Winter Wonderland
In the last 5 months I have had two surgeries and a recall on a mammogram. It gets tiring thinking so much about one’s health. In the early fall I set intention to do two things that would signal to me that I was really recovered: volunteer to work with elementary students on environmental education activities and go cross-country skiing. This blog focuses on cross-country skiing and the next blog will focus on my delightful, active interactions with fourth graders.
When two longtime friends asked if I’d like to come join them for some skiing in their Idaho homelands this winter, my answer was an immediate: YES!!!!!!
Friends for nearly half a century, Ann, Carl, and Janelle skiing in Sun Valley.
I had scheduled toe surgery in mid-December, but I held to my hopes and plans to ski in early February. Within two weeks of the toe surgery, I was back doing rigorous dog walking and then quickly back to swimming. There was only a month to get my stamina back before skiing, but I was determined and it was fun moving at the pace of no pain and steadily back into conditioning.
Ann recovering from toe surgery at Christmas
In my 70s I have no illusion about returning to some earlier level of athletic competition. I simply want to keep finding as many ways as I can to actively explore and enjoy the earth in all seasons. The trip to Idaho taught me a lot about my recovery.
It’s a beautiful drive from Boise where my friends live to Sun Valley where their condo is located.
Day #1: Wobbly
After getting my rental skis, we went out for an “easy” 5K ski. I was shocked at how rigid I was going down small hills. Honestly, I was afraid of a fall. After 90 minutes, I had the kick and glide action of classic skis back, but my downhill snowplow skills were tight and even fearful. I was on a green, beginner run and that is exactly where I belonged.
I have been skiing for many decades, but on that first day was mighty glad to be on the flatter green runs with other beginners.
Day #2: Taking it easy, studying animal tracks, and the big fall
My friends are skate skiers and lots faster than I, so I sent them off on intermediate and advanced trails and set off at my own pace on a beginner run alongside a beautiful creek. Oh, the tracks in the winter: weasel, mouse, snowshoe hare, squirrel, deer! When I took mammalogy in college, I put together a photographic book of different kinds of tracks. That knowledge really has stuck with me. I adore how winter reveals so many secrets of the animal world.
I was so entranced with all the tracks that I was only vaguely aware of the steadiness of my climb. When the Gladiator loop trail crossed over the creek and started back down to Galena Lodge, I found myself a bit nervous but still strong in my snowplowing ability. Then a big dip appeared ahead. The trail made a short, sharp turn to the left at the bottom of the hill. I paused to study it. Hmm, not sure I can quite make the turn. However, the snow at the bottom is deep and fluffy. No need to take off my skis and walk down the hill. So, I got into a snowplow and headed down. As the sharp left neared, it was clear I was not going to make it. So, I let myself head straight into the snowbank. It was soft and fun! I laughed as I untangled and uprighted myself. Some big measure of fear was gone now. The fall had happened and it was not such a big deal.
Beautiful meandering creek along the Gladiator Loop at Galena Lodge.
A brave mouse ventures out from the cover of his snowy tunnel. Chapstick for size comparison.
A squirrel happily jumping through the snow.
Day #3: The long downhill trail
The trail system in Sun Valley is extensive. One part of the trail runs from the top of the valley all the way to the base—a distance of over 30 K. We had two cars for the out and back trail. By this time I was much more in stride with myself—doing lots of double poling, staying in the tracks on milder downhill sections, easily stepping out of the tracks to snowplow on steeper drops as we traversed about a third of that trail.
Ann skiing against the backdrop of sunny Sun Valley mountains.
Day #4: Two valley loops
Late in the day after the big Boulder 30K race was held on the Harriman Trail running down the valley, my friend Janelle and I explored two loops that did not intersect with the race trail. Carl was recovering from competing in the race and Janelle and I donned our skis for a short, end of the day outing.
Carl carefully waxing his skate skis for his 34th or 35th Boulder Mountain 30K race.
Finish line of the 50th annual Boulder Mountain 30K race. Since I had skied a number of marathon cross country ski races, this was a lot of fun to watch.
Day #5: Fresh snow
On the last day Janelle and Carl switched to classic skis and we glided our way through 4 inches of beautiful fresh snow. Fresh snow makes the track slower—an advantage for me. Two people breaking trail in front—another advantage for me. Snow covered pines, ice encrusted creek, and only one other person on the trail besides the three of us. It felt so much like the wilderness skiing I have mostly done over the years. On the way down I sang and sang and sang. The successful return to skiing skill and form, the adrenalin of exercise, and the euphoria of mountain snow beauty all erupted into my made-up song of pure joy.
Longtime friends at the end of a terrific, snowy skiing day.
Maybe it is being raised in Minnesota and basically living my entire life in northern snow country. Maybe it’s my Scandinavian blood. I have always loved snow—the deeper, the more remote the better. Whatever the reason, the privilege of mountain skiing with two dear friends this past week marked a turning point in my healing from back surgery. I have high hopes for active years ahead. And for that, I drop to my knees in the snow. Grateful beyond words . . . and happy to get up with very little problem!
The beauty of winter
I smiled as I read your snow report – it was just so Ann! I could feel your joy and excitement – palpable in your words – and I thought how lucky anyone would be to spend time with you in the snow with your love of the fluffy stuff and your excitement at discovering tracks.
Thank you for your kind comments, Julia. The joy of discovery and movement is still with me. Blessings, Ann
Everything about this makes me smile. I’m so pleased for your recoveries and for this beautiful adventure. Love to you.
Creating smiles are what this log was all about! Thanks for writing, Ann
Yay for you Ann! You are truly an inspiration. So glad you got out there skiing. I went myself last weekend and found that it all came back to me fairly quickly. No big hills though. That will be next weekend. Thank you for the delightful description of the trip and the fabulous snow photos! Sending love and continuous joy in the outdoors. “Arm yourself and friends and love the earth.” Doug Peacock, Grizzly Man. xo
Love hearing from my friends who are still skiers! Watch those hills, Glenda! Love, Ann
Ann
So jealous and so impressed. I will be 73 next month, and never much success as a skier but wow, my hero!
Thank you, Mary Noreen. No heroism intended, just encouragement to try the things we want to do at our ages. Blessings, Ann
Oh Ann, you just thrive and inspire…I love the willingness and care that comes through. Thanks for being brave. I needed that!
Thank you, Judy. Willingness to try and being careful. Good mottos for our age. Blessings, Ann
Oh Ann, such childlike glee emanates off the page of your story about your recent winter adventures in snow, after two surgeries. Isn’t it always interesting to start again from the beginning of that which you have known how to do for so long easily – giving you a greater appreciation for all that your strong and able body has been able to do for years. Gift! I love too, how you humbly began at the beginning hill in order to be safe, gain confidence and get your footing. Such wisdom and respect for your repaired body so that it can show you just what it is ready to do one step at a time. So happy for you that your body repairs so well and is ready to take on the joys of playing in the snow again and exactly how you wish!!! Thanks for sharing this story that brought a big smile from beginning to end. xxx
A big smile was my intention!”Isn’t it always interesting to start again from the beginning of that which you have known how to do for so long easily” Yes, it sure is! Humbling for sure, but a great opportunity for success and don’t we all ultimately need that. Love back to you, Ann
Two of my dearest friends and I am reminded why from the wisdom, humor, strength and of course sisu you both have. Keep the adventures coming and much love, Kathleen
Kathleen, it is terrific to hear from you who know more than most of us the sheer beauty of winter! Be well, my friend. Ann
Ahhh … “winter reveals so many secrets of the animal world” I love this and the tracks of mouse and squirrel. I’ve never skied but I can almost imagine both the exhilaration and quiet of these gorgeous fields of snow. You’re such an inspired human and I’m really grateful for your story. As I drift off tonight, I’ll imagine I can hear your made up song of pure joy. It comes through, you know, in every word and every photo. Thanks for taking me along.
Thank you to you who have such an incredible eye for photographing the animal world. So glad the song could come through even without a photo of the moment. It still resonates deeply within me. Blessings, Ann
GO, ANNIE!
YAY FOR YOU!
👋❤️🥳🤩😘😁💋🤗
Big hugs back to you!
You are so courageous. And, as Julia said, so Ann. I ditched the skis in early high school, after I hit a dip in the fog on a cat trail at White Pass and took a tumble off the side of the trail and tore ankle ligaments. It was never my jam anyway, and I wasn’t sorry to be done with it. Had I not left the PNW, maybe I would have taken up snowshoeing, I kind of regret that now. You are an inspiration, my friend. Gorgeous words and beautiful photos.
Thank you, Gretchen. We each have our points of empowerment and courage—you who hike alone so often. As we age, it is important to keep nudging at those edges to keep ourselves exploring the natural world we love so dearly. And the line between safety and danger can be a fine one. Therein lies discernment and probably a measure of luck. Be well, stay safe, and keep exploring! Ann
Your delight tickles me. You are just a badass. But deeper than that, what celebration and appreciation for your body…careful and wise, recovering and respectful, in love with the world still, and the sheer gift of being in a body that can move.
Thanks!
Sara
Well said, Sara. Thank you. “In love with he world still” and always. Ann
My old friend, Your joy brought tears to my eyes.
You were my first skiing buddy! You of all people totally get the sheer joy of shushing down those slopes. Great to hear your voice here. Ann
Sweet story, Ann! Your brave and intrepid elder self feels the sheer joy of being in the wilderness. It is infectious! I strapped on some XCountry skis last year. I fell down a couple times and laughed at myself when I felt the struggle to get back up but the sense of sliding along on those skis was exhilerating. This year I got some snowshoes so I hope to try that too. Thank you for staying true to your wild nature. I loved that you were singing!! I whistle when I ski. Love, Cougar Woman
Thanks, Cougar Woman. I know how well you know the joy of staying in your wild self!
Your writing just brought big smiles and chuckles to me, Aunt Ann! I sing when I ski too, once I get into the rhythm and euphoric feeling of being immersed in a snowy trail. I wonder if there is a Swedish phrase for that feeling! I am so grateful that you passed on your love of skiing and winter appreciation to me.
Love,
Molly
Oh, Molly! So happy to read your response . . . and one of these days I have to return to Duluth in winter so we can ski together. Love always, Aunt Ann