By Becky Ansher

 

The weather could not have been better as the Ski Club headed down for a weekend in Giant City State Park in the Shawnee National forest.  With highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s, we were able to take advantage of all that this beautiful area has to offer!

Rich and Jo Knable headed down early to golf 18 holes on Friday, and were already relaxing in the pool by the time the rest of us arrived.  Cynthia Kukla and Bill Vahary also arrived early, and were kicked back in Adirondack chairs sipping wine and eating homemade peach salsa.  It was a beautiful evening to be outside--quiet and peaceful except for the sound of frogs, crickets, and cicadas.  The constant, loud, unending sound of frogs, crickets, and cicadas!  Of course as nature lovers we found the night sounds enjoyable; but after a few cocktails Steve Parke brought a round of laughter when he quite seriously looked up and asked what time the park turned the bugs and frogs off at night!

 

On Saturday we were amazed that we could pack so much into one day and still feel like we were having a leisurely vacation.  Because we were a small group with similar interests, we all participated in each activity, which made the weekend even more enjoyable.  Saturday morning we started off with a scenic horseback ride through the Shawnee Forest.  Then after meeting up for a quick lunch we headed out to hike the trails.  After exploring the sandstone bluffs and walking the same trails as the Indians and early explorers, the group decided to unwind with a “little” wine tasting at some local wineries.  To cap the evening off, we landed back at the lodge where we indulged in tender and very savory bison steaks -- and more fine wine and cocktails of course!

Sunday our golfers headed out to another course, while the rest of the group hit a few more trails before heading home.  Jay and I both had a great time, and from the feedback it seemed all that attended were in agreement—Giant City is a perfect place for a weekend getaway when you want to mix adventure with relaxation, and of course good friends!