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33 of us traveled the beautiful Douro River in Portugal. Some very unfortunate travel delays stranded half the group in Boston, but they were able to join us at the river. 

We all had an interesting time:

• Passing through five locks, the tallest of which was 115 feet. These locks were built in the 60’s and 70’s to make the river more navigable for the wine trade to the coast and beyond.
• Drifting along past quaint villas surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and olive trees. The scenes were reminiscent of a movie.
• Shore excursions were included to many fascinating villages that included wineries, churches and vineyards. We even learned of the large CORK trade zone. Fascinating things such as hats, belts, purses and even shoes are made of cork. Of course, wine corks are also.
• Some of us also took a kayak excursion, others a bike tour when we reached the coast at the end of the cruise in PORTO Portugal.

On board entertainment included DJ disco night, cooking classes, tile making, Porto wine tasting and recipes, a movie night on the top deck, flamenco dancers and more.

The food was excellent and the staff was very attentive. 

A special thanks to Chris Witt for helping us procure Little Debbie snacks that we distributed to the helpful crew. They said NO ONE had ever done anything like that for them before. We caught crew throughout the week munching on various Little Debbie items.

I think it is safe to say that another river cruise may be of interest to the club.

I'm writing this on the first official day of fall and expecting the high temp to be near 90 degrees. So, I’m eagerly anticipating our winter trips!  

Winter Park, Colorado. as well as Snowmass, Colorado and lastly Sun Valley, Idaho will be a special treat after our blistering hot summer. The new, colorful club leg bands will be available for all participants on trips - thanks to the persistence of Past President, Bob Tramel. Of course, before those trips we have a Pig Roast - hosted by members, Bobbi and Chris Witt, Len Foote hike, Bonaire Dive Trip and our annual Christmas Party!  I hope you are planning on participating in some or all of these events! 

Our club strives to offer a wide range of activities to its members. Suggestions for activities are always welcome, just approach any board member with your ideas. 

We are currently incorporating some of your recent trip ideas into our planning for the future. 

See you soon at one of our meetings or events!

Hilda Jones, President 

Last month I asked about your trip ideas, that is, what you would like to see our club offer in the future.  Skiing or non-skiing – let’s hear your thoughts on future trips.

Well, this is what I have received so far:

*Overseas trips:

 Budapest/Prague

 China

 Chamonix/ French Alps

 Val Gardin/ Italian Alps

*Hawaii w/pre- or post- option to Tahiti

*Western Hiking Trips/ Canada

*National Parks- hiking and possibly staying in historic park inns

*Day trip- steam train through Blue Ridge Mtns.

 Some really good ideas, I think.

Okay, with these inspirations, I give you a second chance to add your ideas.

Let’s hear it!

Hilda Jones, Pres.

I have a request from you, the members of our club. Give me your one top idea for a trip you would like to see us offer. It can be skiing or non-skiing, domestic or international. Drop me an email with your idea. 

Hilda Jones: hgjones8224@gmail.com

That is all!

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

Hilda Jones, President

At the time of this writing, our Club’s Portugal River Cruise will be leaving in just a few days. Most of my trips with the Ski Club are to much-loved destinations that I enjoy revisiting; however, this Portugal trip AND the fact that it is a river cruise, will be a new experience for me. I’m very much looking forward to it.

Travel is such a rewarding experience and great opportunity for growth. Trips to well-loved destinations as well as to new places, afford opportunity for life enrichment. Travel memories are precious.

Jump in and travel as much as you can, especially with our great group. Our time on this earth is limited.

Hilda Jones, Pres.

Our May meeting winter clothing/ski wear and gear sale was a fun and productive event along the debut of our next season winter/ski trips with some beverages and snacks to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!  If you were not there  - you missed a fun meeting. 

Please join us for our next meeting, Tuesday, June 2, again at the Enclave Club House (920 Channel View Lane).

Excitement is building for the upcoming trips: the Portugal river cruise is less than three weeks away; the Bonaire dive trip (December) is still available for sign up but getting full quickly. 

The three winter ski/adventure trips are getting lots of attention from our members AND other ski clubs in the region, therefore, please make your decisions on signing up for trips as soon as possible!!!  All three trip leaders are reporting good numbers of registered participants already.  With so much going on, make your plans to attend the meeting on Tuesday at the Enclave – don’t be left out!

Hilda Jones

Our next meeting on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) is devoted to our winter wear and ski/snowboard gear sale.

Signup will begin for the three 2027 winter trips: Winter Park. CO, Steamboat, CO and Sun Valley, Idaho. 

So, your job is to bring to the Enclave Club House any winter wear/ski wear that you would like to sell - label items with your name and how much you want for it. If you do not have anything to sell, be ready to shop!

Next, Trip leaders will present their trips and answer any questions you may have. There will be detailed info on the three ski trips so you may take info and sign up later or sign up that night with the leader of that trip!

Lastly, we will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo!  

See you all on May 5 at the Enclave Club Room.

Pictured are a few of the items already identified for sale.

Your Servant and Pres.,

Hilda Jones

Our trip went very well with 33 participants on the trip, including eight new members. Unfortunately, we had two additional people cancel last minute. Our trip began in Atlanta at the International Terminal. We had a direct flight to Calgary, Canada and it arrived on time.  We processed through customs and were met by our bus driver. Our five star driver stopped for food and liquor and got us to the Ptarmigan Hotel in two hours driving time.

Check-in went great and the rooms were all as expected. Banff has so much to offer in addition to skiing and I think our members experienced it all. Many went out to ski Sunday. Visability was not great so it was an early day for some. We had good weather most of the week. On Tuesday, we had a group dinner at Melissa’s downtown. We had two drink tickets and all the food you basically could eat. It was a good time enjoyed by all. The week had many non-skiers trying to see all of Banff but I think they could have explored another week to see all of its beauty. The members enjoyed going to Lake Louise, the mountain top night view Indian ritual experience by gondola, the Banff Springs Hotel, hiking, shopping, great food, snow shoeing, etc., was enjoyed by all.

We only had a couple of issues. One was, “don’t leave your phone on the bus upon arrival.” The other was one minor to moderate injury by our dear friend Tom DuBose. He fell on a very easy slope which unfortunately happens to us more than we care to mention.

Our trip home was also a piece of cake with another great bus driver. We experienced a wreck on the way to the airport that had just happened. Our bus driver got out to offer assistance but luckily none was needed. The trip worked out well and no luggage was lost. Everyone arrived home safely.

While you are packing away your winter duds, boots and ski/boarding equipment - put some thought into what you would rather sell or otherwise pass along to someone who would enjoy it. 

Gather those things, be sure they are clean and tagged with your name and what price you want for the item, then prepare to take them to the Enclave Club Room for our May 5 meeting!

Since that day is Cinco de Mayo, we will celebrate with some surprise treats for everyone!  Guests are also welcome to bring items or shop. 

To take the idea further - send to me pictures of an item or two for a preview post: hgjones8224@gmail.com.

Our Chattanooga Ski Club Facebook post is already stirring up interest for this event - please share the post on your social media to help spread the word.

See you April 7 meeting at Farm to Fork Restaurant for our annual Election of Officers!

Hilda Jones, Pres.  

Just like that, it’s the time to prepare for the election of officers for the Chattanooga Ski Club. This will take place at the April 3^rd meeting held in the Enclave club room. Four elected officers - President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer - are at the center of leadership with a host of equally important committee chairpersons chosen by the President and approved by the other three officers. 

Please make every effort to attend our meetings, especially the April meeting in that we will be voting for next year’s officers. 

The March meeting will be back at the Farm to Fork Restaurant-food, beverages and hopefully a fun and informative meeting! I hope to see you all there.

Hilda Jones, President