Belleayre: Keepin’ It On The Road

There comes a time when we have to accept that ski season might be over. It always sneaks up on me but this winter especially, it took me by surprise — probably because conditions were so good through February and the beginning of March. It’s time to savor each turn.

Tough drive

Last week, I was afraid I might be done. Two weekends in a row, I hadn’t been able to pull it together. I had good intentions; I was watching the Indy Pass resorts closest to me, Magic and Berkshire East. It seemed I would get rained on, no matter where I went. I didn’t want to give up but things looked grim. Then both hills announced that their last day would be Friday April 4.

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Holiday Mountain Jeep Tour 2024

It occurred to me that we were overdue for an update on what’s happening at Holiday Mountain. The ongoing resurrection marches on. Watching the steady progress made by staff and community is almost as much fun as skiing. I resolved to get myself up to Holiday and catch up with owner Mike Taylor. Then I completely forgot about it for three weeks. Late summer is a busy time, with beach vacations, family events and college drop-offs.

On my way back home from one of those college drop offs last Saturday, I crossed into Sullivan County on Route 17 and I reached out to Mike. On short notice, he offered to meet me at the hill and give me a tour of recent work in his jeep.

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Robert H Treman State Park

Robert H Treman State Park has been on my radar for a long time. I haven’t been camping much lately but back when I was — spending weekends at North Lake or Little Pond in the Catskills — one of my customers, Chuck, suggested Robert H Treman.

Lower Falls Swimming Hole

Chuck loved the Ithaca area generally and Robert H Treman State Park in particular. He repeatedly described how beautiful the gorge was and swimming under the waterfalls. He painted an idyllic picture, really went for the hard sell. I put it on my list fifteen years ago but somehow never got there. Beach vacations, road trips and local staycations always won out.

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