Bare Bottom Blues - Mooning Hikers Face Federal Charges

I have been known a drop my trousers from time to time, but this will make me think twice next time I am in a public place, even if it is the middle of the woods...

From the website of Boston based news channel WCTV Channel 5.

MOUNT WASHINGTON, N.H. -- Officials are cracking down on hikers who drop their pants to moon passengers on the Mount Washington cog railway.

"Mooning the cog" is a long tradition for hikers, especially those completing the Appalachian Trail, which passes over the highest point in the northeast.

But the practice offends some, and on several weekends this fall some undercover officers took a ride on the train and stopped it when hikers gave them the salute.

Eight hikers are being charged with a federal offense, since they were on National Forest land. They need to pay a fine or appear in the U.S. District Court in Concord to contest the charge.

-J.F.

The Sugar is Sweet

Praise the snow gods! With the recent chill in the air, I've been optimistic that this year's Southern ski season might be better than the last. And then just like that another beacon of hope lands in my email box, informing me that today Sugar Mountain opened a few slopes. This marks one of the earliest openings ever for the North Carolina High Country resort. Will this good fortune extend to other resorts around the region? It's too early to tell, but with news like this it might be a good idea to wax and sharpen a little earlier this year. For the deets on open runs check out www.skisugar.com.

-J.F.