Family Fun and Broken Bones

Since late January, excitement has been plentiful, arriving in many different forms. Five of the six events we’re more than unforgettable, while the odd one out was less than desirable.

January 22^nd – The Ryan Clan arrives (minus the all-important Will Ryan, who’s got a head full of books and hands full of helicopter grease).  We ski, we eat (really good food), we party, we hot tub, we sleep, we repeat. Their stay was highlighted by a deep day 1, and an even softer day 5 before heading back to the freezing-thawing abyss of what Vermont now calls winter. 

February 4^th – Hedda becomes co-founder of Team Franzia in the Annual Alley Loop.  In this deeply loved local event, nordic skiers of all ages race through the town’s network of narrow alleys, and break out into the surrounding meadows before crossing the finish line back in the heart of Crested Butte. Costumes encouraged, drinking accepted. Team Franzia dressed in tight Walmart jumpsuits, wielding multiple 5-liter boxes of Franzia’s Sunset Blush.  Whether it was lack of cardiovascular training or sipping their ruby red elixir from the spout, Team Franzia finished the 5k in 2.5 hours.

February 5^th, 11:45am – I break my left clavicle (a second time).  Thankfully, I was coaching on the clock. Therefore, while I sit here at home, I receive a modest biweekly sum of compensation benefits. 

February 5^th, 5:00pm – The Bungalow is graced with the presence of Frank Peterson (Sue Peterson to hold out for summertime in CB). While Frank was not lucky enough to ski waist deep fluff, Mother Nature was nice enough to deliver a few fresh layers throughout the week. That daily offering was just enough to enjoy some soft turns in recently opened Teocalli Bowl and the Headwall: about 20% of the lift-access extreme terrain that Crusty Butt is known for.  After another week of sampling the local cuisine and beverage, Frank left 16 hours early to outrun the oncoming storm in his Nissan Cube rental. Thanks for the games of cribbage and keeping the crippled boy company Mr. Peterson.  

February 13^th – Arrival of the Swiss Snow Machine, hailing from the (not so) grand metropolis of White Plains, NY.  Flavio Feurstein entered our lives in the winter of 2011, visiting Burlington, VT as the roommate of a good friend. Traveling the country as a mechanical/electrical engineer keeps him from skiing as much as he would like to.  However, wherever our Swiss friend skis, it snows. See you in Switzerland, Fla.

Next on the Agenda:

Final Five-week push to the end of the season ahead.  I’ll be serving modified duty at Ski School as lunch lady during the Texas spring break rush and Hedda will work her three jobs.

March 29^th - April 2^nd – Ski Vacation Mega Reunion in Salt Lake City, Utah with a collection of skiers from our former life at the University of Vermont.

And, if you’re ever in Crested Butte for Mardi Gras, you won’t be disappointed.