Goodbye skiing

Of course there is still skiing to be done, but I'm pretty much done. Having gone up to White Grass just about every weekend this winter, its time to stay closer to home and figure out my next move. It was really great working up in Canaan and seeing so many good folks. And skiing was great rehab for my leg, even though it was really hurting making turns.

I got to watch the torchlight parade and fireworks from Canaan Heights. From where I was viewing it, it looked very smoothly executed, but on the ground I heard it was a drunken swarm. The fireworks were very pro and my neighbor had some going on too, so that made it really cool, too. On Sunday, I got to make two runs on my snowboard which was rad. I miss that.

Sunday was the best day ever. I got to ski with great friends whom all happened to be incredible skiers. The doggies got to go along, too which was a rare treat. Even though Ruby was the fun police barking at the whooping and hollering and biting people's skis. I guess that is what you get from a heeler. We skied all day and then had the White Grass staff party that evening.

What a good crew of workers and characters. The guests chefs were Scott and Kyle Weiner, who cooked authentic Indian food. The Fish curry and Bamboo salad were my favorites. The time that must of gone into the prep because each vegetable was cut so thin and perfect. The Chadka went great with everything and is my new fav party drink. Chadka is strongly brewed chaga tea and good vodka. Good for you, too.

The next day, I went into Davis and Thomas and made the rounds. It was great to see Roger from Blackwater Bikes. He is getting very involved in all the trail work going on up there. There is considerable buzz about this "Heart of the Highlands" trail that will connect Davis to the Valley and back around to Davis. Good things are happening there for recreation. The Canaan MTB Festival will happen again this year in support of Tucker Country Trails. So if you are in the area June 25, 26, 27 come out and ride and do trail work.

I saw Laird at the Flying Pigs. He is so bummed he had to cancel the 24 Hour National Championships at Black Bear. The economy is really tough for races like that right now and he just didn't have enough racers. Another sad thing is that he said people have been so mean about the cancellations. In one way this doesn't surprise me, because in general racers can be such a selfish bunch, but on the other hand I'm appalled. Usually, mtbers and the nicest people ever. I wish Laird the best of luck with whatever he decides to get into now. He has a lot of energy for things that he is passionate about.

I got a pizza at Sirianni's to bring home to Tim and ran into the bank. I got out of the bank and realized that Ruby had just devoured my fresh pizza. I was so furious at her. She knows better, but did it anyway. I was so shocked that I must have put my wallet and my checkbook on top of my car and drove away. Thankfully the next day a good citizen from Aurora found it and gave me a call. Thank you world. Ruby had to spend the night tied up on the porch as punishment. I don't doubt she would do it again if given the chance, though.

I also found some baby ramps. I scraped away some leaves and there were the little white fingers sticking up. They were really tasty, but not as good for you as when the green leaves are on them.

I'm considering going to one of the Virgninia Off Road Series this sunday. It looks fun and is a fundraiser for World Bicycle Relief.

Friday at White Grass

White Grass

I really like working at White Grass. Too bad there is not a summer White Grass. I'm going up the next two weekends and then winter is a wrap. Chipper and the boys head up to the Tele Fest at Mad River Glen in Vermont next weekend. But the snow will still be fun and hopefully we will get corn conditions for god-like tele turns and good morning skating. I'm looking forward to the staff party with guest chefs, Scott and Kyle Wiener who are doing South Indian cuisine on the 21st.

The skiing was really good again this weekend. Its still mind blowing that the snow pack is 3 ft at my house at 3700ft and then up to a foot more above 4, 000ft. That 3 ft is equivalent to almost 10 inches of rain. There is worry about the upcoming warm weather and rain that it will cause flooding in lower elevations. I hope its a slow melt. Its going to be an epic boating season as well.

Heading out for a nooner ride...

March madness

How can people think about biking, basketball and even 'The Bachelor' when there is snow much more skiing to be done. I know I can't. I'm still dreaming about skiing and itching for more ski time on the snow. Kyle asked me today, How the snow at White Grass was handling the warm weather. Its hard to explain to someone who lives in Harrisonburg, that it isn't warm in Canaan and its still snowing there. But you can't fault him. Humans like warm weather and sunny days. Its in our DNA. And there is absolutely no stopping mother nature's forward push into spring. Here in Harrisonburg, my tulips and crocus are coming up. College kids are walking to class in shorts. Before we know it the grass will green and we will be in the corn fields.

But this past weekend was full on winter. Rt 32 between Davis and Harman was closed all day, even White Grass was closed. The kids in Tucker county have barely gone to school all winter. According to my neighbor, Dave, there has only been 11 days since Dec 1 above 40 degrees with the high in december being 48. And even when we had that high , there was still snow on the ground. That makes 3 solid months with snow on the ground at 4,000ft. There is still 60 inches at that elevation. Everything looks like a glade and nothing is too steep.

Friday, I had the pleasure of getting faceshots all day! That is when the powder snow hits you in the face as you make a turn. Keep it clean. Curtis, Ian and I shredded the Dial Down 6 times. I was pooped and happy eating homemade food with some of the members of the Canaan Heights Collective. The next day, I got to work at White Grass. I have to say how happy I am when people come out and "use" the snow. There is nothing worse than having all that snow to be enjoyed and have people stay at home and wait for spring. Skiing is a joy that should be shared. Sunday was really nice snow for the women's ski day. We had a really nice group of women who were into learning and laughing. Later I did a night ski for the full moon with some staffski. We gladed out in Double Trouble woods, Sawmill, Plum Orchard and then barn runs. Burritos at Hellbenders was the end to a perfect day.

Monday, I got to ski with Carp on Dial Down, BladeRunner, Stonecoal Steeps, Weiss Woods and Sauna Hollow. Skiing through the trees is the best.

Now today, feeling a little post powder let down. My leg is hurting me,too. I guess its the barametric pressure change. Will it ever be solid again I can't help but to wonder. I also am wondering if I'm going to find the motivation to do some bike racing this summer?