Friday, February 26, 2010

St. Louis

I went on a relatively last-minute-visit to St. Louis, mainly to see Joan, my very dear mother-in-law-friend. Although we talk on the phone often, a real life visit is just soooo much better! We had a great time with lots of good food, plenty of episodes of belly-laughing, and some good solid soul-talk... so worth the trip!!!!

At the same time, I did get to see some of my wonderful St. Louis Children's Hospital friends for some catching up on stories, events, plans and just life in general....

My camera did make it to St. Louis, but never out of my carry-on, better next time!!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Soooooo Coooold.....

... water in our water bottles froze...
... I didn't take too many pictures; the thought of having to take my gloves off to operate the camera was just not attractive...
... even with the gorgeous views, we didn't take much time to stand still and enjoy it, even through lunch... had to keep the circulation going...

Still a beautiful hike... up Raven's ridge and 'snow-shoe-bush-whack' down through the trees at the ski area... At the bottom of the trail we shared trails with hikers and cross country skiers, up the ridge with down hill skiers, snow boarders and other snow shoe-ers...









I love the beauty of the snow filled mountain landscape and I hate to wish away precious time......
but I am looking forward to warmer temperatures soon ;-)!!!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Ignorance is bliss

That is in cross country skiing...




We had some fresh snow last week and contemplating how to spent my Monday day off, we decided to go cross country skiing. I had NEVER been before! We bundled up, rented cross country skis, drove out to park one of the cars at our finishing point and off we went..... What an adventure! About 4 hours and 25 falls later, we made it back to the car. It really was awesome and I'll go again in a heart beat. The road was generally on a downhill slope without pre-made cross country trails and on the icy parts I figured out cross country skis don't give you much -if any- control! It was a good thing I didn't quite realize what I was in for until well into the trek!
I am now a very experienced snow-and-ice-faller ;-), so I feel ready to take on some more winter adventures!!!

Simply irresistible!

Just an 'ordinary' view from the driveway coming home from work.....