tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89096280979644513252024-03-13T08:37:25.701-07:00Adventurous LivingSarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-40969206254239097312012-04-04T18:03:00.009-07:002012-04-04T19:22:36.007-07:00Mammoth Lodging 101Mammoth conveniently received 4 feet of snow right before my planned Spring Break trip with my family. Best conditions of the year, no school work to worry about, and we stayed at the Mammoth Inn (right off the slopes) rather than our condo in town... couldn't have been a better trip!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ97_BBPXyGfyFS6L8cu8DqGF-3QFe2frm7cxCrPLXZzNDL3shFKSoJPmVJTOrdsniySPcDoOApGFEcOu7ZK9Z33_qEJ96nV0aWmmbAlxz1EKZxw6weI02hIq3aEedt4mY5tn7HBiEkFF/s1600/View+from+the+top.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQ97_BBPXyGfyFS6L8cu8DqGF-3QFe2frm7cxCrPLXZzNDL3shFKSoJPmVJTOrdsniySPcDoOApGFEcOu7ZK9Z33_qEJ96nV0aWmmbAlxz1EKZxw6weI02hIq3aEedt4mY5tn7HBiEkFF/s320/View+from+the+top.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727735841376460418" /></a><br /><br />I made it a mission of mine to go all over the mountain and take a pictures of each of the lodges so that I could write up a bit about each of them just to make potential visitors more aquatinted with Mammoth. So here we go!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlk8mMTeNERy6ae1uBomr6h07rbJi6zAVPwUDWfPZ6_2OspBNPGBtle2BhhM3Je4B3iDUUkjL6QcbgeeRPm0xZMdXn9ldfawQmMDdmeqkfblXdNurE8RqiAVt2Iw_-cg0K7tlC2YCBNvh/s1600/Main.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlk8mMTeNERy6ae1uBomr6h07rbJi6zAVPwUDWfPZ6_2OspBNPGBtle2BhhM3Je4B3iDUUkjL6QcbgeeRPm0xZMdXn9ldfawQmMDdmeqkfblXdNurE8RqiAVt2Iw_-cg0K7tlC2YCBNvh/s320/Main.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727718624444163698" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Main Lodge </span><br />Main lodge is a great home base, especially if you're staying at the Mammoth Inn. There is a large lodge with plenty of seating (indoors and out), a full kitchen, bar, rental shop, gift store, and lockers. This lodge also has plenty on lesson opportunities and a day care. It's also the place to be if there are any competitions going on that you want a great view of. There are three chairlifts at the base, two of which will take you up far enough to give you plenty of options for run levels. The base of the Gondola is also located at Main which takes you straight to the top, however, there is a pit stop at McCoy Station.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1mmS9G-bBuYFkq711N3h4m2fqHYuVu4morpXGNzMOxAgaDz4c5D8gyRmm5aPyM7xGMdlp74UGMY8UUtY9DYW95bbGqgIDhi8SbhhUSZsjKggwSieMfkw2KiXnas5vnA2jnuKVVga85JL/s1600/McCoy.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1mmS9G-bBuYFkq711N3h4m2fqHYuVu4morpXGNzMOxAgaDz4c5D8gyRmm5aPyM7xGMdlp74UGMY8UUtY9DYW95bbGqgIDhi8SbhhUSZsjKggwSieMfkw2KiXnas5vnA2jnuKVVga85JL/s320/McCoy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727722722703194578" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">McCoy Station</span><br />McCoy is a great place to take a break, grab some lunch, and soak in the fantastic views. It is located in the middle of the mountain, halfway between Main lodge and the top. Unfortunately my photo doesn't do any justice for the views, I guess you're just going to have to take my word for it. There is also a beautiful restaurant off of the main seating area, with floor to celling windows, and (from what I have heard) a fantastic menu. McCoy also has some great chairlifts that branch from it, that will help you get to anywhere you would like to go.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEXwFUy92cgRhzBcqfMyb-HVMscrqJFJQlXgut9cwOlr15Hq8Ri1dbPTFNj2XeDdEKmKIj8OkZYduhYUQucP3p-DO3oscjlFH2liYIlKpJgOgqfjZf1sE5fCDCgfJKMFCaMsQ5j4WC6tB/s1600/Mill.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEXwFUy92cgRhzBcqfMyb-HVMscrqJFJQlXgut9cwOlr15Hq8Ri1dbPTFNj2XeDdEKmKIj8OkZYduhYUQucP3p-DO3oscjlFH2liYIlKpJgOgqfjZf1sE5fCDCgfJKMFCaMsQ5j4WC6tB/s320/Mill.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727725165883870514" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mill Cafe</span><br />The Mill Cafe is the smallest of all the lodges, and I would have to say is my favorite. Mill is the best place to be on a sunny day, mostly because it is mainly outdoor seating - tables, chairs, fire pits, BBQ, and lawn chairs fill the space with just enough room to walk around. Unless you drove to the slopes, the Mill isn't the best home base. But it is the perfect pit-stop - they have a small kitchen, plenty of hot drinks, two bars, and big beautiful bathrooms. There are two chair lifts that branch from the Mill, both great, diverse, long runs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0allHGBqcJgR8kTX0hFnorJzSwfSurI0ggmVUvdDlmLxoDnKr5Ns6HTD5zmITSDt0j93yrhC0Z8LZ1G8Ub29N_eU6p9VhtKt6vvghvoKe45UyQARCzaZnvDs2R43AxEq2Sr4EA1EEuh5L/s1600/Canyon.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0allHGBqcJgR8kTX0hFnorJzSwfSurI0ggmVUvdDlmLxoDnKr5Ns6HTD5zmITSDt0j93yrhC0Z8LZ1G8Ub29N_eU6p9VhtKt6vvghvoKe45UyQARCzaZnvDs2R43AxEq2Sr4EA1EEuh5L/s320/Canyon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727728860801291810" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Canyon Lodge</span><br />Cayon Lodge is my family's usual home base. It has everything Main Lodge has, only less crowded and more chair lifts. Canyon Lodge is where the Night of Lights takes place and a lot of other crazy activities that are spread throughout the season. Lessons are also provided here, and Canyon has a full kitchen, bar, cafe, lockers, even a Crape maker! Canyon also is the lodge directly connected to The Village lodging down the mountain through The Village Gondola.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aB5LjiiwBrPX5dPLTtT6jyTtg2VU2VjCILvL7T5DMcuAr8zt3mNAWaCQVklitfKvnCdO5289Ts-0n_Xn6e-l70Lxk7-Z2bsVrb8T6LOcd8UyEllrWzDcXksl0jopf9rFjA9smytEW3wm/s1600/Eagle.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aB5LjiiwBrPX5dPLTtT6jyTtg2VU2VjCILvL7T5DMcuAr8zt3mNAWaCQVklitfKvnCdO5289Ts-0n_Xn6e-l70Lxk7-Z2bsVrb8T6LOcd8UyEllrWzDcXksl0jopf9rFjA9smytEW3wm/s320/Eagle.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727732761297800274" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Eagle Lodge</span><br />Eagle lodge is just a chairlift away from Canyon or Mill Cafe and it is a great place for beginners trying out their skills on their own. This is because the runs around Eagle are nice, easy, and long. However, the sun beats down on this side of the mountain making the snow a bit slushy by the afternoon, but it makes a great cushion for falling! Eagle Lodge is also well equipped with a small cafe, bar and plenty of seats indoors and out. The best part about Eagle though is the beautiful condos that you can ski straight to from the slopes!<br /><br /><br /><br />Overall I had a fantastic last trip of the season, and I hope that if you have a trip planned your weather karma is as good as mine was!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4d-8TLLzf4kUL_p70JQwjhKrEJNHqFyhrZlMW6zVyrYBNwewkCFEYfkem9s_fUojWmfFeD2lwd3vuo1K9xfF5Frw4OTRsKOlXRTViYQA8Z_GT1KevtkjqwdYJu-jn-tDebV-2K9D57U_t/s1600/Mammoth+sign.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4d-8TLLzf4kUL_p70JQwjhKrEJNHqFyhrZlMW6zVyrYBNwewkCFEYfkem9s_fUojWmfFeD2lwd3vuo1K9xfF5Frw4OTRsKOlXRTViYQA8Z_GT1KevtkjqwdYJu-jn-tDebV-2K9D57U_t/s320/Mammoth+sign.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727735493033882962" /></a><br /><br />-JaciSarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-14047286399173012882012-02-28T17:27:00.026-08:002012-02-29T10:47:21.370-08:00Kimpton Poker Night<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAZFQmi3-CHDjGc4YXJ_HvAomed3_nU-MVfnTLP2AiLsr5r456DgDS5tnqA7p50M1T_Zio9zV2NBb6Zpqx-Tr85T_z7TrYQw7rzjFZesa0B_038IldzlVx24BFJxtJ1t_dNB2pWNLqwel/s1600/P1.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAZFQmi3-CHDjGc4YXJ_HvAomed3_nU-MVfnTLP2AiLsr5r456DgDS5tnqA7p50M1T_Zio9zV2NBb6Zpqx-Tr85T_z7TrYQw7rzjFZesa0B_038IldzlVx24BFJxtJ1t_dNB2pWNLqwel/s320/P1.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714363520693281330" /></a><br />So Kimpton Hotels called. Could we do a poker night for 60 women? (God yes Kimpton, where have you been all my life? This is What We Do.) Attendees would be members of their InTouch Loyalty group and the poker evening would be a thank-you event. So InTouch members would have a fun, inspiring experience and also get to do a little networking & friend-making with each other. In the lovely Hotel Monoco in Union Square of course. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxANkvFtWvUiBAk7OYTW2Na-Qxk7jJKbPAweD3S04L7sr7XD5UcOWVjtOdNh0zokcdVIOC99UhwXJ_VhmykrmT5-6IM7vE5ZdDNmy8_V2eQu9q1wWHaInf72OHSY8CzAsWFLrEDX9jwokU/s1600/P2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxANkvFtWvUiBAk7OYTW2Na-Qxk7jJKbPAweD3S04L7sr7XD5UcOWVjtOdNh0zokcdVIOC99UhwXJ_VhmykrmT5-6IM7vE5ZdDNmy8_V2eQu9q1wWHaInf72OHSY8CzAsWFLrEDX9jwokU/s320/P2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714363705055588418" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTDStX5feqPzjRp9YBYhobTTcGUK2B8nvyfQ7880s4WoToYjBj2odfhYo2dA5h7XfOiBRFN9C_Qme66Bfi9k0axDGOmJaIMbyOOX8AgWbjeQUp-P8efrmTcnsVGQE8CXSdvtr4sfVnTFf/s1600/p3.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTDStX5feqPzjRp9YBYhobTTcGUK2B8nvyfQ7880s4WoToYjBj2odfhYo2dA5h7XfOiBRFN9C_Qme66Bfi9k0axDGOmJaIMbyOOX8AgWbjeQUp-P8efrmTcnsVGQE8CXSdvtr4sfVnTFf/s200/p3.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714364277606554802" /></a><br />Some of the women might be advanced players, some will be complete beginners. Yes, yes; we're good at this. Hand-value cheat sheets, tables by ability, $300 in starter chips, check. Yes, yes, we explain the sequence of play, the blind, the double-blind, the flop, the river. (Please...don't be so impressed. One poker class and you'll have it.) Yes, this will be no limit Texas Hold'em. <br /><br /><br /><br />Q: But, I thought you were a sports company? Poker, really?<br />A: Let me just say that we've been teaching poker since before ESPN figured out it was a sport. And since our whole brand is about accelerated skill development for busy people - why not apply that to poker too?<br /><br /><br />But back to Kimpton. Fortunately for me, this concept is the brainchild of Aileen De Luna. Aside from having one of the more romantic last names since the Renaissance, Aileen is a new transplant to Kimpton HQ, having recently moved from their Washington DC location. The woman has vision; and she's also a delight to work with, which is an unusual combination. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePyTHBH84J7Tt_V77fvKvFJ7a3MHEMnFOgTRpd7jaGSkgbxPyz5VCrfwNp_abb9rSmmecfBX1snmm3g9XL5wdgJs0KMrOALi7qm5F5bcdbhc0zCFwI5b7YZtBHNH-vMrCJg6q13r8lknn/s1600/p4.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePyTHBH84J7Tt_V77fvKvFJ7a3MHEMnFOgTRpd7jaGSkgbxPyz5VCrfwNp_abb9rSmmecfBX1snmm3g9XL5wdgJs0KMrOALi7qm5F5bcdbhc0zCFwI5b7YZtBHNH-vMrCJg6q13r8lknn/s200/p4.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714364993688032834" /></a><br />So Poker Palooza is a go! 5 tables at various levels. The women might be getting up & down; there will also be a drink mixologist and hand massages. Strategies for how to track each woman's chips if she chooses to get up and socialize around the room. We'll start w/ $5 & $10 blinds (initial betting levels) and go over the mechanics of play at each table, appropriate for each level.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpyLaKBw9de61-MlaRNEgq2BTOi5keX_D6bv-jMD4XC0baDUpe05JKfPqRMFxs67z2WpOxOfElY-CbFiqy94tBxDnvQ8wCgc-LRl8kgaxqkgKoY_9ZQS-hAI90PvlQTo3A08A6hkdu0kP/s1600/p8.tiff"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpyLaKBw9de61-MlaRNEgq2BTOi5keX_D6bv-jMD4XC0baDUpe05JKfPqRMFxs67z2WpOxOfElY-CbFiqy94tBxDnvQ8wCgc-LRl8kgaxqkgKoY_9ZQS-hAI90PvlQTo3A08A6hkdu0kP/s400/p8.tiff" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714369417503745442" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We pull in 5 very different and amazing female poker instructors. My favorite ringer, Janice Kim, is the first recruit. Not only does she look great on paper (Vegas competitor who also happens to be a Korean Go Master), she's also a delight in person. She's been with Adventurous Sports for years now. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then Sue Barrows, who used to run her own card room; Julie Chendes HR professional, Sue Irwin speaker & life coach, and finally Eileen Milligan who has a large poker table in her home living room as a permanent fixture. All great communicators, teachers and motivators who have been playing and winning for years in tournaments, card rooms and casinos.<br />(below are each of their Adventurous Sports Bios)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlgDYtuRI7QlWQOZaMb8idrD1DOXTAVVsMBojyWDkSvV1DCyPGJAUOtj2H4gPtygrIa9b4cWXV0IyfktADf2JK89V_A8n8H2eZSqhYmq7qO8u_Shx_ERaw44tiQGA9UeFG3_UFeiAMri7/s1600/p9.tiff"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlgDYtuRI7QlWQOZaMb8idrD1DOXTAVVsMBojyWDkSvV1DCyPGJAUOtj2H4gPtygrIa9b4cWXV0IyfktADf2JK89V_A8n8H2eZSqhYmq7qO8u_Shx_ERaw44tiQGA9UeFG3_UFeiAMri7/s400/p9.tiff" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714369421796196754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbFDnBX0-kiBwlty0elK_CvDw1cAzYSbJyy2PiVp9NGWHYEQYkryX4Og-9ejp34XjeTXMmjtydodu2jhx2pk7xL4fbrlQ1j_D4u1EApg2cIiQhYHJOgCk34rFqV6l6UqwEdNTAuqz1tPJ/s1600/p10.tiff"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbFDnBX0-kiBwlty0elK_CvDw1cAzYSbJyy2PiVp9NGWHYEQYkryX4Og-9ejp34XjeTXMmjtydodu2jhx2pk7xL4fbrlQ1j_D4u1EApg2cIiQhYHJOgCk34rFqV6l6UqwEdNTAuqz1tPJ/s400/p10.tiff" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714370104285679506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5Gmq354ylFYOhI1-YyGeB5OoPuf7roxxEopZSryorD3A9x4GX5W00045C7JUBnYeMnaWZi1A8k8uupwHuJco5eVMupbjwPnoMsIGwJUNp8ULLQQv4KukrJNrDjdsw56ydHwCB3r_eCsp/s1600/p11.tiff"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5Gmq354ylFYOhI1-YyGeB5OoPuf7roxxEopZSryorD3A9x4GX5W00045C7JUBnYeMnaWZi1A8k8uupwHuJco5eVMupbjwPnoMsIGwJUNp8ULLQQv4KukrJNrDjdsw56ydHwCB3r_eCsp/s400/p11.tiff" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714371202819450514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbjXhB5vEFIx71BpUL_FjTT6bqM6GDa7uHsEVfZq890NLGtbsDfLFW_BJglru0d3whS5rj2BxshvVlw_AMs5TUAWsoTtE1aZ9JEzseRTIcJzcCJlWcLawq-A3C5dHdXb9cd-RJIoVjyM3/s1600/p12.tiff"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbjXhB5vEFIx71BpUL_FjTT6bqM6GDa7uHsEVfZq890NLGtbsDfLFW_BJglru0d3whS5rj2BxshvVlw_AMs5TUAWsoTtE1aZ9JEzseRTIcJzcCJlWcLawq-A3C5dHdXb9cd-RJIoVjyM3/s400/p12.tiff" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714371438304094978" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjmH80MgkHWnNlGUg2SUrXY-WVTEpdbNxFRnVv0zedx5g1kZb2L3HGh9s47jarrbN2SCxQrG9cBwXC3b8S0_sJ0qdd9ahZrbBTFiB8aSQbZHR0txGDFKwovLmfcRXUtlvcso7AsRPFg-Q/s1600/p5.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjmH80MgkHWnNlGUg2SUrXY-WVTEpdbNxFRnVv0zedx5g1kZb2L3HGh9s47jarrbN2SCxQrG9cBwXC3b8S0_sJ0qdd9ahZrbBTFiB8aSQbZHR0txGDFKwovLmfcRXUtlvcso7AsRPFg-Q/s320/p5.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714372440035914754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg2CYtQ9Gv1BhIy_ltERmIsyzgkgZiqIeh8y0u10r0hOBSGYVWJ9wdEJaE8A7EHDAHjFdKF6n7j6iYjtENi07Flgq3ns6qxL17QHhSrioMfu66r6xwG_PNFbHrSq1OAqnEXW1M-rTiI6Z/s1600/p6.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg2CYtQ9Gv1BhIy_ltERmIsyzgkgZiqIeh8y0u10r0hOBSGYVWJ9wdEJaE8A7EHDAHjFdKF6n7j6iYjtENi07Flgq3ns6qxL17QHhSrioMfu66r6xwG_PNFbHrSq1OAqnEXW1M-rTiI6Z/s320/p6.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714374051173677714" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Julie warms up the crowd with a 10-min Intro covering hand values (explaining we have cheat sheets at every table place) <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />the basic concept of assessing your hand and folding frequently (all those hands in green? fold!) , and why being female is definitely an advantage, Then everyone hits the tables.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Q: Why is being female an advantage at poker?<br />A: Well, once you get over the initial discomfort of being The Only Woman at the Table (which you will usually be), you can use the men's surprise and natural inclination to underestimate you to your advantage. You're bluffing just by showing up. They'll be so distracted by the fact that you're there at all, that you'll have the advantage in assessing their positions and enjoying their inaccurate assessment of you and your cards.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcxPpBiuVT2hOLHlLoC8BOd1IxmxkYxW09crBJjkjQbLssTYexk4zKMvDMgg207sQRbCug4y3SJIhyphenhyphenWmHz7mnkjX7XDDggSNDAXUsFZbKQ1sOZQKHJLBVnbZHy5sKMWia1ngDS97mOuy9/s1600/p7.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcxPpBiuVT2hOLHlLoC8BOd1IxmxkYxW09crBJjkjQbLssTYexk4zKMvDMgg207sQRbCug4y3SJIhyphenhyphenWmHz7mnkjX7XDDggSNDAXUsFZbKQ1sOZQKHJLBVnbZHy5sKMWia1ngDS97mOuy9/s320/p7.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714375240320607858" /></a><br />The women pick their tables, while choosing another cocktail and getting another buffet round. The Kimpton chef has made an Amazing Kale Salad - oh my. Seriously. I did not know I was willing to eat kale and I had thirds it was so scrumptious. I've been promised the recipe by Stacy, their delightful PR head and strategist of the Kimpton women's Intouch program. That woman (on the right) can charm a crowd let me tell you. <br /><br />And...the play goes on for two hours. People are transfixed. They're into it. Table departures are measured in nano-seconds to get a quick drink, as no one wants to miss a hand. The Kimpton folks are surprised, though I am not. I've seen it every time over the years. The fun of learning poker - or learning new strategies - just completely pulls people in. And the energy at each table makes the time fly.<br /><br />Kimpton was very smart to set up prizes for each table winner and a Grand Prize winner. So 5 women went home with free nights at a Kimpton Hotel and restaurant meals at the Grand Cafe (steak tartare all around!)<br /><br />And the hotel GM is so happy with the results that he wants Women's Poker Palooza at all the Kimpton's around the country. Newfound Poker savvy, lots of winnings, fab cockails and scrumptious kale salad; I'd call that a good night.Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-65369093161252909112012-02-10T13:16:00.008-08:002012-02-24T16:39:47.115-08:00NIght of Lights 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJ6cd36QH17UmAwqN20t91f4uskwZRRU5Y94OykOqsJrd_PkY4s3rTF8zXnDVC0FjhaLPaF-UhcZY5F-56NFy4cahixf5VBel-QP2T332VJlbdCa57ykguyRQ4zDA5evIEtjDcuqn-2tb/s1600/mammoth-mountain-night-of-lights-218x325-26kb.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJ6cd36QH17UmAwqN20t91f4uskwZRRU5Y94OykOqsJrd_PkY4s3rTF8zXnDVC0FjhaLPaF-UhcZY5F-56NFy4cahixf5VBel-QP2T332VJlbdCa57ykguyRQ4zDA5evIEtjDcuqn-2tb/s320/mammoth-mountain-night-of-lights-218x325-26kb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712856798885078626" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mammoth's annual Night of Lights is a fantastic festival that takes place every year during the weekend before Christmas to celebrate the holiday season. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA2mCBD-vUdjPMAER301O74-VifFMN4lnM3vfcSM0OZh60LfgqTPDIgEJZKlJiHgq2tSZrTD1zvlDlHfL-c-IgyrQHzPla4ScwluhP_sw1LYj7QWyOhCrxJKb-_rV1K8E5wzDKMXq5zEy/s1600/IMAG0499.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJA2mCBD-vUdjPMAER301O74-VifFMN4lnM3vfcSM0OZh60LfgqTPDIgEJZKlJiHgq2tSZrTD1zvlDlHfL-c-IgyrQHzPla4ScwluhP_sw1LYj7QWyOhCrxJKb-_rV1K8E5wzDKMXq5zEy/s320/IMAG0499.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707623363516600850" /></a><br /><br />Every year at this time we take a 4-6 day trip with my family, our friends, and our two dogs. Even though the snow wasn't at it's best this year (last year I was stranded at SFO because of snow storms) we could tell they had been working hard on making snow and opening up as many runs as possible. <br /><br /><br /><br />Night of Lights takes place on Saturday at the base of Canyon Lodge and begins around 5:30 PM. So its just enough time to head back to your condo/hotel, shower, eat, and head back to the hill for a night of fun. <br />Make sure to dress warmly! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5GPtlPRN1sXyH5U-3cnIj1XeGI4ty0-z3mWbPGXO0BJzchRA5S0s5RS_OxC24dxkSgeCJ9NRXv59fsY10lxBLoJ8jwmReB9DzC0-DVuaVs-ZHwfZCyV7NsR5L7mkD8cRea6Lnnn2w7mF/s1600/IMG_1618.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5GPtlPRN1sXyH5U-3cnIj1XeGI4ty0-z3mWbPGXO0BJzchRA5S0s5RS_OxC24dxkSgeCJ9NRXv59fsY10lxBLoJ8jwmReB9DzC0-DVuaVs-ZHwfZCyV7NsR5L7mkD8cRea6Lnnn2w7mF/s320/IMG_1618.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712859294624627666" /></a><br />All of the action is out side in front of the slopes; huge bon fire, music, and tons of people. The night begins with the Damon Castillo Band, followed by a firework show, and torchlight parade. Later, just to keep the night going, is the main concert. The band chosen this year was The Naked + Famous (an up and coming Indie Rock band from New Zealand.) <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IuvQv0rR14ibRnvV2Z2-6kfjobHw7IMBBsb_9CmdNFYvC9RjX01NpbGTjQ96XVcIQ7MjGslz0oFy4J-z9_EqXqoZMgJdmwvrz5Q63yOApuqMWkrsvM2fnV9Kl5HpoGfbfV-XjvqSJmqk/s1600/IMAG0492.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IuvQv0rR14ibRnvV2Z2-6kfjobHw7IMBBsb_9CmdNFYvC9RjX01NpbGTjQ96XVcIQ7MjGslz0oFy4J-z9_EqXqoZMgJdmwvrz5Q63yOApuqMWkrsvM2fnV9Kl5HpoGfbfV-XjvqSJmqk/s320/IMAG0492.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712863122744485202" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you're still thinking about the cold, not to worry there are other options that may sooth your worry. For a premium viewing spot in the warmth of the giant VIP tent, you can purchase a VIP ticket (starting price $35 per person) prior to the show. (My parents are convinced that this is the best way to spend the night, and we will be testing it out next year.) However, for a cheaper way to stay inside, The Canyon Lodge is open all night, with drinks, food, and plenty of spots to view the show. If you get there early you can get yourself a nice spot against the window with a warm first row view.<br /><br />(left; my parents by the bon fire)<br /><br /><br />Night of Lights never disappoints, and it is most definitely a weekend to mark on your calendar. The name to this entry is a link to Mammoth's Web site and the Night of Lights page.Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-67643176183581234212012-02-07T21:11:00.000-08:002012-02-07T22:09:19.348-08:00Research Trip to Mammoth Mountain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwIYsjNRyHepocwkS-JE0ygaJ6YuIKvgnOUH5cinHop9RyzsI6sxW10CfA7uOkKcg-y9ekklyeLihTalhjuU165CXqYu2qw-A7EySow4oTyWjd7ip98s7kW-K-_X-HcmGlNudKOv51tjZ/s1600/P1.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwIYsjNRyHepocwkS-JE0ygaJ6YuIKvgnOUH5cinHop9RyzsI6sxW10CfA7uOkKcg-y9ekklyeLihTalhjuU165CXqYu2qw-A7EySow4oTyWjd7ip98s7kW-K-_X-HcmGlNudKOv51tjZ/s200/P1.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705905125297354050" /></a><br />So Mammoth called. Would our clients be interested in special group pricing for high-end accommodations at their mountain? Answer: Yes. Yes I would think so...but we're not exactly Mammoth-savvy. So they set up a trip and rolled out the red carpet. Actually they didn't - I told them I wanted to experience every little logistic and first impression that our clients would. That I did and it was pretty wonderful. I have to say, my threshold for inconvenience and poor planning is pretty low; <span style="font-weight:bold;">like our clients, I'm always busy and need services to work easily, people to be kind and extremely knowledgeable, and experiences to be fun and inspiring. I have to say, Mammoth was all of those things.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXLtiw46agqYoSFykz2cWZqIzF_m_LUHAT_DebvMbZNwWmPqgwyFjBydcJhsFNdo9U6JGdLZlctU7zyJu7EuV7sVTQh2aoQ1dYwdsb59dBuVnC5M9lx8V4zMJqRvg_s84WwBJnZ-zFEDB/s1600/Mammoth.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXLtiw46agqYoSFykz2cWZqIzF_m_LUHAT_DebvMbZNwWmPqgwyFjBydcJhsFNdo9U6JGdLZlctU7zyJu7EuV7sVTQh2aoQ1dYwdsb59dBuVnC5M9lx8V4zMJqRvg_s84WwBJnZ-zFEDB/s200/Mammoth.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705903839099289170" /></a><br /><br />2:05-3:05pm SFO (or SJC) to MMH. Mammoth Mountain here I come. Where is Mammoth? Tactically, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mammoth is a 1-hr flight and 10-minute shuttle - super easy. You're in the air for all of 33 minutes. </span>Financially, Mammoth is $132 round trip (inc. taxes, etc.) and geographically, it's still pretty close. <br /><br />Why go to Mammoth? It's got the most snow of any resort in California. And for <span style="font-weight:bold;">$435-$535 a person for our Special Trips on March 9-11 or 18-21,</span> you'll get air, lifts & nice accommodations to access all this:<br />• Over 3,100 vertical feet<br />• Over 3,500 skiable acres<br />• Over 150 named trails, 46 with snowmaking<br />• Top elevation: 11,053 feet<br />• Base elevation: 7,953 feet<br />• Average snowfall: 400 inches<br />• 28 lifts (includes 9 high speed quads, 2 high speed six-packs and 3 high speed gondolas)<br />• Terrain: 15% expert, 20% advanced, 40% intermediate, 25% beginner<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aEKaxtPpErIeyyafPi5mxLkJd5SpSBx-4eb8VIHX5Z2IphyGMy1L6gC8PcQw0liotM6f-9jwBPlAge73TJSdquTGOJocndYfmarBIBkyLmNqAuwoYsQcC2bvKP6shV0KUWlCrS1J1mQu/s1600/227_window.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aEKaxtPpErIeyyafPi5mxLkJd5SpSBx-4eb8VIHX5Z2IphyGMy1L6gC8PcQw0liotM6f-9jwBPlAge73TJSdquTGOJocndYfmarBIBkyLmNqAuwoYsQcC2bvKP6shV0KUWlCrS1J1mQu/s400/227_window.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705912255519506194" /></a><br />• Interactive Trail Map: http://www.mammothmountain.com/MountainActivities/MountainInformation/<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />How easy is it to get there, really?</span><br />I brought one roll-away suitcase and my "personal bag" which was actually a large canvas bag holding my snowboard boots, computer and purse...I could have packed some snow gear in there as well. (United flights out of SFO allow 1 carry-on and 1 personal item at no extra cost.) Your 1st checked bag is $25 - but <span style="font-weight:bold;">here's the secret:</span> that "one checked bag" can actually be 1 snowboard or up to 2 pairs of skis and associated equipment (in 1 bag) PLUS an additional boot bag. (Both bags are considered 1 checked piece). If you're traveling as a 2-some, and want to save a little coin, you can usually fit two sets of gear into this one bag (as long as its under 50lbs). <span style="font-weight:bold;">I am stunned that an airline has actually made this easy & inexpensive; go United.</span> You can always demo the latest & greatest; full ski/board rental packages are available at the mountain from $37-$72 per day. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr08Rx3HlccW2rnZHPQ9u3PYx3ls1V8BvCHxAL0Zfp50p5d6eyVdfJ8dlr__FLrqX-4iCh-fXz3-3IS_K-f4WNrCGCY37jwC93DgktmqHIj6wVUqlVbYJZpkpAAPLRWpMpeLYYN81GWTed/s1600/P4.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr08Rx3HlccW2rnZHPQ9u3PYx3ls1V8BvCHxAL0Zfp50p5d6eyVdfJ8dlr__FLrqX-4iCh-fXz3-3IS_K-f4WNrCGCY37jwC93DgktmqHIj6wVUqlVbYJZpkpAAPLRWpMpeLYYN81GWTed/s320/P4.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705911790891892946" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-MNOXEo3nxbHkMTU9H5ya2J_oSiu70G58STQ9Qx28Q74odEZkXggMEUN2SNx4skuU2MEdR1hYBgRjeKg_ouzB6pu7c7NeGwoKb2z6A_VzmlB1mgLSRs1_gJZIt0y5gv6QVo1zr4W8l8e/s1600/P5.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-MNOXEo3nxbHkMTU9H5ya2J_oSiu70G58STQ9Qx28Q74odEZkXggMEUN2SNx4skuU2MEdR1hYBgRjeKg_ouzB6pu7c7NeGwoKb2z6A_VzmlB1mgLSRs1_gJZIt0y5gv6QVo1zr4W8l8e/s320/P5.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705911328216852210" /></a><br /><br />As I boarded the plane, they kindly informed me that my rollaway was just a hair too wide for that particular plane and "tagged" it for me (french for no-cost checking) I picked it up on the tarmac as exited the jetway. Talk about hassle free! <br /><br />Touch down in Mammoth Mountain Lakes 1 hour after take-off from SFO, all of 33 minutes in the air. (Look at that jet against the mountains...and one guy sadly headed out who can't stay for the big snow dump due in 2 days.) My bag is there for me and four minutes later I'm on the free shuttle headed to the resort. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Village Lodge </span>(where you'll stay)<br />In less than 15 minutes, I'm at the front desk of the Village Lodge, and handed keys to the 1-bedroom condo where I'm greeted with wine, lift tickets and a white Mammoth ski hat, courtesy of my great Mammoth hosts Gunther & Knud.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQnxdEZyBqnituN38BtnWxL4kD62Q9sn4_HM1brOzXYf7ZBAUdoPdCveblv-1u2RPc1QZ78SnZEhzoH-tHTCa0YhFvy1ORUa0ICSmmDhyJ_HZ5_KgBceZ87mzySpbZqJkh8mG95_ge1MF/s1600/VillageInnLobby.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQnxdEZyBqnituN38BtnWxL4kD62Q9sn4_HM1brOzXYf7ZBAUdoPdCveblv-1u2RPc1QZ78SnZEhzoH-tHTCa0YhFvy1ORUa0ICSmmDhyJ_HZ5_KgBceZ87mzySpbZqJkh8mG95_ge1MF/s320/VillageInnLobby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706241802933293938" /></a><br /><br /><br />Beautiful front lobby at The Village Lodge<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEBk_MwHn8CsOlwxNd4bVn57DmpBU1Y1PUCRAP2QPAgwur4tdUCEL-0EhyphenhyphenANBVCrd-cAFsy6mSgXYyRIMlehywvrmR2SBOVuPYpFurckBh-xGvJUubsx7MxEVMO95niaaxMmf97ce_dzi/s1600/Gunther-Top+of+the+Sierras-2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEBk_MwHn8CsOlwxNd4bVn57DmpBU1Y1PUCRAP2QPAgwur4tdUCEL-0EhyphenhyphenANBVCrd-cAFsy6mSgXYyRIMlehywvrmR2SBOVuPYpFurckBh-xGvJUubsx7MxEVMO95niaaxMmf97ce_dzi/s320/Gunther-Top+of+the+Sierras-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706238525588276626" /></a><br /><br /> My host, Gunther, at the top of Mammoth Mountain <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1CAlZRK2nOdcc7BV5FMCT44RmWqTe6ymdqQQj_-Kk9HNamwtHpOxKrO8B1i5mF1tyuCzE6qx1kTbbxKua8pQYOY3qytlcfIsazz1gzNP-Tldfe8044WiaI8QAjcqq72cGBRQloTCKTBB/s1600/P7.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1CAlZRK2nOdcc7BV5FMCT44RmWqTe6ymdqQQj_-Kk9HNamwtHpOxKrO8B1i5mF1tyuCzE6qx1kTbbxKua8pQYOY3qytlcfIsazz1gzNP-Tldfe8044WiaI8QAjcqq72cGBRQloTCKTBB/s320/P7.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705914342837347682" /></a>The condo looks wonderful, with a fireplace and one of those great big ottomans that hold massive appetizers or a selection of tired feet. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxSKWbww1a8f82uiWzxoMXTp78_0O9UyVRXHvKDGRP0SWXsP2zfcYcN1UMAtYEZ8Ean6tlYGO1BD2C7VbBK2159raQAdIcx5hGvEaxMv6nIihfUKf_uDkxkv8scGTW4mWFA-V7c1R2lcS/s1600/P8.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxSKWbww1a8f82uiWzxoMXTp78_0O9UyVRXHvKDGRP0SWXsP2zfcYcN1UMAtYEZ8Ean6tlYGO1BD2C7VbBK2159raQAdIcx5hGvEaxMv6nIihfUKf_uDkxkv8scGTW4mWFA-V7c1R2lcS/s320/P8.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705914330632846642" /></a> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y19lrj6Cb5VINq9DPL8ufBoWTrjoEtdx_r5ittl_FBOdOFB6YE5aFwW8mLXQImlAIFy4NReteFzRHrcNDg80xqfpVRQdNb-cGnHXpGVBh_lZxUtzMzkqf3TPd1ET3aWx7CYgrYmbt3jR/s1600/P9.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y19lrj6Cb5VINq9DPL8ufBoWTrjoEtdx_r5ittl_FBOdOFB6YE5aFwW8mLXQImlAIFy4NReteFzRHrcNDg80xqfpVRQdNb-cGnHXpGVBh_lZxUtzMzkqf3TPd1ET3aWx7CYgrYmbt3jR/s320/P9.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705914335745228738" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The kitchen is surprisingly well stocked and plenty big enough to cook a dinner, should you decide to eat in. (Mammoth has a Safeway less than a 10 minute shuttle ride from the Village and smaller general store called the Busy Bee right there in the Village.) <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The bedroom isn't huge, but it's plenty big and manages to squeeze in enough storage for clothes & ski gear. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What's in The Village?</span><br />After such an arduous flight (!), I have plenty of energy to explore and even check out a couple of equipment rental places (yes, there are several). They're so friendly and easy; what a piece of cake. I decide to go for the full Demo Rental, as I have an old beginner board and I need to start experiencing other options; I might even buy the Demo if I love it. Not recalling my binding placement, I show Mr Rental a camera pic of my bindings and he's on it. (Thanks to the Endless Slope, I'm a pretty descent switch rider and feel strongly about not messing that up with inconsistent bindings.) I rent a GNU B-nice, explaining my level, goals, weight and that I like light, light, light please. (I have to say, I have a hard time engendering a lot of respect from most rental people. If I hear...one more time... "are you linking turns?" after explaining that I'm starting to ride expert runs, I will start throwing equipment.) <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Mammoth rental people are completely cool and super capable. They set me up beautifully.</span><br /><br />That evening, I'm hosted at Side Door wine bar by Knud Svendsen (pronounced Ka Newt), the VP of Sales and Revenue Management. He's been in hospitality for ages and has great stories to tell about managing hotels in Miami during the Scarface years and finally ending up at Mammoth, commuting to Reno where his family lives. <span style="font-weight:bold;">We discuss ways to share this unknown gem of Mammoth Mountain with the Bay Area population.</span> Mammoth continues to invest significantly in their lifts, terrain, lodging properties and restaurant amenities, as well as road and utility infrastructure. Their approach to the Bay Area at this point is simple relationship building and grass-roots programming. <span style="font-weight:bold;">So if you're reading this, and have suggestions - please post!</span><br />That night, it's a simple dinner of fajitias and margarita at Gomez's, followed by a long deep sleep.<br /><br />The next morning we meet Knud at Starbucks for oatmeal & coffee, to begin our tour of Mammoth. The 3 main lodge areas are Village Lodge, Mammoth Mountain Inn, and Juniper Springs Resort; plus the Tamarack Lodge and Resort with its Nordic skiing center. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Our Special March trips include the Village Lodge & Mammoth Mountain Inn.</span> Each property has its own unique appeal and all have their own restaurants, rentals and ski school facilities. The Village Lodge (where I'm staying...where you might stay) is the newest of the four properties and offers great amenities, with lots of restaurants and nightlife to choose from. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrWpeYZsemJYFD4WF3N6XCXQrdngjjzfOxTq93WP5AL796wExCJTkNH5jxyOxDgK17b7V4iH6Kf7thYZSrStPVXqtDubI80Jy9Wc-BCpExdNtg6wrqLijdLqDwcckFRXDoxqqWiOKgaMv/s1600/HydeLoungt-barjpg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrWpeYZsemJYFD4WF3N6XCXQrdngjjzfOxTq93WP5AL796wExCJTkNH5jxyOxDgK17b7V4iH6Kf7thYZSrStPVXqtDubI80Jy9Wc-BCpExdNtg6wrqLijdLqDwcckFRXDoxqqWiOKgaMv/s320/HydeLoungt-barjpg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706642308762256082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrNs7i_bXCVN2jJ8M8uW_WQiBeuQbVgs0ZVVECceykNPh2XvzloRaKsuVOZdV7LsggEKVCZGchnI4GsKuLvLt6eQffrPThx257lIdW3EMwFUPpfamPblr2Ce16g-Ffl9m3Jj-_SBVdgqn/s1600/HydeLounge.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrNs7i_bXCVN2jJ8M8uW_WQiBeuQbVgs0ZVVECceykNPh2XvzloRaKsuVOZdV7LsggEKVCZGchnI4GsKuLvLt6eQffrPThx257lIdW3EMwFUPpfamPblr2Ce16g-Ffl9m3Jj-_SBVdgqn/s320/HydeLounge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706642303107082978" /></a><br />And the newest of the new is the hip Hyde bar; they offer a full menu and cater to families early in the evening then roll up the carpet before the dj’s arrive to keep everyone dancing late. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Village Lodge is not quite steps from the snow, but rather a short staircase to the Village Gondola which transports you directly to Canyon Lodge. After the last run of the day you can take the Gondola back to the Village or try the new Village “ski-back trail” and ski all the way to your front door. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mammoth Mountain Inn</span> (where you might also stay)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ48un1H3rAmTA3OX4y8LQuuIvt_40p6I8JjIwbgQolSQN15V9frkyt9q_QV_O6o5qGHJmBMVAzhokWhERC8jJRG-mveR-Svmzyxx9EoRV0z1GMeNiom0EZU6iOHjcnCG5t3hYv96jMGkH/s1600/P10.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ48un1H3rAmTA3OX4y8LQuuIvt_40p6I8JjIwbgQolSQN15V9frkyt9q_QV_O6o5qGHJmBMVAzhokWhERC8jJRG-mveR-Svmzyxx9EoRV0z1GMeNiom0EZU6iOHjcnCG5t3hYv96jMGkH/s320/P10.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705917289063492962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ncr4Oq_K9dTUiR1GFiWqK4KMNs8XoW5MCGwQEFqc-GvQBrSMqBCy3paDU8quuP6lWxjQMFbujCZeUWaCuug2UqFNM1_uqiWwWbChPMDG_DJlckmJJGhyphenhyphen6rZLrdnXvuHf503MuOqwuzsg/s1600/P14.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ncr4Oq_K9dTUiR1GFiWqK4KMNs8XoW5MCGwQEFqc-GvQBrSMqBCy3paDU8quuP6lWxjQMFbujCZeUWaCuug2UqFNM1_uqiWwWbChPMDG_DJlckmJJGhyphenhyphen6rZLrdnXvuHf503MuOqwuzsg/s320/P14.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705918607301803426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmum1bAMN0Ys04m9O69IXVtPmRAmKHNIS3ukemaQBPVHv9OTQklG1_R9cChERqlUSDF_PpXGObWG44MTRzgTuEy3Ctbf61zNpV4HnLur1FMRYm2ia3wYTxgkqBgQeKkV7KPkUHAEWEOZs4/s1600/P12.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmum1bAMN0Ys04m9O69IXVtPmRAmKHNIS3ukemaQBPVHv9OTQklG1_R9cChERqlUSDF_PpXGObWG44MTRzgTuEy3Ctbf61zNpV4HnLur1FMRYm2ia3wYTxgkqBgQeKkV7KPkUHAEWEOZs4/s320/P12.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705917284792544130" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mammoth Mountain Inn offers more traditional hotel accommodations than the luxury condos at the Village Lodge <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />but with a large, great looking breakfast buffet room and light-filled bar overlooking the mountain. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mammoth Mountain Inn has childcare services and is right across the street from the Gondola and a couple of Express chairs, so it appeals to families with its convenience, but also provides an upscale feel. It's also across the street from the race center, so <span style="font-weight:bold;">the Yodeler bar is a good place to run into adrenaline junkies</span> with aggressive training schedules, an enormous amount of equipment, and strong thighs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Juniper Springs</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I3E0VhiaoVPxc_DFYq05ZHQMaUkTkXgmMyT8p8rbeTQ8mSRLr92BefQ7sI6jUPILU0QQd3Nd3SOJ8o-z7pq3lUwi3750wbK6QMMTe5dvg7DSAGbjzHJD5sEvM7hvqVLyIhCvT653y1TK/s1600/P13.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_I3E0VhiaoVPxc_DFYq05ZHQMaUkTkXgmMyT8p8rbeTQ8mSRLr92BefQ7sI6jUPILU0QQd3Nd3SOJ8o-z7pq3lUwi3750wbK6QMMTe5dvg7DSAGbjzHJD5sEvM7hvqVLyIhCvT653y1TK/s320/P13.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705917277262536002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVIgHP7-W56VwwT2Gh2qDAW9q9zzXTx8Pkr3rSg5KAIWFyOja6_MdJK9T5FuT7483mb6QJX7iFBFOG5oHaESk74qZoVOk5GwBCkroPmqqhgrMF9sgOxGDUfUbKpATJELBu2fFwln_P3OB/s1600/P15.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVIgHP7-W56VwwT2Gh2qDAW9q9zzXTx8Pkr3rSg5KAIWFyOja6_MdJK9T5FuT7483mb6QJX7iFBFOG5oHaESk74qZoVOk5GwBCkroPmqqhgrMF9sgOxGDUfUbKpATJELBu2fFwln_P3OB/s320/P15.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705917272090923602" /></a><br />The 3rd of the slopeside "local" properties is Juniper Springs Resort, at Eagle Lodge/Chair 15. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZklXihzV0cDs9dQyRks8CR5LeP9cO97tbXwssPP5xcohPhADIqwDgoMJKy8Dm80BTKI345FMIGVKlNtM0SJLdm1oiki6sumMDevhzoc0-Y6Hkh7qjXE2m2BmJoF9sgNko_daq3Kqf3bA/s1600/P18.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZklXihzV0cDs9dQyRks8CR5LeP9cO97tbXwssPP5xcohPhADIqwDgoMJKy8Dm80BTKI345FMIGVKlNtM0SJLdm1oiki6sumMDevhzoc0-Y6Hkh7qjXE2m2BmJoF9sgNko_daq3Kqf3bA/s320/P18.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705919971097510130" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This property appeals to families and the more leisurely crowd offering great access to the mountain, and spectacular views without the high-energy vibe of the Village. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Like the Village Lodge, Juniper Springs Resort is all condos for all sizes of groups, and offers a large outdoor area with firepit, two BBQs and several pools. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAWRe3DsWn4lIvIE4pxOUYPpy7katBtEYFTN1l59VuosYM03K3KTkUzAxyCesiZY6moEADee7jaQLSBhAEtz8XtHTgE_c4c8p_uLgHy5AmuvG-AWcIkZjMnKhxNRQBsqzXArlwx9_4g8y/s1600/P17.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAWRe3DsWn4lIvIE4pxOUYPpy7katBtEYFTN1l59VuosYM03K3KTkUzAxyCesiZY6moEADee7jaQLSBhAEtz8XtHTgE_c4c8p_uLgHy5AmuvG-AWcIkZjMnKhxNRQBsqzXArlwx9_4g8y/s320/P17.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705922362092978338" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmqQIOKx0Jd0gXtLV6G8k3SItCpITIrNGuXoSHpEgrJQfrZDmesoVfgLuO39StRVENcOA8-ut2z9XOr954a9D_m0-0a8IVpgWmg4MOkEjdDUvr7KTSrqiwAKRJ3LtloPhwErfOdX2_J0A/s1600/P16.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmqQIOKx0Jd0gXtLV6G8k3SItCpITIrNGuXoSHpEgrJQfrZDmesoVfgLuO39StRVENcOA8-ut2z9XOr954a9D_m0-0a8IVpgWmg4MOkEjdDUvr7KTSrqiwAKRJ3LtloPhwErfOdX2_J0A/s320/P16.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705922361061386242" /></a><br /><br />At the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Eagle Lodge</span>, the open dining & bar area is a bit less refined, but with everything from ticket sales, sports store, restaurant and kids-care area under one room, it's a pretty efficient operation <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF93S4qVMo90a9R7F6hS918mieSREfmK8k5A0f9rdpZSlgE30VG_7kVQ7rlUPSZdr4gkn0Phpp077W4yw0yUllzcHHZyo74qKlsvg8d5CCt4_kOaeGR145NUqhggsebgSVHLwtwFWOOT5A/s1600/P19.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF93S4qVMo90a9R7F6hS918mieSREfmK8k5A0f9rdpZSlgE30VG_7kVQ7rlUPSZdr4gkn0Phpp077W4yw0yUllzcHHZyo74qKlsvg8d5CCt4_kOaeGR145NUqhggsebgSVHLwtwFWOOT5A/s320/P19.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705921665098841714" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tamarak Lodge</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe79zapB9V8q5AqFq-FSX8PvciW05qDDQdvbdq40z_8eRdoVnqBiK2GBwxYnFt_opqaPTTSIxH7oa5-AbjHngCKqrAYg8p7JXUKatw0nrHzpUm2yUChf9AYW2dUOUZSIHPxqDpTWgsL3g/s1600/p20.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe79zapB9V8q5AqFq-FSX8PvciW05qDDQdvbdq40z_8eRdoVnqBiK2GBwxYnFt_opqaPTTSIxH7oa5-AbjHngCKqrAYg8p7JXUKatw0nrHzpUm2yUChf9AYW2dUOUZSIHPxqDpTWgsL3g/s320/p20.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705924123005361186" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8T61ysek4BqdiscC_jb3wLscSr-6CNS0I0qkd_wT7fWweNZiUit1cnbebjiE5Rbyf5BYvzntTyXmV6cpw3GfDDO-DseOunKp-_lQ3NaR4I2kWnmb5hzUCNzSDUlOdXwne7BlOrTrnRTE/s1600/p23.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8T61ysek4BqdiscC_jb3wLscSr-6CNS0I0qkd_wT7fWweNZiUit1cnbebjiE5Rbyf5BYvzntTyXmV6cpw3GfDDO-DseOunKp-_lQ3NaR4I2kWnmb5hzUCNzSDUlOdXwne7BlOrTrnRTE/s320/p23.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705924622586430658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxFcGU5mjQN4SPyBK2ZTsVzT7CH1CDHLIfPr22lDYnuTtTAjCC0j35vBXf-paYZalfTOa-kxbZxeY_VfdgzI4NwEzopzVxtsr97hMVX2a0RmZaDmYVM_8x8CMzKkljPiVhCgAv3UmXBqy/s1600/p21.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxFcGU5mjQN4SPyBK2ZTsVzT7CH1CDHLIfPr22lDYnuTtTAjCC0j35vBXf-paYZalfTOa-kxbZxeY_VfdgzI4NwEzopzVxtsr97hMVX2a0RmZaDmYVM_8x8CMzKkljPiVhCgAv3UmXBqy/s320/p21.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705924616101016162" /></a><br />The last lodging and recreation area we saw was the most unique. Built in 1924, the Main Lodge and 35 surrounding cabins are complimented by the amazing Lakefront Restaurant. This is the home of Nordic skiing, snow shoeing, lots of summer mountain biking, fishing, and of course a fabulous restaurant (do make a reservation - it's that special...yet completely unpretentious). At the Tamarak Lodge, there are individual rooms, as well as small and large cabins available for rent for a group get-away or Board retreat. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And if you'd like to Tube, they have a lovely little area near Tamarak Lodge for that, complete with bonfires and the required hot libations. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg1xEw4fG9UT4M_OEyMKCwcphd60qKnMJSRSc2gmLuaXLeBJvUCe36zNPpIKB1VbSAIQtg_kNeyIeSOlFWsxaUq4hl2zch9o4sxxOJVzGBOkRMt1gY4fLJ_F7j0Vp5BTkXaJCK1eGlFKp/s1600/p24.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzg1xEw4fG9UT4M_OEyMKCwcphd60qKnMJSRSc2gmLuaXLeBJvUCe36zNPpIKB1VbSAIQtg_kNeyIeSOlFWsxaUq4hl2zch9o4sxxOJVzGBOkRMt1gY4fLJ_F7j0Vp5BTkXaJCK1eGlFKp/s320/p24.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705925476671300338" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjJtqSDIcnHdw2AmlZW5ebEOoLgnxvhuqR1igQNpR0VCQncP5M85bXbzm5Qtgresd0FouEtEJ6Mt3e_NGo0Ieo7vnWH92Gp6ikXuxE0cmfLIpkLsKfVjtOact-apqmTyQpJp6ZZDj73ju/s1600/p25.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjJtqSDIcnHdw2AmlZW5ebEOoLgnxvhuqR1igQNpR0VCQncP5M85bXbzm5Qtgresd0FouEtEJ6Mt3e_NGo0Ieo7vnWH92Gp6ikXuxE0cmfLIpkLsKfVjtOact-apqmTyQpJp6ZZDj73ju/s320/p25.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705925486079845954" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP_PCnQIPF_0m-VCEB30N1_Dl3FC2O7pswu5TCCUkOKvqUMzkn0yU_ZIG_2aQyPu82-3yDcyufDUCcWJ_lbLSNVjCSLF1Tw4P9hFehbzmYBTdNtrHLh8Jz9bxjeFGTUdDu8HpfmBoNfM4/s1600/P26.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP_PCnQIPF_0m-VCEB30N1_Dl3FC2O7pswu5TCCUkOKvqUMzkn0yU_ZIG_2aQyPu82-3yDcyufDUCcWJ_lbLSNVjCSLF1Tw4P9hFehbzmYBTdNtrHLh8Jz9bxjeFGTUdDu8HpfmBoNfM4/s320/P26.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705927656935475074" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />But ENOUGH about the amenities - <span style="font-weight:bold;">what about the MOUNTAIN?!</span> Yes - we got the full reality there as well. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon, before the big dump Thursday night. This was perfect really, because we got to see both sides of Mammoth's performance. Pre-dump, we found that Mammoth is pretty aggressive on the snow-making and the snow looks pretty good and lasts well due to the elevation. This is what we found Thursday morning, before Mammoth got any snowfall this season at all. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Also handy if you need a big halfpipe.... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JyzSNVslNUHznae-rxzdtYaPZEUbiaQd2fgyQcqGan_YkoXKrqs_nXrNzF1buixbPsYcJW95bYYjA5U3GXiehY-LC85_9VePXrmyKYqW37gaGUv9VjkIa3PA5P42nT5vSH8bn57AIder/s1600/p27.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JyzSNVslNUHznae-rxzdtYaPZEUbiaQd2fgyQcqGan_YkoXKrqs_nXrNzF1buixbPsYcJW95bYYjA5U3GXiehY-LC85_9VePXrmyKYqW37gaGUv9VjkIa3PA5P42nT5vSH8bn57AIder/s320/p27.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705928499490895730" /></a><br /><br />After the big snowfall, we had plenty to work with, and I also got to witness how the lift team knocks themselves out to get lifts open even in the very snowy conditions we had on Friday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7BCb9rRu0u4WnzJhOltKp1eIMc1c6UCgt1SmAxzI06pSkr9lRf2z7nl3IVSZUANQMYUkfGRrdsz_uiNptlM8pS8i5Qf6XhKRW30NnTcv6Tp-0nYB0ZnVI5c3hepnQlLe1071QrvUCCjT/s1600/p30.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7BCb9rRu0u4WnzJhOltKp1eIMc1c6UCgt1SmAxzI06pSkr9lRf2z7nl3IVSZUANQMYUkfGRrdsz_uiNptlM8pS8i5Qf6XhKRW30NnTcv6Tp-0nYB0ZnVI5c3hepnQlLe1071QrvUCCjT/s320/p30.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705929370748313714" /></a><br /><br />Couldn't be happier - it was 3 fantastic days at a resort I encourage everyone to try. Here I am masking my sadness at heading home...but thinking about the next trip already. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3IvkZYYRZ6As0KjHWQMAvt_0V3o9z3Z4CWxoy-wjkefur5aMz1sEL91b-f0ghHya7fwohZEaxC57W3bKlGWMDa6kKXRlo2V2YmBjUUJrmAHul9WVcVVe1Eqwf4DtyEGJhxNra-aVoSNS/s1600/p29.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3IvkZYYRZ6As0KjHWQMAvt_0V3o9z3Z4CWxoy-wjkefur5aMz1sEL91b-f0ghHya7fwohZEaxC57W3bKlGWMDa6kKXRlo2V2YmBjUUJrmAHul9WVcVVe1Eqwf4DtyEGJhxNra-aVoSNS/s320/p29.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705928515225089826" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What about the Snow?!</span><br />So important this season. Since Mammoth's base elevation (8,909') is about the same as Squaw's top (8900') and higher than NorthStar's top (8,610), they do get more snow more frequently. And they get it earlier and later. Their season is typically Nov 7 - July 4th. (those fantastic flights run Dec to April though...so you'll need to do the 6 hour drive for summer skiing). Also because they're higher, the snow tends to be lighter and last longer. <br /><br />Personally, I'm also thinking about an April trip when all their demo gear goes on sale for 1/2 price. (Remember when people would "pay" for their European trips by buying their Mercedes in Germany...it's soooort of like that.) Half price on high-end gear for your bindings, boots, skis/board could save you about $400. But I digress.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I'm Ready - Sign me UP</span><br />Here are the details on our TWO trips - we do need a total of 20-25 people on each trip to get this great pricing. So we'll be taking reservations for any size group (although 2-somes and 4-somes are best as prices are for 4 in each condo). And your card will not be charged until our group size is confirmed. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi031iwvpbwI2nEyjmz6ps19IL6xcjyC2fkQe6DMZSbcHtLJZFsfo5_Rm9ROYSxt016eNTmjCYLzMlwnPsY92iigU3JllGx48GyQogCLMHt5TMsJhlnkDt0-vCrYebERd1s2Q3c6tK2mk3C/s1600/mm.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi031iwvpbwI2nEyjmz6ps19IL6xcjyC2fkQe6DMZSbcHtLJZFsfo5_Rm9ROYSxt016eNTmjCYLzMlwnPsY92iigU3JllGx48GyQogCLMHt5TMsJhlnkDt0-vCrYebERd1s2Q3c6tK2mk3C/s200/mm.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705930152279932370" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Special Mammoth Trips</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">$435-$535 </span>(per person)<br />Inc. air, lifts, accommodations at the luxurious <span style="font-weight:bold;">Village Lodge</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Trip Dates:</span><br />• March 9-11: Fri-Sun, 2 days & nights<br />• March 18-21: Wed-Fri, 3 days & nights<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1-bedroom or studio condos</span><br />With fireplace, kitchen and dining room. Enjoy heated pool, 5 hot tubs, direct gondola access, in the heart of the Village.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Travel to this Conde Naste Top 50 Resort in a 1-hour flight & 10-min shuttle</span><br /><br /><br />*Minimum 10 rooms or 25 people required per trip.<br />4 people per Studio or 1BR condo. <br />Reservations & deposit completed 10-days prior. <br />Airfare self-reserved or via Mammoth 800#.<br />(Lower price rooms in Mammoth Mtn Inn also available.) <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">adventurous.com 415-397-7678</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">the FAQ</span><br />1. Can we do 2 to a condo instead of 4? Yes, the price does change, so drop us an email at info@adventurous.com and we'll email your price options for various accomodations.<br /><br />2. We have kids, does the price change? Yes, lift tickets are less so your price is less. Just email info@adventurous.com and we'll respond with your pricing.<br /><br />3. We have miles on United, can we use them? Yes, we don't actually make the flight reservations since it's so simple to make them on www.united.com (SFO or SJC -->MMH). We've included the flight cost in the total price so you can see your whole trip cost, but Adventurous Sports will only be charging one price for the lifts & accommodations.<br /><br />4. Can we arrive earlier or stay later? Yes, the group-scenario is only to secure this special pricing. You can add nights & lift days as you wish. We can make those arrangements for you.Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-50331449889843276992012-02-07T20:29:00.000-08:002012-02-07T21:08:57.905-08:00A World Champion's Ski Deck<span style="font-weight:bold;">January 4th, 2012</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A28fW5dcyBuF173SxPz4vAUpyiDFoeotybbVYM832jmiP7bQ3IlvZqTUwheM-HHUA64a4aCoRuXamFyIzZkUOpB_XX4YCZaz4eGIe367V4C-kADyrQPH3RBjzYLr75DYA5jVY4pjRC4S/s1600/P1.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7A28fW5dcyBuF173SxPz4vAUpyiDFoeotybbVYM832jmiP7bQ3IlvZqTUwheM-HHUA64a4aCoRuXamFyIzZkUOpB_XX4YCZaz4eGIe367V4C-kADyrQPH3RBjzYLr75DYA5jVY4pjRC4S/s320/P1.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706621431942184706" /></a><br />Bob Howard's ski deck is For Sale. This is 3-time World Freestyle Champion Bob Howard (who also credits ski deck training for that status). The deck is a beast, and I mean that in the very best way. It's total length is 92' (including the extended top deck & carpet runout) and 12' wide. Instructors can even stand on these big side wings right next to their students, as Kris Buttenberg does here (Right) in coaching ski instructor Barbara Barry.<br /><br />And what a legacy - this deck has been around the country demoing trick skiing for Volvo tours, welcomed a new President and served clients up in Marin at a huge center that included 3 trampolines. Tight seam stitching, beautiful carpet and completely mobile, I'm in love.<br /><br />Of course, in its current incarnation it's too big for the Studio and we'd need to get a new variable speed motor. But here's my chance to drive up to Reno and take her for a ride. 4 hrs, 10 min later, I pull up. And she's a beauty. I can't wait to get on! I scurry to get my boots on and approach the deck. But it's at a temporary location here, so no easy stairs to get up on The Beast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNltNQqyt4nCncYizGVpyAbP7IAuCygIADKE-KkjYgvmvRwgTvgAfcTUOZ_nCGt5XCCVMtNLlXtR7naYQiZ5pBJH3aBwxigLwG8mDWhhhjhwhGWIFmmGJ_1q4eVt6MOxyUuE5Erp7h5dL/s1600/P2.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNltNQqyt4nCncYizGVpyAbP7IAuCygIADKE-KkjYgvmvRwgTvgAfcTUOZ_nCGt5XCCVMtNLlXtR7naYQiZ5pBJH3aBwxigLwG8mDWhhhjhwhGWIFmmGJ_1q4eVt6MOxyUuE5Erp7h5dL/s320/P2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706622892371616514" /></a><br /><br /> I hesitate and Bob just grabs me and lifts me up onto the deck. I put my board on as elegantly as possible.<br /><br /><br />One, Two, Three GO! That's how Bob lets you know he going to start it up and you better be steady & ready. This deck doesn't have a variable-speed motor, which we'd install if we brought it to San Francisco. So that baby goes from OFF to ON HIGH. <br /><br />I get to try both skiing and boarding, although not as aggressively as I'd hoped. Honestly, I was planning to be impressive - flying all over the deck, maybe a few 360s. Seriously, I am capable of that. But it was not to be - I had to be Cautious & Careful. Since I didn't want to go flying off the deck onto the...driveway it was on at the time. And there's no back bar yet, so fly off I would, as apparently the pros who use this deck to practice regularly do. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVZQ74UoMeV-fofUSht0GnO7tPjfpYqe_QnK-H-qIUqjwgOq9CgGJsFBREW0YYeegcJtAUeeCls_XDtRkOv47ziHxN7gPUWt18k37WA170XccIPbAsgRXzFk3rGOvw1pKJROh79po-H-w/s1600/p3.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVZQ74UoMeV-fofUSht0GnO7tPjfpYqe_QnK-H-qIUqjwgOq9CgGJsFBREW0YYeegcJtAUeeCls_XDtRkOv47ziHxN7gPUWt18k37WA170XccIPbAsgRXzFk3rGOvw1pKJROh79po-H-w/s320/p3.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706624495686782690" /></a><br /><br />And since the front bar wasn't set up, Bob steadies me with ski poles. Bob claims he is impressed with my stamina as I'm skiing forever. (Well, what else was he going to say? He couldn't exactly compliment my technique, I was so worried about flying off. And worried I would have to explain breaking a leg on an Endless Slope - now how would that look?) <br /><br />But even with all the caution, it was just super fun. You could float up to the top and take several turns down. So freeing to have all that room. Maybe it was that stunning blue sky and sunny Reno day in January, but I was hooked.<br />Now it's time to work on the specs and try to squeeze it into my San Francisco Studio. Wish me luck!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujjXoZwfQqaG_jXQjafUAyWKnsT3R3h9R406w-QhJZ23IK8MnwnLuhatZZ-x7l_jswp0wWdwg4_vkRPC56kFYQH8Q32KRpWA_c4z_QQBP2LbLOXjtgeFFJ5XafjEbMuyYSQfwbsXcMRig/s1600/p4.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujjXoZwfQqaG_jXQjafUAyWKnsT3R3h9R406w-QhJZ23IK8MnwnLuhatZZ-x7l_jswp0wWdwg4_vkRPC56kFYQH8Q32KRpWA_c4z_QQBP2LbLOXjtgeFFJ5XafjEbMuyYSQfwbsXcMRig/s320/p4.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706625236915798514" /></a>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-59913610270830001202011-05-19T12:01:00.000-07:002011-05-19T12:34:38.543-07:00How Not to wakeboard in Cabo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8SEdV8R9VibU5qtLGGkXck-Bnq6p4pbnXZxyG-jIwH18CjLvFJthhLjNrFindLrmSvw3_eDZ4gDPKaJ5kh4ZWfb_eAA44hGCHzLatEdfx-ckGkFUfXTFaPIlpAcHRny5Yv5ZkbRUoiv7/s1600/HappyAfter.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8SEdV8R9VibU5qtLGGkXck-Bnq6p4pbnXZxyG-jIwH18CjLvFJthhLjNrFindLrmSvw3_eDZ4gDPKaJ5kh4ZWfb_eAA44hGCHzLatEdfx-ckGkFUfXTFaPIlpAcHRny5Yv5ZkbRUoiv7/s200/HappyAfter.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608506470413568354" /></a><br />When our friends invited us down to their chic vacation club resort in Cabo, they said "and there's free wakeboarding!" They had me at wakeboarding; free not so much. You don't want things too low-end to create broad access...on the other hand, it could be a good sign. Means they have lots of staff and equipment that go out frequently. Then it became,<b> "oh wait, not wakeboarding. Maybe it was waterboarding."</b> After some discussion of warfare legalities, we determined it was neither the wake nor the water, but stand-up paddleboarding. Fun yes, but not the wakeboarding of my desperate heart's desire.<br /><br />You see, I hadn't been behind a boat for 8 years. I sold my competition MasterCraft ski boat when Shane was born, realizing that we might spend his youth skiing, but would not be dragging him on a ski boat anytime soon. <b> So I was desperate to wakeboard, to prove I still had it, to rip behind a boat again. Yes, I was completely overinvested in this wakeboarding.</b> <br />We researched it before leaving and found the website of a clearly fly-by-night operation who would tell you the beach location *after* you booked with them. My needs high and standards low, I booked immediately. Packed my board & vest and found out United charges only $35 to check. My barriers continued to plummet toward the core of the earth.<br /><br />Once in Cabo, I got a friendly email from the fly-by-night activity website admitting that they actually did not have a wakeboard operator and could give me a refund. Undaunted - and unsurprised - I prepared myself to hit Mendono Beach (the crazy, busy, touristy place in Cabo) and beg anyone with a big motor to take me out. And that's pretty much how it went.<br />We wound our way through busy Mendano to dead ends and policemen directing us to go anywhere-but-here, finally locating the valet parking run by The Office. The Office restaurant is this mecca that will actually provide a relaxing, shady, delicious lunch and massive margarita, accompanied by a million fellow diners; however, and this is key, <b> unless you want to participate in a wet T-shirt contest, bikini jump rope or other activities I'm pretty sure don't happen at the Ted conference, you should NOT go there at night.</b> But The Office is at Mendono beach and Mendono beach has lot of motorized boats and that was my target.<br /><br />Carrying my wakeboard bag, I ask the old man at the booth "how much to take me out?" $70. Too much. We head to the beach. Amid the throngs of jewelry sellers, people boarding glass-bottomed boats, tourists arriving off the three massive cruise ships, and many fathers & kids on rented jetskis, my friends find a slightly organized-looking team of guys clad in yellow rash guards. <b> "how much to take her out?" $60 and they point to the boat. This is no ski boat, it's a fishing boat. </b> There's no easy way to get in or out. I know I'll have to put my board on in the boat and get someone to throw me in, literally...but, I conclude this is it, my only option. We take it and I'm directed to the same old man to pay.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALkduegTgWqZC-kagXqSnlccz4u0hQiAOl5BvdmKK6jXWxOyC2YwV-3MsrdnfVqwy7JUP8T56jncA_1jES_lwjBbkW_L34RVWLJPu8AP2ja4w41xVZTWr_Ys_CIe9Ph0JhsqVcGomQ0Rv/s1600/VestOn.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALkduegTgWqZC-kagXqSnlccz4u0hQiAOl5BvdmKK6jXWxOyC2YwV-3MsrdnfVqwy7JUP8T56jncA_1jES_lwjBbkW_L34RVWLJPu8AP2ja4w41xVZTWr_Ys_CIe9Ph0JhsqVcGomQ0Rv/s200/VestOn.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608506828840853186" /></a><br /><br /><br />Before I can change my mind, I get my vest on, grab the board and remember the PAM cooking spray. (I figured they wouldn't have foot lube and I'd need it to spray the bindings; I was right.) Adrenaline pumping, I head into the water and at waist-high hand my board to the boat driver and <b> find a way to fling my body over the rail and into the vessel. </b> He introduces himself as Max; I am too concerned about other variables to question the likelihood that this is really his name. He starts the motor as I look around . "Where is the handle?" <b> He gets on the radio to find a boat with a handle. Oh my. </b> We start puttering around the Bay in search of a handle. I'm picturing my option of gripping fishing lines and finishing my outing w/ rope burns. We start bobbing around, waiting for a handle to drop from heaven. I am not good w/ bobbing around. Just as I'm briefly considering mission-abandonment, a voice on the radio announces handle availability. We head over and get the handle.<br />Fortunately, Max is a good guy and makes me feel comfortable. We find a spot with a sliver of water between cruise ships and tourist boat channels. Knowing I will not have the energy to put on my board in the water and actually get up (it's been 8 years, people), I tell him I have to put the board on first. Max is nothing if not agreeable. <b> I apply my handy cooking spray, slide into my bindings (hello happy memories) and inform Max that he'll have to lift the board over the railing while I try to do the same with my body. </b> We pull this off and I plummet in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5tF7MIBnhSOvRSJ794AoLSiZgrxnvq1M6eXgKm5EW82wFyZm6kGf9QEq7eylM97gX4PUiNyv5cExF8hTovlDLZ42kIUT2Cxj2_CDuWrPSMtXgDmDqA_aiYvTVeBsDGw9MP8z5-oo1S4F/s1600/MiddleOfBoats-crop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5tF7MIBnhSOvRSJ794AoLSiZgrxnvq1M6eXgKm5EW82wFyZm6kGf9QEq7eylM97gX4PUiNyv5cExF8hTovlDLZ42kIUT2Cxj2_CDuWrPSMtXgDmDqA_aiYvTVeBsDGw9MP8z5-oo1S4F/s320/MiddleOfBoats-crop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608509494607247506" /></a><br /> See the dot in the water, in front of the cruise ship? That dot is me.<br /><br />I ask Max to idle out first to get the rope taut so I can get some pressure against the board and then I'll yell Go. I have no idea what he understands and <b> pray that my arms will not be ripped out of their sockets.</b> Mostly, I want the boat to start and me to be pulled up....now.<br />Max is a dream. I'm pulled up smoothly and easily. (I get up! Hello, Hello, Hello happy memories). <b> And the mogul-jumping through the wildly choppy water of Mendono Beach begins.</b> Wow. Oh my legs. It's like a constant fight just to stay up, but it's also wildly fun. I don't try crossing the wake. I don't jump the wake. I don't do anything but fight to stay up. Soon after, I give the neck-slicing sign to let him know I need to sink into the water to catch my breath.<br /><br />Panting, but delighted to release my thighs from their death-fight, I hang out for a few minutes of breathing and then tell Max I'm ready for another go. Another great pull from Max and I'm up. I manage to do a little carving and contemplate how much longer I should stay out. In the past, I've completely destroyed any energy reserves for the entire day by staying up a little too long...<b> slithering back into the boat and behaving like a jellyfish</b> on what was supposed to be a lively social outing. So I decided I'd better save a little for the boat ride to The Arch....like I could have lasted 10 more seconds anyway. I was so spent, so fast. <br />Forgetting about my plan to toss the rope and go sailing toward the beach to show off for my heroic and patient friends, I make one last carve and sink into the water. Exhausted and wildly happy.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclzP05PJSnpb7hpUwKOVws52ZYG0to7dtKJNIZnwUS-F8k7tgVmeeKjki3D_cLubassD7FylqZcAYdC6UYE9wtLhxXCx8tEkH-46tNEPwLZn14Nd-b_TNxWCUL5fS9vqMqzIaFkf0v4OF/s1600/HeadingOutWPAM.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclzP05PJSnpb7hpUwKOVws52ZYG0to7dtKJNIZnwUS-F8k7tgVmeeKjki3D_cLubassD7FylqZcAYdC6UYE9wtLhxXCx8tEkH-46tNEPwLZn14Nd-b_TNxWCUL5fS9vqMqzIaFkf0v4OF/s200/HeadingOutWPAM.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608511879879204434" /></a>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-89619099063575684022010-08-09T18:38:00.000-07:002010-08-10T11:51:53.943-07:00The best crazy Idea I've had...yet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEire3w9mkpZP9PYQyTeUvuw3mHwzj0Fa1PfKIsbSJb3d43hr9nNmwM2mw4rp4TJuW23yB1zXgCwkrMGd_D6b4zvGOLO6UT7zCZPHPaJI5-PPegowkCAHcVRQoWFMKNVkg5h03lrt8L8Iq3q/s1600/Pushy-oval.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEire3w9mkpZP9PYQyTeUvuw3mHwzj0Fa1PfKIsbSJb3d43hr9nNmwM2mw4rp4TJuW23yB1zXgCwkrMGd_D6b4zvGOLO6UT7zCZPHPaJI5-PPegowkCAHcVRQoWFMKNVkg5h03lrt8L8Iq3q/s320/Pushy-oval.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503849061812419266" /></a><br />So says Lori Wallerstein about her decision to buy a boat with no boating experience, and ultimately come to live aboard her beloved trawler named Pushy Broad in Alameda. <br /><br /><br />Pushy Broad may be feisty, but she's also a very pretty girl. As you can see, her Detroit Diesel ( a la motor city) is complemented by velvet upholstery, a very inviting sunny deck and a fantastic view from the main salon- even if you're 4'11.75", like Lori. A boat is one place being undersized comes in handy. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP15l_xilpfCMIcoWOj3Fpf59QA4GmnhDyFzuf4IRea9TKmzxtcpxxIZ0iThqTUjSBjbYzZHVlpD7oGWpatBFi6GnK5GnCY442vMFsaRBpCCjIImZpKAfMomgIWhvQWTm7BXfUDbBH-pfL/s1600/kitchen-cropsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP15l_xilpfCMIcoWOj3Fpf59QA4GmnhDyFzuf4IRea9TKmzxtcpxxIZ0iThqTUjSBjbYzZHVlpD7oGWpatBFi6GnK5GnCY442vMFsaRBpCCjIImZpKAfMomgIWhvQWTm7BXfUDbBH-pfL/s200/kitchen-cropsized.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503853297077110674" /></a><br /><br />She even has her own dingy, which to the unknowing sounds rather torrid, but in fact its another word for inflatable boat. One thing about the nomenclature of boats, that Lori explained: everything sounds like male anatomy. Seacocks are valves. Head is toilet (where you put your butt). In the dinghy, I got a full tour of her neighborhood. I saw some 60' serious yachts and even a double masted beauty with some exquisite woodgrain. At the end, I felt like I had been on an actual, relaxing vacation.<br /><br />So Lori, who is an employment and business lawyer, started this voyage as a cab driver to pay for law school. Of course she did - she also lived in a Kibbutz in Israel, survived a bomb in Ireland during the Troubles, and lived in Paris as an au pair for communists and an au pair in Spain for fascists. She will tell you that the communists were much nicer. If you're going to be exploited, definitely go with the communists. She visited 12 countries by the time she was 21 years old. She claims she was only looking for Brooklyn and had no sense of direction. I've seen her drive and there may be something to that. But we'll remain state-side for this story. <br /><br />Cab days in Sausalito triggered the original dream of owning a lovely houseboat, until the sticker price squashed that brilliant musing. Budget aside, the seed was sown. 20 years later, following a date that was not eventful but at a restaurant marina that was, she wondered, while staring into space at the boats in the marina rather than her date ."do people sell boats on CraigsList?" Hmmm. Yes, they do. Hmmm. "I wonder, do people finance boats?" Yes, they do. Two weeks later, she was given the keys to what is now Pushy Broad. Unfortunately, she had no idea how to turn it on. A small detail. The boat angels were with her however and Lori met a couple, on their honeymoon at the Delta, on their boat who happen to have more experience (not a high bar mind you). Feeling gracious toward the universe in general, they took a liking to Lori (or pity) and suggested they accompany her to coach the new boat-owner on her trip down the Delta to her new slip in Alameda. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYnfwoPLr_5e8lTairyIG7gyT9iSh96-7oDAj1iZCuasJUfLdBSZQaJWA0bwIQp3GUimI1lZ4BIr8maXM5w5zToQj3f0dLQz_AQ_HCG2HryOq7iIr7ibkhVwbekHV2ycRRYLSqFvrl3R0/s1600/LoriCropped.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 177px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYnfwoPLr_5e8lTairyIG7gyT9iSh96-7oDAj1iZCuasJUfLdBSZQaJWA0bwIQp3GUimI1lZ4BIr8maXM5w5zToQj3f0dLQz_AQ_HCG2HryOq7iIr7ibkhVwbekHV2ycRRYLSqFvrl3R0/s200/LoriCropped.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503855586000610578" /></a><br /><br />The 9 hour trip was full of teachable moments including the lesson that sailboats have right of way, even if there are 50 of them coming at you. Lori was not pleased at this rule at the time and believes, like a car, a "New Boat Driver" sign, should be available. <br /><br />Because her height, and that of the boat's, was not conducive to say, seeing the water, Lori was forced to stand on top of a coffee table at the lower helm to steer her new 16,000 pound baby ( she's 4'11.75" tall, remember And she emphasizes the .75). With instructions, coaching and emotional support from Alexus and Deb they made it. Safe and sound.<br /><br />Three years have almost passed and Lori no longer asks whether that one-foot wave is going to make the boat tip over, a question she posed to anyone, including the seals, that would listen. <br /><br />And now Lori has been a live-aboard for 3 years in Alameda. Cruised throughout the Bay to Benicia and Angel Island, and gives her friends the tour of a lifetime. She runs her employment law practice (www.wallersteinlawgroup.com) mostly from her office in downtown San Francisco and takes lucky clients out for meeting on the Bay. Seriously, I'd pay handsomely for a consultation in that sunny, waterside conference room. She says living on a boat is a little like being in a foreign country without having to get a dozen shots. There simply is not a better life, she says. She has developed OBD--Obsessional Boat Disorder and refuses to recover.Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-5400668450997539302010-07-25T16:42:00.000-07:002010-08-12T17:37:37.786-07:00The epic saga of a Build-OutWhat is a build-out? It's when you finally, after many years, find the perfect space and the realtor says, "But you have to build it out." You get a cement shell, a front door and that's it. No electricity (how do they plug in the paint sprayer?), no water (where does the electrician go to the bathroom?) and no lighting (how do you judge paint colors?). Just a whole bunch 'o dust and dreams.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WHYylvvXVz4t2lOY7v8UcaBDQmUCKfJHt6jwUnNBy4IBkw3KclxUZSUmE0PasUTlymdSIXeC-ES3FoNnMQ00SUg9kUamAPGDEPHjwBKoZH0XWQ5MeSo6saC5tFxHru0rB8nupcwaVGgl/s1600/EmptyStudio-crop.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WHYylvvXVz4t2lOY7v8UcaBDQmUCKfJHt6jwUnNBy4IBkw3KclxUZSUmE0PasUTlymdSIXeC-ES3FoNnMQ00SUg9kUamAPGDEPHjwBKoZH0XWQ5MeSo6saC5tFxHru0rB8nupcwaVGgl/s320/EmptyStudio-crop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504573361774364274" /></a><br />Speaking of dreaming - you'll enjoy this: I committed to the space in early November and told them "but I have to be in by December 15th. " It was ski season after all and clients were, understandably, clamoring to get on the Endless Slope. <b>As a special treat to my personal dignity, they did not stumble over laughing.</b> Didn't even break a smile actually. I finally signed a lease on March 21st. And we'll be open July 30th. And no, it doesn't make me feel better that Kirkwood was open for skiing on July 4th; snow season is over and the loud sobs I emitted in April as the lifts closed and clients put their skis away have long since died down. <br /><br />My recovery was aided by the <b>beautiful color palette chosen by designer Sabra Ballon. It says winter skies and warm surf breaks at all once.</b> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7oYPlokijIyI3rNkDzSRNj0mCSpSbV1R7KcUtUM6uO88rd6aEpVaW3iNQ-KSuNynQIAskXIE1eUlfBx860du9FizwJBtkfxlAfAm885xOg1PnedxgPGzAkjEP81_Y9pULTxaN_02JfSv/s1600/Palette.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 104px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7oYPlokijIyI3rNkDzSRNj0mCSpSbV1R7KcUtUM6uO88rd6aEpVaW3iNQ-KSuNynQIAskXIE1eUlfBx860du9FizwJBtkfxlAfAm885xOg1PnedxgPGzAkjEP81_Y9pULTxaN_02JfSv/s320/Palette.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504573785658972642" /></a><br />And the lighting makes me happy. To be fair, the original fixtures Patrick suggested did actually fit into my budget; I saw the sketch and said fine. Looking into a neighboring suite on our way out, Sabra said "and Sarah, those are the fixtures you'll have. " I said, and I quote, <b>"Oh Sabra, I will die. Seriously, that level of ugly will kill me."</b> Again to be fair, I did tell Sabra we'd be going very industrial. But then when I saw them - oh it just said parking-garage, not even oil-change-waiting-room. So we embarked on three rounds of lighting research and showroom visits with Sarah saying either "too expensive" or "not working for me." And then Sabra found them - such cute pendants lights, and the ceiling puffs. They're actually called puffs; someone like me must have named them.<br /><br />What was electrician Patrick doing during all of this? Waiting patiently. And explaining that we would really need two lit Exit signs, a strobe light in the bathroom, and probably the rolling garage door opener should actually work. It doesn't? Oh right - there's no real wiring there. Who could notice distracted by all this lovely lighting? <b>The building owners suggested that I should pay to complete the garage door installation, and while I had my checkbook out, might as well cover the installation of the fire alarm system. </b> What??? "AS IS" does not mean as-much-as-we-felt-like-finishing-as-we-ran-out-of-money-completing-the-building. Yes, actually, the building owners did run out of money on completion. Went bankrupt even - hence the lengthy wait to get a lease out of them, although this was not apparent at the time. <b> So, inspired by my friend Lori, whose boat is named Pushy Broad, I pushed back. </b> But really I think they finally caved because General Contractor Russ used his honey-coated diplomacy and a few rational arguments. (Not within his scope for sure - another reason we love him.) And so, many things got completed while I tried to breathe deeply and remain calm.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmqu8BeUt1kTOgQ1yNj6Xd75q4e2HZWMNpJnOUA3KwoGhahi7A7LT-sAzVu06jvYTgpv6Cf0UyXPsxvnHGwZZ8NPgROU1vr5NHC6dLwo4KuLI9jzyrnN03TXozYeCVrpSR8e7ZecHxOLR/s1600/RichOnLadder-crop.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmqu8BeUt1kTOgQ1yNj6Xd75q4e2HZWMNpJnOUA3KwoGhahi7A7LT-sAzVu06jvYTgpv6Cf0UyXPsxvnHGwZZ8NPgROU1vr5NHC6dLwo4KuLI9jzyrnN03TXozYeCVrpSR8e7ZecHxOLR/s320/RichOnLadder-crop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504578370306340770" /></a><b>This calm was made infinitely easier by painter Rich Quinn.</b> My original dark ceiling plus 2 colors became 6 colors, plus a brush treatment on the cement entrance, sealing the stairs and can we make these 2 walls magnetic? He did it all and somehow to our dynamically changing specifications.<br /><br />Miraculously, we found benches that fit the space perfectly. Even more of a miracle, my friend Anneke Seley was remodeling and handed over some large storage pieces that were perfect. (Although Sabra said "oh honey, we're going to have to switch out that hardware.") <b> So now we have space for trip bags, the Shred-Sleds for kids' camps, and all the boots and boards for clients orders. Plus the barware for parties of course.</b><br /><br />So there you are. The story of a simple build-out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOhyphenhyphenPg6ggps9waaun74y7DWnc0tL5L9DFdnXki-ibFnTAbs8_XLqzBcwmQ4ip8i0oFe3Dcu0fJMRVA_fYDyS-CdfVZImCFzb5AdpLNB25pBQHgvOAuMuBo-ql-XeO9_HzFEJeL8USwiSk/s1600/Studio1-sized.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOhyphenhyphenPg6ggps9waaun74y7DWnc0tL5L9DFdnXki-ibFnTAbs8_XLqzBcwmQ4ip8i0oFe3Dcu0fJMRVA_fYDyS-CdfVZImCFzb5AdpLNB25pBQHgvOAuMuBo-ql-XeO9_HzFEJeL8USwiSk/s400/Studio1-sized.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504579702916747586" /></a>Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-12998509003541891572010-07-25T16:29:00.000-07:002010-08-13T11:13:05.324-07:00Balancing (the budget) on High Steel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcUylJk9jJ5QI7Zy9Cb10VOJoEnwoPQ3JujUs6hDsgSkNdqm-s7aUiw-DK8_dtRn8Cw-tkku6gdo_JfR_QZInRXDCCAYanRST1tbv6x-Ajp7St14Go2PKV5QL8PVmtF-Grya7qiq9-yuz/s1600/stairsIncrop.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcUylJk9jJ5QI7Zy9Cb10VOJoEnwoPQ3JujUs6hDsgSkNdqm-s7aUiw-DK8_dtRn8Cw-tkku6gdo_JfR_QZInRXDCCAYanRST1tbv6x-Ajp7St14Go2PKV5QL8PVmtF-Grya7qiq9-yuz/s320/stairsIncrop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504956971325966226" /></a><br /><br />Five stairs, that's all I needed. But not ugly stairs, strikingly stunning stairs. They're the center of the Studio, after all. They can't say "dusty storeroom" or "forgotten warehouse." Admittedly, after you back into a budget requiring a bathroom, maybe some paint and carpeting and a few light fixtures, you don't have a lot left over for stairs. I'd heard all the discouraging news: "Stairs cost ten thousand dollars, Sarah. That's just what they cost." (But not from my new designer Sabra Ballon. Oh no, she was game.) Less that $4000 is what I had. So we visited several interesting places in South San Francisco. Not that I'm complaining, <b>industrial steel fabricators shouldn't be expected to have flagship showplaces in Union Square.</b> But I'll just say that there was a lot of stepping over large rusty materials and reviewing old binders of circa-1930s industrial-not-chic stair railings. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwOjua_a4ITDJVMcVkyKi070PJoAEFX_6-HwE0V9JygF5UU_HDdJ0ss0Dy8tR2iWQDK-1QMouqbLuSDpzk6pj3-kDluUsTDX97IpV6KmYS4GTT4hlPrRcd2dr4-w-CA2ktXNNQfpCM-EI/s1600/DanielBackLogo-crop.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwOjua_a4ITDJVMcVkyKi070PJoAEFX_6-HwE0V9JygF5UU_HDdJ0ss0Dy8tR2iWQDK-1QMouqbLuSDpzk6pj3-kDluUsTDX97IpV6KmYS4GTT4hlPrRcd2dr4-w-CA2ktXNNQfpCM-EI/s200/DanielBackLogo-crop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504957720748358098" /></a>And then, Daniel Umilie showed up in my universe. He saw the bare Studio space, and I gave him the bad news on my budget complete with a detailed spec. Ultimately, we visited his facility in South SF - <b>leased by the proud Umilie family back in Cinque Terre of Italy.</b> Daniel, 3rd generation of Umilie Steel, owns the family mission of expanding to the US. Apparently, there are several Umilie brothers available to build steel structures and they need to be kept busy. So they're willing to work with us.<br /><br />At their fabrication facility, <b>I manage to back into a large beam being painted the color of the Golden Gate Bridge </b>- apparently, it's popular for steel. Not as popular on my black shoulder bag. (To be fair, I was clearly warned to avoid the freshly painted material; I got all distracted by the lovely options for railings.)<br />After we've chosen our materials, Daniel muses about his grandfathers back in Italy, <b>forging steel after the usual 2-hour Italian lunch complete with ample red wine.</b> And many small children running around the factory, casually playing among red-hot pokers. Yet still - beautiful work and a multi-generational profitable company. (Please, someone confirm that red wine is part of the business formula; that's the key variable I'm looking for.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG3xoCUNqWT5x7o41dBXorAEnFKYhcN8dg3dnAKk4xkF76CFM82lWhS_VP8HJCKga8QRxcuuYFcvLUSMC_B-K4R242b2Cy5ydQZtM6GSUO5VW41eTtg31qlMdorP6DTF9TBjofEsX6YpM/s1600/TruckWithStairs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG3xoCUNqWT5x7o41dBXorAEnFKYhcN8dg3dnAKk4xkF76CFM82lWhS_VP8HJCKga8QRxcuuYFcvLUSMC_B-K4R242b2Cy5ydQZtM6GSUO5VW41eTtg31qlMdorP6DTF9TBjofEsX6YpM/s320/TruckWithStairs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504954976262293314" /></a>The installation day arrives and Daniel drives up with a few brothers and some pretty large steel pieces on his truck. I let them into the studio and leave the installation to those with more courage than I. Turns out they are a pretty passionate bunch. My general contractor told me later that he stopped by to finish up some sheetrock, but had to exit for a later return.<b>The profane passion of the stair installation was more energy than the studio could contain. </b> <br /><br />But they got it done. And it looks fantastic. Umilie America - they have arrived and they're ready to build the stairs of our nation.Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-87541759701101587472010-07-22T14:59:00.000-07:002010-08-13T10:52:53.425-07:00Sports Studio: the build-out HerosI have to admit, the build-out of our new Sports Studio has actually been fun. Even with the unexpected costs, the permit process at the Department of Building Inspection, and the bear of avoiding expensive carpet installation - it has really been a rewarding process. Probably because <b>I had such a great team.</b> My original <b>architect, Peter Braun,</b> created the right drawings for the budget structure I needed and the all-important permit approvals. <b>General Contractor Russ Murphy</b> is an absolute dream - why he worked on this small of a project I'll never know. (But that's what you get from an ex-dancer with the SF Ballet - good karma.) He brought in eternally patient <b>electrician Patrick Golden</b> and <b>Madden Plumbing</b> (Madden I met exactly once because he did his magic in about 1 day). A steady stream of willingness-to-please-under-all-circumstances...and color changes...was supplied by delightful <b>painter Rich Quinn.</b> The Italian storyteller <b>Daniel Umilie</b> (3rd generation Italian steel fabricators from Cinque Terre, thank you very much) designed, fabricated and installed our fabulous looking stairs. <b>Kris at Conklin Brothers</b> answered endless carpet questions and managed to find an inexpensive remnant that looks superb. And did we ever get lucky finding <b>Efren Martinez to install the carpet</b> - even the funky wave edge by the stairs. Skilled, gracious and flexible - I'd recommend Efren to the Queen. (Well... if the queen had a tight budget.) And most of these wonderful things came directly through my beloved <b>architect-designer, Sabra Ballon.</b> Her talent is endless and her demeanor is fun, funky and unflappable. I mean it - we went through so many rounds of research to find fabulous things for our tiny budget, but she never blinked. Sabra just made it happen with humor and a big smile. <br /><br />So here it is, our new Sports Studio at 650 Florida Street, looking beautiful and ready for Final Inspections. <br /><br />The Studio is proudly sporting 220volts of power for the Endless Slope ski & snowboard deck, and has been patiently storing 6 surf simulators which are now being painted Adventurous purple. <br /><br />Final steps? The huge surf poster for upstairs and de-rigueur mountain mural for the Endless Slope. A few storage racks for boards & boots, and speakers for the music mix. (I'm thinking clients should be able to plug in their own ipods - what could be more conducive for learning & conditioning?)<br /><br />Then we'll be ready for Endless Slope lessons, after-school training for kids, and ski & snowboard parties. Plus all the surfing trips we'll be starting in November. Yes, I am pretty excited.Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-63616924216045921302010-06-01T11:48:00.000-07:002010-06-01T11:48:59.831-07:00Wondering about MotocrossLuciana, her husband and another couple just did a private motocross class, and recommended it to their friend Al and his wife. Al emailed me: <br />
"My wife is intimidated because she's never used a clutch and fears getting hurt - if you have any info to help address that it would be great."<br />
<br />
In case you're wondering the same thing....here is what I told Al:<br />
<br />
Sure, I definitely can and it's completely understandable. I took the course myself and although I did have some very limited motorcycle experience, it was about 15 years back when I did the MX clinic. And getting on the bike felt very new initially - and it felt big, even though the bike was pretty small. I'm 5'4", 105-110lb and it took me until mid-morning to get really comfortable. That said, it only felt a little big, not "OMG, this just doesn't feel right" huge.<br />
<br />
In terms of the clutch, it's a different "dance" of foot and hand on a bike then it is on a car...so almost everyone in our classes is "new to a clutch", since most of our students are new to bikes. (Car is clutch w/ palm of the hand and gas w/ foot; Bike is gas with fingers and clutch w/ foot!) As Luciana will tell you, there is plenty of time in the beginning while you're moving the bike very slowly to get your foot and hand working together smoothly. <br />
<br />
In terms of getting hurt, most people are simply afraid of the bike falling on them. I know I was. At the end of the class, we were doing turns on a hill (the instructor makes this optional, since some students are simply tired at that point, and would rather focus on their skills on the flat area). As I was messing up my turn, the bike did fall on me and I went from initial panic to "oh, that's it?" in about 3 seconds. I was actually happy it happened, so that I learned how simple it is. Also as Luciana can attest, there won't be any high speeds in this Intro Class. Some people are disappointed that they don't go riding fast out on the trails (and you might be Al...), but that comes in the Advanced Class. <br />
<br />
I hope this little bit of insight helps and I'd be very happy to chat with her to answer any & all questions.<br />
We've had so many different types of women in our classes (physical and mental) that I really can attest to everyone's comfort. In fact, our first "test class" at that location was the daughter of my snowboard instructor and her 2 friends; 3 slim, feather-weight 16-year olds. I figured I would get "real" feedback from them - and they loved it. (Although like me, they said the bikes felt "big" at first.)Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-254239942128773552010-05-04T12:58:00.000-07:002010-08-10T17:25:32.242-07:00Girl meets Snowboard SuccessAnother miracle - I can carve! on my snowboard! Here's what happened: got back into the game late last season, doing some lessons on the Endless Slope and then snow time in March and April. This season I got out in early January (so late!) and started up on the Bunny Slope. Well, why not - let's get it right from the start. Life has plenty of steep cliffs to offer, I'll take this one gradually, thank you. So Mr. Bunny gave me the opportunity to connect turns and even do some tight heel-to-toe transitions. <br /><br />Then we go Blue. Blue is all good - well, mostly good. The top is quite steep, and I need to get to the good parts. One time my toe-side mojo just died and I reverted to a brief falling leaf episode. Another time I had faltering confidence about getting off the lift; always seemed to get lucky and barely miss flying into somebody. But gradually, things got more solid. I found myself pulling off heel-side turns on steep parts my brain didn't think would be possible - but the feet just did it anyway. (That's what I call muscle memory, thanks to a direct injection from the Endless Slope).<br /><br />Then there was the weekend with my friend Sabra. Husbands, boyfriends and kids were left behind. I slid by her house at 8:15pm on Friday, threw her bag in the back, carefully loaded the wine, and headed up. Three hours later we pull into the driveway of our cabin. I remember to adjust the water valve, turn the pump on and, of course, turn the heat up. We chat for a minute on the couch and then plan to hit the hay. We chat longer. Wine is suggested. 2 hours later we head to bed - oops. <br /><br />Up at the crack of freakin' dawn and head out to Kirkwood. At 9am. Like we could last the whole day anyway. Kirkwood is delighted to have us and, as a special treat, has reduced their usual lift lines of 8 people down to 2. Sabra is stunned. I love my Kirkwood. We cruise the blues and I actually have enough confidence to carve hard and get a good workout. (Are you supposed to carve hard? No, you're supposed to have the skill to finesse the hill and *not* have to work so hard.) I'm getting there. But in the meantime I can still burn a few extra calories. Besides, I look really cool. In my head at least - and that's my favorite movie.<br /><br />Lunch is weird. We go into the "better" restaurant and are told there is a 25 minute wait "and then the food will take about 45 minutes; we have a very small kitchen." What??? Been there bunches - never has it taken more than 10 minutes. (Who designed your kitchen anyway?) We feel unwanted, unloved. I hate Kirkwood. We went somewhere else I can't remember; I've blacked it out to rid myself of the searing pain of lunch rejection.<br /><br />An Irish coffee soothes my lunch terrors and we hit the backside. My mojo is back and I am really a Blue Person. Loving my quick-release bindings that I can usually click just after sliding from the lift. At the end of the day, I'm surprised how tired I am. My legs and feet can do things my body doesn't really have the stamina for, but that's good inspiration for the running thing again.Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-1669357054056801272010-04-28T19:10:00.000-07:002010-04-28T19:11:21.546-07:00Spring SnowSpring Skiing! What's NOT to love? It's my favorite time of the season. Warm weather, forgiving snow, fewer crowds, and an especially inviting time to have your end-of-day wine out in the sun. So great. Why doesn't everyone making a Big-Deal-Jump in their skills do it in the spring? It's the best time to take up snowboarding, the best time to graduate from black diamonds to double black diamonds, and the best time to get someone you love started on skis. True, conditions can get slushy late in the day if it's really warm - but if it's really warm you should be relaxing on the patio, am I right?<br />Plus there are fewer cars so it's easier to park; rarely any lift lines; and you can get decent savings during end-of-season sales too. (dial-in snowboard boots, oh pleeease.) And there are usually entertaining festivals at the resorts too. Kirkwood does their annual Skim-the-Pond on skis and snowboards - the skiers are definitely superior but both varieties get pretty wet. Everyone's in a great mood and it's just a super way to enjoy the season.Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-11103260180149518672010-04-19T10:51:00.000-07:002010-04-19T10:54:23.234-07:00Sunday's report: Sport & Spa with dance workout<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cscoop%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cscoop%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cscoop%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> 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font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">This just in. A report on the Sunday Sport & Spa Day:
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So warm!<span style=""> </span>So sunny!<span style=""> </span>I had always thought that the Universe scheduled rain as a consequence of planning any outdoor activity in April.<span style=""> </span>I mean, that's WHY we have a whole different Sport & Spa gig for the winter months. The indoor dance work-out is a short 2-blocks from the spa; you would even sprint there in a rainstorm if things got wild.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Optional lunch places 10 steps from the workout studio. And then right back to the Spa. You could do the whole outdoor thing in about 15 minutes of umbrella time.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, I guess that's how it works; we had a rain plan, so the Universe said, "How quaint, have some sun."<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>And was it ever gorgeous. We took an extra-long stroll to enjoy the sun and the people watching on Sunday morning. Then to Shoebox dance studio for a Bollywood for Beginners dance workout.<span style=""> </span>We even got little finger-scarves to make whatever we did look exotic.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then up Folsom and down 2nd to Momo's just across the street from the ballpark.<span style=""> </span>Lunch on the patio with a little umbrella shade and one the best turkey-club-combos things I've ever had. With cranberry sauce and bacon - fab.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The walk back to the spa was 35 minutes.<span style=""> </span>And then the bliss really got underway. Aromatherapy in the air, cozy robes, hot tea and cool fruit, sinking into the jacuzzi, then hour massages all around, followed by more jacuzzi.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While I can't speak for everyone, I like to follow the day with brief trip to H&M (you never know) and whatever else looks enticing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Dance Workout version worked so well that we'll be adding some to our summer schedule, in addition to the kayaking.<span style=""> </span>Bollywood, you have another convert!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Sarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8909628097964451325.post-31538372639820291572010-04-05T13:01:00.000-07:002010-04-05T13:36:28.133-07:00The new Sports StudioWelcome to our new blog, all about Living Adventurously. I'll be writing about adventurous people doing adventurous things. To inspire you, provide a little how-to, and a whole lotta get-me-out-there-I-have-to-do-this energy.<br /><br />First Up: my latest adventure. Creating a new sports studio for Adventurous Sports.<br />(Not that I recommend this particular activity. Read on - the process has been several universes short of what I'd call delightful.)<br /><br />It's a durn miracle. We have a real Sports Studio! At 650 Florida and 18th (sort of north-west Potrero Hill ... Mission Cliffs / Universal Cafe / CoffeeBar.) The Endless Slope ski & snowboard deck will have it's own home and we'll do surf simulator clinics, poker classes, parties and trip previews. I know what you're thinking: what took you so long?!<br /><br />Good question. I saw the space early November and told the Realtor I had to be in by Dec 15. (oh I'm so silly; they were all polite and everything.) And the lease was signed 2 weeks ago. Yup, 2 weeks. Fast forward: contractors interviewed & hired, permits paid for ($809!), paint colors chosen. We're working on stairs. Picking the surf & ski murals was, I'll admit, pretty fun.<br /><br />So stay tuned. I'll be posting pictures (the first ones are pretty raw!) and sharing the joys of a build-out process (welcome to marmoleum - it is not a sandwich spread, I swear). We'll even have some postings from my architect-designer Sabra Ballon; she found a General Contractor who used to dance for the SF ballet. I'm serious.<br /><br />I'll also keep you posted on the fun stuff.<br />Like tales of my new snowboarding skills (carving on blue slopes!) and my trip to Mexico to sleuth out a great location for surf camps. (I'm leaving 6AM Thursday; then we'll put together the Preview Trip - for all those intrepid adventurers who are willing to test out yoga & massage without a net.)<br /><br />SarahSarah Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923075410791055118noreply@blogger.com0