Old Passions

Even though this is Michigan, no it hasn't snowed...yet! An old friend found me on Facebook and it made me think about skiing again. It won't be too much longer and the white stuff will start flying again. Maybe, if I look forward to getting some skiing in this season, it will make for a mild winter! I would take a mild winter, but it also would be nice to get more skiing in, so I guess no matter what happens this year, I'll win.

Uggh, it's been fifteen years since I REALLY spent time with this passion. It's hard to believe it's been that long since I practically lived on the slopes. Sure, I've got some skiing in since, but it just doesn't seem the same down here in the middle of the flat cornfields. I do miss my old stomping grounds. Luckily, I do still get to go back for visits from time to time.

Here's video of me doing my favorite move (a daffy) on my favorite hill, South Peak, at Caberfae Peaks:


I remember two situations from that year that define me. The first, I loved skiing almost until closing time. It was as if I had the slope completely to myself, me against the mountain (okay it's really a hill, but for the story it's a mountain). The chairlift rides to the top in complete silence, huge fluffy snow flakes falling, and dreaming about the up coming run in anticipation. On nights when snow was really falling, all tracks would disappear and it was new every time. It was perfect! No rules, the isolation meant I could ski however I wanted, it was complete freedom. I'll never forget those feelings. There's something to be said to do what you want, when you want and how you want, I like it!

The second, was the companionship. As much as I love the isolationism and being alone at times, there are other memories of mine that I enjoy just as much, because of being with friends. Now imagine that same chairlift ride, but the silence is replaced with hysterical laughter as another friend crashes in the most prolific way! Or the dares, only with friends would there be a need to take a run down a closed run, in complete darkness, through the trees. Having friends around to joke around with and challenge you to try new things, that's special too.

Here's video of me doing just that. I'm sure Becca didn't want or think she could do this, but she's a better person for me "talking" her into trying South Peak.


May the snow fall late this year, but hope to see you on the slopes soon and I can revive this old passion!