I like firsts. I like experiencing things I've never yet met in my lifetime. Let me tell you about the "first" I had today.
When we had a wintry, dreamy snow day a month ago, my co-worker Amanda and I decided we needed to plan a getaway for the first part of our spring break. Mesmerized by the fluffy flakes calmly circling to the earth out my window, I giddily scoped out Keystone condos that we might reserve for our much-anticipated vacation. We found a nice but reasonably-priced place (remember, we're teachers :)) and we committed to it, excited for skiing adventures in the mountains.
Fast forward a month to this last weekend. Let me preface the rest of the story by saying that we have had unseasonably warm temperatures in Colorado of late. There have been more than a few times recently when I might have felt a bit confused about what month it actually is. Wait...is this really March?
By the time we were ready to hit the road yesterday for our spring break extravaganza, Amanda and I knew that things might be different than we envisioned them a month ago. As we wound our way into the hills, we laughed nearly every five minutes about the fact that we didn't see a lick of snow anywhere on the piny slopes around us. Even Pike's Peak only wore some emaciated streaks of white instead of the usual snowy covering of this time of year.
When we arrived in Summit County, we took a leisurely stroll through Breckenridge, finding the weather balmy enough to enjoy a meal outside while folks in light jackets, shorts, and even flip-flops ambled along the sidewalk near us. The sun pelted down a blanket of warmth as we munched on fresh chips and guac. Wow. We asked ourselves and others what the skiing would be like in such conditions. I had never seen mountains so dry nor Rocky Mountain temps so inviting at this time of year.
Regardless of the bleak skiing conditions, we strapped on our gear this morning with eagerness, ready to hit the slopes no matter what. The parking lot at the resort was nearly empty and the gravel beneath the wheels completely dry. The hills opposite the ski slopes looked like summer terrain and dust whipped around the moisture-deprived ground. When we finally made it to a slope, we found ourselves skidding over icy, groomed snow (as my friend Amanda affectionately terms corduroy snow) then suddenly slogging through seas of slush. These yo-yo conditions were all over the slopes. Wander to far from the main path and you would find yourself ejected into July with not a trace of snow to be found.
Riding up the chair lift was perhaps the most hilarious aspect of the day. Below our skis, we gazed at completely dry ground. The dirt floor of the mountain and the forest bed of pine needles, rocks, and wood fragments peered back at us. Not even a remnant of snow was in sight over large patches of earth.
It is of no wonder, then, that I saw things I have never seen while skiing like resort workers picking their way down the mountain in hiking boots, picking up litter. Things like the biggest fake tree I've ever seen bolted into the earth right near the top of a ski lift, complete with technical equipment of some kind near the top. I had no idea that ski slopes had fake trees. I guess that's because they are usually covered with SNOW, not standing naked for the world to see. The things you learn when you snow-ski in summer conditions!
After a few hours of this strange adventure, we decided to head back to our condo for some relaxation. Please don't get me wrong: I am by no means complaining! The fresh air was still marvelous today and the lack of the normal crowd made me feel like I had the mountain to myself. I still got some sun and even enjoyed a pricey mountain burger on the slopes. And as a result of crummy snow, I've had more rest and relaxation hanging out at the condo than I had planned for and it was much needed.
So, even though things are not as we dreamed a month ago, this unexpected turn in events has been a huge blessing in disguise and I am soaking up every minute of calm and hiatus. God is good, and He knows how to give good "firsts".
