Stories by the Fire: The Ski Adventure

Ski with... um... what's the sign say?

Several years ago, before I was trained as a National Ski Patroller, my family took a trip to Smugglers Notch Vermont. There was 13 of us, packed and squished into cars, for the long drive up. Skis loaded on top and tons of warm clothes, snacks and laughter. It was one of those trips that seemed like a dream, or at least, for us kids who didnt have to pay or do anything of the planning! 

We arrivied in Vermont to beautiful snow and sun. To me this was far better than any beach and sun.The  week was packed with skiing, games, good food, tubbing and exploring. The skiing was great! We spent most of out time in the black diamond glades, we even found an ice cave! Due  to our 'exploring' dad decided to buy us helmets, hmm... wise move dad! (I still have and wear the very same helmet!). 

The last day of the trip we woke up to 8 inches of light fluffy perfect beautiful awesome POWDER!!!!!   

My older brother (you will start to see a theme when it comes to stories with my older brother *grin*) and I took off to the far mountian to explore new glades and the deep powder. Now let me tell you, this powder was like no other I have ever skied. So deep, so light, so perfect. It  made you feel like a pro skiier out in the back county. Not even kidding, it. was. awesome! 

We headed down into a glade, enjoying the snow and the beauty of the day. Like I said, it was a new glade we had not even been near yet, but it was great! Racing along we beween pine trees we got down into a chute... My brother was ahead of me and suddenly stopped. We had come to a 15ft drop off!!!!! Now what?!?!?

Being the brave older brother, he decided to jump off first... He landed, almost disappearing in the snow. I heard a loud OUCH!!!!!! Starting to panic I jumped off, and disappeared deep into the snow. I was convinced I lost my skis, but was concerned about my brother. 

When I got over to him his face was an awful color of blue and white. With all the layers of clothes it was hard to tell, but his wrist was deformed... 

Thankfully, another skier came by from another direction and I flagged him down to go for help. We were still way out on the mountain... After what seemed like hours the ski patrol arrived with a sled. They quickly got him taken care of and to the base of the mountain. I was happy when his face regained a normal color! 

They splinted his wrist but it was several hours later on our way back to Pennsylvania before he was able to get it set and cast. We tease him to this day about ending our ski trip. But all things considered it was a good day and a wonderful trip!! 

                                        

Stories by the Fire: Intro

I have always enjoyed writing and telling stories, espically round a campfire. Most of the stories start something like, "remember that time we..." or "I'll never forget they day that..." or the best one, "this scar is from the time that..." oops! Some stories bring laughter, some bring tears and sometimes you will get the half grin that shows there is more to the story that can't be told.

Stories by the Fire is my way of documenting and sharing the stories I enjoy and that I have learned and grown from. Some will be short, some will be long and some might make you wonder just what kind of childhood I had *insert grin face.*  I hope you enjoy and look forward to these stories as much as I do!

                                         

   

Mr. Chipmunk

Remember the hunting season, you know, a few years back when I missed the 5-point? Well, it was about an hour or so after I shot and I was still trying to find this buck. It could have been a clean miss, but I needed to be sure. I was way back up in the bowl (the hollow got its name for it's bowl shape and once you got in the only way out was straight up!) and I sat down on the bank to rest and watch for deer movement. 

Once or twice I caught sight of something way out in the brush, so I was intently watching, poised and ready, hoping for the buck to come out. I was already frustrated that I missed once (breaking my single shot no miss record) and I was not about to miss again. 

Knowing I was all alone I was just a tiny bit shocked when something bumped my elbow!! Heart racing I was almost afraid to look down, but I lifted my arm and there was a little chipmunk! Chipmunks are quick little critters, but I am not sure I have ever seen one jump so high and move so fast! 

I never did find that buck, but I enjoyed my time in the woods and won't ever forget the chipmunk who thought I was a tree!

Grace of God be with you!