6.28.2010

Way Better Than "The Hangover"...

We spent a few days with friends in Whistler celebrating their bachelor/ette parties. No strippers, massive hangovers, or regretful awakenings. Instead, we enjoyed our time wandering Whistler village, ziplining, mountain biking, skiing, eating well, and relaxing with good friends.

On the chairlift up to the gondola...

the Peak-to-Peak gondola

Wishing we had skis

The bride-to-be enjoying a bucket drink

Julie going upside down on the zipline

Marci, fearless on the big one

No tigers, but lots of bears

"That's illegal!"

Going for the Gold!

B learning how to ride...

Ed, groom-to-be



Ed, Brandon, & Eric- after a ride

A good day ends with beer...

A 4-mile bushwhack into Cayoosh Mountain

Ed taking a break...

A few good turns...maybe worth the bushwhack in.


6.03.2010

I've Made Up My Mind...

There has been much debate in our marriage over the last few years about skiing. I know, there are plenty of other, much more important issues to debate, but we find this one most entertaining.

So the crux of the issue is that Brandon is OBSESSIVE about skiing. I love to ski. I love to tour into beautiful spots for some great, untracked turns. I love the exercise, the views, and the lack of people. Of course, I love powder, even the Cascade version of it.

However, I have made up my mind- I am a 'Winter Skier'. For those of you who don't ski tour, you're probably thinking, "Duh...that's when the snow comes." But know this: there is a whole world of crazies who obsess about how many days per year they ski. Some of those people make it a goal to ski at least once every month of the entire year. And yes, it is possible, but is it worthwhile?

As we were trudging up Silver Peak in the drizzle last Sunday, here were my thoughts on that question:

  • This is good exercise.
  • I can't run on the trails right now because there is still too much snow so...this is the best form of exercise I can get near my home.
  • Compared to sitting on my couch eating chips, this is definitely a better choice.
  • Compared to basking in the sun in Vantage while climbing, this is ridiculously stupid!
Pea Soup

Once I thought of climbing in the sun, thus began the rapid decay of my positive thought process...

  • Why the heck am I out here skiing when its nearly June?!
  • Where is the sun? Really, is it gone for good?
  • Does this wet, sliding stuff actually count as snow?!
Okay, you get the idea. So, Brandon can do his strange spring skiing with fellow crazy, best ski buddy Ed. And I will get a tan and enjoy some fun climbing moves in the sun. Debate over!