Ok, OK I will use this new name but boy
did I want to use the old name of “Herman Mountain”. Why use the
old name – because of my wonderful memories of skiing here as a kid … before the name change. This mountain was where I learned to ski as a kid so I just had to make it part of my Ski Odyssey. This is where my High School Junior class held its “Junior Winter Carnival”
and afternoon and evening of skiing, hot chocolate, music and much laughter – so many great memories. Bill – the new owner who I discovered, shares a wonderfully wacky mutual friend (Glenn), - has done
a great job with this ski area – well maintained and great snow. It looked
great Glenn
To make this return visit more wonderful,
I was met there my father and his wonderful wife Nancy – thanks Dad and Nance so much for driving to meet us there and
for taking your 50 steps (I have invited 50 family and friends to take either 50 turns or 50 steps on one of my 50 mountains
in New England). Making this even greater, our good family friend Timmy Throckmorton,
local TV sports personality, came for a visit with us and filmed a brief interview for his evening newscast – great
to see you Tim – you look mighty fine and are as youthful as ever – what a smile.
My last comments have to do with the further
pursuit of the classic New England character traits – this time I will speak about generosity. Snow cats and snow making equipment are very expensive – so what do the owners of small ski areas
like Herman and Lost Valley do. …they share equipment. On alternating days
or when equipment is needed urgently – the snow equipment shuttle starts
up between these two small Maine ski areas. When a vital snow gun or grooming
machine breaks down who does Bill turn to – his friends at Lost Valley. No
dollars change hand in this exchange – but lots of human decency and kindness are shared and people are enriched –
my orange ski hat is off to the folks at both mountains.
Once we left Herman, Kate
and I headed for Orono, Maine to spend the night with Dad and Nancy. We were
exhausted after three ski mountains and close to 5 hours of driving. But also
exhilarated – to finish our first of several days of well planned skiing. And
Katie – you are a fun and spirited traveling companion – and so sweet to join me – thanks again.
