SFL BULLETIN Spring 1999 Ski for Light, Inc. 1455 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 Contribution of $25,000 Made to SFL Endowment in Tribute to Bud Keith Kicks Off SFL's 25th Anniversary On Friday evening during Ski for Light Norway Night at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, Valerie Anders surprised the audience with a gift of $25,000 to help create a Ski for Light Endowment Fund. "I made this gift to honor the leadership and vision of Bud Keith", she commented. Bud is the only person that has attended all 24 Ski for Light events. Bud served the organization as president for nine of those years. Valerie said that Bud was the first blind person she had ever guided, and she has guided him on ski trails, hiking paths, and through museum corridors viewing Munch exhibits. "I never realized the responsibility one takes when guiding a blind person until I met Bud and was introduced to Ski for Light. It has been a wonderful experience." Mrs. Anders, who divides her homes between Deer Harbor in the San Juan Islands of Washington and San Diego, has been a friend of the SFL family since 1977. She hosted Olav Pedersen and Bud in her home in Oslo. Her husband, former astronaut William Anders, was then the U.S. Ambassador to Norway and their home was, of course, something special. The official residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Oslo was the home of one of the Nobel brothers. It contained 99 rooms and was probably the largest private home ever built in Oslo. Only 20 or so rooms were in use at the time Olav and Bud stayed there (so it wasn't as grand of a mobility challenge for a blind person as it could have been!). Valerie and Bill Anders became avid cross-country skiers while in Norway and have skied amidst thousands of highly competitive Norwegians in the largest cross-country ski races. Several years after they moved back to the U.S., the Anders visited SFL when it was held in Saratoga Springs. Despite a week that produced heavy rain followed by a very deep freeze, both the Anders tried their hands at guiding blind skiers on race day over a one kilometer trackless trail of crushed ice. Last spring, Valerie became aware of SFL's intention to build an endowment fund to offset the ever-growing cost of the annual International Week. She expressed her desire to help and this February flew to Alaska to make her generous presentation. Her love of skiing and her continuing fondness for the Norwegian culture are combined in Ski for Light. Additionally, her youngest daughter, who was a small girl when Olav and Bud visited her home, is now married to a Norwegian and lives in Oslo. The SFL family is extremely appreciative of Valerie Anders' gift. We hope it will inspire others to add to this new endowment fund, which now totals around $84,500. Life memberships, as well as designated gifts, go into this fund. If you or someone you know believes in our work and would like to ensure its continuation, please contact Laura Oftedahl, Endowment Chair by phone (617) 923-7768 or e-mail: Laura@sfl.org. >From the President's Disk by Nancy McKinney Happy Spring to everyone! A recent e-mail question on the SFL Listserv regarded the procedure for waxing skis that will be stored until the next season. In true Ski for Light fashion, ideas were exchanged and shared so that the skis in question will be taken care of. I was glad to see that the question was answered, however sad to see another season come to an end. This winter past has been full of many exciting activities. The event in Alaska was excellent. The tracks at Russian Jack Springs were great with the added surprise of people being able to ski back to the hotel (about 12-15K) on a multi-use trail if they wished; the Hotel Captain Cook was a lovely and accommodating place in downtown Anchorage; and the participation and support of the local Sons of Norway Lodge (Bernt Balchen) was really beneficial. One of the biggest highlights of the week was the kickoff of our endowment campaign in the form of a gift from friends of Bud Keith. Once again I can honestly say that the beauty of Ski for Light is the cooperation between board members, committee members and other supporters. The effort put forth so that we can all enjoy the pleasure of cross-country skiing pays off year after year. It will be hard to compete with many of the experiences in Alaska, however next year we will do just that. Plans are underway for our 25th Anniversary to be held at the Inn at Silver Creek in Granby, Colorado. We are planning to ski again at Snow Mountain Ranch. If you have never been there, I can tell you that the tracks are excellent! I am in the process of putting committees together for the next year. If you have not expressed a desire to serve on a committee then now is the time to do so. You can send me an e-mail to nancy@sfl.org. If anyone has photos or stories they want to share about the past 25 years, send them on to the Ski for Light office. Here's to a healthy, happy warm season. Kids at Heart by Wendy David Many of us at SFL believe that the freedom we experience on cross-country skis, as well as the magic of the SFL program itself can help to "bring out the child in us." This year, however, SFL made a commitment to bring the magic to children. Since our ski site was in the heart of Anchorage, we had the unique opportunity to reach out to visually impaired children in the community to introduce them to the sport of cross-country skiing. Alan Weinstein, a teacher of the visually impaired in Anchorage, was instrumental in helping to coordinate this effort. We invited the children, along with parents and teachers, to join us for a day of skiing. We were delighted to have seven "VIP-lets," ages 9-14, join us, along with several teachers and a couple of parents. Although most of the children came from the city of Anchorage or neighboring communities, one child traveled by plane with her teacher from Koyuk, a small town near Nome, approximately 1,000 miles from Anchorage! What an adventure and what a surprise when this child learned that we ski in tracks. Tracks are a rarity in most parts of non-metropolitan Alaska. After introductions and a rousing chorus of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," led by Nancy Stevens in order to help us all "loosen up," the VIP-lets were paired with a sighted guide/instructor along with a guide training pair. We wanted to provide the blind child with a blind role model, while at the same time, maintain a sighted guide for each blind skier. The foursomes ventured forth around the meadow, and before long, several of the kids were flying down the tracks. Some of the children had previous experience on downhill skis, and certainly all were familiar with snow. However, track skiing was a novelty to many and they took to it in the limber and adventurous way kids do. They must have worked hard, as they joined us hungrily for lunch and gobbled down hearty sandwiches and platefuls of cookies. After lunch, several of the teams chose to ski some more, until it was time to finally return to school and home. We only hope that the children had as much fun with us as we did with them. Thanks to all the sighted guides, blind mentors, teachers, parents, and children, who made this day sparkle with their smiles, laughter, and courage. Alan Weinstein later commented, "Our only complaint was that it didn't last longer." SFL '99: Japan-style by Judy Dixon On New Year's Day, 1999, Nancy McKinney, Jeff Pagels and I departed our respective homes for Tokyo, Japan--our purpose, to attend the fourth Annual Ski for Light-Japan event. The flights were very long--14 hours nonstop for me--but we all arrived, within an hour of one another, wide awake and ready to go. We spent the first night in a modern Tokyo hotel and departed early Sunday morning for Urabandai, a resort community about four hours north of Tokyo. SFL Japan was held Sunday, January 3-Wednesday, January 6, 1999. The first day, guides arrived and guide training took place that afternoon and the next morning. all guides were given instruction in communication with blind persons both on and off the ski trails. SFL-Japan uses the guiding system developed by Ski for Light in the U.S. and it seemed to work well. On Monday, the 20 or so blind participants arrived about noon and skiing began right after lunch. Skiing took place on Tuesday morning and afternoon and a 5-kilometer rally was held on the final morning. Awards for the top finishers were presented in an informal ceremony which was a combination of awards ceremony and farewell gathering. The arrangements for transportation, accommodations, and meals were outstanding. The facility at Urabandai is a "traditional" Japanese hotel which means sleeping on futons that were rolled up each morning and put away for the day; eating traditional Japanese food that was presented in an array of 15-20 variously-shaped dishes for each person with small servings of seafood, rice, and vegetable combinations; and bathing in a communal bath that consisted of knee-high faucets on the walls of a large room for washing with a hot-tub in the middle of the room for soaking after you are clean. Program materials were provided in accessible formats and room numbers at the hotel were in braille making it possible for blind persons to move and function independently. Announcements were made at every meal so that everyone was kept up-to-date on program arrangements and an English translation was provided for those who did not know Japanese. One unique activity at SFL-Japan is skier and guide introductions. Everyone is encouraged to get to know their partner the first day so they will be able to introduce their skiing partner during introductions. We found trail conditions to be similar to what we might find in the U.S. at a regional SFL program. Trails were suitable for beginning skiers. SFL-Japan organized activities in the evening such as group games that were very enjoyable and suitable for participation by all. We had many opportunities to interact with Japanese participants. Even though we didn't speak the language, we found that many people could communicate with some English and the language barrier was not a major problem. In all, SFL-J was attended by more than 50 persons including blind skiers, guides, and family members. While the group overall was somewhat younger than a typical event in the U.S., there were older people as well and several of the guides and skiers brought their children. The inclusion of children was another unique part of the SFL-J experience and contributed greatly to the family atmosphere. The participants from the United States are very grateful to Ski for Light Japan for giving us this opportunity to participate in their event. We are studying the arrangements of SFL-Japan very carefully so that we may incorporate ideas from that program into the program of Ski for Light in the U.S. We thank Toshiaki Aomatsu, the SFL-J President, and everyone involved for this truly outstanding opportunity. Americans Finish Strong at 1999 Ridderren by George Bianculli This year, a group of 27 Americans attended the 1999 Ridderren at Beitostolen, Norway. The official "team" chosen to represent SFL included Brit Peterson, Claire Morrissette, Maury Witteveen and myself. The weather was perfect, snow conditions were ideal, and as usual, our Norwegian friends were the perfect hosts. It was exciting to see 11 Americans place in the top three positions of their respective categories--Nancy Stevens, Mary Kozy, Suzanne Brown, Brit Peterson, Carol Soule, Francesca Campione, Maria Hansen, Billie Ruth Schlank, Dick Ashley, and Bill Henry (an arm amputee). It was duly noted by the Norwegians that the Americans won 18 medals and eight of the top three positions in the Ridderren. Back in Oslo on Monday, Lisin Wikant took our group on a tour of several interesting sites, and that evening graciously hosted a dinner party at her home. The rest of the week was spent visiting the American Embassy, Resistance Museum, Ski Museum, and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. When we weren't sightseeing, we were buying as many Norwegian sweaters as our luggage could hold. Thank you for a great experience SFL! SFL Family Congratulations to SFL Award winners, announced during the banquet on the final evening of this year's event in Anchorage. Chad Morey won the Jan Haug Award, made to an outstanding first-time blind skier. And Laura Oftedahl won the President's Award for her many years of fund-raising and public relations efforts for SFL. We learned just a few months ago of the October 1997 death of Russ Bakken, a past SFL guide from Minnesota. He died of cancer after a two-year battle. Russ was active in the Edvard Grieg/Sons of Norway lodge, and enjoyed art very much. He often played the recorder on Talent Night, and will be missed by SFL family. Bernhard Hoel, a Norwegian guide who attended six or seven Ski for Light events in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was in a head-on collision near Lillehammer while this year's SFL event was taking place. He suffered serious injuries to the head and face, but is fortunately on the mend. Best wishes Bernhard! Colorado High Country Experience The beauty of the Colorado Rockies is as breathtaking in summer as it is in winter. And summer offers even more outdoor activities than during the snow season. The Colorado High Country Experience will take place from August 12-20, near the Vail valley. This event will alternate with Trekk for Light, which has been held for the past four years. As with the Trekk, hiking and camping will be the focal points. Unlike the Trekk, though, the hiking trails will be more varied, and a base camp will be maintained during the entire week. For those who might not be able to participate for the entire week, a three-day mini experience will take place from August 12-15. The base camp will be at Camp Hale, the training site for the Tenth Mountain Division during WWII. SFL's own Stony Stondall trained here. We will be living in tents and cooking many of our meals on camp stoves. Running water and latrines will be available. The hiking trips will include summiting a 14'er, one of Colorado's 54 mountains over 14,000 feet; a rather short, steep and beautiful hike to Hanging Lake in the Glenwood Canyon; a nature hike along Two Elk trail in the Vail valley and perhaps an overnight hike to one of the alpine lakes in the Gore Range. All of these trails are along rather rough terrain, similar to the trails on the Trekk. So it is essential to be physically conditioned to hike strenuous trails at altitudes of between 8,000 to 14,000 feet. Other activities will include tandem cycling, river rafting, soaking in the outdoor spa in Glenwood Springs, horseback riding and perhaps fishing. The base cost for the entire week will be around $260, and the shorter weekend trip will be $25 per day. Charges for specific activities will be extra. The application deadline for this exciting trip in the Rockies is June 15. Contact: Joe and Suzanne Brown 3155B Booth Falls Court Vail, CO 81657 Phone: (970) 476-0604 E-Mail: suzanne@sfl.org Rafting the Salmon River in Idaho This August, join SFL friends on a six-day white water raft trip. Traverse 80 miles of the main Salmon River, known as the "River of No Return", in the mountains of central Idaho. It's grand scenery, history, big waves, hot springs, diverse wildlife, and long sandy beaches. There will be plenty of time to relax, fish, or to do off-river exploring. This class 3+ rated river is perfect for a novice white water rafter who is comfortable wilderness camping. Each night, camp will be made on a sandy beach. ARTA, will again be the outfitter for this trip. The base cost of the trip is $875. A $200 deposit is due by May 15. Make checks payable to "ARTA, Inc." and mail to: Dick Ashley 738-B South 15 Street Arlington, Virginia 22202 Phone: (703) 892-9082 E-Mail: dickashley@juno.com Ahoy Mates! Windjammer Cruise in Summer 2000 Come cruise the down east Maine coast on board a windjammer in July 2000. Spend six days exploring the secluded coves, uninhabited islands, historic towns, and island fishing villages. There is no need to fear sea-sickness because you will be sailing the protected coastal waters of Maine within sight of land. Each night will be spent in a different protected anchorage. The J. & E. Riggin of Rockland, Maine is the vessel to be chartered. She is an authentic windjammer and a National Historic Landmark vessel. The Riggin is a graceful two-masted sailing schooner that is 120 feet long with a 23-foot beam and she is without an auxiliary engine. People on board are welcome to lend a hand in sailing the Riggin or just find a quiet spot to relax. Each cabin has berths, a place for clothes, an opening window, and a sink with cold running water. A hot, freshwater shower and heads are nearby. The tentative sailing dates are from July 17-22, 2000. The cost of the cruise is expected to be approximately $750 per person. A deposit of $250 is required to reserve your space, with $125 due by August 15. Make checks payable to "J. & E. Riggin" and mail to: Dick Ashley 738-B S. 15 St. Arlington, Va. 22202 Phone: (703) 892-9082, E-Mail: dickashley@juno com JanSport Helps Jeff Pagels Launch Assault on Mt. Rainier Rainbow Expedition Seeks to Put Paraplegic Climber Atop Peak For First Time JanSport, Inc., the world's largest maker of backpacks, and SFL's most significant corporate sponsor, has stepped in as the lead corporate sponsor for Rainbow Expedition. This is a team effort that, this spring, will attempt to make Jeff Pagels the first paraplegic climber to ever reach the top of Mount Rainier, the 14,410 foot summit in Washington State. Scheduled for May 29 to June 4, Rainbow Expedition will bring together the efforts of Pagels, the champion former member of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team who lost the use of his legs in 1984; famed mountaineer Lou Whittaker; and special equipment designer Dave Stubenvoll. Also expected to make the trek are Corey and Chad Pagels, Jeff's sons, and Jim Wallen, Pagels' training partner since 1991. Five professional climbers from the Washington State area will participate as well. Three years ago, after extensive consultation with Lou Whittaker, who as co-owner and chief guide of Rainier Mountaineering Inc. has led more ascents on Rainier than anyone, Pagels decided that an ascent of Rainier by a paraplegic was simply not feasible. However, Whittaker in recent years rethought his approach and devised a different route that would avoid steep side slopes. More recently, David Stubenvoll, an equipment designer who, like Pagels, hails from Wisconsin, developed new technology combining a sit ski, fixed ropes and ascending devices that will allow Pagels to literally pull and push his way to the Rainier summit. Between 60,000 and 80,000 pulls will be needed to propel Pagels to the top of Rainier. "This is not a charity climb," commented Pagels. "We want to show all kinds of people--the disabled, the able-bodied and also businesses--what can be accomplished when you combine teamwork, individual commitment and the adaptation of simple technology for the disabled." Pagels added that he hopes the Rainbow Expedition will "dramatize for the outdoor industry and other businesses the tremendous potential of providing products and services that can be used by the 55 million disabled people in the U.S. and the hundreds of millions of us around the world." Help has come from a variety of sources. KI, Inc., a manufacturer of office furniture, has helped in the development of a special seal-foam seat that will be part of Pagels' summiting gear. Other corporate sponsors include: Garmont, USA, Carrera Sport, Climb High, Columbia Sportswear, Crazy Creek, Dermatone, Grabber International, Princeton Sport, Smartwool, Sterling Rope Backpackers Pantry, and Applecreek Inn. SFL Bulletin is published three times a year in print and on cassette. Deadlines: April 1, August 1, and November 1. Editor: Laura Oftedahl, 104 Coolidge Hill Road, Unit 7, Watertown, MA 02472, Phone: 617-923-7768, E-Mail: laura@sfl.org Layout Editor: Judy Dixon, Arlington, VA, E-Mail: judy@sfl.org Thank You Sponsors JanSport, Bison Designs, Alpina, Alaska Digitell, Bula, Camel Back, Cascade Designs, Chuck Roast, Inc., Crazy Creek, Devold, Exel, Grabber Performance Group, Granite Gear, Halls Wheels, Hotfingers, Jytte May, Mountain Lift, Pearl Izumi, Rocky Mt Sunscreen, SAS Airlines, Thor-Lo, Turtle Fur, Wyoming Wear SFL is a member of ORCA, Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America