Ski Report
The bottom line: I boldly stayed on the green ("Easier") ski run and enjoyed a day of skiing without having to be rescued even once.
The backstory: last week I mentioned here that I would be going skiing again for a day for the first time in more than 15 years. My career as a skier/ski-writer-from-the-klutz-perspective was always colored by the fact that I started off with an experience pretty much akin to falling out of a plane. (see previous post)
And then more recently I received word that my aging bones were not as sturdy as they might be, which also curbed my appetite for skiing for a while.
Monday I was back in the bindings once again, at Beech Mountain near Boone, NC. And it was thrilling. I started in a barely tilted patch of white called The Playyard and re-acquainted myself with wearing skis and getting on and off the rudimentary conveyance referred to as a T-bar. I played there a long time.
My strategy was to build a little confidence before plunging ahead to greater challenges. It's a relatively unusual approach for me. I usually want to careen on to the next thing. For example, I always think that a nice new clean crossword puzzle will be much easier to finish than the pencil-smeared half-done paper in hand.
This time I went slowly from the Playyard to no more than one step up, where by contrast I came off the lift at a speed that felt like flying. But I was not out of control. I was actually skiing. Thrilling, as I said. Even though the slope was Green and easy.
I also fell twice, which felt like an accomplishment, because in the past, after my initial experience, I've usually skied so warily that I almost never fell. Anyway, mission accomplished: wiped out twice and didn't break a thing. Although the second time it took me several minutes and skooching over to a fence post for support to get onto my feet again. A little embarrassing.
I'm very happy with the adventure: a gorgeous day, perfect (machine-made) snow, and just the right level of challenge.
Categories: enhancing creativity
Tags: Beech Mountain, easy slope, green slope, ski report, ski writer
Comments
I think one of the most important aspects of childhood we often lose touch with as adults is the ability to wipe out and then get back up and go at it again. Whether we use fence posts to help us or not, it's that spirit to keep going that I suspect 'keeps us going.'
Over the past year I had to raise the height of the mounting block I use to get on the Big Bay. I resisted it (crazily) for over a year because I didn't want to admit that I needed to do it. By fussing and fidgeting with the lower one I created problems with my horse, who thought if I was fussing and fidgeting maybe he needed to move or do something other than just stand there. Which of course made getting on all that much harder for me.
I raised it a step and voila – total ease of mounting. And the best riding we've ever done together is happening this winter.
Your adventures in boldness are so inspiring! I definitely want to be on that call to adventure email list for the next one. 🙂
I watched little kids falling and it seemed all part of one movement — down and up. They’re so close to the ground already — and haven’t been upright all that long.
I spent a morning trying to get up on a windsurfer once. Had a flash of learning to walk. Trying to balance on that thing was the most falling I’ve done since my first year on earth. I never did get up on the board. Bob, by contrast, stepped up on it and sailed straight out to sea. In a couple of minutes he was almost out of sight. Some guys went after him in a motorboat.
Good move with the mounting block. I love that it also helped in unexpected ways. You’re definitely on the call list.
well done. Billie's comment also impresses me. Not to hold back or try seem real useful cues.
I agree. Billie always has useful stories.
Peggy, this made me smile! I am very, very proud of you for your wonderful example of boldness:)
I hope that all is well!
Hugs,
Debbie
All is well, Debbie. Thanks. And I hope things will get better for that Franco-American couple you’re writing about.