10 Things I Learned

Last weekend was spent in Keystone, Colorado with Neal's cousin Carl, wife Cindy and daughters Lauren (18) and Renee (14). This was a bit of a new experience for me, since I've always skiid in New Mexico. Here are 10 things I learned on this trip.

1. The summit elevation of Keystone is 12,400 ft. as opposed to 10,400 at Angel Fire, NM.

2. At 12,400 ft., you can become dehydrated very quickly if you don't drink at least a gallon of water a day.

3. The higher the mountain, the longer the ski run (stopping to rest allowed) and the longer the ski lift ride (Brrrrr!).

4. The definition of "walking distance to slopes" in the Condo's brochure is different from MY defininition of "walking distance to slopes."

5. As hard as it is to walk in ski boots, it's easier than carrying them the "walking distance" to the slopes.

6. When you stop for lunch on the mountain, and Moon Doggie (Renee) says she's found a table on the very top level, she may not realize that there are 2 more levels ABOVE that "top level." After balancing your lunch tray while trying to climb stairs in ski boots at 12,400 ft. and finally reaching the TOP level, huffing and puffing, only to find none of your group there, the wise thing to do is sit down and eat alone.

7. You can eat anything and everything your heart desires when you are burning it off on the ski slopes.

8. It takes twice as long to cook a meal at 12,400 ft. (Neal tried to explaing the physics of this phenomenon, but I still don't get it.)

9. Just because you've all agreed NOT to ski blacks this year doesn't mean you won't read the trail map wrong and end up on a black anyway.

10. Teenage girls can trash a room as quickly as teenage boys.

We had a great time and enjoyed spending the weekend with Carl and his family. Lauren's trip was made worthwhile when she skated on the lake in the basin. Apparently skating outdoors was very invigorating for her. She is a very talented figure skater and had all the onlookers gasping in awe. The girls ski boarded while we skiid, staying with us the whole time. Carl and Neal cooked breakfast, Cindy and I cooked dinner and we ate lunch on the mountain. We also took advantage of the hot tub after a long day of skiing.

Neal at the fire pit by the frozen lake.

Carl after the first day of skiing.