Skiing down a famous cross-country trail, then chowing down at a famous church supper proved a perfect combination for fun for seven members of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club who visited Jackson, New Hampshire, yesterday.

Skiing-wise, the main attraction was the Ellis River Trail, the most famous in the vast network maintained by the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation. Rated 'green-easy,' this scenic route runs parallel to the eponymous river for about six miles between Dana Place and Jackson Village.

Six members of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club pose for the Ski Bum's camera shortly before starting down the Ellis River Trail at Jackson Ski Touring: Lisa Mandabach, Susy Kist, Cici Zerega, Mark Zerega, Lynn Kemna and Barb Leonard.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

I've led this trip for a number of years, and yesterday's combination of sunny skies, recent powderfall and mild temperatures provided perfect conditions. It was also a perfect introduction to the club for Lisa Mandabach and Lynn Kemna, two new members enyoying their first MOAC trip.

Lynn Kemna and Mark Zerega share a moment along the Ellis River Trail yesterday.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Lisa Mandabach enjoys her first trip with the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club yesterday.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Susy Kist is a longtime member of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

Thanks to having three cars in Jackson, we were able to set up a shuttle and ski the Ellis River Trail one-way southbound. JSTF once ran a free shuttle bus, but that hasn't been operating for the past couple of years.

The Ski Bum enjoys the company of five MOAC women yesterday along the Ellis River Trail at Jackson Ski Touring.
MARK ZEREGA PHOTO

The late afternoon sun still touches the mountains as our group reaches the covered bridge over the Ellis River yesterday.
SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO

We wrapped up the trip as the sun was falling behind the mountains, then piled into our cars and continued down the road apiece to the Bartlett Union Congregational Church for the 2008 finale of its 'Famous February Suppers' series.

These all-you-can eat feasts have been held on each of the four Saturdays in February for many years. Priced at $8, the 'famous' suppers draw many skiers.

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