Baa Baa Black Sheep

Many years ago, I volunteered as a Ski Patroller at Hemlock Valley in the Lower Mainland. At some point my exceptional leadership skills were drawn upon and I was"promoted" to Team Leader for one of the weekend teams.

Shortly after this "promotion" I was given a rag tag group of ski nutz and, as we were a bit insubordinate, called ourselves the Black Sheep. This was a reference to a late 60's early 70's TV show called the "Nine O'Clock High" based on air warfare in the South Pacific during WW2.

The Black Sheep Squadron in the show was a tight group, but a little unorthodox. Our team jumped on this identity, gave each team member a nickname. Mine was Pappy after the lead in the show. 

Our patrol team was just as our namesake, very effective, but with an edge. 

Fast forward almost 30 years, and we had an impromptu reunion, with good attendance from many from the original teams. Awesome to see our brothers and sisters and celebrate each other's friendship.  

Unfortunately, one of our oldest (and longest serving) members passed away from liver cancer in the last month. 

So here is my toast to "Johnny Rotten", may you rest in peace, that your skiing is under blue skies with dry powder and that we will meet again at the top of the lift.