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You may want to check out the
for a complete list of everything we are doing.
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We have a variety of events throughout the year including but not limited to:
| Golfing | Bike Riding | Rock Climbing | Winery Tours |
| Clambake | Indians Games | Holiday parties | Houseboating |
| Pinochle | Camping | Put-in-Bay trip | JIFFI (Just Informal
for the Fun of It) |
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Upcoming Ski & Snowboard Trips
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OK! Ski season is over... But we need to start planning for next year.
Let your winter social and the board know of any ski resorts you would like to
go to in the 2008-2009 ski season.
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Austria 2007
 Visualize the excitement and anticipation of a 10-day vacation
to Europe, only to arrive at the check-in counter to FLIGHT
CANCELLED!!!! No problem you say, its only one leg, there
has to be an alternative. ALAS, problem there are no options.
Lack of options did not dissuade Kris K. and Gene H. from
finding a solution involving multiple airports, limousine service
and lots of waiting. But we had a very relieved friend waiting
for us at O’Hare who was delighted to see us. Louise got to
the airport extremely early and was put on THE last flight to
O’Hare kicking and screaming, “but I don’t want to go to
Europe without my friends!” But it is hard to get a gaggle of
good Fagowees down. Approximately 24 hours of planes, trains and automobiles later, we all arrived in
Munich. So what is the first thing the FaGowees do in Europe? Why we go have a beer in a local pub, the
Hofbrau House. How out of character!
We bus on to Innsbruck, the site of two winter Olympic games. We are staying at the Gray Bear Hotel, just
a block away from the remnants of the medieval part of Innsbruck and the Hofburg family’s summer palace.
This was not your typical Fagowees’ ski trip. We experienced culture. Some of us got immunized before
the trip so we would experience no lasting after affects.
The first day some of us explored the old part of town to recover from the trip. Recovery took a wee bit
longer for a few noteworthy Fagowees, Renee H., Jodi L and Joe M. made their appearance in the
afternoon. The intrepid skiers of the group headed up to Kuhtai for a day of extreme white out skiing, the
worst that anyone ever experienced. Tom K. even admitted it was challenging! Don L. snagged a very cool
cap at Kuhtai. (No mean feat as ski resort commercialization has not made it to Austria.)
 That night a number of us set out to sample the Austrian
nightlife. After receiving clear instructions and walking around
for blocks and blocks, we found a happening bar right down
the street from the hotel with a great D.J. and hundreds of
people standing around. Vern S. and Nancy N., the Instant
Dance Party, were the first ones on the floor and within
minutes, you could not move. The D.J. played mostly
American tunes, some Euro techno-rock and some American
tunes in German. It was quite fun singing American tunes in
German. Most of the music we heard in Austria was American
and the seventies and eighties hits are still going.
The second day of skiing a number of people headed to the Stubaier Gletcsher while others headed to Schlick 2000, the
ski area, not the razor. It was simply a magnificent day of
skiing at the glacier with great snow, blue sky and scenic
views. The Schlick 2000 people were treated to outdoor bands, hang gliding off the mountain and some
pretty cool skiing as well. It was the best day of skiing of the trip. Woo hoo!! We skied the Alps and lived
to tell the tale. For many of us it was the only day we could see where we were skiing. Louise did mention
an advantage to not seeing where she was going; if she had she would never have done it.
The main group headed off to St. Antons/St Christopher for more skiing. For a
Monday, there was a tremendous amount of people and crowd control was not
a strong suit. Unfortunately, as was the case all week, the temperature was
moderately warm.
The snow started to get mushy early and the only solution was to head up the
mountain. St. Antons is a huge area with wonderful views way down into the
valley. Around 2:00 P.M. the clouds rolled in and it was a race off the mountain
to avoid the white out again. Perhaps Dennis O’s rush down the mountain
explains how he lost his cell phone. The finder was kind enough to call every
one in his address book to let them know he had it but never returned it!
Neuschwanstein (the Cinderella castle), Kitzbuhel and a Tyrolean Party.
Michelle M. started a craze in Salzburg, the
yodeling chipmunk. We all had to get one.
Salzburg had some glorious sights.
Michelle M., Jeff G., Jim W., Nancy S. went on the Funicular to the top of the
mountain where the fortress, never captured, still stands. It is a very long way to
the top. (Ever after referred to as funiculi, funicula). We saw men playing chess
on the square with oversize chess pieces and many of the sights from the Sound
of Music.
Hands down when asked what their favorite part of the trip —
Venice was the answer. A ride on a gondola was a must for the group. There
was a wealth of activities for non-skiers and skiers looking for a day off.
We spent three days in Vienna experiencing culture. A number of us enjoyed the
Vienna Boy’s choir singing Sunday mass at St. Stephen’s cathedral, the Lippizzaner Stallions, the Hofburg palace and the Russian mafia bar. My
personal favorite was catching a chamber orchestra in the Hall of Hercules in the
Liechtenstein summer palace.
Some of us experienced the Russian mafia bar
down the street from the hotel. We walked in, the place was practically empty. We got dirty stares; they were not
happy to see us in an empty bar. The owner looked like a thug. We gingerly backed out.
It would be remiss not to mention the great food and drink. Most Austrians speak English and most restaurants have
English menus, (thanks to Gary P. for that tip) so language was not an issue. Although a few people ate a lot of
sausage because they knew what that was! Between the beer, the bus drivers selling beer on the bus and full frontal
nudity on television, it was really a cultural experience. Debbie and sister Lauri kept trying to convince everyone that
“bluies” were on the tube. It sure wasn’t on mine. We did find one bar that had imports, Bud.
I would like to conclude with final thoughts about the trip. First,
we all had a great time and no one was injured. Unfortunately, the
lack of snow that we experienced in the States also impacted
Europe. The skiing was good but in many ways similar to what
we have experienced in the Western United States. We can all
proudly add to our skiing resume the Alps, the home of the sport.
Second, Austria practically invented beer and we found two
excellent microbreweries, one in Innsbruck and one in Vienna.
The beer was heavenly. We quickly learned to order large beers
in German. Pronunciation of “grosse” (large) was quite humorous.
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Bus Pickup Locations
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West and East side locations are normally available.
Click here so you know where to go and you're not the "trip weenie"!
 
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Trip Reports
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That fluffy white stuff isn’t snow! That’s white water!
Ohio Pyle 2007
Once upon a time, 23 little members of the Fagowee tribe
embarked upon a trip to the land of Ohiopyle. The name Ohiopyle
is derived from the American Indian word “ohiopehhla,” which
means “white frothy water.” And our little tribe of Fagowees
were in search for just that!
Being Friday the 13th, the tribe was sure to run into some bad
luck. And they instantly found it, en route, in the form of a
torrential downpour. Yes, yes, little Indian-John was not
prepared for that! For he was driving along the highway with his
convertible top down. Can we say, OOOPSIE?
Arriving at their destination, our little crew got right to work
setting up camp. Tent areas were designated, group fire ring,
food prep area, the theater…(did we say THEATER?). Everyone had
a task and set to tackle it. Of course, some of our tribe
members had larger tasks than others. The Chief was in need of
tech support for his shelter…and some folks just HAD to bring
their luxury condo complete with multiple rooms and screen
porch. Nice foyer Indian-Rob and Brenda!
Beverages were opened (do NOT give beer to the bear!), a fire
was rolling and S’mores started to appear. In fact, Indian-Joe
instructed everyone on the proper way to roast a marshmallow, to
which tribe member-Jodi disagreed with. (You will have to ask
THEM about that!)
At last, the night sky had settled upon the tribe, and it was
time to start their treat! All gathered around the theater (yes,
we said THEATER!) and through the darkness, a fabulous light
appeared! The light of a Proxima M2+ projector…and the sounds of
a tinkering banjo came forth from two tiny Dell speakers…and
before their very eyes…DELIVERANCE LIT UP THE SCREEN! SQUEAL
LIKE A PIG!!! (nothing like a camping trip with a generator and
some freakie paddlin’ flicks, eh?)
A great evening for most; however the leaders of the pack fear
that Deliverance may have scared poor Indian-Dave away, for he
was nowhere to be found the next morning. Of course, some may
speculate that the trumpet playing may have caused him to flee.
Yes. We said trumpet. You see, the Fagowee tribe was not only
treated to a feature presentation for their entertainment, but
also a full-on marching band throughout the rest of their stay
at camp, thanks to folks down the way. (WHO brings brass
instruments camping??? Then again, who brings a laptop and
projector camping?)
 The
sun rose early and the tribe was treated to their breakfast
baggies, complete with pirate costumes! Once everyone was ready
to go, the Fagowee tribe headed down to Wilderness Voyageurs,
where they would sign their lives away, and paddle down the
white frothy waters of the Lower Youghiogheny river. Folks
separated into their rafting groups, and captains were
designated. In boat number one, was Captain-Boatman-Brian. Boat
number two had the Rockin-Captain-Ron. And boat number three
contained Captain-Rebel-Rob…
Five daring young tribe members decided to brave the waters on
their own in duckies. Judging by the amount of times that
Indian-Jeff G. swam, we don’t think he was very fond of his
rubber ducky. (*sing* Rubber Ducky…you’re NOT the one..QUACK
QUACK) Right off the bat, Indian-Beth decided to test the waters
of the mighty Yough, and swam right through Entrance Rapid.
Being the good trip leader that she was, Indian-Jeanne could not
let her tribe member swim alone…and joined her through the
rapid. Splish Splash!
True to its beauty, the Lower Yough was a glorious display of
Laurel Highlands nature! Miles and miles of river, trees and
wonderful mountains! BREATHTAKING! You couldn’t ask for better
scenery, really. The rapids were fun, and the Fagowees paddled
their way along the 7 mile stretch. For the most part, our tribe
made it through a-ok. A few swims here and there…but other than
some scrapes, we emerged mostly unharmed. Oh, and no one was
forced to squeal like a pig.
NOW LETS GET OUR DRINK ON! Some folks headed straight for the
brew. Some headed out for a little sight seeing. Some…headed for
bed. Jodi,
your headache… was it the paddling? Was it the beer? Or was it
INDIAN-ANI’S DRIVING?? At some point, everyone (minus tribe
member-Jodi) ended up at the pub. Yummmmmm….Yuengling! Many a
beer was had, along with some grub…then back to the camp site
for a night time fire. FOF (friend of Fagowees) Michelle traded
in her pirate hat, for a PYRO HAT. DO NOT give that girl sticks,
wood, and a lighter all at once. *Almost* as dangerous as a
certain wood-chopping Fagowee we all know and love… More S’mores
were had. And of course, more beer.
 That
evening, a lesson was learned by our Chief, El Presidente. NEVER
EVER pass out first. ESPECIALLY when sitting in a public place
(like…oh, around a camp fire) with members of the Fagowee tribe.
Who are drinking beer. And who own eyeliner. Poor Chief
Presidente…he ALMOST went to breakfast the next morning fully
decorated! (Indian-Ani, stop looking so innocent!).
Sunday rolled around, and our tribe broke camp and headed in
their separate ways. Some went
paddling again (can we say another TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR?), some
went to visit friends, and some headed back to the LandOfCleve.
A great time was had by all (we hope!)
A big THANK YOU to Wilderness Voyageurs and Scarlett Knob for
their services… And a round of PIG SQUEALING to all! See you at
Gauley! The End.
by Shelli S.
Fall
Gauley 2007
13 Fagowees headed to West “By God”
Virginia for a weekend of paddling fun! After setting up
camp, we met up with super-guide Joey and headed to Dirty
Ernie’s for some fabulous BBQ. Being the popular spot, we
had to wait for our table for a good 40 minutes. Thank
goodness someone brought a trunk full of shots *wink*! That
helped pass the time. Ps. Ernie dug his Fagowee Wear
J Hope to see
that on the wall next year!
Because we had an early breakfast call
(Five Freakin Fifty!), most folks went back to camp to turn
in. 4 of us, however, decided to accompany Joey for some
“Crack-araoke”. Wooo! He may be one hell of a rafting guide,
but the boy CANNOT SING.
So, yah..5:50. Breakfast my friends.
And John, why on earth did you join us when you didn’t have
to wake up??? Bri and Leslie were catching the later paddle
down the lower, Jean was hanging at camp…so that left 9 of
us heading to the river.
Upper Gauley Baby!
Memories from the group:
Smoking the last cig on the raft for Michelle and her fat
lip | Mike went in | switching Mike and Val | Brian and his
“medical issue that the guide should have know about” |
rescuing two from another boat | the Princess lost her tiara
in the box | THE BOX (and our rescue!) | paddling air JUST
to stay in rhythm | good ole West Virginia Jokes.
Tho, I have to say, that Mike summed up
our INFAMOUS box dump the best:
“On the last real rapid ride I was sure I bought the farm as
our raft decided it wanted to go up a huge rock and did a
complete flip flop throwing our entire group into the drink
and I don't mean alcohol.”
ROCK ON!
Saturday night…there was beer. Pool.
Beer. Camp fire chatting. Beer. Food. Beer.
And who could forget the “Fagowee S’more”?! AND dare I
ask...WHICH Brian had his name called out in the night?
Hmmm???
Sunday, Val and yours truly decided to
take another Upper run, while the rest of the gang rested
and had a nice, slow morning to relax. Um. Woodie? STALE
BEER for breakfast? Was that in addition to the sh*t on a
shingle you were served at the dining pavilion? Lol!
A little Frisbee, some sightseeing…and
our paddlers headed home. A great time had by all, so I hear
J
And of course, Mike sums it up the
best:
“I had no idea that the Upper Fall Gauley was that wild and
anyone that does the Upper Gauley has to be out of their
mind. So you know I am going to do it again.”
Paddle on, my friend!
Paddle on!
-RaftingBabe, out.
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