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Frog Run and the Relationship to Time - An Unfounded, Poorly Researched and Genuinely Time-Wasting Report
INTRODUCTION
What does Frog Run have in common with ancient Egypt? More than you think. Let's examine this question in the context of today's significance - Leap Day.
Immediately you, the reader, should say, "Ah ha! I get it. Frog Run, Leap Day ... I'm so smart!"
Well, hold onto your gaiters because there's more to it.
ANCIENT EGYPT
Because the modern calendar would become a messy math problem if we insisted on skiing four years in a row without looking at our watches, those wily ancient Egyptians gave us the solution. They whipped out their abaci - that's plural for abacus - and deduced that modern peoples, especially those preoccupied with strapping wooden sticks to their feet and sliding around on really cold snow, were too stupid to figure out that they needed an extra day inserted into their calendars every four years. Otherwise we would eventually miss out on an entire year of skiing.
But there was no snow in Egypt, so how could they have come up with this crazy idea, you ask? Ha! Look at any photo of the pyramids and in the background you'll see mountains of - sand! And most certainly inside the pyramids you would see hieroglyphics of ingenious Egyptians with papyrus slats tied to their feet skiing down those dunes. Those would be right next to the artistic renderings of the camel-operated hemp rope tow and the hookah lounge at the Sahara Inn Ski Lodge and Conference Center.
FROGS AS NON-PLAGUE ENTITIES
Now back to Frog Run. We can conclude that this trail got its name from the many options it contains to "leap" over entire sections, making it shorter, thus facilitating the inclusion of West Wind Loop and Harry's Heaven well before it becomes Miller Time. (Although some theorists argue that Miller Time only exists within the context of the VAST system, therefore such time-sensitive events on non-motorized, self-propulsion recreational ecosystems are denoted as "Magic Hat Hour.")
Because these small leaps in time exist on Frog Run, they directly correlate to our Egyptian friends' creation of the Leap Day and subsequently the Leap Year. So we can rationally conclude that choosing to complete the entire Frog Run trail without using these negative time-portals might limit our beverage consumption in the short term, but they are essential to long-term stability in the ski-time continuum.
CONCLUSION
Thus we can ultimately conclude that one should avoid shortcuts on Frog Run like the plague. Especially on Leap Day. The survival of our species depends on it.
Created by Dr. Science on 02/29/08 at 10:00am.
INTRODUCTION
What does Frog Run have in common with ancient Egypt? More than you think. Let's examine this question in the context of today's significance - Leap Day.
Immediately you, the reader, should say, "Ah ha! I get it. Frog Run, Leap Day ... I'm so smart!"
Well, hold onto your gaiters because there's more to it.
ANCIENT EGYPT
Because the modern calendar would become a messy math problem if we insisted on skiing four years in a row without looking at our watches, those wily ancient Egyptians gave us the solution. They whipped out their abaci - that's plural for abacus - and deduced that modern peoples, especially those preoccupied with strapping wooden sticks to their feet and sliding around on really cold snow, were too stupid to figure out that they needed an extra day inserted into their calendars every four years. Otherwise we would eventually miss out on an entire year of skiing.
But there was no snow in Egypt, so how could they have come up with this crazy idea, you ask? Ha! Look at any photo of the pyramids and in the background you'll see mountains of - sand! And most certainly inside the pyramids you would see hieroglyphics of ingenious Egyptians with papyrus slats tied to their feet skiing down those dunes. Those would be right next to the artistic renderings of the camel-operated hemp rope tow and the hookah lounge at the Sahara Inn Ski Lodge and Conference Center.
FROGS AS NON-PLAGUE ENTITIES
Now back to Frog Run. We can conclude that this trail got its name from the many options it contains to "leap" over entire sections, making it shorter, thus facilitating the inclusion of West Wind Loop and Harry's Heaven well before it becomes Miller Time. (Although some theorists argue that Miller Time only exists within the context of the VAST system, therefore such time-sensitive events on non-motorized, self-propulsion recreational ecosystems are denoted as "Magic Hat Hour.")
Because these small leaps in time exist on Frog Run, they directly correlate to our Egyptian friends' creation of the Leap Day and subsequently the Leap Year. So we can rationally conclude that choosing to complete the entire Frog Run trail without using these negative time-portals might limit our beverage consumption in the short term, but they are essential to long-term stability in the ski-time continuum.
CONCLUSION
Thus we can ultimately conclude that one should avoid shortcuts on Frog Run like the plague. Especially on Leap Day. The survival of our species depends on it.
Created by Dr. Science on 02/29/08 at 10:00am.
Sunny Winter Vacation
Today started out with a good dash of snow, some careful grooming and a visit from Community Connections. Chaperone Emmanuel Riby-Williams and Max Kissner, bottom photo, head out onto Sugar Loop. About 30 kids came out to ski, sled and and enjoy hot chocolate on the deck.
Created by Dave on 02/28/08 at 03:05pm.
Today started out with a good dash of snow, some careful grooming and a visit from Community Connections. Chaperone Emmanuel Riby-Williams and Max Kissner, bottom photo, head out onto Sugar Loop. About 30 kids came out to ski, sled and and enjoy hot chocolate on the deck.
Created by Dave on 02/28/08 at 03:05pm.
Morse Farmers at Stowe Derby 2008
A few Morse Farmers tackled the Stowe Derby Sunday, Feb. 24 - Nick Pettersson, Bill Holland, John Lazenby and Eric Bakeman. A certain ski farm manager, his wife Janette and Gretchen spectated, took photos and hung out in the village afterward. People have to eat, ya know! Ask Gretchen about the cafe's entertainment ...
Most skiers did the derby meister so we caught the skate finish in town and then the classic portion in the woods at Stowe Touring Center. Laurie surprised us, skiing past before we could snap a picture, hence the photo at the finish. I think we scared her, and a few others who didn't expect screaming fans with cameras in the woods. Some did I guess, and wore very cool outfits ranging from wooly retro and three pin to a blue ski monkey. The guy using full randonee gear befuddled us - we hope he had food and a headlamp in his pack for the loooong flat sections.
Created by Dave on 02/24/08 at 05:53pm.
A few Morse Farmers tackled the Stowe Derby Sunday, Feb. 24 - Nick Pettersson, Bill Holland, John Lazenby and Eric Bakeman. A certain ski farm manager, his wife Janette and Gretchen spectated, took photos and hung out in the village afterward. People have to eat, ya know! Ask Gretchen about the cafe's entertainment ...
Most skiers did the derby meister so we caught the skate finish in town and then the classic portion in the woods at Stowe Touring Center. Laurie surprised us, skiing past before we could snap a picture, hence the photo at the finish. I think we scared her, and a few others who didn't expect screaming fans with cameras in the woods. Some did I guess, and wore very cool outfits ranging from wooly retro and three pin to a blue ski monkey. The guy using full randonee gear befuddled us - we hope he had food and a headlamp in his pack for the loooong flat sections.
Created by Dave on 02/24/08 at 05:53pm.
BKL Race
Over 30 skiers and their parents from all over northern and central Vermont converged at Morse Farm Sunday Feb. 17, in superb mid-winter conditions for Onion River Nordic's annual Bill Koch Race. Saturday Kids Program regulars Chloe and Georgia Schiff shone in the Lollipop Race (for skiers 7 and under). Way to go Chloe and Georgia! And a number of ORN members pitched in to make the event a success: Mary Stone, Emily Smith, Jen and Pavel Cherkasov, Dave Blumenthal, Charles and Jeannie Evans, and of course where would we be without Dave and Janette? Thanks also to the great team of groomers - John Dubois and Mark Moore - for making a fabulous course. We had lots of compliments from parents about the event and the course. Thanks to all who came out!
Gretchen Elias
Photos courtesy of Lars Blackmore
Created by Dave on 02/23/08 at 06:49pm.
Over 30 skiers and their parents from all over northern and central Vermont converged at Morse Farm Sunday Feb. 17, in superb mid-winter conditions for Onion River Nordic's annual Bill Koch Race. Saturday Kids Program regulars Chloe and Georgia Schiff shone in the Lollipop Race (for skiers 7 and under). Way to go Chloe and Georgia! And a number of ORN members pitched in to make the event a success: Mary Stone, Emily Smith, Jen and Pavel Cherkasov, Dave Blumenthal, Charles and Jeannie Evans, and of course where would we be without Dave and Janette? Thanks also to the great team of groomers - John Dubois and Mark Moore - for making a fabulous course. We had lots of compliments from parents about the event and the course. Thanks to all who came out!
Gretchen Elias
Photos courtesy of Lars Blackmore
Created by Dave on 02/23/08 at 06:49pm.
Executive Order 2-18-08
"Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream." — George W. Bush, LaCrosse, Wis., Oct. 18, 2000
Ah yes, speaking of that great American institution called family, did you see Morse Farm today. Kids, moms, dads and skis everywhere! In fact, we ran out of skis, boots and poles. To quote someone else who really was smart, "Holy Cow!" No, not holy because it was Sunday, because our beloved farm reached bovine proportions. It was udderly ridiculous! (I'm really, really sorry but that was just way too easy ... ) The crowd was so big that we had to plow extra parking spaces. My wings took dream today.
Speaking of dreams, how about that Bill Koch League race? It was our third race in a week and the hardest to run, but you wouldn't have known it by watching. Hard mainly because we made four separate courses for each level, unlike Maple Onion or the high school meet. (Thanks Jen, Pavel, Charles and Dave for deciphering the instructions.) For added excitement the bibs were missing until 9 a.m. when Andrew Brewer magically appeared, bibs in tow. Whew!
Finally, many thanks from Gretchen, the volunteers and racer parents go out to our groomers Mark and John for another outstanding course.
Created by Dave on 02/17/08 at 07:48pm.
"Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream." — George W. Bush, LaCrosse, Wis., Oct. 18, 2000
Ah yes, speaking of that great American institution called family, did you see Morse Farm today. Kids, moms, dads and skis everywhere! In fact, we ran out of skis, boots and poles. To quote someone else who really was smart, "Holy Cow!" No, not holy because it was Sunday, because our beloved farm reached bovine proportions. It was udderly ridiculous! (I'm really, really sorry but that was just way too easy ... ) The crowd was so big that we had to plow extra parking spaces. My wings took dream today.
Speaking of dreams, how about that Bill Koch League race? It was our third race in a week and the hardest to run, but you wouldn't have known it by watching. Hard mainly because we made four separate courses for each level, unlike Maple Onion or the high school meet. (Thanks Jen, Pavel, Charles and Dave for deciphering the instructions.) For added excitement the bibs were missing until 9 a.m. when Andrew Brewer magically appeared, bibs in tow. Whew!
Finally, many thanks from Gretchen, the volunteers and racer parents go out to our groomers Mark and John for another outstanding course.
Created by Dave on 02/17/08 at 07:48pm.
High School Classic Meet
One hundred twenty seven athletes from Fairfax,
BFA-St. Albans, Colchester, Harwood, U-32 and Montpelier high schools competed in a classic race at Morse Farm Tuesday, Feb. 12. Hosted by Montpelier and U32 high schools and directed by Greg Gerdel, the event was a success. A great base, fresh tracks and temperatures in the mid-twenties combined for an excellent course. A half dozen generous volunteers executed the race with precision. And judging by the high volume of creemees consumed, there were lots of happy athletes.
Created by Dave on 02/13/08 at 12:19pm.
One hundred twenty seven athletes from Fairfax,
BFA-St. Albans, Colchester, Harwood, U-32 and Montpelier high schools competed in a classic race at Morse Farm Tuesday, Feb. 12. Hosted by Montpelier and U32 high schools and directed by Greg Gerdel, the event was a success. A great base, fresh tracks and temperatures in the mid-twenties combined for an excellent course. A half dozen generous volunteers executed the race with precision. And judging by the high volume of creemees consumed, there were lots of happy athletes.
Created by Dave on 02/13/08 at 12:19pm.
4th Annual Maple Onion 10K Freestyle Race
What a perfect day for a race. Nearly 30 competitors lined up to tackle a spectacular course at Morse Farm Feb. 10. We'll post full results soon after Onion River Sports releases the list. Watch for those soon. On Tuesday Feb. 12 Morse Farm hosts the Montpelier and U32 High School classic meet at 3:30 p.m., then we'll host the Bill Koch League race Sunday, Feb. 17. Three races, two snow storms, one week - wow! And how about December? This is turning out to be one memorable season at the Farm.
Update - Our winners have names! Mark Gilbertson won the mens race and his wife Whitney Kaulbach, won the womens event. They're pictured third and fourth below.
Created by Dave on 02/10/08 at 06:55pm.
What a perfect day for a race. Nearly 30 competitors lined up to tackle a spectacular course at Morse Farm Feb. 10. We'll post full results soon after Onion River Sports releases the list. Watch for those soon. On Tuesday Feb. 12 Morse Farm hosts the Montpelier and U32 High School classic meet at 3:30 p.m., then we'll host the Bill Koch League race Sunday, Feb. 17. Three races, two snow storms, one week - wow! And how about December? This is turning out to be one memorable season at the Farm.
Update - Our winners have names! Mark Gilbertson won the mens race and his wife Whitney Kaulbach, won the womens event. They're pictured third and fourth below.
Created by Dave on 02/10/08 at 06:55pm.
Get Ready for Maple Onion
Nothing like a big snow just before the race, eh? Our backs like it because that means no shoveling snow all night to fill in bare spots. And racers should love it because, well, it's a heckuva lot a snow! To learn more about the Maple Onion 10K Freestyle race this Sunday and how to enter, visit www.onionriver.com.
Created by Dave on 02/08/08 at 04:50pm.
Nothing like a big snow just before the race, eh? Our backs like it because that means no shoveling snow all night to fill in bare spots. And racers should love it because, well, it's a heckuva lot a snow! To learn more about the Maple Onion 10K Freestyle race this Sunday and how to enter, visit www.onionriver.com.
Created by Dave on 02/08/08 at 04:50pm.
Every Friday is Snow Day
Two Students from Wellspring School return to the Farm after their school day out on the snow. Each Friday Wellspring, Calais and Orchard Vally Schools visit the farm to learn about skiing and the great outdoors.
Created by Dave on 02/08/08 at 04:43pm.
Two Students from Wellspring School return to the Farm after their school day out on the snow. Each Friday Wellspring, Calais and Orchard Vally Schools visit the farm to learn about skiing and the great outdoors.
Created by Dave on 02/08/08 at 04:43pm.
Young Adventurers Club Outing
Another fun day at the Farm!
Photos by Dave Blumenthal.
Created by Dave on 02/02/08 at 01:06pm.
Another fun day at the Farm!
Photos by Dave Blumenthal.
Created by Dave on 02/02/08 at 01:06pm.
Too much ice?
The farm closes by 1:30 p.m. today because of the extreme ice in our forecast. We're still confident that most precipitation will fall in the form of snow that we can groom and ski by tomorrow. Think pure thoughts everyone.
I'll be here at the usual time tomorrow to assess the situation and recommend trail openings. Grooming is to be determined by what actually falls and sticks to the base.
So if I can get up the hill, I'll open up.
See you Saturday.
Created by Dave on 02/01/08 at 12:07pm.
The farm closes by 1:30 p.m. today because of the extreme ice in our forecast. We're still confident that most precipitation will fall in the form of snow that we can groom and ski by tomorrow. Think pure thoughts everyone.
I'll be here at the usual time tomorrow to assess the situation and recommend trail openings. Grooming is to be determined by what actually falls and sticks to the base.
So if I can get up the hill, I'll open up.
See you Saturday.
Created by Dave on 02/01/08 at 12:07pm.
The Night Before Craftsbury
So here I am talking about another ski center. But ... so many of our season passers are headed north for the marathon tomorrow that it deserves some space.
Thanks to Carrie and Onion River Sports for hosting the Swix waxing clinic last night. I saw many familiar faces (without the hats!). We all learned something, some more than others. Yet I remain a waxless cretin. Wax, bah!
Actually, I decided last night to keep my well-used combis in order to practice kick waxing techniques. I may even ski them. Maybe.
For anyone still in need of a wax table please note that Morse Farm is open today 9 to 4:30 or as long as the roads remain safe and sane. Becka will open and staff the shop until I take over sometime around lunch. We have some new waxes and supplies from ORS. No green klister though.
Given the dire predictions for ice later today I'm kicking Becka out earlier than she'd planned so she can drive up safely. If the rest of you can sneak out of work early, do it! I'll keep things civil down on the farm.
See you Sunday.
Created by Dave on 02/01/08 at 08:18am.
[ more ] So here I am talking about another ski center. But ... so many of our season passers are headed north for the marathon tomorrow that it deserves some space.
Thanks to Carrie and Onion River Sports for hosting the Swix waxing clinic last night. I saw many familiar faces (without the hats!). We all learned something, some more than others. Yet I remain a waxless cretin. Wax, bah!
Actually, I decided last night to keep my well-used combis in order to practice kick waxing techniques. I may even ski them. Maybe.
For anyone still in need of a wax table please note that Morse Farm is open today 9 to 4:30 or as long as the roads remain safe and sane. Becka will open and staff the shop until I take over sometime around lunch. We have some new waxes and supplies from ORS. No green klister though.
Given the dire predictions for ice later today I'm kicking Becka out earlier than she'd planned so she can drive up safely. If the rest of you can sneak out of work early, do it! I'll keep things civil down on the farm.
See you Sunday.
Created by Dave on 02/01/08 at 08:18am.