realskiers

Gary, thanks for the very kind words.  I guess all those frustrating days this winter on lousy eastern snow and narrow carvers actually paid off.  I feel like I made some real progress, finally.  Getting centered in my boots really helped get me balanced and allowed me to just ski and concentrate on other movements, without the constant struggle to find a natural fore-aft position.  But the biggest improvement was from just letting myself relax and enjoy every run, forgetting all the clutter about a dozen different techniques and things to remember that was clogging my brain and actually preventing me from getting better.  That was very liberating, and I enjoy the sport even more now.

And, yes Jim, Gary has helped us all get better.  At least two of us in the family (neither of which are me  ) have natural, God-given talent on a pair of skis, and really don't need too much guidance.  The one needing the most help (that would be yours truly) has been at the receiving end of some great insight and coaching from the Mr. G.  And this year our eldest daughter got just a couple of tips from G, which really helped her and gave her the confidence to tackle some challenging terrain later in the trip -- bumps, trees, bumps in the middle of the trees, off-piste in steep open bowls -- she just chucked herself in with a smile and no fear.  I was amazed.  Blown away, actually.  But we definitely don't turn our trips into one long clinic.  How boring would that be?!  Ninety-nine percent skiing and having fun; one percent ski tips and advice.  Perfect formula.

John, Greenland sounds fantastic.  The land of the Vikings.  Warms my heart just to think about it.     Gosh, I think I might be just a touch homesick here.    Seriously, what an adventure.  Not sure on this one, but is this the most exotic and unusual place anyone on this board has ever skied? Can't wait to hear about it.

Jim, John -- sounds like we all have made some great progress this year, and then some.  The only thing I was really bummed about was missing the guys weekend in Ellicottville.  I really wanted to ski with Gary and the gang, and get to meet Helluva and LP and make some turns with them.  Next year, for sure! Got some lost time to make up for.

John, great that you are showing your wife some new terrain and opening up some new possibilities to ski together.  Good on ya.  I'm sure she'll take to it, and will be skiing the whole mountain with you before long.  BTW, what pow skis did she get? Just curious....

Jim, you are so right about the beauty of the mountains and the quiet in the trees.  That is one of my favourite things about the sport, is that it can take me to some places that are just wonderful and almost spiritual to be in.  Like you, it reminds me that my cup is more than half full, I am blessed with a wonderful family and friends, and that every day is precious. 

Cheers,
Svend