With Oscar awards on Sunday, we had a movie theme for our club dinner that same evening. Hal Brown won the award for being the first one to guess the name of the character or movie taped to his back (Hal the Computer in "2001"). Others, like The Fearless Leader, had a harder time (what the hell is a Dame Edna?). The Best-Looking Couple Oscar nominees included all the married couples (Pam and Tom Brown, Jackie and Jim England, Debbie and Lee Smith, and Rosie and Sean Alexander), and the paparazzi took many a fine picture for People, Playboy, etc. However, in a surprise vote, the winners were Markus Haasch and Paul Roberts in "Birdcage." Jim and Jackie demanded a recount, but the vote was still unanimous. 2 to 0. Two members from the Jacksonville Club, Ray and Carol Scialli, won the Wild Hat Oscar (or was it Arapaho Chief Oscar Wild Hat?). Rick Cervis would have won, but it was discovered that that was really his hair. Nancy, Sarah, and Anne Myers won the St. Bernard Oscar for getting lost, and proceeding to slide down a black run--but not on their skis. There was a bar made of solid ice (called the "Ice Bar"), which was a great place to relax, and we could watch the Extreme Skiing Nationals from our barstools (tho Mary Ann did fall off). Alicja Eady, a native of Poland, won the Missing Pole Award, as she was AWOL for about four days. David Johnson and Amity Mank won the Bowlegged Oscars, for not falling off their horses (or the mountain). At any rate, though we started off as a group who never met each other, I am pleased to say that, by the end of the trip, we got along great.

Our base of operations was the Sheraton, a short walk from the base. While our accommodations were excellent, the Sheraton started off with the Shock and Awe Oscar for messing up our reservations, just prior to out arrival. Our contract was for 12 "King Suites", but at check-in all 12 rooms were "Two Kings". (A couple of weeks prior to leaving, I tried to change one room to a "Two King" to accommodate Hal and another guy, but was told "that's impossible" as the Hotel was full, with a waiting list of 8 or so for the "Two King" rooms.) So it was "Houston we have a problem". But the Sheraton was very understanding, and gave two complementary nights to those who had to switch, so we came out ok.

The old west town of Crested Butte was nice to visit, both day and night. The free, 10 minute shuttle to town was a nice feature, and there were plenty of dining choices and party venues for those who chose to do so. The prices were well below market, especially for a holiday week. I am happy that all came home healthy. I think we all had a great time and all are ready to return.