We’re back on the boat in Schuylerville, ready to leave early Tuesday morning, headed up the Champlain Canal then into Lake Champlain and Burlington, Vt. We left the boat in Schuylerville for planned respite from our voyage – a 4 day weekend to attend my daughter’s graduation from Law School – YAYY!!. However, I couldn’t resist a side trip driving from Schuylerville to Boston – a stop for a day of Spring skiing at Killington with my son Danny and four of his ski buddies that he met at Big Sky, Montana. It was a beautiful Spring day. Killington was one day away from closing, so only one run was open, and it had a 30 foot long bare spot that you had to traverse in the middle of the slope. Following are some pictures of our day of Spring skiing:
The last trail open in continental US, except MT. Hood, Oregon
Anticipation….
My son Danny in his Spring ski gear – another Child Left Behind (just kidding, Dan)
Would you associate yourself with this group?
Danny in his glory
Most people take their skis off and walk across the bare spot – not this group…
My daughter Chrissie’s graduation was awesome – a rare occasion for Trish and I when we were able to get all four kids in one spot, along with Jessie’s boyfriend Ian, Jenny’s boyfriend Chris, my Dad, my sister Kate, and her longtime “friend” Michael (see below for my struggle with this nomenclature). A picture of the graduate and of three generations of Koningisor men:
A proud smile from the graduate – not as proud as her Dad and Mom, however
Three generations of Koningisor men
I learned from several people of a social faux pas (I think that means mistake) that I unwittingly committed on my last post – I referred to my sister Kate’s boyfriend of 15 or 20 years (Michael) as her “friend”. I actually thought about what word to use at the time – “boyfriend” – “partner” – “other half” – each seemed either dated or somehow awkward, so I chose “friend”. Both took it in stride, but I learned that my choice was a weak description for a far more meaningful relationship. Anyone have any suggestions? In any case, while attending a reception at my daughter’s graduation, we each had to put on a nametag. This picture is of Michael, along with a picture of his nametag:
Michael
Michael’s nametag
Great Loop Adventure 
You are having such a wonderful time! My congratulations to Chrissie. As for the term to refer to Michael– how about “my sister’s super-wonderful almost-part-of-the-family treasured individual”? Well, no, maybe not.
So, you are (or were) right near where I grew up (Plattsburgh and Peru, NY) and in the same town (Schuyler Falls) where my mom and sister currently live. 🙂 It looks a lot better from the boat than my memories.
I believe the word you are looking for is “chum” – a close friend, and likely shortened from old english “chamber person” or roommate. Michael is Kate’s chum. And, if it doesn’t work out (???), they easily transfer to “chumps” – a person who is easy to trick.
You should have called me for skiing.
You should have called me for partying 🙂 Congrats to Chrissie!!
Great adventure thus far! Love reading the blog. Congrats Chrissie, great job! Awesome pic of the Koningisor men!!