Bears on the Mountain 2019
Chris (Cub) T.
Good Morning Gee,
I just wanted to take a moment out to thank you for having this yearly event. I had such a great time seeing people I have met in previous years as well as making new friends this year. As always, the event held true to its mission statement and I didn’t feel as timid as I normally would during [larger] social events. Everyone was so friendly that I was able to be more open and was able to socially interact with those who attended. I recommend other cubs (like myself) to take a moment to be open minded in attending these social gathering events that Gee puts together as you will get to meet new friends and making lasting friendships. Thank you again Gee.
Sincerely
Murray
The weekend was the most amazing time I've had in a long time. The Concert, Music Companionship and being with friends were all so moving. The venue was TOP NOTCH. The staff went above and beyond to make it the best time ever for all of us. I enjoyed this event so much. Hoping next year is as AMAZING and more people join us.
Bill B.
What a great weekend! The Golden Eagle took real good care of us. This was the first time I've heard Javelle sing. What a voice! And Gordon and Jimmy were as wonderful as ever. I really appreciated the easy schedule with plenty of hangin' out time. The swimming pool was an unexpected treat. Stowe is really pretty too. Thanks, Gee. Great time and really reasonable price.
James
Hi Gee, I'm fighting back tears right now!!! If you had not reached out to me I would have never been able to be there. It's almost overwhelming how much I realized that I didn't have any place to feel I belonged and no other gay men to talk and relate to. I can't put into words how deeply this whole weekend and your coaxing me to come along means to me. I have never been treated with such love and acceptance anywhere in my life but know how grateful I am to have been included. I never saw so many welcoming new friends anywhere in my life. I really want to open the new year with you guys. I am happy that there is a plan to see ya'll again in the near future!!!!
Yours, (Marvins buddy), James
Eric
It was my first time at one of these events, and I would like to say it was amazing. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but once I arrived everyone made me feel very welcome. I have made some new friends that I will hopefully be able to get together with outside of the group. Gordon was an excellent host, and I highly recommend anyone who has not had a chance to do something like this, to go ahead and do it. You will not be disappointed and you will meet quality people that will become friends for life.
Javelle
My reflection for bears on the mountain weekend was...
I was a bit hesitant knowing i would be the youngest one there, but overall the weekend was a blast. So nice to meet men of all ages and backgrounds. A really nice way to get people together. The hotel was really great. The staff was amazing! Overall i had a fantastic time.
Pierce
I had a great time, impressed with quality of the Golden Eagle and its staff and food..You know you and i think alike about getting a mens group together without the premise of being a "sexual" event..I felt warm and welcomed, and finally comfortable enough in a group to come out of my shell and socialize..For many years ive wished for such events, and im proud to have been a part of Bears On The Mountain 2019..I had no idea of the group or the weekend event but this came to me with very short notice and a welcomed gift from my friend George, celebrating my 1st year of sobriety..It was great to escape and relax, reflect and celebrate..Altho our weekend was cut short by an unexpected illness of George' mom I left Stowe with a warm heart and looking forward to becoming a part of the group..I did speak with a few members but I met one in particular that shared the same knowledge as i have, that being our love of being car guys and talking tech a few times. Thank you Lee ! The show was great also, all three performers definitely talented vocally and hats off to you all..Jimmy’s rendition of John Denver's “Rocky Mountain High” brought tears to my eyes, reminiscent of watching his show as a child with my late parents. Javelle's performances were incredible with his vocal range, fun personality, and soul put into “A Change Is Gonna Come” and you Sir have my thanks for not only your performance but for putting together an event that has changed my opinion on socializing with other men in a public event..I look forward to future events, and having more time to socialize..Thank you to everyone for making this introverted auto mechanic feel comfortable and confident enough to socialize..Peace to you all !
Ken M.
Gee:
As I indicated earlier, this was a wonderful event with a very affable group none of whom I really knew previously and all of whom seemed to enjoy. The setting in Stowe for me was perfect as I have been there many previous times for skiing over the years but had not been there in the past 5 years and then 7 years before then. It brought back a flood of many memories and surprised me with the massive changes on the mountain, especially Spruce Peak, and some additions to the town's services. I had even stayed at the Golden Eagle 3 previous times under previous ownership and liked it then as well and the location. This new management seems very accommodating and has a real can do attitude which was great for the group. The food and room were fine and the convenience of everything together in one compact package was a real plus.
As for the entertainment, the music was great. I liked the whole program but my favorites and for very personal reasons were Cry Me a River, Stand By Me, and Moon River, each really performed at a very high level.
Given a repeat and especially with the location of beautiful Stowe and the timing just preceding the ski rush, I would definitely be interested in a reprise.
Thanks for all your efforts and those of your team. As Jackie Gleason so poignantly opined "Thanks for the Memories."
Colin
Gee,
I enjoyed the weekend very much, and look forward to next year. You out did yourself this year and I hope you will continue to do this event. I'm seriously considering N Y E, but that depends on a few things. Once again a HUGE THANK YOU!!!!
Bears on the Mountain was an excellent weekend. I attend these events for 2 reasons; (1) my husband really likes bears and (2) I am on a journey to accept all body types & dwell more on the individual personality. Bears tend to have no attitude & most are very caring and accepting men so I really appreciated the atmosphere of this group. I always meet some very genuine men & with each weekend ,I get to know the regular attendees better, which is very good.
Specifically regarding the Bears on the Mountain event, I thought the staff was amazing---very helpful & totally and genuinely accepting of our group. As far as food goes, I eat for sustenance & nutrition so it didn't bother me that the food wasn't hot or particularly tasty. I know it can be difficult to present 25 or so hot meals all at once.
The Golden Eagle Resort had a great pool & hot tub and a large gathering place. The private pool party was a great idea. If larger signs had been posted on entry doors, it would have been more obvious to non-event people that the pool was not available to them. Maybe the word "CLOSED" in big red letters followed by "private party" and then the hours would have worked better.
The organized group activities and the free time were all appreciated. I would like to continue to attend these events because I really like the companionship of all the men. Big thanks to all who made it possible, especially to Gee !!
Craig Davenport-Swanson
Dearest Gordon,
I just had to tell you Thank you from the Bottom of my heart, I had an amazing time with you and your Bears On The Mountain Group. The games , the food, the wonderful Bears I met and the beverages including the wine tasting was just perfect.
To see yourself and Jimmy Page and Javelle Stephens and Michael Larson on key board was spectacular. Fun and up lifting and your commentary you all did just wonderful. I had so much fun I could not be a bitch about the snow. It was my first event with your Bear Group, but walked away with making a new friend and look forward to partaking in the next event.
I feel truly blessed to have been around a great group of Men.
Please keep me on your e-mail list and thank you for your gracious hospitality and to Shawn omg had me in stitches. And for helping me open my mind to allowing other people to touch my life in a positive way.
Sincerely;
Show More