I was so excited. The hour and a half drive was nearing its end, and my heart was pounding. I cannot describe accurately how deeply I love the mountains, the outdoors, or recreation. The beauty of the landscape as we drove higher and higher increased with every mile we drove.
We were about fifteen minutes away from Appalachian Ski Mountain, when we reached a flagger who motioned cars to stop and turn around; the road was closed! The woman had told us a detour route as we approached, so we whipped around and went on our way. We came to the turn that the woman had prompted us to take to initiate the detour, but Greg's GPS told us it new a better way, so we trusted the small computer.
Before we could blink, we were on a dirt road that was one lane big with no guard rail swerving about and down, around and about the mountain! There were patches of gravel here and there, but we were stranded on this proverbial "highway to hell". We drove 8 miles an hour for an additional 60 minutes! We drove so slow because it had rained earlier that day, and we were afraid we get stuck, or worse.... Slide off the road.
It was awful. We were the only car we saw. Patches of ice came frequently, steep drives and sharp turns abounded every inch of that wretched road. Finally, we arrived back on a main road, and were minutes from our destination. I will never trust a GPS again. When we arrived, we bought our lift tickets, headed to the restrooms, and then made our way to the glossy white hills. It was amazing. The sight was beautiful. I spent about an hour and a half on the "bunny hill" trying to perfect my beginner abilities. I fell a lot! My butt felt like jello at the end of the day. The slopes were about to close for an hour for grooming, and Greg challenged me. He told me that I should go straight to the hardest hill, to which I replied "WHAT!!??? Seriously?" I couldn't even go 10 yards without falling, and Greg is asking me to go on the black diamond hill? I didn't even know how to properly exit the lift, let alone make down the steep and busy hill.
My boyish wits got the best of me, and I accepted the challenge. I was overcome by the beauty of the landscape more than ever when I reached the top. The view was so much different than on the bunny hill. My position was higher up, and I could see thousands of miles out. The beautiful peaks and snow-covered forests were breathtaking. It was time for me to descend. I did incredible. I fell only three times! That is really good! (considering that the hill was long and steep; and that I couldn't hold myself up on a kiddy hill). I was so proud of myself. The wind battered my cheeks, the cool air filled my lung, and the adrenaline pumped through my body. It was a rush indeed. I would attempt it three more times following. The next time, I fell twice. The third run, I fell once. And on my last run before they shut down to groom, I never stopped until I reached the bottom of the hill.
We rested in the cabin while our boards rested outside. Sadly, someone stole one of our boards while we weren't watching. We were so angry. But life went on. We rented another board, and soon, the slopes were open and we were back in action.
Isn't it amazing what people will do to entertain themselves. I mean, think about it. Who would think to stand on a plank and endure high speeds down icy slopes? I don't know, but I'm grateful for who did. My heart is beckoned to venture out onto those icy hills soon. I don't know whether it is because of the sport itself, or the adventure that surrounds it.
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