The One and Only

Being a realist, I believe this will be my one and only nordic ski this year.

It was fantastic - once I got there. I couldn't find my skis this morning, simple because I am ski blind. Couldn't find my car keys AND we had ants this morning. The sprayer wouldn't work - I suspect it's frozen somewhat. It took me 20 minutes to change the baskets on my trekking poles with the help of my son. It was chaos and bad omens.

Still, I managed to get up there. And I was first - yay! Once the people start walking on the snow, especially with such a small amount, I don't have a chance in hell to ski it. Teyla and I broke snow today and it was awesome. Yeah I hit a few spots of dirt - but hopefully nothing too damaging. The worst part is the jerk it gives you. The skis are gliding so well and there's this rhythm you develop with the poles, skis, and movement of your body. When the ski hits dirt, the dance is interrupted. Everything continues in its beautiful inertia except the ski and your foot. Hence, the jerk, sometimes followed by the fall.

The trail I took today is a utility road used by the ski area. It spurs off the blue ridge truck trail and proceeds to the middle of Mountain High West. I stopped short of the ski area. Oh the lucky souls frolicking in fresh powder! I debated on taking Teyla. She hasn't been minding off leash, but I gave in. She wore herself out in the first mile and a quarter and dutifully followed my ski tracks the entire way back. Personally I think she was too tired to break snow anymore.

And once again, there is some conflict between my camera app and runkeeper app, so we get just a one way view of the trail -click here. (I suggest viewing it in topo or hybrid mode - looks cooler).

View of Mountain High West - near the end of the line

My ski tracks

Blue Ridge Truck trail - Mt. San Antonio in the background

Inspiration Point - trailhead

Mt. Baden Powell (as seen from the point)

"Down the hill" - locals will get the reference.