Riding Log: Day 4 (Hunter)

So today I took the kids to Hunter Mountain for my Day 4 and their Day 3. It was a good day. We drove up in some snow but it started to clear up the more north we went. The drive wasn't too bad, the little bugger slept and Amanda talked the whole way.

Once we got there we were greeted by a filling parking lot and intense lift ticket lines. I assumed it was the Holiday crowd and wondered if riding was a good idea. We were there and we'd make the best of it. Once at the ticket window, we were informed that the main quad was broken and wouldn't be running all day. I figured we were there so what the hell. They gave us $20 off coupons for each lift ticket. I paid $0 for mine since I had a free one sitting on my Big Lift card, Kyle was $10 and Amanda was $43... and I got $60 in gift cards sooo... it was WIN!

The lift lines were crazy long... like 20 minutes long. That got old fast. Especially when some of the park rat asses cut in line or refused to ride with strangers to make 4s. But I just tried to stay happy and enjoy my time with Kyle and Amanda.

Amanda ran through the runs like a speed demon which also made her fall tons. She took a few spills but skiing that fast with no turns will do it to you. I'm glad both kids start ski lessons again this coming week. They need to tighten up their technique and they don't always listen to me, so it will push them over their plateau into the next level of skiing.

Kyle continues to surprise me with both is natural skill and love for the sport. He doesn't want breaks, he doesn't want to wait on lift lines, he doesn't want to wait for me to strap in. He barrels down that mountain like he owns it and when he falls, he laughs it off, tries to get up as fast as he can and keep on going.

I'm really blessed to have family members who have the same or similar passions as myself. It allows us to bond over a common love and I really appreciate it. I'm sure some days I look to these days as wasted... I didn't ride hard or push myself, but it's a great time with them... and one day I'm sure they'll be slowing themselves down to allow me to keep up with them.

Snow karma... :) ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Riding Log: Day 3 (Hunter)

Bright ideas don't often come from me, but when they do, it can be exciting. I decided that I wasn't going to work on Christmas Eve. I had worked all week and got most of my things done. I spent many days just goofing off waiting for the break. With 1 vacation day left and only 1 week left in 2009, I decided I'd go snowboarding instead. I mentioned it to Paul and Andy and after some careful planning and help from my sister and bro-in-law for gift transport, I spend Christmas Eve on the slopes.

I tried out my new soft goods and I must say that they do the job. Maybe a little baggy, but it gets the job done. Unfortunately I had all my gear up at my mom's so I had to whip out the new Solomon F20's and they were super stiff and needed to be broken in. I couldn't feel my feet all day. I also had no goggles. I borrowed Paul's old one's but they were garbage after he chucked them all over the mountain.

Andy and Paul came up with me and it was my 1st day of real riding... big boy/girl riding on only blacks/double blacks. We got up there at 9:30 and left by 2:00. It was more or less a full day with no lift lines and no lunch break.

Me, Andy & Paul - Hunter Mountain (Xmas Eve 2009)

It was a nice day... the morning was filled with fog at the peak, but that faded as the day went on. We hit 2 runs on the backside which were nice. They were ungroomed and kinda hilly. I fell a lot but tackled a lot as well. The front side was good... some icy spots but it's the ice coast after all.

It was Andy's 1st day out on the snow and he sped through as always. He was bugging out a bit on the Evo, a little short and soft compared to what he's used to but then he strapped the TRS on and I think he liked it, but is still getting used to the MTX. Anytime Paul or I would talk tech, he'd say he doesn't understand French. Silly boy!

All it all it was good riding. My quads burned and were literally shaking by the last 2 runs. I had to sit 1 run out for my feet, another for my quads and in the end... I bailed while the boys did 1 more run. I felt a little pathetic but at the same time... I gotta get back in there.

We hopped in the car by 2:15 and were on the road. We all made it back to our respective families in time for Christmas Eve dinner... and I even got some sledding in with my baby brother. I'd say it was a win day!

Riding Log - Day 1 and 2 (TRidge & Hunter)

I was finally able to start my season and not at a moment too soon. I've been itching, scratching, and whining my way through late November and early December.

Saturday night I finally got my wish... we packed into my Mom's minivan with skis/boards in tow. We had Bryan, the 2 kids, Jomel and Paul together and we headed strait for the lift after some getting the kids ready. Kyle was a bit shaky at 1st... nerves and longer skis to get over, but once he found his own, it was back to smooth sailing. He wasn't as parallel as usual, but that will come as he gets used to the longer skis. Amanda disappeared as usual. Her 1st run had to be a blue. She's still wild and fearless on the mountain, but her form is a loose and wide... a winter of lessons should clean up her form nicely.

I was a little disappointed in myself. Forget being out of shape, I expected that. I was actually nervous... like skidded a bit on some ice (on a green!), was really stiff and apprehensive.

Sunday we woke up a bit late but headed to Hunter. We were hoping it got hit with some of that '' Blizzard'' Everyone was talking about, but we so no trace of it. Oh well, Hunter made a ton to play in. We stuck mostly to blue runs with the kids, which can get boring after a while, but the snow was decent and Kyle was booking it so it definitely wasn't a drag. Doing that many turns on such a short run and helping him up often definitely worked out some muscles and I'm sore today. Hopefully after the next week or two, the soreness won't happen anymore and the confidence will come back.

I can't wait to head up again after Christmas with the family. But I definitely need an only adult riding day soon... work them legs out and get over that fear.

Please Send Out an Extra Christmas/ Holiday Card!

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get. When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Neglected Blog

My blog is being neglected. I don't know why but I have no desire to write anymore.

Thanksgiving was good. My mom and grandma semi reconciled after almost a year. It was definitely a good thing. The Rios family was over and it was drama free. But I'm tired... and I'm down.

Paul is back in Boston and life resumes... at it's usual snails pace during crappy times and lighting fast during good...

I'm antsy to move out of NY... I'm sick of having to wait for Paul to finish up in Boston. I'm antsy for snow... my riding season cannot start without it. I'm antsy for change... b/c right now things aren't great.

I'm down... I wonder if I'm settling... I wonder...