28 years we have been at this. 28 times we have gathered up our equipment, supplies, foul weather gear, fishing tackle, watercraft, adult beverages, Aunt Margurite’s Spaghetti with meatballs and sausage and ventured into the wilderness. 28 times we have faced the forces of nature and emerged the victor. It hasn’t always been pleasant, and there have been those that have fallen by the wayside, but we have endured. There are books written about lesser groups, but we do not seek notoriety, just the satisfaction of having accomplished what most can only dream of.
With this background, let me tell the tale that is Pig Snout 28. Mike and Gerard were the earliest arrivals in Indian Lake and took the opportunity to do the rapids, that is, white water rafting in the mighty Hudson River. Mike had a slight fashion issue with his wetsuit but was able to remedy the situation with Gerard’s support and went on to participate in the river run. John McAuliffe and I arrived later on Thursday afternoon, and Dan arrived later that evening.
Friday started with a fishing trip on Indian Lake. Unfortunately, we were accosted by an older “lady” who informed us that the canoe launch shown on our map was actually private property owned by her brother and we should get off immediately. Not wanting to create an incident that might prove embarrassing for any judges in our group, we retreated and set off on Lake Abanakee for a bit of fishing and exploring. Friday also included the arrival of the balance of our party, Uncle Ray and Uncle Jim. Unfortunately, Pat couldn’t make the trip due to a herniated disc, and John Santmann was staying close to home as Aunt Theresa was not doing well. Aunt Marguerite, filling in for Pat, had prepared an excellent Beef Stew for Friday dinner, in addition to her always-superb Spaghetti with meatballs and sausage for Saturday night.
Saturday morning dawned overcast but our intrepid band headed out to conquer Castle Rock, a forbidding piece of glacial remains that overlooks Blue Mountain Lake. An arduous climb was rewarded by a spectacular view of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Also on Saturday, for the first time in a three-year run, a brook trout was caught in front of our Cedar River retreat by yours truly.
The 2019 tasting was Red Wine, as determined by last year’s winner, Dan. It was an extremely tight race scrupulously supervised by the deliberative and absolutely neutral Gerard. I know! Who would have thought? When the results were tabulated, the winner was – drum roll please – Dan with his Cycle Buff Beauty that has been described as “Dark red with aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and woodsmoke, with a subtle floral note in the background”. As the repeat winner, Dan has determined that, for the 2020 Pig Snout, taking place on September 10 through 12, 2020, the tasting will feature White Wine produced in New York State.
Well, as you can see, I have managed to babble on for a full page again, so let me close with a wish for your family to have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year
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