More Utah Madness!

by Bernie LaFianza

2008 marked the 10th Ski and Swim for Salt Lake City’s QUAC team. This year’s event was different but still a great time. WH2O was represented by Bill Shepard, Luis Bahamon and myself. Luis and I have attended previous Ski and Swim events but this was Bill’s first time. The “newbie” had a great time and if you ask him he will tell you that not only is he looking forward to next year but now he is more excited than ever to go to IGLA in Washington DC in June.

There were many events during the weekend including an opening cocktail mixer, a women’s event, ski day with a breakfast and a lunch, dessert parties and a big closing gala. Oh yes, there was a swim meet too! All three of us swam well and participated in some of the events of the weekend. Having been to a few of these events as well as quite a few IGLAs, I have made some significant friendships with many on the QUAC team and this weekend allowed me, along with Bill, to spend some quality time with them during and in addition to the events of the weekend.

Ski and Swim is a fun get away weekend at the end of the winter which I highly recommend other WH2O members consider attending in the future. The QUAC team is very friendly and hospitable and one is struck by how “connected” they are to each other. Salt Lake City is a nice small city (aren’t most cities small when compared to LA?) which has it’s own charm. The time spent in Salt Lake City with QUAC gives one a respite while at the same time you come home with a renewed appreciation of being part of WH2O, gay swimming and just living in LA. How can you beat time spent with good friends in a beautiful place and you get to swim and ski too? Seriously think about going next year – President’s weekend.