Your story brought back memories of my family of 8 staying at a mountain lodge owned by the University of Denver at Arapahoe Basin ski area outside Denver. My Dad worked at the University. My Mom had been on their ski team. The folks just turned us loose. We'd ski in our jeans and nylon parkas above timberline for the most part! Sadly it burned down. 😭
Cool memory. Yeah, what we wore as kids back in the 60s would probably astonish our kids today. My first couple of pairs of skis were wooden, with ancient bindings!
As your cousin, I shared some of your childhood years with short visits to Santiam Lodge. I remember Thanksgiving and Christmas visits in the snow, and summer vacation visits that were in a child's Paradise. I remember when you and Ben tried to teach me to ski on the slopes at HooDoo (I crashed and burned/froze) and cross country around the lodge (I did better at that.)
I remember playing cards and board games, which was my favorite times with my cousins, because we didn't have game nights at home. I remember fun times working in the kitchen, with everyone laughing and telling stories, and oh my watching BA make his cinnamon rolls, and getting to eat them fresh out of the oven. And there was always music. Aunt Alice and my dad, Bob Patterson (a band teacher) saw to that. Uncle Ed gave us the message of Christ.
I'm aware than living there as you did, there were times when it was oh-so-hard slogging to catch the bus to school in Bend, and doing men's share of work around the camp/lodge. But my sisters and I were jealous of the fairy tale place that was Santiam Lodge, and that we could only visit now and then.
I love the pictures you have taken of past times and current re-building of the lodge. I'm sure Uncle Ed and the grandparents are smiling down, and God is blessing the people who are restoring this fabulous place.
Your story-telling is amazing, and I'm so glad this one is being told.
Thanks, Rikki. Yes, having cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents and friends at the lodge for holidays or any reason was always great. Some indelible memories, for sure!
...your mom and dad - Legends. I'm really wondering why you and your brother's haven't written their story. A book... close to home. Real, raw...their amazing life. <3 I am thrilled the lodge is being restored. I'll trek up there next summer... I do remember one time having quite the encounter with a bee hive in those woods. lol! What a charmed childhood you had growing up there. I love this. A drone pilot?! Neighbors, close your blinds!!! hah! Awesome story friend. <3
Your story brought back memories of my family of 8 staying at a mountain lodge owned by the University of Denver at Arapahoe Basin ski area outside Denver. My Dad worked at the University. My Mom had been on their ski team. The folks just turned us loose. We'd ski in our jeans and nylon parkas above timberline for the most part! Sadly it burned down. 😭
Cool memory. Yeah, what we wore as kids back in the 60s would probably astonish our kids today. My first couple of pairs of skis were wooden, with ancient bindings!
And a 'safety strap'!
Without a doubt! I do remember breaking a ski one time! An older friend of mine just scooped me up and carried me down the hill.
Tim,
As your cousin, I shared some of your childhood years with short visits to Santiam Lodge. I remember Thanksgiving and Christmas visits in the snow, and summer vacation visits that were in a child's Paradise. I remember when you and Ben tried to teach me to ski on the slopes at HooDoo (I crashed and burned/froze) and cross country around the lodge (I did better at that.)
I remember playing cards and board games, which was my favorite times with my cousins, because we didn't have game nights at home. I remember fun times working in the kitchen, with everyone laughing and telling stories, and oh my watching BA make his cinnamon rolls, and getting to eat them fresh out of the oven. And there was always music. Aunt Alice and my dad, Bob Patterson (a band teacher) saw to that. Uncle Ed gave us the message of Christ.
I'm aware than living there as you did, there were times when it was oh-so-hard slogging to catch the bus to school in Bend, and doing men's share of work around the camp/lodge. But my sisters and I were jealous of the fairy tale place that was Santiam Lodge, and that we could only visit now and then.
I love the pictures you have taken of past times and current re-building of the lodge. I'm sure Uncle Ed and the grandparents are smiling down, and God is blessing the people who are restoring this fabulous place.
Your story-telling is amazing, and I'm so glad this one is being told.
Love, your cousin, Rikki (Patterson) Morrison
Thanks, Rikki. Yes, having cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents and friends at the lodge for holidays or any reason was always great. Some indelible memories, for sure!
To read this and compare it to me growing up in the inner city of Chicago was very interesting. Great story Tim.
Thanks, Richard. Everyone's childhood is unique. There were times I wished I was in the city. But not that often!
...your mom and dad - Legends. I'm really wondering why you and your brother's haven't written their story. A book... close to home. Real, raw...their amazing life. <3 I am thrilled the lodge is being restored. I'll trek up there next summer... I do remember one time having quite the encounter with a bee hive in those woods. lol! What a charmed childhood you had growing up there. I love this. A drone pilot?! Neighbors, close your blinds!!! hah! Awesome story friend. <3
Legends, eh? Ha. Well, yeah, it was a great place to grow up. My brothers aren't much for writing, but no doubt there are many stories to tell.