Moms take to the trails

We welcome you to Larch Hills Cross Country Ski Trails

David -- "his choice -- a coat with a lime green sleeve"

I asked my coworker Anita to stand beside me by the welcome sign after we skied with our children. She asked why. I answered, "I need proof I was really here."

I think we went ...

• up Metford Road
• left on Skyview
• then down Roller Coaster (which David insisted on referring to as Roller Toaster)
• and finally back via Chalet

It appears to be a loop approximately 1 Km long. This was my biggest workout in five years. I had to give up all thoughts of parenting/protecting my son, and put all my focus on my own safety. Just staying on my feet was a feat in and of itself. David tells me all of my wipe-outs were hilarious.

One thing I learned was it feels better to wipe out to the side of the trail in the powdered snow, but it is also harder to stand back up when your arms sink down up to your shoulders in the powder.

... a day to remember ...

David's school class has a ski trip on Thursday. I signed up as a parent volunteer before realizing my level of skill. So, today I went back to the ski hill on my own to get more confidence on my skis. This time my route was

• Larch Hills Road to Gullen's Gully ...
• And then right back down the same road.

I think it was only another 1 Km route, but enough to know my confidence is getting stronger. I found myself looking over to the left through the trees on the climb up hill. I went the route I had gone with David's Level I class the last two weeks. To my surprise, at the edge of the path there is a drop similar to one you might see driving through the pass on your way to the Lake. My heart skipped a beat. I turned back to look straight ahead and wondered what new things I will discover on my next ski run. The view is truly spectacular.

an afternoon in the Larch Hills

... the lodge ...

Yesterday afternoon David and I went for our final ski trip before school resumed. There had been a race in the morning, and skiers were huddled around the posted scores outside the lodge. We saved our lodge visit for after we went skiing.

After practicing some lessons from David's Jackrabbit class, we went back to the lodge and bumped into some friends. They invited us to go on the "Roller Coaster": a new ski path built by volunteers for children.

... snack time...

Anita, the mom of our friends Kirsten and Peter, explained that she had been cross-country skiing since she was two-years-old. Her father was Norwegian and it was just their way of life. 

She gave us a quick lesson on how to snowplow since the roller coaster is true to its name - some steep hills with plateaus between. David loves going down the hills. I practice my deep breathing and positive self-talk when I am on them.

... can't keep my camera off the sky ...

After skiing was done, it was time for a snack., By then all the medals had been awarded, and the racers had gone home. Kirsten exclaimed, "We have the lodge to ourselves!"  

We shared our snacks. Kirsten had made chocolate cupcakes. David asked how many she made. That was his only hint that this would be a good snack for return trips.

As we drove home the crescent moon was high in the sky. We happened to drive out at sunset. I couldn't resist stopping half-way down the hill to snap a few shots of the clouds.

I hope to make this our Sunday afternoon routine. We would love for you to join us. 

PS: Bring chocolate cupcakes.