Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Obviously, The Camel and I have been on a little bit of a history kick lately; sorry, but we are in the midst of history. 
Wait until you hear this one.  And remember, The Camel and I tell a lot of stories, but we don't lie.

So, this morning we took a little walkabout to see how the folks were responding to our killer $12.40 lift ticket in celebration of Hump Day and our longest season ever.

We walk into Guest Services and see a distinguished gentleman waiting in line for his ticket.  Not surprising, The Camel and I strike up a converation.

The Camel asked, "What brings you out today?"

To which this distinguished gentleman replies, "It's history, man.  I was here in '63 when the ski area opened, and I wasn't going to miss this."

During the course of conversation it came up that this coming Saturday was his birthday.

To that, I respectfully asked, "If you don't mind me asking, how old are you going to be?"

Through a smirk this gentleman replies, "Eighty-seven."

"Wow," I said, "That's pretty cool."

"What's your favorite trail?" I asked.

Again, the smirk.

He looks at me and The Camel and says, "I'll tell you in 2055, after yuo've been skiing here for 46 years."

"Fair enough," I said, "fair enough."

"Have a great day," I gestured as he walked out the door (a little like John Wayne).

"I always do," he said, "I always do."


See you in 2055,

Ricky (and The Camel)

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Much like today, sports, pop culture and politics competed for the headlines.  The year started with ominous economic news; first-class postage was going up a penny from 4 cents to 5 cents.  In exchange, however, the American public got some added value from the US Postal Service as zip codes were introduced.  To compound this hike in postage, the price for a gallon of gas was hovering around 29 cents.

Not unlike today, this was not much cause for concern to the superstars out West as the "Say-hey Kid" signed a record $100,000 contract to continue playing centerfield for the San Francisco Giants, and Hollywood was buzzing in the after-glow of "Lawarence of Arabia" winning the Oscar for "Best Picture."  Shockingly, Willie Mays' contract wasn't the biggest news to come out of the sports world.  On the other side of the globe, James Whitaker would become the first American to summit Mt. Everest.  In Cincinnati, a buzz-cut second baseman full of hustle would triple to lead-off his career, go on to win NL rookie of the year honors, and was an early, sure bet to become the Major League all-time hit king.  Meanwhile, down in Augusta, GA, Jack Nicklaus was also making a name for himself by becoming the youngest (at the time) to win the Masters at age 23, his first of six.  Still, all these boys would be out done by a sweet-swining Southern Californian gal named Mickey Wright who won an astonishing 13 LPGA tournaments, in one season.

Not to be overshadowed by the star athletes of the day, the young celebutants would wrestle their share of the spotlight.  The art establishment was shaken to its core as Andy Warhol held his first "Pop Art Expo" and "General Hospital" made its TV debut.  Still, the brightest stars wouldn't be found in a hip New York Gallery, or on a Soap Opera soundstage.  From across the pond came "Beatlemania" as the four chaps from Liverpool made their first US TV appearance and released "I Want to Hold Your Hand."  As for the ground-breaking technologies of the day to support and broadcast this Cultural Revolution, the country was introduced to the "touch-tone" phone and the audio cassette.

Still, poltics ruled.  After careful deliberation, The Supreme Court decided that all defendants had the right to leagal counsel.  Ironically, the notorious Alcatraz was closed as a Federal Penitentiary this same year.  In the freeze-grip of the Cold War, President Kennedy delivered his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech.  Sadly, the President followed his triumphant trip to Europe with his fateful visit to Texas and American life would never be the same.  Fortunately, before that grave November Day, JFK had inspired the Nation.  Earlier that August, approximately 200,000 citizens converged in Washington, DC to march for jobs and freedom.  In the audience that day were such icons as Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Bob Dylan, Harry Belafonte and Joan Baez.  Amazingly, these legends were just faces in the crowd compared to the thirty-four year old preacher who stood taller than the rest when he took his rightful position in front of the Lincoln Memorial and spoke of his "Dream" for America.

Meanwhile, in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, Camelback was getting ready for its first season of operation.

Today, March 24, 2009, Camelback Mountain Resort celebrates another milestone.  Today is our 123rd day of operation for the 2008-2009 winter season.  Making this season, the longest season in its history. 

To celebrate, we are offering a remarkable $12.40 lift ticket on the biggest "Hump Day" at Camelback, ever -- Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

We will continue the celebration on Saturday, April 4, 2009 with an incredible, $9.99 lift ticket.  The fourth is scheduled to be our final day of operation for this season.  At minimum, this will cap a 130 day season. 

Fittingly, this historic season will come to a close on 4/4 @ 4.

Over the coming days and weeks, please visit this blog to gain further insight into some of the characters and personalites that have made this historic season possible.  For instance, did you know that if you measure the combined experience of just four of our master snowmakers and groomers you have over 125 years of expertise and know-how.  Yeah, that's just experience here at Camelback. 

Cheers,

Ricky (and The Camel)

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Man, I wish I could cue the voice of the PA annoucer from the Jordan-era Bulls for this one.  So, use your imagination...

Because Thanksgiving seems like a lifetime ago, The Camel and I thought we'd take this opportunity to remind you just how significant this season has been -- and we ain't talking nothin', but what really, really matters most to skiers and riders.

Right now, Camelback is poised to hang a banner - you know - like after a championship season.  Camelback is just days away from posting a legitimate record that has truly been nearly a half-century in the making:

LONGEST SEASON EVER.

By the end of next week, Camelback should record its 123rd day of operation for the 2008-2009 season--surpassing a mark that has stood for almost two decades.  To get back to the third longest season, we'd have to go back to the Carter Administration; heck, that's almost as long as Bill Toye and his marauding gang of master snowmakers have been commanding the snowguns and plummeting the hill with the white and fluffy kindness.

Not to overwhelm you with numbers, but here's one more stat to throw into your fantasy-league...if all things continue as planned, this season will become the tenth season in our history that has stretched into April.

You can do the math yourself...if you were a passholder, that's about the cost of a double-skinny latte per day -- not too shabby, particulary these days.  If you weren't a passholder, maybe you want to think about giving up the caramel macchiato, start brewing your own coffee again and get in on enjoying 120+ days of skiing and riding.  At four and change a day, that's some nice ROI.

Be sure to stay on the lookout for some crazy celebratory deals and specials.

At guard, 6-6, out of North Caarrroolina, number 23, Michael Joordannn,

Ricky (and The Camel)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Listen up...do the right thing and come out to snowtube on Saturday, March 28, 2009.

Why?

It's for a good cause -- The United Way of Monroe County.  On the 28th, the tubing park is scheduled to be open from 12-4 pm and all monies raised will go directly to the United Way.

Dig this...all we're asking for is a minimum $10 per person donation to the United Way to tube for free.  If that's not reason enough, do the math...you can do the right thing and still save 15 bucks per person.  I tempted to go into the long guilt trip, but I am confident you get my point.  Come out, have fun, support a local charity -- it's that easy.

On another note, The Camel is starting to get a little giddy-up back in his step; between the wickedly entertaining Cardboard Box Derby last Saturday and St. Patty's Day yesterday he was a little run down.  Then, he magically remembered...this weekend is Beach Party Weekend and the thought of getting his hooves back in the sand has got him all jittery.  I wouldn't say he has the same frothing action as he gets in advance of a good storm, but he's a little rambuncious, perhaps even excitable...(yes, a Warren Zevon classic...excitable boy).

By the way...it's March 18th and we are still skiing and riding on 100% of the Mountain.  Sorry for the shameless plug, but have you thought of the killer season pass deal?  All indications suggest that this season will span six months.  Again, do the math Pythagoras, do the math...that's less that 75 bucks a month.  Drop the land-line and buy a pass.

See you in the sand,

Ricky (and The Camel)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

This morning when I saw his snow-eating grin I thought it was because he had probably put the finishing touches on his cardboard box, but that wasn't it.

"WE ARE MAKING SNOW," he said.

"What are you talking about," I replied, "It's practically St. Patty's day, You've gotta be kidding."

"Nope," he said, "I heard it right from the source...They're dropping a little icing on the cake.  Tonight and tomorrow night, we're making snow."

Yes, it's true...Camelback is planning to make snow tonight and tomorrow. 

Special note to non-believers and those afraid of commitment...The Camel ain't taking nothing for granted.  It's been a killer year, we got 'er open earlier than ever and it looks like we've got every intention to drop the hammer and push into to April, again.  Check your calendar; that would mean skiing and riding in six consecutive months right here in the Pocono Mountains...not too shabby.  Granted, in full disclosure, there's a little kool-aid every morning in my coffee, but six months?  That's legit.

Oh yeah, back to the cardboard box...don't forget, this Saturday is the derby and The Camel will be there.

Also, keep your ears to the ground and keep checking the big board...some can't-miss deals on certified skiis and boards have been announced.

Chin deep in icing,

Ricky (and The Camel)