News and Information about the People and Programs of SFL International
Skiing. Sharing. Learning
The mission of Ski for Light is to enhance the quality of life and independence of visually or mobility-impaired adults through a program of cross country skiing.
Well, it was a challenge, wasn't it? The unusually cold weather of SFL 2011 encouraged us to live up to our SFL motto, "If I can do this, I can do anything." So, when challenged by REALLY cold temperatures, our collective team jumped in and organized alternative activities. We suggested that those who did go out to ski, group up in foursomes instead of pairs, and sign out and in again at the Nordic Center. Folks volunteered to do a wide variety of Special Interest sessions. They included Nils Kristiansen teaching dancing; Julie Coppens, pilates; Jan Reinschmidt, Leif Andol's soon to be bride, played the saw. It was just amazing to hear what beautiful music can come out of a saw. There were water aerobics at the pool, sing-alongs, and the National Park Service brought deer and elk antlers and other artifacts of wildlife native to the area. I think my favorite vision, though, was watching the carpet skiers working on their techniques up and down the halls inside Indian Peaks Lodge. I've never before worried about being run over by skiers INSIDE the lodge. But, no one yelled "Track"! It all proves once again, Ski for Light is great at making lemonade out of lemons. Thanks to everyone who jumped in and kept the SFL week successful and tons of fun.
Next year we will be returning to Provo, Utah, and Soldier Hollow. Mark your calendars for February 5 to 12, 2012. We'll keep our fingers crossed that the weather we have there will be as wonderful as it was on our past two visits. Event Chair, Scott McCall, is putting together his Planning Committee, which will, I'm sure, come up with a great week of non-skiing activities for us. In the meantime, have a wonderful Spring, Summer and Fall, and I look forward to seeing you in Utah.
Ski for Light 2011 on paper: 289 people, including 256 from the US, 68 first-timers, representatives from several foreign countries, a host of guide dogs - all gathering for a week of skiing and many other fun-filled activities.
Ski for Light 2011 in reality: All of the above, high altitude and all that came with it, challenging room arrangements, really, really cold weather, and triumph after triumph of the human spirit. For those who weren't there, this compilation of stories will stir your imagination and leave you with a real appreciation for our SFL family; for those who were there, may these stories remind you of your own courage and accomplishments, no matter how challenging the experience!
To set the scene, let's begin with the weather report, sent to me by past President, Larry Showalter:
Monday - about 20 with some sun. Tracks pretty slow, but everyone had a good time.
Tuesday - It was 40 below on the thermometer at the Commons when we walked over for breakfast. By afternoon it had warmed up to about minus 20. But the forecast was for warmer weather on Wednesday so we were encouraged.
Wednesday - They were right. It was only minus 25 at breakfast.
Thursday - Pretty much a repeat of Wednesday. By evening it had warmed up to zero.
Friday - The best day of the week. About 25 degrees, lots of sun, fast tracks. Everyone loved it.
Saturday - It had warmed up a bit more, but along with the increase in temps came a wind of about 25 mph and snow. The snow came sideways into your face and down your neck. The tracks were completely gone and drifted in within a few yards of the start line. For most of the 5k and 10k it was more like sliding on snow shoes, trying to get the direction right, than anything else.
Sunday, departure day, was, of course, beautiful. But an avalanche closed the pass for a while and played havoc with many people's travel arrangements. But as you will read, all this adversity brought out the best in so many people; congratulations to all who attended and endured and mastered this SFL experience, not soon to be forgotten. Here are some reflections and stories from guides and skiers who so clearly express the heart and spirit of Ski for Light:
I was a first time skier at the 2011 SFL event, and just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to share the fun and excitement of the week with such a great group of people. It was wonderful that so many guides were willing to give us a little push if we wanted it because in most places we don't have even the opportunity - let alone any expectations of excelling, especially in physical activities. Some of the nicest folks I have ever met were right there in that group, and I had an absolute blast skiing on the day of the blustery race/rally. I hope that many good things will continue to come out of SFL.
We were scuttling along the 1K loop, fed, fat, and happy...fresh from a festive lunch. I, a never-ever skier and Peggy Martin, a generous, articulate, compassionate forever-always skier. I was doing pretty swell, wobbly on the slickery snow, but had to stop for a breath. Peggy described the sky, beautiful as only high altitude blue can be. Then the approaching group, seven MIPs and fourteen guides. We were thrilled by the stunning show of spirit and participation. In the silent aftermath of their passing, I knew why I was there.
All the best from a woman turning her face towards Utah.
I had an incredible vacation/ski trip/volunteer experience with Ski for Light. It was a great week of skiing and meeting scores of people. I must mention Bob Hartt at the top. He is a wonderful person. I may know some about skiing and waxing and training but I knew nothing about guiding and Bob was extremely patient with me all week. He even had to make some comments just before the start of the race on Saturday to bring my focus back to where it needed to be. My roommates and I did well together in the Man Cave. Lots of talk about a lot of topics. Some of us found that we had many things in common. I grew up within 3 miles of one roommate and didn't meet him for the first time until the first Sunday night. Thank you to all who attended for talking to me and sharing comments about every topic imaginable. I'll do what I can to attend in Provo.
"Brutal" may be the word most used to describe this year's Olav Pedersen Memorial Race/Rally held at Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado. Skiers and guides disappeared behind a veil of swirling snow as they left the start line leaning into a strong headwind. The communication skills developed by each skier/guide pair throughout the week would be tested to the fullest as the blowing snow covered the tracks and created near white out conditions.
Chris White and his guide David Baker were the first to cross the finish line, both doubling over trying to catch their breath as David panted that he had to break trail all the way because the tracks were virtually nonexistent.
Jerry King, the second man in with his guide Karen Ishibashi, said that he has only skied one other event in such difficult conditions.
"This is definitely the blind leading the blind," said Cindy LaBon. "It was impossible for my guide to see. Her glasses were continually snow covered and we had volunteers out there pointing so that we knew where to turn. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY!!!!"
"There were barely any tracks because snow had filled them in during the near blizzard conditions," recalls Dave Thomas. "The skiing was slow and yet I had a terrific time with my guide. The course was challenging like the conditions and this made crossing the finish line while hearing my name and a lot of cheers feel all that much better."
First time participant Jonathon Nesbitt was the last to cross the finish line after having a ski binding freeze up near the end of the course. "I was determined to finish," smiles Jonathon. "When I got to the finish line everyone had come back out into the cold to cheer me on, which was really great and made the event so much more memorable. I'm glad I stuck with it till the end. It's definitely been an experience to remember."
Despite these difficult conditions, 93 participants and their guides accepted the challenge and completed the 2011 race/rally, sharing a well-deserved sense of pride and accomplishment. The participants in this year's race/rally exemplify Ski for Light's mission and motto.
Race/Rally Coordinator Rich Milsteadt perhaps says it best. "Although it has been said that 2011 was one of the more challenging years for skiing in a race/rally at SFL; I would like to congratulate all skiers, guides and volunteers on a great week. My heart was truly moved by examples of the true spirit of Ski for Light".
Clearly, this was not going to be as I'd envisioned. The first clue I had hit my boots and face simultaneously at about 6:45 a.m. that Saturday. Of course, no civilized person should have been outside at that hour, but I thought my dog guide would appreciate a bathroom break before the start of our big day. Race day. More accurately, my big day would be unfolding as he lay around doing nothing in our room. Granted, I knew it had started snowing the evening before, but this --- this was inches deep (judging by the distance my boots and support cane sank upon contact), and was getting deeper by the minute! As my hair and face grew wet with the falling snow, a rueful sigh escaped me, along with a little half-smile. So it was going to snow on us sit-skiers, huh? Well! My guide, Ted, and I had spent the entire week working toward this day, and I knew a little snow wasn't about to stop us now. As I geared up for the last time that week, I felt a sad-sweet exhilaration. Exchanging my every-day winter boots for my snow boots (good for keeping feet warm while not moving them much in a sit-ski), I felt sad that I wouldn't get to do this again at least for another whole year, and simultaneously excited about and proud of our achievements that week: Ted's easy, competent coaching, and my own determination and improved skiing technique. If it was still snowing at the start of the race, I knew everything I'd learned and honed in the last handful of days would be put to the test; however, after skiing Wednesday in 20 below (it may have been 28 below at one point) with a wind-chill that made it feel like 36 below, I knew Ted and I were more than ready to handle this!
Though it was called "race and rally" day, and I was competing against only my best estimate of my own time on the 5 K trail, it felt like every bit as much of a race as I'd ever done. As a recording of many national anthems heralded the commencement of the race, I sat, jittery with excitement, waiting to get closer to my start-time to get in my ski. Finally, the first of the MIP's (mobility impaired participants) took off, and I tensed with anticipation, and brought my poles into position. This was it! This was --- "119!" the announcer called out, and the rest of any introduction they may have given us was lost as I reached out, leaned forward, and began pushing snow with my poles... to find myself instantly skiing WITH NO TRACK! To add insult to injury, the wind had started up earlier that day, and it was near blizzard conditions! Blowing snow wet my knit cap and my face as Ted helped me do the work of navigating my sit-ski. When he finally said, "We've got tracks", I smiled. As we left the noise of the crowd further and further behind us, I thought: This is the life, man. Just me, my guide, his voice and mine trading directions and commentary, the chilling wind, and the sound of our skis pushing the softest, driest powder I'd ever been in. I could do this forever. No, I couldn't! My smile turned quickly to gritted teeth as the initial slight descent of the trail became a vicious "not downhill", the phrase Ted had used throughout the week once we agreed that, to a sit-skier with cerebral palsy, "uphill" is just plain a dirty word, and never to be used on the trail! At least this stretch of the 5 K presented itself at the beginning, when my stamina was up. It was about 20 degrees, with a wind-chill of 8. The snow showed no signs of abating, my whole body was singing with the challenge, the exertion, and the excitement of feeling at the top of my game. As we skied gentle and steeper downhills, leveled out, greeted other teams when they passed, I realized that I felt physically and otherwise better than I had in years; alive and attuned to the present moment, for there was nowhere else I'd rather have been, nothing else I'd rather have been doing, and no one else I'd rather have been skiing with. At one point about mid-way through the course, Ted and I stopped for one of my many breaks. Sit-skiing is rather exhausting, so I didn't mind a breather. I rested my poles in my lap, took a drink of icy water, and let out a contented sigh. We shared a companionable silence, then marveled together about how wonderfully, exquisitely quiet it was. The fresh, falling snow gave the spot a sacred feeling, and I just sat, drinking it all in, savoring this moment for the gift it was. I wished briefly that I could have visually enjoyed our surroundings, too, but the thought passed easily into the clear, deep stillness that held us spell-bound. With a smile in his voice, Ted told me that my scarf was frozen over. As I reached up to admire the near-blizzard's handiwork, Ted stepped to the side of the trail. He picked something up, and brought it to me. It was a pine cone that felt almost like a little, blooming flower. I thanked him, setting it in my lap as we got ready to start back. What a great memento it would make.
As we approached the last leg of the trail, one of the other guides (David) joined us for a while. I don't remember just when it happened, but I must have hit a bumpy patch of snow or been trying to slow my ski on one of the downhills, - one second I was fine, the next, feeling my ski tipping all too quickly to the right. Of course, I was powerless to stop it at that point and, for the second time that week, I landed hard in the waiting, soft snowdrift. Anyone within earshot could've heard what I said then: a very passionate four-letter word, the first letter of which is found near the beginning of the alphabet, and the rest of which I'll leave to your imagination! Poor David had just discovered what Ted had come to know early on that week: if one were strongly opposed to hearing occasional profanity, they shouldn't ski with me!
After I was comfortably sitting on two skis again, we began the home stretch. As we worked our way forward on a "not downhill" nearing the end of the course, the cheering of the distant crowd caught my attention. "I can do this," I kept telling myself, even though the hardest part of that whole trail was still to come. "Just breathe slow and easy, and keep doing what you've been doing all week." The monologue in my head continued as the last little bit of going got harder and harder; the hill so steep that I was practically reclining in my sit-ski, my effort focused on pacing myself so I could have the strong finish I wanted. Finally, with one last stroke of the poles and guidance from Ted, we crossed the finish line. The cheering was loud in my ears as we received our medals, and as I got out of my ski. "Great job!" Ted said. "You rocked!" I responded. I was so giddy that I found myself giggling helplessly at intermittent intervals, and grinning like an idiot for the next couple hours.
That afternoon, packing for the trip home (which is a story in its own right), I took a minute to savor the feel of the medal I'd received before folding it carefully in a bundle of clothes. It meant as much to me as any award I could recall winning. We'd done some amazing teamwork, and the snowflake-shaped medal would be a tangible reminder not only of race-day weather conditions, but that feeling this good about something I'd worked hard for was possible.
After the awards ceremony, I wanted to thank my guide somehow for making it such an enjoyable, productive, spirited week. The only thing I could think to say was awkwardly sappy, and solidly true: "It's been years since I've met anyone who knew how to bring the best out of me, and you did." As we made our way from the dining hall to the building that housed important things (like our rooms and the bar), my musings were punctuated by the squeaky crunch of boots in the snow, and the distant sounds of talking and laughter. "I can't wait for next year," I thought. "After all, if I can ski in this, I can ski in anything!"
Despite all the brutal ski conditions during this SFL week, I'm sure that this Snow Mountain Ranch Epic will live on in our memories for quite a few years. Once again most, if not all, participants did either the Race or Rally and never gave up (tracks or no tracks). More than one newer guide came up and told me what a wonderful time they had!
So, does adversity bring us closer together? I think so! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank ABSOLUTELY everyone in the SFL family for the part they played in my fabulous Snow Mountain Ranch Epic this year. Do you know that we've never had so many people consistently up for early A.M. Yoga and Stretching? I already look forward to seeing ALL of you in Provo next year!!!
And now, stay tuned for all the details about Ski for Light 2012. For all the latest information, you can check out the Ski for Light website; you can also join one or both of the Ski for Light e-mail lists; you will find instructions for joining on the website.
This year, SFL has again sent two skiers and two guides to represent the organization at Ridderrenn 2011. The team includes skiers, Peter Slatin and Larry Povinelli; and guides, Al Volkers and John Klemaseski. In addition, thanks to an award from the Ridderrenn, Nino and Marie Pacini were also selected to represent SFL. As the finishing touches are put on this Bulletin, rumor has it the six are skiing their hearts out and enjoying themselves fully; word also is that the snow at Beitostolen is a bit sparse this year; in fact, today's forecast calls for rain. We will look forward to a full report from the team in the Summer Bulletin. In the meantime, here are a few words from the team, sent in anticipation of their trip. We begin with a poem which sums up the experience and feeling of the entire team:
'Twas months before the Ridderrenn and we're told quiet as a mouse
as Marion Elmquist / called each at their house.
The phone started to ring / and I answered hello!
Hi this is Marion / I want you to know.
We started to chat / Small talk came first.
Say I was wondering / what you're doing April 1st?
Without even thinking / and without knowing why
I have no idea / I quickly reply.
She said the surprise / that was for more than a day
the trip SFL offered / was to go to Norway.
Wow, I was astonished / almost fell on the floor.
What an honor I said / and let out a roar.
Had to wait months / to find who else would go
Announced Tuesday night / our party would grow!
There was Larry and Peter with John and Al Volkers
A great group it is / with different careers.
In addition to us / two more were picks
Nino and Marie / making us six.
I'm so excited / delighted with glee
to represent SFL / so gloriously.
I have already begun packing my skis and bags for this adventure of a lifetime. Skiing near the Arctic Circle sends shivers up my spine, but the thrill of a week of skiing at the 2011 Ridderrenn will keep me warm. I look forward to spending another week with my Ski for Light family members attending the Ridderrenn as well as making new Norwegian friends. Thank you to my Ski for Light family for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime. Look for a full report upon my return.
I'm excited to have the opportunity to represent Ski for Light at this year's Ridderrenn. I'm looking forward to meeting people from numerous nations, skiing with the strong contingent of SFL skiers and experiencing the hospitality of Norway. I know it will be a great experience.
The phone call that I received last fall from Ski for Light President Marion Elmquist informing me that I had been chosen as an SFL team member for the 2011 Ridderrenn was a very, very special moment. I was pretty much rendered speechless. Now that I've found my voice, I'm sure there are those who wish I would lose it again, because I want to share the excitement and anticipation I feel about this amazing opportunity. Although of course I'm thrilled about skiing in Norway, I'm even more excited about traveling to Norway and experiencing first-hand the hospitality of our Norwegian friends from Ski for Light, whose dedication has enabled so many of us to experience the joys of cross-country skiing and the wonderful feeling of taking on a life-changing challenge. And, of course, I am looking forward to some great food and drink!
We were very stunned and honored when we learned that we had been selected to represent the U.S. SFL Family in Norway this year! Anyone who knows us already knows that we love the ENTIRE SFL experience from off season spreading the word to training guides and stretching anyone interested every morning while at the event. Going overseas to represent the U.S. SFL Family is merely the good frosting on an already fine chunk, or two, of cake.
Ski for Light welcomes a new potential guide to the ever-growing SFL family. SFL skier, Robin Van Lant and her husband, Tim, announced the birth of their daughter, Geneva Noelle, born on December 11, 2010. The family is doing very well, and I'm told Geneva's guide training will begin shortly. Congratulations, Tim and Robin!
SFL guide, David Fisichella has written a book which is now available from the National Library Service. The book, entitled "Seven-Tenths: Love, Piracy, and Science at Sea", chronicles a series of research cruises on which he served as the "eyes" for SFL skier, Amy Bower. Bower is a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute oceanographer who has been much-honored for her work. In the book, David reflects on their experiences together, including surviving a pirate attack, and their courtship. Congratulations on the book, David!
And hats off to SFL skiers, Walter Rainerri and Marilyn Gerhart who recently took part in what is known as the Great Ski Race. This is a 30 kilometer race which begins in Tahoe City, CA and winds up many grueling hills later in Truckee. Both began the race with guides from the Sierra regional; before the race was over, Walter out-skied his guide and recruited a new guide right there on the trail. Congratulations to both of them; it is part of Ski for Light's goal to encourage people to take part in mainstream recreational activities whenever possible!
The work of Ski for Light goes on year-round, and is done by many different committees. These committees include fund-raising, recruiting, event planning, publicity, special liaisons, corporate sponsors, site selection and more. If you have any relevant skills or great ideas, the committees would love to hear from you. For more information about getting involved in the work of SFL, feel free to contact President Marion Elmquist. Remember, the more you get involved, the more you will enhance your SFL experience. It takes many hands, minds, hearts and dollars to keep this great organization vibrant and thriving. We look forward to working with you in whatever way you feel called.
There are nine SFL regional affiliate groups; many offer a variety of summer and fall activities. All of the regionals were founded by people who wanted to recreate their Ski for Light experience in a more local and intimate setting. We encourage you to take advantage of all they have to offer, and to support them in whatever way you can.
For the most up-to-date listing of their activities, you may contact them directly or visit the regional round-up page on the Ski for Light website.
Here are a couple of listings for some summer fun:
Land of the Vikings, Sherman PA
Dates: July 24 - 31, 2011
Hiking, tandem biking, swimming, canoeing and other activities.
Contact for guides: Joan Chelsen Phone: (718) 477-7477, Email: ladyvikin@aol.com
Contacts for participants: Donna Goodman Phone: (410) 730-9430 or Sigi Kay, Phone: (201) 327-5493 Email: lucellekay@gmail.com
Dates: August 21-25, 2011
Great hiking, along with many opportunities to relax. Cost: To be
determined More information is available online at:
www.trollsteggin.com Click on Trekk for Light MT.
Colorado Regional Ski for Light will not be holding its annual Trekk for Light this summer. The trails are currently listed as hazardous, due to beetle kill of the trees. For information on what they might be doing, or the return of Trekk for Light next year, you may check their web site: www.co/sfl.org.
Our thanks go to the following companies that have provided products or services to help support Ski for Light. Many of these companies have stood behind us for years - and we're grateful. Be sure to think of our friends when you're gearing up for your next adventure.
Jansport
Alps Mountaineering
CamelBak Products
Canine Hardware
Columbia Sportswear
Crazy Creek Products
ExOfficio
Granite Gear
Haiku
Hog Wild
Isis
LARABAR
LEKI USA
National Geographic Maps
Native Eyewear
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen
Ruffwear
Running Funky
Sperry Top-Sider
Superfeet
Timex
Editor: Vicki Post
Layout and graphics: Bjorg Dunlop
Electronic version: Duane Farrar and Larry Showalter
Special thanks to: Fram Lodge #3-564, Sons of Norway
The SFL Bulletin is published three times a year. It is available in ink-print, on audio cassette, or via e-mail. If you wish to change formats, please send your request to: bulletin@sfl.org
The current as well as past issues of the Bulletin are also available online at www.sfl.org/bulletin.html. In addition to an online edition that may be read in your browser, you will find a downloadable pdf version of the current issue.
For future Bulletins, remember that your contributions and feedback are always most welcome. You may submit articles as e-mail or as a word attachment; if you do not have e-mail, you may send a typed article through the mail. Send all items to:
Vicki Post
vickipost@earthlink.net
1849 Clay St. #2
San Francisco, CA 94109
The deadline for the Summer Bulletin is June 15, 2011. We look forward to hearing from you.
Ski for Light, Inc. is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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