Yet another fashion statement from the GMan.
Outback update
So my subu was in for a new front passenger half shaft. The booth was ripped and I was quoted by Subaru of Hudson NH $400 to change the boot, or $420 for the whole shaft, and if I did the booth they really could not warranty it! So for all the brain surgeons or perhaps proctologists in the group I opted for the shaft, no pun intended.
The bad news is my catalytic converters were also on the way out. That’s why my dashboard looks like a cheap xmass tree. However, the cats were covered under an obscure warranty by the state of MA! I had to ask as I was certain that our Mr. Patrick would be camped out at the border with a bill in his hand waiting for me. Apparently I fell into a small window: 2005-2006, non turbo 2.5L between 100 and 150k miles and you need to live in MA. So thank you state of MA. You just saved me at least $1200. This makes up for all the parking tickets I’ve gotten in Boston over the past 25 years or so.
While my ride was in the shop and since they were out of loaners I ended up in an Enterprise rental. A sharp dress what seemed like 7 year old drove three of us back to the rental lot. The only thing that was missing was the paper covered car! Anyhow, for a $5 upgrade I got a new Nissan Maxima. I was thinking it was better that the Kia we just got out of and probably a little safer….and faster. However, I a little disappointed. It reminded me of driving my dad’s tractor! Very heavy in the nose, no idea where the wheels are pointing and no feedback from the steering. You have to mash on the gas to get it to move, but it has a cool start button….doesn’t make you for it. The interior is nice and its a good looking car, but not for me!
In any event it will be back to the rental lot for the Max and back to the Subu for me.
I want one
I want one of these in my back yard!
What am I?
GMan fashion
Couldn’t resist this one. The GMan sporting a very special hat at Smugg’s ski shop.
First day back
First day back after a week off was a bit of a struggle. But the work part is over!
Model Matzah Bakery
We all went to a Model Matzah Bakery this morning. The kids ground the wheat to make flower, rolled out the dough and into the over the matza went.
Wheat.
Separating the wheat from the chaff.
Grinding the wheat.
Rolling the dough.
Into the over.
The end result.
Smugglers Notch wrap-up
Overall it was good. I was hoping for more snow, but I’m sure everyone else was also.
Condo:
The condo was fine and suited our needs. The only suggestions I can make are swapping out the very loud bathroom fan and making it possible to leave via the back slider by having a lock on it. I didn’t mind walking around the building, but the ability to leave and lock thru the back would be nice. It was unclear where to put out the trash. Did I miss a sign? Also, the self closer on the door is way to active! My son could hardly open the door and I was very wary of it accidentally hitting one of us while coming or going.
Fun Zone:
The Fun Zone needs more activities for ages 8 to teens. Perhaps a few video games and the music is way too loud. Typically we were there in the afternoon but on out last day we got in later and it was so loud I had to turn off my hearing aids!
Pool:
Overall the pool area was very clean and the life guards were very attentive. The only things I would like to see is a towels service and find another solution to the revolving door. I understand the need, but it looks very dirty as the aluminum is oxidized and it’s a little off putting. Also, trying to enter with a bag is hard as the revolving door is small. Perhaps a simply vestibule type set up would work better.
Restaurants:
We hit most and the prices seem a little high. I know that eating at any mountain is more expensive but this is a resort and we are paying to stay. $25 for a meat ball sub, small garden salad, two sodas and two chips is a little much for lunch. Overall the food was okay but seemed high in price.
Other:
My son attended one of the kids programs (movie, pizza, dancing). We missed the photo, which I’m okay with and my son did want to stay for the dancing. Then I saw the $39 charge! Seemed really high for pizza and a movie.
Now the good stuff!
The boarding lessons were great. Bryce is a wonderful instructor and I would go back in the morning and take more lessons with him.
All staff members that we interacted with seemed very polite and helpful.
The overall resort (what we saw and used) was clear and in good repair, but some was a little dated. Given the time of year the roads were rough but in good shape.
Will I go back….yes. Will I check out other possibilities….yes. We are tired, from all the boarding, but happy.
Home – Ya
Smugg’s last day
We pack most of the car last night and left out our boarding gear and a change for the ride home. At 8:50am we were the first up the hill. The temp was in the forties. My guess is they groomed last night as I did not hear the car this am and the trails were super fast and icy. By the second run it was loosing up and it got better as the sun got hotter.
I was a little unsteady on the new board, but a few runs into it I started to loosen up. It’s a lot more forgiving that my old one. I know I would have face planted on some of the mistakes I made if I was riding my K2! All in all I’m happy with the purchase.
A few runs later we went down and meet Bryce for our final lesson. I had him work with the GMan on the run do I could get into my new blank. By the end of Bryce had me doing back side turns where you lean back and pick up the front of the board and then spin around. Both of us managed to pull off a few.
All in all the lessons were great and we both learned a great deal. Too bad that the season on this coast is over. We’ll be back.
Currently on the road home.
alan j quinn 