Big Rib Sno-Birds of a Feather: March 24, 2023
The first sno-birds gathering started in the parking lot of Granite Peak. Buddy Miles was playing “Them Changes” as Phil Berg and Michael Sajbel booted up. We sauntered up to the Comet Lift for some warm up runs. We skied Miracle, Birch, then Dusky. It was the first time out of the year for Michael, while Phil had 30+ days on his skis.
We were soon joined by classmate Paul Katz, a ski patrolman at Granite Peak.
We laughed and smiled and looked for Keith Laszewski and Lynn Taschler to join us. The weather was perfect!
After 12 runs, we headed to the chalet for libations. Michael saw several people he knew, and the conversations were lively.
The afternoon concluded with a few runs on the Dasher lift and a grand finale on the Senior Headwall. Paul and Michael commented on the view, and our high school ski days on Rib Mountain.
After we swooped down the run with huge smiles on our faces - a fitting wrap-up of our time on the slopes - we made several stops to savor the day.
APRES - Feeling the euphoria of taking our boots off, we headed back to the lodge for a beer. We reviewed the 10th Mountain history display case and a bit more history of Rib Mountain. Phil shared stories of his father “Spike” Berg and grandfather Hans.
HAPPY HOUR - We had missed skiing with Keith Laszewski who had skied earlier in the day. So he joined us at Loppnows, for more laughs and brandy sweet old fashioneds and a rehash of our great day on the mountain.
DINING SERENDIPITY – Michael Sajbel attended St. Anne's as a youngster, so we decided the St. Anne’s Lenten Fish Fry was “the place to go”. As we entered the building Michael came alive with stories and recollections. We ordered our food (including an extra shrimp) and went to be seated…..
About then we saw Gary Jarosz (’72 reunion treasurer) and wife Deb coming down the ordering line. They sat with us and there were more stories and smiles; amazing right? 3-4 minutes later, down the line comes Ev Schmidt, wife Bev, and son Nate. Two more ’72 reunion committee members! Conversation was lively, food was great, and then it was time for Michael to depart for Appleton
Sno-Birds of a Feather March 24 Summary: 4 of 5 skiers, lovely day. Seriously pondering another outing in 2024. A planned additional March 31 ski date for 2023 was rained out.
Respectfully submitted – Phil Berg