My First Ski-Tour

Today I did something I've been wanting to do since last year- a ski tour!


A ski tour is when, instead of riding a ski lift up the mountain, you strap some snow boots on and hike up the mountain. Then you can ski- or in my case, snowboard back down.
It was extremely fun, and extremely intense!
The first problem was  getting the gear together. We strapped our boards to backpacks. That was heavy. I haven't been backpacking in a long time (sadly) and was not so fit. Also, I was also over 7,000 feet above sea level.  The snow shoes were not terribly difficult to get on, but I felt a little awkward at first, and was taking really high steps at first. Then I had two walking sticks, which I didn't know how to use. I didn't even know there was a technique to it- I mean, sticks are just sticks, right? Nope- these were contoured to the right and left hand, and had a fancy strap,in which your wrist needed to properly rest, or else they became more of a hindrance than a help.
Once that was all settled, and I was on the way, it was great- bright blue skies, sun. I was really hot, even without most of my snow gear.
Then things got a little tougher.
By the end, I felt like my legs were lead. I was breathing heavily. (less oxygen at such heights!) I couldn't strap my shoes onto my backpack because my fingers were frozen.
I was miserable- and I loved it! Just when you think you can't go any further, take another step- you do! You think you're going to lay down in the snow and die, but somehow, you don't. You keep going, because that's the only thing to do. I'm sure there is a life lesson somehwere in there. laughed, cried, sweated, and might.”  have even bled just a little bit, where my knuckle was dry and cracked.
Then as I was quickly easily- compared to the accent anyhow, snowboarding down, I thought of two quotes.

I stand in awe of my body. - Thoreau

The larger quantum field—the universe—is your extended body. - Deepak Chopra

I whole-heartedly recommend this excursion to anyone who loves a challenge, fresh air, sunshine and strenuous activity.
Lerice was my guide, showing me how it's done.

Yep, there she goes, way ahead of me.

 But I go at my own tempo and arrive eventually.

 And I was totally smiling like this the entire time! (saracasm)