The Northeastern Pennsylvania Regional Ski For Light and Sports For Health (or NEPA SFL-SFH for short) held our summer program for 2023 at Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center in Windsor, New York. For the six days of 21 through 27 August, we hiked the woods, cycled the roads, and paddled the lake. Between those activities we shared stories, caught up with friends from prior years, met some new attendees, and enjoyed each others company around fine food in the midst of the comfortable accommodations of Founders Lodge and Underwood Lodge (which is pictured here).
Why was this a “reboot?” Well, we were prohibited from gathering in 2020 due to the pandemic. Remember the “two weeks to flatten the curve” mantra back then? Well, two years later we were still trying to figure out how to have a program and be compliant with the various states rules. We gather from no less than seven states! Travel was difficult for some folks and impossible for at least half of the potential attendees. Finally the pandemic was declared “finished” and we could make plans.
The next step was finding a venue for the summer program. Sky Lake was an easy choice but their calendar was full. Or was it? As the details of the venue’s calendar became more clear and the leadership of Sky Lake offered options for our consideration, the plan came together. The “reboot” was on.
It was a good time together that’s for sure. We were all reminded of our NEPA SFL-SFH history from our formative years back in the late 1980’s from a mere group of blind and vision impaired outdoor enthusiasts to incorporation as a 501(c)(3) charitable entity. A format of gathering and outdoor activities took shape over the years. Much has changed with time but the foundations of hiking the woods and playing on or in large bodies of water has not changed. Several other activities are sometimes offered but those sessions require actual experts and sometimes the experts are not available. (Or, in the case of Sky Lake, there was not a place for the experts to conduct their presentation due to various state mandated restrictions.)
One new activity added this year was rock climbing. Within a reasonable drive from Sky Lake, there is the Dick’s Sporting Goods – House of Sport. This two week old facility has a rock climbing area inside the building. We made reservations online and simply showed up for our time slot.
Barry begins his ascent to the bell. Ultimately he rings the bell and, as sportscasters are prone to say, “…the crowd goes wild !!!”
Management was absolutely delighted to have us and offered a very professional and well tendered experience for all the brave participants who cared to climb the wall. A big shout-out to the finest customer service crew in the state of New York !!!
Tandem bicycling is offered when we are able to recruit captains. But captains and stokers (our blind or vision impaired participants) are only half of the effort. The other half is the maintenance of the bikes that were in storage for two years. Our friends who live near Sky Lake offered their time and talent to ensure tires were pumped up, chains well oiled, and all cables and levers moved as designed.
Finally, one of our local guides carried all our equipment from the storage container in Deposit to our venue in Windsor. This was no small effort since it includes four tandem bikes, as many kayaks, and eight storage boxes of personal protection gear. For this effort, NEPA SFL-SFH is forever grateful. (Looking at you Dave!)
Upon inspection of our equipment, we found that the bike helmets showed some deterioration that was concerning. You will recall the excitement when our favorite bike captain appeared with five brand new bike helmets donated by a local bike shop. These were top-of-the-line pieces of protective gear that will enhance safety on our two-wheeled excursions.
Our time on the lake included the use of our own equipment after passing inspection prior to placing our kayaks in *their* water. To their credit, Sky Lake maintains a very strict process of water craft cleanliness to ensure contaminants are not introduced into the ecosystem of the lake. We also made use of the Sky Lake canoe and rowboat. Each watercraft team of guide and participant enjoyed re-discovering the joys of paddling and the mystery of rowing as it pertained to maintaining a steady course.
The daily routine is relaxed and loosely structured. There are the three meals per day for which we are never late and then whatever activities we have decided to do between those meals. Not all participants do all activities. There is a freedom within form. People are allowed to simply decompress if that is what they wish.
However, I think I can safely say that everybody participated in the general gathering and socialization at Underwood Lodge. We came to call the large common area in the well appointed basement of that lodge “under Underwood.” There we told many stories, held book discussions, and enjoyed massive popcorn consuming sessions.
Like every program before, Sunday morning came too soon. Well wishes were exchanged, phone numbers and email addresses updated, and everyone packed out to get on the road. Once again, our local guides showed up to offer transportation to our ports of departure and we continue to offer a hearty “Thank You !!!” for all they do for us and *with* us.
If you’ve got your laptop nearby, check out the Ski For Light, Inc. website at https://sfl.org. That is the big winter event with the “big Ski For Light” — the mothership, if you will. We would be pleased to have you participate as a guide there too.
