Marquette which is usually the best Midwest trip of the year, did not begin very auspiciously. To keep on a budget we used supplies from the Friars stash in storage. On my way out to retrieve those supplies I slipped and fell on my keester on my lovely, new back porch. A small favor was that all that I injured was my tailbone. However, it did not bode well for the bus ride up. Then I also caught the flu or a cold, I'm not sure which. So there I was with a stuffy head and sore butt trying to fulfill all my trip leader duties.

Tension mounted at the beginning of the trip. Would Dale make it from jury duty in time to meet the bus? Would Barry hear Dale's frantic phone call to say that she and Mike were on their way? Would the Hustlers prove to be party animals like the Pine Pointers? The answers to these questions are 1) yes, but late, 2) yes, fortunately and 3) no, they were very low key and good do-bees.

The rest of the trip went as usual. Party some, watch a movie and fall asleep only to be awakened at 3:00 AM local time to check into the hotel. Ski on Saturday, do a practice NASTAR, wine and cheese, watch the super G, kid Lori about turning too much, collect awards, eat fried mushrooms around the pool and watch in amazement as Teri dives into the pool fully clothed on a dare. Note to Teri: remember not to leave your contacts in, next time. Congratulations to Mike Chrystof who made it to dinner, again.

Usually I would be partying in the bar right after dinner, but, as the title of this article says, I crashed, went down in flames, couldn't get my head off the pillow until breakfast, etc.

Sunday, with everyone packed up and on the bus, we headed off to ski yet again. Although Dan Ritter abandoned us for the Pine Point bus, he deserves honorable mention for the best snowball fight at the brat party. After changing into comfy shoes and loose clothes for the ride home we collected some more awards and jumped on the bus. NASTAR medals were awarded on the bus. Congratulations to Mary Anne for collecting another gold. We tried to watch another movie on the way home but the VCR wouldn't behave. (Not that Margaret didn't try to make it work.)

We also got John back as our bus driver. Not only does he pack the bus for us he helps you put away your skis and is just an all around good guy. Looking forward to doing this again but without a cold and without a sore butt!

trip photos