Seems odd that I haven't posted yet in 2014, but that's apparently the case.
It's been a fabulous year snow wise. Almost record snow pack from current data. M and I have had some brilliant powder skiing and boarding days interspersed with regular skinning up to top of Big Burn , Gwyns and twice in last 2 days up Tiehack.
X games with Gaby watching the Olympic hopefuls perform for last time before Sochi and Gaby got to interview 2 of the stars. One of them - Maddie Bowman - went on to win the the half pipe skiers event.
Had an exciting day with Chip on Richmond Ridge skinning in from the Sundeck on Ajax and having 3 runs on a couple of feet of unbroken powder - but skinning back up after each one. First time to use ( or not have to use, fortunately ) my newly acquired avalanche beacon , shovel and probe. The DPS skis and Dynafit bindings proved invaluable. Struggled more this year to keep up with Chip on the uphill.
A visit from Graeme Russell - now with Bentley - on one of his fleeting business visits to Aspen and managed a good run on Ajax with him followed by a beer or two.
We've just splashed out and purchased a new digital piano. Had first musical evening with friends last night to christen it with recorded ( by Fred ) performances of oboe , violin and piano trios. Keen competition for the RTO. All set for visits from Duncan in April and Ros in July.
Nearly time for annual visit from Martha and Dick from Atlanta. The blueberry pancakes at Gwyns await Martha, but you have to skin up to get them.
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| Gaby and Mary in awe of feats to follow |
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| Note top of half pipe on left |
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| dDgging out the front entrance to 270 at bottom of our steps |
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| Beige's car |
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| Are we sure ? |
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| Chip on Mcfarlanes , Richmond Ridge |
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| Yours truly in action and avoiding yard sale at all costs |
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| Relative success - made it. |
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| Skinning back up - fortunately on a cat trail |
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| Mary , the following day on our weekly skin up Tiehack, Buttermilk. Feels like our private ski resort. |
Post script : Martha and Dick arrived and delightful to see them both doing so well. The ever enthusiastic Martha skinned up with us to Elk Camp restauraunt yesterday and the Cliff House, Buttermilk today. What a great effort for someone that has come straight from sea level. Gwyns next week - a date. If a powder day, all bets off !
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| Duncan, Ros, Hedi, Meghan , Jane - can't wait for your accompaniments |
Just back from the routine skin to Gwyns and back over Long Shot. Coming from a long family history of diary facts ( particularly times ) recorders , I have to record the Wednesday programme. Mary departs for work at 6.50 am. I put boots on at house and skins on skis and get the 7.25 bus to the mall. Leave the ski corral at 7.45 with Jimmy Buffet and John Denver tuned in on the Ipod ( thank you Duncan ! ) , Gwyns at 8.45, breakfast with Economist till 11.15. Turkey Trot to bottom of Elk camp chairlift , hike up from top of lift to top of Long Shot by 11.30, Two Creeks at 11.50, bus back to Meadow Ranch in time for lunch with Mary at 12. Soul enriching. Just sorry can't persuade more friends, partic from UK, to share. One day maybe. Keith and Fiona, Bill, Harry and Ian - come back!
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| Martha looking as sprightly as ever at foot of Tiehack with 1,000 feet to go |
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| At the top of Buttermilk and still looking sprightly. Note Scarpa boots which she'll be pleased to discard before next Wednesday. Pyramid Peak in background. |
