Family traditions are wonderful, especially if you can spend them at such a great place as the St Paul Ski Lodge on Red Mountain. We have been going up there for Thanksgiving since 1977 and wouldn’t miss it except when we’ve been out of the country, which was too often when we were cruising on Paracas and Paradox.

When we only visit the Lodge on Thanksgiving, it becomes a trip down memory lane, or more aptly “up” memory lane, as the ski up generally takes about an hour. Plenty of time to re-visit all the prior trips and occasions like the first time we accompanied Daniel up the track at 4 ½ years old. Seeing friends that you only manage to visit with once a year, catching up on news and events, and re-living ol- times makes the holiday special for sure.

The George Family is an extended family at it’s best. And they extend an invitation to all close friends and family each year at the St Paul Ski Lodge for a Thanksgiving Turkey Ski. Donna and Chris provide the birds and guests bring their most special trimmings for a feast only surpassed by the following year’s event. There were six pies and two cheesecakes just to give a sample of the list of treats available. Teams rotate thru the galley kitchen making and preparing their dishes and washing up like a well oiled troupe.

It’s hard not gain a few pounds no matter how conscientious you are about “holding back”, “pushing away” or denying yourself. The food is outstanding with several kinds of dressing, “real” mashed potatoes, salads, breads, veggies all transported up to the Lodge for the feast. Of course the meal follows an afternoon of snacking on hors d’oeuvres, wine and cheeses. Fortunately the “family” has a number of musicians and singers so the evening conviviality continues on into the night with music and song.

What a treat to be thankful for.