WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. -- Although Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., is located in the Mojave Desert, it did not stop the base Single Marine Program’s participants from enjoying winter Jan. 29.
The SMP members, along with two Sailors and civilians, took a trip to Mountain High Ski Resort near Wrightwood, Calif.
In addition, MCLB executive officer Lt. Col. Thomas Fisher and base chaplain Lt. Allen Presser attended the fun-filled trip.
The outing included a variety of winter activities for its participants, such as several skill level courses for those wishing to ski or snowboard. Beginners with no previous experience were able to participate in classes that taught the basics of each activity.
For those who weren’t interested in the excitement of outdoor activities, Mountain High provided a warm, spacious lodge for its guests to relax in, or get a bite to eat from the restaurant located on the premises.
Although the SMP took a few seasoned snow athletes, the majority of the Marines who went on the trip had never snowboarded or tried skiing before.
“It was my first time skiing,” said Pfc. Joleen Quitano, a consolidated memorandum receipt clerk with Base Supply. “It was pretty fun and funny.”
“The best part was going fast down the hill,” she said. “When I started out, I didn’t think I was going to be able to even ski, but after a while I think I would consider my skiing ability a five out of ten,” the Asam, Guam, native added.
Quitano wasn’t the only one to try skiing for the first time. Pfc. Shanda Holland, a warehouse clerk with Base Supply, tried her luck as well.
“It was the first time I ever skied,” Holland said. “I really had a great time though.”
Learning the basics of each snow activity came for the snow novices with time after loads of practice. The group arrived early Friday morning and by noon, everyone had the fundamentals down.
“When I started learning to ski, I would start towards the tree line and it would stop me. It was funny,” Holland added. “I got better though.”
“A funny moment at Mountain High was [Lance Cpl. Brian] Chandronnet wiping out on a snowboard,” said Lance Cpl. Zackery Capell, an administrative clerk with Headquarters Battalion. “It was a great trip. When Chandronnet broke his board, the fun ended there though,” the SMP secretary added.
“It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed teaching people who have never snowboarded before how to do it,” Capell said.
While the demanding alpine terrain of Mountain High took its toll on the MCLB visitors, the enjoyment it provided made the trip worthwhile..
“I was so sore after we were done,” Capell said. “But it was well worth it.”