2018 Pumpkin-Head Ski was a Great Success!

Post date: Nov 04, 2018 1:16:0 AM

WOW – what a GREAT PUMPKIN HEAD SKI AT THE UCSC. We had over 26 people show up for this year’s event despite the reschedule and continued cold weather! Thanks to everyone for making this such a great day.

Ryan Beattie - thank you for aerial drone video! It will be posted on our website, shortly. Pictures are being gathered for uploading to the website. If you have any to contribute – please send to me as a link. Here is the album so far: <link>

Congratulations to the first-time pumpkin head skiers (Zane, Beth Anne) – and all the seasoned pro’s (Luke, Jacob, Kyle, Ryan, Beth, Zane, Robin). Zane – this is the first time, I think, that we've had an 8-year-old brave enough to ski the November frigid waters. It takes a lot of guts to ski with a pumpkin on your head (exactly a pumpkin’s worth to get your head to fit inside). Way to go and brave the 25 MPH winds and 59-degree water!

Bruce, Randy, and Scott, thank you for all the safe driving and keeping a careful eye on the skiers. 100% soft starts and happy landings were had all round! No injuries – on the water at least. Justin Fitzpatrick - we could have done w/out the bloody trip to the emergency room for 9 stitches (but it did make for some great pictures). It must have been very hard to explain to the nurses “exactly “how” you stuck yourself in the arm with a carving knife (after all the laughing trying to explain to them “what” you were doing to the pumpkin in the first place). Yes, the water was cold – but that’s a lot of pain to endure to avoid skiing. We are all so glad that you are OK.

We did not see a Pumpkin-head in Speedo swimsuit this year. Thank God! That would have been something worth sticking a knife in your arm to avoid.

George and Robin – thank you for all the room heaters and all the prep work. Ashley and Noah – great job jumping the crew into action to get everyone in front of the sign at 4PM sharp for a picture. It’s not easy getting this group together for a picture and you did a great job. George, Luke, Ryan - thank you for the dock help. Your efforts made everything go very smooth. Many hands make lite work!

For food, we had several (4) amazing chili entries this year, and lots of great sides. Kris – thank you for the pumpkin cookies. Thank you to whomever brought the mac&cheese. It was a great hit.

The chili contest winner this year was Robin Vernon with a nine-spoon salute - you are the chili king. Chopping up a perfectly cooked steak seemed to take the cake. Thank you all for the great dinner. Remember, if cornered – just blame the dog. Next year, we are heading to try our hand at CHOWDER! Start collecting your best recipes from friends, family, and neighbors (12 Month advance notice!).

Next year, Sofia and Brian – we’ll order an Uber to be on standby for the ER, so you don’t miss your chance to ski!

Lastly - thank you to all those who took pictures, and provided encouragement, laughs and memories. Send me a link to your pictures, and I’ll be sure to get them added to the album.

For those who keep your hair dry (the smarter ones among us) – thank you for your encouragement, laughs, and good looks. We all know deep down you really wanted to try it. PumpkinHeads RULE

Ski’ya again, next year! – Rich

Pam, Kris, Randy, Sydney, Jacob, Sofia, Justin, Fitz, Denise, Kyle, Scott, Bruce, Robin, George, Luke, Mary Ellen, Beth, Zack, Zane, Jacki, Amber, Ryan, Noah, Ashley, June