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The Welcome of a Fire

The newly renovated fireplace at Laurel Mountain.

So, the last couple of weeks, I have been pleasantly surprised to see the log piles on either side of the newly renovated outdoor fireplace at Laurel Mountain. And it is really great to see the roaring fire as a welcome to the area. Thank you to the employees of Laurel. The fireplaces inside the lodge, and down in the Wildcat Lounge are cracking as well and to me- a fire says….” come on in and welcome to the mountains.” I grew up with large fireplaces because my folks loved a fire. My dad used to get his wood cut in 36″ lengths for his oversized fireplaces and I never minded stacking the wood because I knew that fire season was upon us.

Fast forward, Janet and I had a nice fireplace in our townhouse when we were first married and then in our first house in West View. We used to come in from the cold and ” moon the fireplace” to get our bums warm. LOL!!! But the real treat to me was our first outdoor fireplace at our house in Franklin Park.

I loved to sit around our outdoor fireplace at any time of the year. When my brother in law Duke would come over, he would pile an “army stack” of wood and sit in the Adirondack chairs and admire what he called ” the Mountain TV.” We had lots of conversations around that fireplace, and it was always a welcoming place for family and friends to gather. I miss that fireplace.

I always loved the smell of a crackling fire. In the fall, it reminded me that winter is coming and so is ski season. I can smell a fire a mile away when Janet and I are hiking in the fall. I remember going to Vail for the first time, when I was young, and smelling the fires out there. It was just part of the welcoming atmosphere of Colorado. Our own Seven Springs, back in the day, always had a fire in the fireplace in the main lodge at all times of the year. It was so inviting, and I could just hear Herman Dupre saying……..” welcome to the mountains.” Ski areas and fireplaces are synonymous. To me, there is nothing more cold, and uninviting, than an empty fireplace when you arrive at a ski area. I am so happy Laurel Mountain is making the effort to light them and keep them going. Heck, I would even volunteer to do a shift to stoke the fires and keep them all loaded with wood. To see the kids making smores around the outdoor fireplace at Laurel is just so cool. After the free hot chocolate provided by Vail, the kids go outdoors to make their smores, much to the delight of their parents. Vail provides the graham crackers, the marshmallows, and the kids love it. So do their parents and all of us, as we come in the get a little warmup between runs. These are the things that make memories for kids, and create a unique atmosphere at Laurel for all of us regulars. The blazing fireplace just warms my heart as I arrive and take in the atmosphere of our mountain here in Western Pa.

I always make an effort to hang around a fireplace wherever we go skiing. I actually seek them out not only to take the chill off, but also to smell the fire and hear and see the crackling embers. There is just something about it that welcomes you no matter where you are.

So, thank you to all the employees that have made it happen for all of us. It is truly appreciated and if you see me, tell me……” hey Pat, it is your turn to stoke the fires,” I will do it!! My friend Jaime does it all the time and he is not even asked. LOL!! Like I have said in my last couple of posts, there is more to skiing than groomers, powder and sunshine. Part of the atmosphere are your friends, the welcoming aura of your own local area, and ……….a blazing fire to welcome you to the mountains. Thanks for reading and go make a smore will ya?

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Whoa Nellie!!!

Around the East , we are having a banner snow year, but the imminent freeze thaw cycles also lead to some icy conditions on the slopes where you need good sharp edges. But the same thing happens to the local trails that I ride in the winter. Usually, after a snow, the trails will pack down after hikers, runners, and fat bikers make the surface rideable. Kind of like a groomer at a ski area. I ride them with my Esker hard tail that I use in the winter with 2.6 tires. (Thanks Tom Florcik from Highline Bikes info@highlinebikes.com) That set up is good enough for most snow rides until the freeze thaw cycle starts. Then it gets a little sketchy. I end up talking to myself in sections. Encouraging myself, and riding the edges until I can find better spots. In the thaw/wet periods, I try not to ride so as to destroy the trail. But when I get the chance and the trails are rideable, they can be a good workout. Frozen trails are like riding in the summer. But thawing trails are soft and can give you a better workout than you might have bargained for. I see that on my Garmin watch when I look at the end of ride statistics. I work harder in softer conditions.

Sketchy trail conditions.

A lot of the guys that I ride with use studded tires in the winter. That works for sure. But I just go out when I can, and see if I can get by without them. If it gets too icy, I put Yak Traks on my hiking boots and go for a hike until the trail conditions get better. More snow is usually the remedy and the packing down cycle begins again. My neighbors think I am a bit touched when they see me load my bike in the Jeep in a snowstorm. But I like to ride, and peddling is my way to keep in shape and also have a little solace in the woods during a snowstorm. I have never been a gym guy, so I like to do things outdoors- no matter what the weather is doing. I don’t really live in ski country. It takes some effort to drive to the mountains to ski and drive to my local trail systems to ride. When the freeze thaw comes, I am prepared with sharp edges on my skis. But when I ride…………………whoa Nellie!!!!

So, getting back to my neighbors. They say, “why would a 70 year old guy ride in the dark, with lights, on snow covered or icy trails?” They just shake their head at me as if to say- “are you nuts?” But my response is always positive. I tell them how much fun it is, how beautiful a snow- covered trail is in the woods at night, and how trail conditions improve my bike handling skills. Most of my neighbors are my age or a little older and their idea of conditioning is a little different than mine. I am not your typical 70 year old for many reasons. But continuing to do the things I like will keep me young. I want to enjoy skiing and riding for as long as I can. You don’t quit doing things because you get old………you get old because you quit doing things. I think about how long I will be able to schlepp ski bags and luggage through airports, drive in raging snowstorms, and put up with all the inconveniences just to do the things I like to do? I hope for a long time. Just keep doing it. When you quit, then you have a problem. Got some new roller luggage and roller ski bags this year just to make sure.

The Winter Bike

So my message this week is again, not to let the weather get the best of you. Enjoy a walk, a hike, or something outdoors in the winter. And when the trail conditions get a little sketchy……enjoy the ride, or the slide…….. as it may be. Thanks for reading.

Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It helps me. Cheers!!

“Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize….” -Phillipians 3 13-14

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A Great Connection

The Durfees and the Chetlins in Bend, Oregon

There was a recent Harvard study on happiness that stated that the number one thing people believe makes them happy is meaningful social interactions. More so than money, power, or even health. Also, it was noted that people found more happiness out of giving something to others rather than getting something for themselves. Shared friendships that grow over time are part of that happiness. The great philosopher Carol McCloskey( my mother) 🙂 always said,” happiness is like a perfume that you can’t sprinkle on others without getting a little on yourself.

One of the things that makes me very happy is to connect people that I believe would really enjoy each others company. The two couples above in the photo are some of my favorite people and I always wanted to get them together because they have so much in common. Two years ago, when we were all in Bend, Oregon, was the first time that I introduced the Durfees to the Chetlins.

Good times at Mt. Bachelor for Tim Girone’s birthday and the first time the Durfees and the Chetlins met.

We all had a great time and I was particularly gratified that Jeff and Julie got to ski and spend time with Helen and Eric. They are both extremely devoted to the outdoors, have camping vans that take them all over the west, and an ethos that I always thought would gel.

The Chetlin’s Sprinter Van and the Durfee’s Sportmobile in the Chetlin’s driveway in Bend.

Recently the Durfee’s departed on a whirlwind trip of ski areas in the west in their Sportmobile, and made the effort to stop in Bend to see the Chetlins. I was so happy to receive the pictures of the two couples dining together, skiing together, and enjoying each other’s company. Something that I had wanted to happen for a long time. It was important to me to have them meet and foster what I believe will be a lifelong friendship. As an aside, Jeff has made a wonderful recovery from a stroke and is doing all the things he always liked to do. Eric has fully recovered from a fall in Nepal. Jeff and Eric have had some real meaningful talks about their recoveries and some similar setbacks and issues regarding brain injuries. They are fortunate and can share their stories with each other and take comfort in the fact that by being in good shape, having excellent medical care, and with the power or prayer, they have been restored to their active lives. Thus, the zeal for both couples to do the things they like to do in the outdoors. So happy that they got another chance to do it together.

Helen, Eric, Julie and Jeff
Helen, Julie and Jeff at Mt. Bachelor

One of the cool things about skiing is that it brings people together in a fun outdoors environment. Lots of good conversations in the chairlifts about what is really meaningful in life. Along with discussions about skiing, family, travel and what lies ahead. As I communicated with both couples this last week, I was so happy to hear what a great time they had together. I can feel satisfied that I helped to foster what I hope to be a great friendship. Activities like skiing can be a great catalyst for bringing people together. Apres ski fun, discussions, and dinners together can bring lasting memories that will last a lifetime. Most of my really good friends I met through skiing and cycling. They are fun activities, but they gave me the chance to get to know some really great people in my life. My wife Janet is also grateful to know the Chetlins and the Durfees. They mean so much to us and the fact that skiing brought us all together is a testament to why I like the sport of skiing so much. There is way more to it than groomers, powder days, and beautiful ski areas.

Helen and Jeff- new ski pals.

We are all empty nesters now and it is important to cherish really good friendships. We are all blessed with good health, and a love for the outdoors. If you can take the opportunity to weave friends into your fabric of relationships, you have done your friends a great service, and you have surely sprinkled some happiness on yourself as well. Thanks for reading.

Photos courtesy of Eric and Helen Durfee and Julie and Jeff Chetlin

“Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy” – Psalm 27:9

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

Ice
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Finally!!

Laurel Mountain Lodge in the evening.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved winter. I could not wait to get home from school, put on my winter clothes, and grab my toboggan, pan, or Flexible Flyer and head back to the neighborhood to sled ride with my friends. It seemed in those days, it always snowed and there was always snow on the ground. All we did was build snow forts and sled ride in the Stowell’s backyard all the way down to the creek. If you really launched it, you would hit the creek and hope that it was frozen. Snow was always up to our thighs and we couldn’t get enough of it.

Sewickley Heights Park- a great place to snowshoe.
Our skiing and snowshoeing pals- The Smiths

At around the same time, my parents thought it would be a good thing for my sister and I to learn how to ski. I am so thankful to them as my enthusiasm for that sport has not waned in 63 years. I couldn’t wait to call the ski report when I heard that it snowed in the Laurels. When I heard Lars Skylling say the ” skiing is good to excellent”, I couldn’t wait for Bob Rose to pick us up and head for the mountains. Fast forward after visiting 114 different ski areas, my love for skiing and the winter has not changed one bit.

Jan and I at the Beach in Deer Valley

But I live in Western Pa and we have been sort of short- changed in recent years with weather. The winters have been kind of mild and if you wanted to enjoy the outdoors in the winter, you had to do it in the rain, the hail, and basically sub- standard winter conditions. But this year has been a welcome change. Here in the depths of the polar vortex, Western Pa. has abundance of snow. I am happy to see the kids at Hartwood Acres sled riding with smiles on their faces. I am gratified and remember all the great winters of my youth.

Park City pals Tom and Patter Birsic getting ready for skiing.
Riding MTB in the winter has been great.
The new winter bike.

As much as I like to ski and can’t wait to get out west, I am so happy we are having a great winter around here. Laurel Mountain conditions have been great and it is so scenic in the winter in the Laurel Highlands. So many things to do. Cross country skiing, alpine skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, mountain bike riding. It has all been possible so far this winter because of the snow and temperatures.

Now a lot of people do not share my enthusiasm. They don’t like winter and can’t wait for spring. But I always encourage everybody to get out and enjoy it. Even if you just take a walk or hike in the snow, the muffled silence of a snowstorm is something to embrace. Every time I see it snow, I am enthused. I tell my not so enthused friends that if they just get out and try some winter sport. they will have a whole new attitude towards winter.

We are hauling out the snowshoes soon and it has been a while since Janet and I have done that. This winter makes it possible again. I talk about winter and skiing all the time. Even on rides in the summer. I have always looked forward to winter and it all began with the deep snows long ago in my neighborhood.

Lifelong skiing friends- Dixon, Melissa and Jaime
My lifelong friends from the old neighborhood- John and Richard Nicolette. Skiing together at A Basin.

Wrapping things up in this week’s post, I encourage anyone who is not so sure about winter to once again give it a try. Most of the people who read my drivel are fans of winter. Skiers and riders. But for those who would rather be in Florida now……….give it a chance. Put on the warm clothes, enjoy the winter, sit by a roaring fire and take in what we have locally. Global warming took a back seat in our neck of the woods so far, and for that……………I am grateful. Thanks for reading.

“Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does.” 1 Chronicles16:24

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Characters!

From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey
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Resolutionaries

Where it all begins. The New Years resolutions around North Park lake.

You know- one of the great things I see this time of year is when people decide to make a change in their lives. Some want to lose weight, some want to get into shape, some want to run, ski, or ride more, some make dietary changes. Some make other changes that hopefully will stick through what I call the “Resolutionary” period. But in any event, whenever I look at our local park and see the throngs of people walking or running around the lake this time of year- it is heartwarming. People want to be their best selves and that is admirable. But the key is to stick with it.

The parking lots are packed. Lot of good intentions.

A lot of people begin their resolutions on New Years Day with a lot of vim and vigor. I see the smiles, the grimaces, and in general an effort to get the ball rolling for 2025. But the key in my book is to start slowly and ease into it. Most people who are regular exercisers and want to step it up a bit, tend to do a killer run or ride on the 1st. The people who maybe have not done anything for a while, tend to start too hard. Oftentimes, it results in pain that they do not want to endure several days or weeks into it. I always say- start slowly and let your body adjust to the new strains you are putting on it.

Funny but true.

Most often, if you start slowly, you can get incrementally stronger each day without even knowing it. If you try too hard, the tendency is to give up after a certain amount of time. But easing into things will get you moving in the right direction. As you age, there is no hurry to get into shape. Take it as it comes and see how you do. Remember, most people can’t even run to the mailbox. So, whatever you attempt, it is a positive movement in the right direction.

This crew of veteran riders always starts with a New Years Day ride. Same for 2025.

Another thing that is hard is the weather. Oftentimes weather will thwart the best of intentions. But if you get the right clothing and dress for the cold and snowy weather, you can exercise outdoors all year. Nothing like fresh air and cold weather to invigorate you. If you can make it through the winter, you can make it all year. As the Shark always says,” no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” And, if it is too tough, a YMCA membership or another gym membership might be the ticket to get you through. In any case, start slowly, ease into it and stick with it. Personally, I like the winter. I like to ski, hike, and ride in the winter and the cold air and winter weather is a beautiful experience for me. Sure, it gets a little harder each year, but the New Year always inspires. Even to people like me who have exercised all year for a long time.

Old guys have goals too.

A final note about resolutions. They don’t always have to be physical. They can be new ways to be with your spouse, family and friends. Maybe a new approach will help in your relationships? Maybe reaching out to someone who is in need or volunteering may be a good way to start the New Year? Maybe reconnecting to your faith might be in order? Find a new church or go back to the one where you have been absent? There are a lot of good communities, just find the one that speaks to you.

All in all, get out there and “do it” like Nike says. As I have recounted recently – you don’t quit doing things because you get old, you get old because you quit doing things. I love seeing those people running, walking, riding around the lake. It inspires me every year at this time. Thanks for reading and Happy New Years.

Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It helps me.

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord.” Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah- 29:11

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From the Best of Chronicles of McCloskey

Colorado Soul
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The Ski Club

You know, there are several bona fide ski clubs around America. The Yellowstone Club, and Holimont up in Western New York are among them. All of them have a feel about them. People coming together to do the things they like in a new season. The fireplaces are crackling, the buzz in the lodge is in high gear, and people all have smiles on their faces anticipating what hopes to be a wonderful ski season. The interesting thing is that vibe is also right here in Western Pa at a wonderful place called Laurel Mountain.

Looking into the Ligonier Valley from the Lodge.

Now Laurel is on state property and there is little development nearby which adds to the ambiance of the place. Managed by Vail, Laurel is special to a lot of people because of the laid- back atmosphere and of course, the legendary Wildcat Slope- the steepest in Pennsylvania. It will give you a workout and prepare you for your season in record time. But the really nice thing about Laurel is the people.

Bob Potter- Laurel regular.
Some skiing years added up here.
Jaime and Melissa Thompson. Great photo!

Opening weekend was upon us this past weekend and it was so great to be back at Laurel and see all the folks that make that place so special. It is truly a club atmosphere and everyone was so excited to be back in the lodge, greeting each other over a coffee and catching up on the summer and what is happening for Christmas. Sure, I like to go up and lap Wildcat until my legs fall off. But really, I truly enjoy sitting in the lodge and talking to the folks that I have not seen in 8 months. We all are anxious to boot up and head out especially when we got a bonus early start.

Kudos go to Gary Wiltrout and his team of snowmakers. We all were thrilled when we heard that the trails and upper and lower Wildcat were open. Especially when fickle weather patterns ruined a lot of early season snow. But through the hard work of Gary’s team, we skied on perfect man -made snow with no ice, soft conditions and groomed to perfection. We all remarked that mid- season should be this good. But Gary and his team do a spectacular job, and we are all grateful. All the employees who welcome you back are so kind. Paula scanning your passes, Bill in the lodge, welcoming us all back, it sure feels like a club to me.

GM Brett Cook and the legend- George Skylling.

I had the opportunity to ski a few runs with Brett Cook, the affable GM for Seven Springs, Laurel Mountain and Hidden Valley. He told us a lot about what is new and going on for all three areas and he was especially complimentary of the atmosphere and feel of Laurel. He gets it, and supports all the happenings at Laurel. I complimented him on his diligence to get the area open with the shot of cold weather. The team jumped at the chance to make snow and make it happen for all of us.

Regulars Jon Brady and Jamie Edson. They still ski like champions and are front and center when the lift opens.
Lined up for the banner break first run. People were excited.

People ask me all the time – “what’s the deal with Laurel?” ” Why do you like it so much.” The big part of it is always the people and the other part is the scenic beauty of the Laurel Highlands which I like to enjoy all year round. I ride my mountain bike up there a lot in the summer and that feel of the place even extends into the off ski season.

When my day ends, I drive down to the Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown, grab a piece of homemade pizza and a drink and head home via RT 381 through Rector to Donegal. The drive through the horse farms with the ridges in view is always enjoyable to me before I slog back home on the turnpike, But as I listen to my music, I have great scenes in my head about the great day I had at Laurel Mountain. I think about the wonderful conversations I had with all the folks. Well………….it is a club of sorts, and I am a grateful and happy member of that club for sure. Ski Laurel if you can this winter and you will see what I am talking about. In some ways, it is like skiing back in time. The way skiing is in New England at the smaller resorts that have avoided that big time corporate feeling. Vail manages Laurel, but the employees and the people there make it feel anything but corporate. Thanks for reading and think snow.

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The Christmas Tree

Thought I would add just another little post this week to celebrate the season. This is our Christmas Tree. The ornaments are from the Danbury Mint in Philadelphia and also Lennox China. My folks collected them over the years and always bought two- one for me and one for my sister Molly. Their radiance with the Christmas lights is always spectacular and I always relish putting up the tree every year with these wonderful ornaments shining brightly. But there is a lot more to putting up the tree and placing the ornaments.

Erecting the tree and bringing out the Danbury Mint and Lennox ornaments take me back in time to Christmas long ago. My mother loved Christmas – to the point where people referred to her as ” Christmas Carol.” She always made a point to make Christmas special for Molly and me and to her friends and relatives. My parent’s Christmas Eve party was an anticipated joyful time for all of us. My dad and Molly and I were always on the dock to help out with whatever needed to be done. But, my mother was the coordinator and her decorations, her food, her atmosphere with music in the house was welcoming to many who needed a lift at the holidays.

There were funny times as my dad’s eggnog loosened up some folks. For instance- my mom’s cousin loved the nog but when he went to the driveway and inserted his car keys into his side car window- I knew it was time to take him home. People joyously singing carols around the piano as I played and after hours of this, I was relegated to the kitchen to wash the dishes with my sister and Sally Rose. Lots of work that Christmas party, but with people in and out of the house all day, it was always a wonderful event. The tree in my parents living room looked just like the one that Janet and I erect each year. Perhaps that is why I like the annual rite of erecting and decorating the tree. I am brought back in time. I can somehow see my dad, smiling with his Christmas pants and tie, offering the guests some of his lethal nog. I can see my mom singing behind me at the piano. My mom had perfect pitch and her singing was always appreciated by the crowd. I can just see her around the tree admiring the ornaments and being satisfied with her statement to me that” happiness is like a perfume that you can’t sprinkle on others without getting a little on yourself.” She and my dad were so generous ,and their example has carried on with me years later.

So, as I peer a little more closely into the tree, and see the ornaments depicting the manger scene, I think about the real meaning of Christmas. I think about the amazing announcement by the angel Gabriel, and the birth of Christ into our fallen world. I think how he singlehandedly saved all of us. All we need to do is believe. Christmas is so special and commercialism, deadlines, and other distractions, do not deter me from enjoying the true meaning of Christmas and enjoying our Christmas tree. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and remember to take the time to really enjoy and celebrate with your friends and families. My folks will be watching you with joy from above. Thanks for reading.

” And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ” Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” -Luke- 2: 12-13.