All the band members love to
snowboard. In fact, they make their own snow. Not for themselves
though. What did you think, we're rich or something?
Rick Creel of Cashiers, NC,
works at a local ski resort in Sapphire, NC, part
time. They primarily us LENKO snow
machines (see photo). Yes, there is such a machine. If fact, some ski
resorts actually "seed" clouds. No, it's not a myth. Look it up.
Nathan, the guitar player for TGI, often assists him. Hey, it gets
them free lift tickets to other resorts.
Snowmaking is part science, part
art. The snow maker has to keep a critical eye, not only on the
temperature, but also on the humidity to get the right mix. Even the water
pressure and volume have to be regulated. Because of the number of
variables, the snow maker must be diligent throughout the night to make
sure his machines are doing all they can.
Did I say night? Yes. I have put in
as many as 62 hours of snowmaking in only 3 days. Do the math. It doesn't
leave much time for sleep. Equipment has to be constantly maintained,
repairs made, nozzles cleaned (there are about 360 nozzles per machine),
machines moved as wind direction changes, and the list goes on.
While the band does live in
Western North Carolina, they enjoy traveling to Utah and
Colorado. They usually do this toward the end of the regular season
here in the Eastern United States. This extends the season for them and
gives them a chance to ride on some powder. Here in the east it's usually
a hard packed surface.
Next time you see the guys out there
making snow, maybe you could tell them thanks. It just may be our
drummer or guitar player you meet. After all, they'd rather be
at home in a nice warm bed, like you, so they can go ride the next day.
The Great Imponderables
