John and Amy
The Nisei Ski Club put together yet another fabulous and well-organized weekend. Great friends, terrific food, lots of laughs, combined with great snow and truly perfect ski weather. 40 folks joined us on this trip up to Squaw Valley on Saturday and Northstar on Sunday. Three MSSC members participated, Elaine Giampietro, Maria Palazzolo (new MSSC Member) and Amy Williams, along with a new friend John McDonald from Capitola.
Gratefully, good weather was on our side, thus arriving at The Sands, Reno around midnight. So much saner than the 4:30 AM arrival on Trip #3. Once again, our intrepid bus driver, Grady, got us there safely and swiftly. A variety of videos on board, trivia games and conversation seem to hasten the ride. Talk about organization. Terrific food evidently made with love and the best ingredients provided substance. Plenty of liquid refreshments also helped!
Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day. Many of us went up to Squaw Valley for skiing and snowboarding, a few remained in Reno for retail therapy and pampering. Elaine’s long time friend from Cape Cod hooked up both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday’s potluck dinner left nothing out. Literally, salads, main course(s) and desserts of all types. The Nisei organizers actually brought TWO microwave ovens to heat up entrees. There were so many fantastic dishes and we sure tried to have a bite of everything. Après dinner, 30+ poured into one room for a lively game of ‘Left Right Center’. Elaine Giampietro and Mike Ryall duel it out to the finish with Mike taking home the ‘pot’ of $90+. If anyone knows where we can purchase a set of dice, it would be a great game for one of our adventures.
The mixed weather on Sunday provided sun, flurries and cloudiness, which made for wonderful skiing. Maria bought some new snowshoes and gave a thumb’s up approval of the trails. Weather cleared up as we headed back to the bus at the end of day for more après ski refreshments before we headed back home.
The weekend afforded something for everyone, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, shopping, relaxing, gambling, full bellies, laughing, and maybe a little sleep….as always, it was great to see a lot of familiar faces and the opportunity to make many new friends. We ended the trip with happy hearts and big smiles on our faces. It was a bittersweet ending to the Nisei’s Ski Trips 2011. Whether you are a skier or snowboarder or just want to escape for a weekend, these trips offer something for all.
Our Trip leaders: Amy Lew, Karen Soo and all the Nisei Ski Club members who coordinated an awesome weekend! We look forward to seeing you very soon. Your generosity and hospitality are first rate. Many thanks for the effort you put into making a fabulous weekend.
