a conversation to make up your mind. Of the trips below, two involve contract transportation: Seven Springs using Amtrak and Mt Tremblant using Air Canada. If you are interested in one of these, please contact the leader as soon as you read this.

C anaan Valley SPE Weekend, Thursday to Sunday, January 9- 12.This SPE Weekend in beautiful Canaan Valley includes three days of skiing and boarding. Snow conditions will dictate

whether we ski/slide at Timberline or Canaan Valley Resort. Your trip will include daily small group lessons with the club’s ski school. Our PSIA/ AASI-certified instructors will help you achieve your goals, whether you have never skied before or are an expert looking to refine your technique. We will again be staying in lovely 4-bedroom cottages at the nearby Canaan ValleyResort and Conference Center featuring an indoor a heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, and fitness center. Great skiing and boarding begin with great snow. Timberline averages over 150” of powder each season and possesses a peak elevation of 4,268 ft and a vertical rise of 1,000 ft. So you will enjoy some of the longest runs in the mid-Atlantic, as long as 2 miles. Total price for mem-

Date Name of Trip Member

Price Trip Leader

1/9 - 12 Canaan Valley Combo, SPE PYOT

$420 David Toms, 11284 Harbor Ct., Reston, VA, 20191, 571-830-0945, david.toms@comcast.net

1/16 -20 Seven Springs by Train $984 Madeline Metcalfe, 5507 Beaconsfield Ct, Burke VA 22015703-425-4842, mzkbox@aol.com

1/26 Ski Liberty SPE PYOT $79 Chris Klocek, 9739 51st Ave, College Park, MD, 20740 (240) 460-4408, chris.klocek@gmail.com

2/2 - 7 Mt Tremblant $1,200 Pete Campbell, 2513 N Kenilworth St, Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 532-5862, pcampbell@scwdc.org

2/7 - 2/9 Blackwater Falls X- Country PYOT

$140 Anne Clark, 3212 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC (202) 363-0784, clarkanne@starpower.net

2/20-23 Elk Mountain, PA PYOT $285 Jeremy Diamond, 124 Fleetwood Terr, Silver Spring, 20910, MD (201) 247-0915, jeremy.diamond@gmail.com

2/16 Ski Liberty SPE PYOT $79 Dave Monroe, 571-213-5122, 11613 Clubhouse Ct, Reston, VA 20190, dhm1158@gmail.com

2/23 Ski Liberty SPE PYOT $79 Yas (Yaz) and Doreen Kinashi, 10426 Mount Sunapee Rd., Vienna, VA 22182 (703) 759-2239 dac.dak@cox.net

What is SPE?“SPE” stands for Ski Performance Enhancement and refers to SCWDC’s unique Ski School. How are the one-day trips run?

Participants drive themselves to the ski site, arriving by 8:30 a.m. to meet up with the leader to receive full-day lift and meal tickets, get on the slopes by 9:15 a.m., and begin a 2 1/2 to 3-hour lesson by 9:30 a.m. If you need rentals, arrive by 8 a.m. Lunch is included in the price. In the afternoon, participants ski or ride on their own. What is the SCWDC Ski School and what are our instructors’ qualifications? The SCWDC Ski School is a National Member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) with 100% of its instructors certified by either the PSIA or the American Association of Snowboard Instruc-tors (AASI). We currently have 16 instructors. Every trip welcomes skiers and snowboarders. What a value! Group lessons from a ski resort can range from $45-$75 for a half day and include a dozen students, while our small-group SCWDC lessons are included in the trip price by adding only a few dollars per person.

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bers is $420 for this trip; single supplement and lodge rates available. We would appreciate a single payment for this trip. Sign up via the web site application.

Seven Springs, PA - Thursday to Monday, 2014 MLK Weekend (Jan 16-20)For a real change of pace come relive the first trip the Ski Club of Washington DC took over 75 years ago in 1936. It was the

start of the ski club. Members took a train from Union Station to Pittsburg, then across Pennsylvania, stopping in Glencoe, PA to ski in an open field. There was no chair lift, no lodge, and no bar. While skiing has improved a bit over the years, we are getting as close as we can to the original trip of these 81 ski club pioneers. While we won’t travel as long on the train, we will be going to Seven Springs which is about one hour from Glencoe, PA.

So here is your chance to leave your cares behind and spend a weekend skiing some of the most enjoyable slopes the East has to offer. Seven Springs is a complete resort with indoor pool, hot tubs, restaurants, après-ski, indoor rollerblading, snowcat rides, snowmobile tours, and snowshoe tours. But you want to ski or ride and not worry about the details, right? Relax or party on the train ride up. Once disembarked from the train, participants will be transported by bus to Seven Springs. Your lift ticket is good Friday through Monday, and then the express bus returns you to the Amtrak station on Monday afternoon.

Mont Tremblant, Sunday to Friday, February 2-7The eastern program will return to Mount Tremblant in 2014 because we

had a highly successful trip to this top-rated resort during the 2012 season. You will need a current passport, but you do not need a visa.Trip will include:• Round trip air to Montreal• Charter bus to Mont Tremblant• Five nights lodging in deluxe Condominiums• 6-day lift pass

The mountain at Mont Tremblant is an integral part of the village. We stay at a hotel that is very close to the cabriolet, a type of ski lift that takes people to the bottom of the ski slope, within easy reach of the gondola that will take you to the top of the mountain. When you come down to the bottom of the slope there are several restaurants and bars for après-ski refreshments. Returning to the hotel offers two options. One is to ski down; the other is to take the cabriolet and admire the view.

Blackwater Falls, WVA PYOT - Cross Country – Friday to Sunday, February 2 - 7Calling all cross-country skiers and hikers! We’re planning an adventure to Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis, West Virgin-

ia. We will stay in the new 4-bedroom cabins at the State Park on Friday and Saturday night. We’ll take to the cross-country trails on Saturday and Sunday. If you need to rent XC ski gear, daily rentals are available at the Ski Center. You do not have to be an ex-perienced XC skier to take this trip or a superior athlete, just a person that can be comfortable on skis, who is in reasonable shape for about two hours of outdoor experience. In case of minimal snow, the trip participants do some hiking in the area. Trip includes Friday welcome party and Saturday buffet dinner. This trip is a great value; it’s a fun trip with no pressure! Member price: $140; Guest Price: $165. More details on the SCWDC Web site, including trip application and leader contact information.

Elk Mountain, PA, PYOT – Friday to Sunday, February 20 - 23Elk Mountain, Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski area (established 1959), has been perennially voted the state’s best, in

terms of snow, grooming, value, and weather. Twenty-seven sprawling slopes and trails provide challenging and diverse ter-rain, more suitable for Intermediate/Advanced skiers. Its advertising states, “It’s like skiing in Vermont – without the drive”. This PYOT weekend package includes: two nights’ hotel accommodation in nearby Clarks Summit, lift tickets for two days, and a Saturday group dinner. Driving time from the Washington DC area is about 5 hours. More details on the SCWDC Web site, including price and leader information.

SCWDC’s One-Day SPE trips to Liberty Mountain Resort (3)This is a great trip to get going on winter skiing and riding. Each trip includes a half day of instruction from SCWDC's ski

school, separately described in this issue. You can be a beginner, intermediate, or expert, our ski school can handle it all. And for most of us, who didn't go to South America to ski this summer, we need to get our ski legs back. So these trips are great preparation when you are going to ski a full week elsewhere. You must sign up early because we must have a minimum number of participants or the trips will be canceled. More information is on the SCWDC Web site, including leaders’ names and trip ap-plications. These trips are in the price range of $79-$86 and include a lift ticket and lunch.

eastern

Some really private time

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Were your skis this long? Remember rope tows?

Can lifts get any bigger?

Maximum capacity?

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soCialDagne’s Happy Hour at Laporta's RestaurantDate and Time: First Thursday of every month from 5 – 7 p.m. (Dec. 5, Jan. 2)Leader: Dagne Flucher 703-960-0058, dagnefulcher@verizon.net, 1600 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-683-6313, www.laportas.netLocation: Laporta's RestaurantDagne Fulcher, SCWDC Member, has been hosting this Thursday Happy Hour for some time and has fixed the location at La-porta’s because of their good location, free parking, and an outstanding happy hour. Now we have two happy hours a month to get together. So come out and join the fun.Laporta’s has happy hour specials! From 5 – 7 p.m.: drink specials - $3 house red and white wine, $3 rail drinks, and $3 pints: Flying Dog, Pale Ale, Stella Artois, Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen, Starr Hill Amber Ale. Food specials - one-half off each item on the bar menu (includes pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and mussels). Free parking garage just to the west of the entrance.

December Happy Hour @ The Elks ClubDate & Time: Thursday, December 19, 5 – 8 p.m.Leader: Bob Sobun, 703-503-3294Location and Directions: Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Boulevard, Fairfax, VA 22031. 703-560-2188http://www.elks.org/lodges/contactus.cfm?LodgeNumber=2188. From the beltway, take Arlington Blvd. Rte 50 west. Lodge is on the left, just past Gallows Rd. overpass. January Happy Hour @ McKeevers PubDate & Time: Thursday, January 16, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.Leader: Bob Sobun, 703-503-3294Location & Directions: McKeevers Pub in McLean6625 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, VA 22101 703-790-9453http://mckeevers.webs.com/

Let’s Eat Dinner OutDecember LEDOLaPorta RestaurantLocation: 1600 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 703-683-6313Date and Time: Saturday, December 14, 2013 – 6 p.m.Cost: Price of DinnerLeader: Alicia McCarthy, 202-390-1549Hosted by John Donnelly, jndon@msn.com, 703-685-8649Come enjoy a LEDO in Old Town Alexandria. This restaurant is conveniently located on Duke Street in Alexandria, not far from the Beltway. The ambience is pleasant and the menu offers mostly American food and a good wine list. Please RSVP to 202-390-1549 or email ammcarthy77@hotmail.com by Thursday evening, December 12, 2013, so that I can provide the restaurant with the number of attendees.January LEDOTrattoria AlbertoLocation: 506 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003 – Closest Metro is Eastern Market; metered street parking or 2-hour parking in the neighborhoodDate and Time: Saturday, January 18, 2014 – 7 p.m. Cost: Price of DinnerLeader: Alicia McCarthy, 202-390-1549This is one of my favorite Italian Restaurants. It is cozy and the food is excellent. Come enjoy some hearty Italian and good wine for a mid-January break from the cold. The menu offers excellent choices and terrific desserts. Please RSVP to 202-390-1549 by Thursday evening, January 16, 2013 or email ammcarthy77@hotmail.com, so that I can provide the restaurant with the number of attendees.February LEDOCosmopolitan GrillLocation: 7770 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VADate and Time: Saturday, February 22, 2014, 6 p.m.Cost: Price of DinnerLeader: Alicia McCarthy, 202-390-1549I have been recently introduced to this restaurant by a dear friend. The cuisine is Eastern European and offers other options as well; there is German/Bosnian influence to the menu. Ambience is nice and the manager will take good care of our party.

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soCial

December 19, 2013 Book Discussion and 4th Annual Holiday Book ExchangeThe December Book Selection: A CHRISTMAS HOME, by Greg Kincaid (fiction)Discussion Lead: MarionSummary: McCray, hero of A Dog Named Christmas, is now twenty-four years old and working at a local animal shelter, where he meets and quickly becomes best friends with Laura, a young volunteer. Laura, like Todd, has disabilities of her own, but her struggles are more physical than developmental. Their friendship is sealed when Todd—with the help of his trusted companion, the tenacious Labrador retriever named Christmas—trains a beautiful dog named Gracie to help Laura with the day-to-day life tasks that are difficult for her. Life seems good for Todd, but all is not well in his hometown. Struggling families unable to make ends meet are abandoning more and more dogs, and the shelter is swelling to capacity. The local government is struggling to meet its obligations too, and in early December, on the cusp of another holiday season....

January 16, 2014The Book: THE ORPHAN MANSTER’S SON, by Adam Johnson (fiction) Discussion lead: Tom (Tentative)Summary: Pak Jun Do is the haunted son of a lost mother—a singer “stolen” to Pyongyang—and an influential father who runs a work camp for orphans. Superiors in the state soon recognize the boy’s loyalty and keen instincts. Considering himself “a humble citizen of the greatest nation in the world,” Jun Do rises in the ranks. He becomes a professional kidnapper who must navigate the shifting rules, arbitrary violence, and baffling demands of his Korean overlords in order to stay alive. Driven to the absolute limit of what any human being could endure, he boldly takes on the treacherous role of rival to Kim Jong Il in an attempt to save the woman he loves, Sun Moon, a legendary actress “so pure, she didn’t know what starving people looked like”.

(Note: Book selections are subject to change.)

The Holiday Book Exchange: Bring a wrapped used or new book and join the fun. If you don’t have a book – that’s okay too, there will be plenty of extras.

Please RSVP to 202-390-1549 by Thursday evening, February 20, 2014 or email ammcarthy77@hotmail.com, so that I can provide the restaurant with the number of attendees.

Read and Feed We meet the third Thursday of each month (December 19 & January 16); if you like to read, share your thoughts and opinions, socialize with fellow book readers, then this activity could be for you. We start at 6:30 p.m. and finish around 8:00 or 8:30. We meet at Ted’s Montana Grill in Ballston--4300 Wilson Blvd, Arlington (703-741-0661), right next to Macy’s and within walking distance from the Ballston Mall Metro Station. There are low-cost parking garages nearby as well as metered parking spaces (free after 6 p.m.). The leader for this activity is Marion Glass (mglass14@verizon.net). Everyone is welcome – even if you haven’t read the book – no reservations necessary – popping in is just fine.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTYMark your calendar now for the Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Party on March 15, from 7:30 – 11:30 p.m.! If you’re not into leprechauns, you can celebrate the Ides of March instead! Whatever your reason, come to the party at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna. Details will be in the Ski-o-Gram as soon as they become available.Contact Bernie Joiner for more information and to volunteer to help! Leprechauns of all talents needed! You can reach him at 703-560-2203 or choosri@aol.com.

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CultureRagtime, A Broadway Musical Price: Members: $27, Guests: $29Date and Time: January 26, 3 p.m.Location: Little Theater of Alexandria (LTA), 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314Parking: Please read this web page on the LTA web site: http://www.thelittletheatre.com/parking.html. The LTA is located in Old Town and parking is limited, and some spots have time restrictions. Know your options before you leave for LTA.Leader: Isabelle Zsoldos, 4358 N Lee Hwy #202, Arlington, VA 22207, izsoldos1@aol.com, (703) 525-1308Ragtime - LTA presents this uplifting Tony Award-winning musical drama that tells the American story of how we forged a nation that all people could call home. Set at the beginning of the twentieth century in the volatile melting pot of New York City, Ragtime weaves together three American stories – a Harlem musician, an upper-class wife and mother, and a Jewish immigrant – all trying to improve their lives. The beautiful score by Flaherty includes Harlem ragtime, lovely waltzes, Jewish folk sounds, and Vaudeville melodies.

Washington Capitals Hockey Location and Directions: Directions to Verizon Center: 601 F St., Washington, DC. The easiest way is to take the Metro (Red Line) to Gallery Place, take the Arena exit, turn left and go ½ block to the entrance. You can also follow the folks in red jerseys to the game. Don’t forget to wear your RED! GO CAPS!

Date and Cost:

Games Date MemberPrice

Non-MemberPrice

GameTime

Detroit Red Wings Sunday, February 2, 2014 $105 $108 12:30 p.m.

Philadelphia Flyers Sunday, March 2, 2014 $99 $102 12:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh Penguins Monday, March 10, 2014 $99 $102 7:00 p.m.

Welcome to Capitals Hockey! We have tickets to three of the best games of regular season hockey, with the three top teams in the National Hockey League. You will also see some of the top scorers (Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin), defensemen, and goal keepers in the league.

• The Detroit Red Wings have been in the playoffs for the last ten years and have won Lord Stanley’s Cup two of those years. They are picked to win the Atlantic Division this year.

• Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Capitals have also been in the playoffs at least five of the last seven years. Pittsburgh won Lord Stanley’s Cup in 2009.

• These teams are picked to be 1st, 2nd and 3rd in our Metropolitan division this yearGet your tickets now. These games will be sold out quickly. This is your chance to get good seats at a reasonable price, if any are available.Our tickets are in the middle rows in the defense end of the upper tier (400 series) in the Verizon Center. You will also receive a voucher for $15 for food and/or drinks at the game.Tickets are limited to 4 to a customer with no cancellations. Tickets will be mailed to participants a week before the game.To reserve your spot, send a check made out to SCWDC to:(Detroit and Pittsburgh games) Brian Chollar, 7730 Fisher Drive. Falls Church, VA 22043 703-356-9305, bhchollar@aol.com(Philadelphia game) Leslie Baldwin, 6400 Wishbone Terrace, Cabin John, MD 20818, 301-320-5135, lesliebaldwin@hotmail.com

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reCreationLunch in Shirlington RideDate and Time: Sundays, 10 a.m. year-aroundDistance and Difficulty: 16 miles, some hills but easy Leader: Ron Trueworthy, Ron.Trueworthy@Yahoo.comLocation: Shirlington Library/Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Ave, Shirlington, VA 22206

Join us for lunch at one of the many restaurants in Shirlington (free parking in garages and lots on weekends). We meet year-round on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. (for a 10 a.m. departure) on the brick plaza in front of the Shirlington Library / Signature Theater to select a restaurant, then bike a 16-mile loop on the bike trails of Arlington (the Arlington Loop: traveling first on a portion of the W&OD Trail, then the Custis Trail, the Mount Vernon Trail, and the Four Mile Run Trail) with a rest stop at Starbuck’s in Lyon Village, and brief pauses for regrouping as needed. The 3-4 miles on the Custis Trail are hilly; the rest of the ride is pretty flat (average speed on ride is about 10-12 miles per hour; cue sheet available). We should be back by noon for lunch.

This is a friendly, social ride; new people are welcome and will soon be part of the regular group. It would be wise to bring a helmet, water, bike lock, money for lunch, and a bicycle in good repair with properly inflated tires. If raining, icy, or tempera- tures below 40 degrees this ride is a no go. Please email the leader before 9 a.m. if the weather is in doubt, or if you just want confirmation of the ride status. If you only want to eat lunch and skip the ride, we’ll be glad to have you join us.

Grand Canyon Rafting – Trip of a Lifetime! WHAT’S NEXT? The Grand Canyon trip is now full with a short wait list. You can contact the leader, name and information below, if you want to join the wait list. Nineteen adventurers are ready for one of the most memorable seven days they will ever experience, a 188-mile journey (1400 foot vertical for you skiers) rafting and camping on the Colorado River. Because the Park Service has many limitations on these trips, they fill fast and must be booked way in advance. That is why this trip was planned pretty far in advance. It filled up quickly. SCWDC is planning another adventure trip in 2015. The current thinking is an adventure trip to Utah in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Hiking, touring, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, and four wheeling are some of the options. The leader of the 2014 Grand Canyon trip, Bill Rakow, has agreed to be the point of contact to explore the possibilities for this next trip. Contact him if you would like to make suggestions: Bill Rakow, billrakow@gmail.com, 703-273-0791(H) or 703-626-6630(C).

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BIKE AND BARGE TRIP!!! September 2013, 10-day trip to EuropeWe would like to tell you a few things about this trip and get you to think about joining the September 2014 trip of a

similar type. This year 28 of us ventured out on a bike and barge along the Mosel River, the home of steep Riesling vineyards. It was amazing to see and ride through all the fields of grapes. Our adventure took us through Germany and we even had time to spend in Luxembourg. Here’s what you missed - a lot of wine, picturesque villages and most of all great people! We began our cycling in Saarburg and proceeded north to Trier, where we visited the Porta Negro, erected during Roman times. The most fun here was discovering all the painted elephants which were done by artists for a campaign to save the endangered species. After a night in this historic city, we biked on through the Bernkastle and the Schwarzer Katz region. (You might remember these names, if you ever shopped for white wine.) These places were wonderfully quaint and charming due to the architecture, flowers, and people. In Koblenz we were able to see where the Mosel and the Rhine come together along with a huge memorial to Kaiser Wilhelm I. At the end of our cycling we took a bus from Koblenz to Luxembourg. In the city of Luxembourg we spent a day seeing the sights and savoring the food. On our journey we stayed on the Patria, where we had breakfast and a four-course meal in the evening. Our bikes were stored on the ship and we were on our own schedules for biking, which made it convenient for all skill levels. Although the weather was not our greatest friend, it did not deter us from biking, eating, drinking, and having a great time. It was also fun to discover the local population and their stories. In one instance, a cemetery worker told us the story of how over 100 people died due to a mishap bombing event where a railroad was to be destroyed but instead a church was hit on Christmas Eve, killing all those inside. Several folks also practiced their German and were great at it! All in all it was a great trip and if you were not with us we are sorry you missed it! We have another bike and barge trip planned for September 2014.

BIKE AND BARGE TRIP!!! September 2014, 10-day trip to Europe Another bike and barge is being planned for September 2014. It will follow the Danube and pass through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest are some of the cities to be visited and enjoyed. A side trip to Munich is in the plans. There are quite a few people that have already expressed their interest in this trip. Space is limited. If interested, please contact Judy Burlbaugh, judyburl@verizon.net, 703-772-1733 or Trixi Bicknell, trixibick@aol.com, 703-968-0570.

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tennisTENNIS INDOORS

Ski Club Indoor Tennis “parties” are held almost every Saturday night at tennis clubs in Virginia or Maryland from September through June. Tennis parties are social events where participants from advanced beginners to advanced players have a chance to play and mingle while enjoying a light buffet and drinks. Ski Club members who reserve in advance with a check mailed to the leader of that week’s party, pay $18 for a Virginia or Maryland party. Non-members who make an advance reservation only pay $5 more. “Phone” reservations pay the “at-the-door” prices, $3 more. All prices are listed on the Tennis Party Application. Walk-ins (no reservation) are welcome but a playing spot cannot be guaranteed.

Most parties are at the Fairfax Racquet Club from 7 – 11 p.m. with an additional free hour from 11 – midnight. Everyone is assigned two hours of mixed and same-sex doubles (three 40-minute pre-arranged matches). Free tennis lessons are sometimes provided when courts are available. These parties are for adults 21 or older. Party attendance is a mix of very active singles and couples from their 20s to 60s. Parties average 64 players each week but some have up to 80 in attendance. Male/female split is close to half and half each party.

The SCWDC rating system is based on the National Tennis Rating Program (“NTRP”). If you don’t know about this scale or are not sure of your rating, or have questions about the tennis parties, contact Jack Tarr at jtarr5@verizon.net. Minimum skill level is required. You must be able to keep the ball in play, serve effectively, and know basic tennis tactics. Beginners are encouraged to try their local county government recreation programs or tennis clubs for lessons.

If you would like to just visit a tennis party and socialize, you are welcome. Just pay $10 at the door and you can eat, drink, and socialize. Bring your racket and wear or bring tennis clothes and you can play from 11 - 12 at no charge. You might also play if someone drops out of the matches. If there is an opening on the court later, you can play at no extra charge.

An advance reservation (check received) is necessary to be assured a playing spot. It also costs less. If you decide to attend the week of the party and can’t mail your check in time, call or email the leader to see if there is a spot. You’ll pay at-the-door price, which is $3 more than the advance reservation price. This is the least desirable way of joining the party, since we refund most of the price when you have to cancel with an advance reservation. (Cancellation fees are small, graduated based on date of cancellation, UNLESS you wait until Saturday of the party, past 5 p.m.)

Plan to arrive between 6:30 - 6:45 p.m. to check in, and we suggest you leave “earlier” than your fastest time to the club, because of possible traffic delays along the way. If you arrive after 7:30 p.m., you may be replaced by a standby and forfeit the entire cost of the party.

Refunds: If you have an advance reservation and learn that you can’t attend, call the leader as soon possible. The refund schedule is at the bottom of the Tennis Party Application.Saturday, December 7Fairfax Racquet ClubLeaders: Pam Bowman and Julian Boyce4 Stone Manor Ct. Towson, MD 21204410-823-2577Saturday, December 14Fairfax Racquet ClubLeaders: Nancy Shimp/asst. Kathleen Kane11143 Lake Chapel Ln. Reston, VA 20191703-476-5663January 4, 2014Fairfax Racquet ClubLeaders: Tammy Vetter and Jayne Lynch12628 Victoria Court Farifax, VA 22033703-449-9554

January 11, 2014Georgetown Prep Leaders: Carole Falvo and Rich Van Metter 252 Walnut St, NW, Washington, DC 20012-2157 202-291-0779, falvo@starpower.net

January 25, 2014Fairfax Racquet ClubLeaders: TBD

TENNIS OUTDOORS Tuesday Night Tennis as an SCWDC activity has ended for the year. Gene Lee, Tennisyoda@Comcast.net, led the activity during 2013. However, from time to time when there is unexpectedly warm winter weather, the group of regulars get together to play. If you would like to join the email list for those occasions and also to be ready to play next year, please send an email to Gene. TNT will likely restart in March or April.

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tennisTENNIS AND RECREATION GETAWAY This is a club-wide FUN event. Join 20-30 SCWDC members and guests on a one-week trip to Club Med’s Sandpiper Bay Resort near Ft. Lauderdale, FL, May 9-16. All-inclusive deal: meals, activities, & beverages. Club Med offers activities from morning to night, esp. LATE NIGHT and you can check it out by looking at the web site articles about Club Med. Price is approximately $950 for members, and does not include airfare as many people want to use frequent flyer miles, take more time in Florida, or drive. Airport choices in order of closest to furthest: West Palm Beach, Ft Lauderdale, Orlando, Miami. While this event is being advertised under the Tennis Program, this is not a “tennis lover only” event. Everyone is welcome. Go to the web site to get complete information about the leader and how to sign up.

Monday Night Volleyball – IndoorsDate and Time: Every Monday night, 6:30-9 p.m., September - May (except Labor Day and Memorial Day Holidays. Also from time to time, there are DC government restrictions on a particular day. The website always has the most current information. You can also join the email list that John maintains.)Cost: $5 members, $8 guestsLeaders: John Henrehan, johnhenrehan@yahoo.com, cell: 202-438-5640 or Ira Silvergleit, irates@verizon.net,cell: 240-263-8217.Location: Jelleff ‘s Recreation Center, 3265 S St NW, just off Wisconsin Ave (next to the Georgetown Safeway)Après Volleyball: Optional beer and pizza afterward at Froggy Bottom Pub, 2021 K Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20006 (this is a new location for Froggy Bottom).Friday Night BowlingDate: Every Friday nightCost: Pro-rated cost for lane rentals + shoesLeader: Pete Campbell 703-532-7776Location: Bowl America, 140 South Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046, 703-534-1370. We offer casual, non-stressful, group bowling for those who wish to participate. Each week we will send out an email to see who is interested in bowling that Friday (from prior attendance) and will reserve the necessary lanes to accommodate. This of course will be dependent on lanes available. That’s right, you will not need to commit to bowl every Friday; only those Fridays you want to. If this is your first time, please email Pete at scwdc@verizon.net.

teaM sPorts

* * * Application for SCWDC Tennis Party * * *

Date of Party __________ Location (Club) ___________________________________________Name _______________________________________________________ Sex (Circle) M F Phone (H) ______________ (Off/Cell) ______________ Email ____________________________

Advance Reservation (circle) Pay at Door (circle) Member* Guest No Tennis Member* Guest No Tennis

Cost $18 $23 $10 $21 $26 $10*Must be a current 2013-14 SCWDC member or have mailed application to SCWDC officeAmount Enclosed $__________. (Send check to party leader, payable to SCWDC)I volunteer to bring food or drinks which will be reimbursed ____ To help clean up ____ I could bring: __________________________________________________________________TENNIS RATING: Circle type of rating below.

O = Official USTA League; Circle Level of Team: 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5

N = NTRP Rating by Certified Pro: Rating ____ Name of Pro _________________ Year ______

S = Self Rating (Circle One): Expert: Hits hard, places serve, very consistent; Excellent: Moderate hitter & server

Intermediate: Consistent with all shots & serves; Basic: Light hitter, weak serve, not steady

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HikesDecember 2013Memorials Hike - Washington, DCDate and Time: Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. - noonLeader: Bob Brambilla, 703-379-4520 (H), 703- 475-7138 (c), robert.c.brambilla@irs.govDistance and Difficulty: 4-5 miles, easyDirections: We will meet on the Mall exit of the Smithsonian Metro station on the Orange/Blue Line. It is at the intersection of Jefferson Dr SW & 12th St SW (1200 Jefferson Dr SW Washington, DC.) Information: This walk will encompass many memorials in DC such as the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and World War I & World War II Memorials.

National Christmas Tree Walk - Washington, DCDate and Time: Weeknight - Wednesday, December 11, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. (evening hike)Leader: Lori Cohen, 703-867-3942, lcnova@verizon.net Distance and Difficulty: 3 miles, easy Directions: Meet inside the Starbucks across from the Archives Metro station (325 7th St. NW) between 5:30 and 6 p.m. We will depart promptly at 6.Information: We will walk about 1.5 miles to the National Christmas Tree, enjoying views of the National Mall along the way. Once there, we will walk the “Pathway of Peace”, enjoying the decorated trees representing each of the 50 states. There is usually a bonfire to warm us up and a group performance! For those who desire to we will go for a casual dinner after. Capital Crescent Trail - Bethesda, MDDate and Time: Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. - noon Leader: Pam Burdick, 301-509-4218Distance and Difficulty: 4-5 miles, easy Directions: 6300 Little Falls Parkway, Bethesda, MD 20816. Meet at the parking lot on Little Falls Parkway near the intersection with Arlington Road in Bethesda, MD.Information: This is a 4-5 mile walk (straight up and back) on paved surfaces, mostly under tree cover. There are NO restrooms onsite. National Mall to US Botanical Gardens - Washington, DCDate and Time: Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m. - noonLeader: Amelia Lancellotti, 301-237-6755, amelia_lancellotti@yahoo.comDistance and Difficulty: 4 miles, easyDirections: We will meet on the Mall exit of the Smithsonian Metro Station on the Orange/Blue Line. It is at the intersection of Jefferson Dr SW & 12th St SW (1200 Jefferson Dr SW Washington, DC.) Information: Join us for this hike of the National Mall as we take in the sights and sound of the city, followed by a stroll through the US Botanical Gardens to admire their holiday decorations.

National Harbor/W. Wilson Bridge – Fort Washington, MDDate and Time: Saturday, December 28, 10 a.m. - noonLeader: Amelia Lancellotti, 301-237-6755, amelia_lancellotti@yahoo.comDistance and Difficulty: 5 to 6 milesDirections: Park at Fleet Garage at 150 Potomac Passage, Fort Washington, MD 20745. Parking is $9. Take the garage ticket with you. Walk down to the river and meet at the entrance to the pier closest to the Wilson Bridge.Information: This hike will follow the river up to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, passing a beach and a wildlife refuge on the way. It will proceed along the pedestrian lane of the bridge to its apex and turn around at one of the several viewing stands. We will then return to National Harbor and cross the plaza, which features the sculpture The Awakening, and then on up to the palatial Gaylord National Hotel with its immense atrium containing lush vegetation, fountains, and colonial-style buildings. From the hotel the hike will pass shops and restaurants, one of which we will plan to visit for the post-hike lunch. The entire hike is approximately 6 miles, but it is easy to drop out anywhere along the last mile and a half. For info on National Harbor, see www.nationalharbor.com .

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SKI CLUB OF WASHINGTON, D.C.5309 LEE HIGHWAYARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22207(USPS) 487-000

HikesJanuary 2014Turkey Run Park - McLean, VADate and Time: Saturday, January 4, 10 a.m. - noonLeader: Rita Togni, 703-405-6710, rita.togni@Longandfoster.com Distance and Difficulty: 5+ miles, moderate (elevation change & distance/pacing) Directions: Take the Turkey Run exit off the GW Parkway (from Rosslyn, 2 exits past CIA; from the beltway, shortly after entering the parkway). Take the first and only side road (a right from Rosslyn, a left if coming in from the beltway). Take your first left to the area C-1 parking lot. Meet at the trail head in the parking lot. Information: Tucked below the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Turkey Run is a lovely hike along the Potomac River. It is a gentle up and down, with a couple of creek crossing, some rocks. On the way back we will retrace part of our steps and at the end there is a short but steep uphill to the parking lot. Children are welcome.

Last run