Thursday, April 24, 2008

My Happy Place

In light of the fact that it's snowing outside (it's APRIL 24th!!!!), I thought I would write about one of the best mornings I've had this year. About 2 weeks ago, I woke up at 4:45 AM to go backcountry skiing (ski touring) with my sister Kim, her husband Doug and a few of his friends.

Most of you know that as a mother to young children, it's hard to find time for activities of this nature because it takes a lot of time. Nevertheless, I was determined and ready to go! It is one of those experiences where I feel almost euphoric. If you enjoy outdoor sports, you know what I mean. It is just one of the best feelings in the world. I can't describe how it makes me feel when I'm hiking in the mountains and skiing down through some perfectly untouched Utah powder.

It's one of the best ways for me to start a day and one of the only reasons I will ever wake up that early. Too bad the season is over. At least I can get out on my bike, oh wait, it's snowing...forget that. Except that we are in Utah and it could be 80 degrees tomorrow for all I know.


And I lived happily ever after...

12 comments:

Anika said...

Jay- you're like a pro! The pictures are beautiful!

Eric Gaoiran said...

She is an incredible skier. She needs to do that more often. She came home so happy.

Dianne West said...

Jay, I loved reading about your
"happy place." Really fun to read
about the day you had; hopefully,
next year there'll be lots more!!
Pics were great too!

The Richards in Canada said...

Mmm...that looks awesome. Sam and I had 2 STELLAR powder days on the mountain. No back country this year. One run comes to mind Sam did these awesome turns and I followed. When we got to the bottom I said look...Perfect figure 8's. It was great. I wish we were in a Crazy 8's competition. Maybe one day you'll let boarders come along....

The Richards in Canada said...

O yes, and the other best day was having Nali skiing...I CAN'T believe you haven't taken Talon yet!? Seriously! It was so cool seeing Nali grasp it and EMBRACE it, she started doing her own thing, gunning for jumps, trees etc. So cool.

Rachel said...

I wish I had any idea what that feels like except, oh yeah, I'm "crap my pants" scared of heights and those picture make me want to throw up. When I saw that picture of Dug I thought those ski poles were 2 very small little people. I would get up at 4:45 to see tiny people like that.

bechtold clan said...

I loved these photos..Im so jealous..its been years since Ive skiied powder...thats what I get for been a whimp!

Jaynann said...

Renee-Boarders are always welcome! You can hike on a split-board or snowshoe up and carry your board on your pack.

And yes, I need to take our boys up skiing. I think they would love it and it's free after 3 pm for the kids hill at Alta and Snowbird.

Jessica said...

I am so glad you get to do those things that make you so happy. It is so important to have that time. Skiing, for me, does not have the same effect. I wish it did -- because it is so beautiful. You look great!

The Richards in Canada said...

awesome!

dug said...

jay, two years ago we skied the bookend cliffs above mineral basin in may. don't give up yet, we may get out there again.

dug

Mimi said...

impressive!