Back on Skis

My nasty knee cut came at a really good time. The snow wasn't too good yet, there was some intitial tear-out/plumbing/electrical work to be done on the kitchen, and I had a major report due to a federal agency (website to launch soon!). But ten days after my wreck, I couldn't stand it anymore. So, outfitted with new boots:

And kneepads (my backcountry/tele skier friend Rick has told me for years I should wear these):

I was ready to go. The road we ski to get to The Moulton's trails is icy, so I am glad for the kneepads! I think the water is springing from the ground because of the logging and widespread lodgepole pine die-off in the area. Those trees used to drink a lot of water:

I am taking it easy, sticking to some of the intermediate trails. It's been nice to rediscover the joys of some of the trails that I just haven't skied much in recent years, like the aptly named Nugget loop:

Feels good to be back on snow. Mrs Rover uses a treadmill in winter, and lots of folks just don't like to exercise in the cold. For me, the feeling of being outside is the feeling of being real, alive, and part of the natural world.