March 7,2009 -Moonlight Ski & Haiku

Moonlight skiiing took on a new twist on January 9, 2009 with a haiku/renga form theme.
  There was a table set up with books and a very easy going haiku
coach (me) to chat it up  and engage skiiers coming in from a run to try wrtiing haiku
and or if in a group, a renga form to celebrate the full moon
in winter skiiing experience. Simply put, Renga in this situation is a loose
series of haiku that succeed one another in a kind of flow that always
brings a smile and most times a kind of cheer. The event was very successful
and many people participated. This kind of thing appeals to the outdoor
experience and outdoor people. It is traditionally a full moon event. Here
are some outcomes of the experience:

Venus shines
on the bald horizon
cold sky

plant days
skiiing clear lines

white round light
casting tree shadows
guiding me

CH Val kemp and Kathy Samuels
and...

quiet snow
blankets the ground
refreshes the soul

Val Kemp

and...

sparkling sky
breezing down the glades
pines peeking through

wet breath with beating heart
now rest comes

Val Kemp and Kathy Samuels

and...

steep hill
snow is fast
rude awakening around corner

Bill Arduser

This event was a lot of fun and so was Moonlight and S'mores on 2/6. I had one of those
magical skiiing events when it was cold but I felt warm and the
moon was bright and the woods were quiet and I was alone in the back
country. I know others had a great time too because it was a big crowd. The boy scouts kept
the energy going along with the larger skiiing group as we
toasted s'mores by a little camp fire near the ski rack. But today it is all
melting! Spring is near and I am looking forward to the first Star Party with Aruna Hill
on Saturday 04/25 when we get the big telescopes out and see
the spring sky deep space style. Next one is May 16, and something new for this activity
too this year is brewing, or should I say, grilling, as the Friends of Windsor are planning
a barbque event to precede the Star Party on Saturday August 15.
 We are also planning to view that Friday night 8/14 starting at dark.

 A lot going on at Notchview these days. i'm planning to get my
skate skis more active with the spring snow, particularly if it
freezes and gets fast. In the meantime I am changeing from violet to red klister.
 Is that the way to go with the classic skis? Everybody talks about
wax and I always like the sticky stuff with a kick this time of year. I
probably sound like the novice that I am but it works for me. Any comments?

Colin Harrington

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