I grew up on the eastern end of Long Island and that makes you predisposed to a few things:
1. You love salt water,
2. You can’t stand chain restaurants,
3. You eat raw clams on the half shell and
4. You are a fan of Billy Joel.
When I was “Movin’ Out” of Long Island and transplanted to Vermont I had to leave the salt and sea behind me... but I was reunited with my love of winter and all that goes with it. Ah yes, the snow, the skiing, the shooshing, the bitter cold...
”you may be right, I may be crazy...but it just may be a lunatic your looking for..”
The world had been forever changed due to the Covid-19 virus and our journey to document our small corner of the world had been no small undertaking. We had spent months canvassing the state for our film and were simply exhausted, but knew we there was more to do. I was “Keeping the Faith” that it would all come together.
One evening as I was nostalgic for life before the pandemic, “All About Soul” came on the play list.
“...It's all about joy that comes out of sorrow It's all about soul Who's standing now and who's standing tomorrow...”
The lyrics now meant something completely different to what they once did….and immediately my mind drifted to a place where soul was still alive and kicking…even during the pandemic. You guessed it, Magic Mountain!
When Covid arrived in the states, most ski mountains had shut down, even though it was the height of the season. We knew Magic, like many mountains had been hit hard by the pandemic. They were the final piece of our puzzle. Because, after all, what is Vermont without its recreation?
“You've got to be hard Hard as the rock in that old rock 'n' roll But that's only part, you know in your heart It's all about soul”
The magic behind Magic Mountain is Geoff Hatheway, so we reached out to ask if he would be willing to meet with us at a distance.
Magic has always been magic to us. A place where we feel at home…and so it was the perfect spot to capture Vermont and Vermonters’ in their natural state.
Geoff was game so we met up at the hill and he let us set up shop in the lift house. For 2 ski bum wannabes that was a dream space! Despite the heat, the challenges with light, dealing with an energetic puppy dog and Covid protocol, we were stoked.
Geoff delivered his take on owning a small business and the world of Covid with true soul and inspiration. We listened and realized what an undertaking it was to own and operate a small, independent ski hill. Yet somehow, Geoff was devoted to his mountain, his business and his community. It was interesting how we kept finding those with a “deeper devotion” throughout our documentary journey.
“It's all about soul It's all about faith and a deeper devotion It's all about soul 'Cause under the love is a stronger emotion…”
We wrapped the interview, said “see you soon” to Geoff and took a hike on the mountain with the puppy dog. Breathing in the fresh air and taking in the views, we reminisced about pre-covid days. We were grateful for this mountain and to be able to get outside and be active. And we found ourselves happy to wear our masks, sanitize our gear and shelter in place, in hopes that soon, if we did everything right, there was going to be another ski season.
“It's gonna get dark, it's gonna get cold You've got to be tough, but that ain't enough It's all about soul”