Conversion to Skiism

Since Courtney was sick during Tahoe, I will be writing this posting and about my renouncing of the snowboard. 

First of all, I must say we stayed with a very gracious host and fantastic friend Blake Henderson.  He’s been living in Tahoe for a couple years now and has a pretty sweet set up at the cabin.  He even sacrificed his own room so Court and I could sleep in a bed!

From left to right, roommate Chad, a dork, and Blake

The Tahoe cabin

View from the bedroom

Though the Tahoe winter came in like a lion, it hadn't snowed since December.  This did not deter my enthusiasm to try out skiing.  With Blake as my instructor and the generosity of his buddies to provide me with skis and a pass I was super doper stoked. 

Excited Nate

Super Dooper Stoked Nate

We hit up Homewood first and their views are stunning.  I was having a tough time focusing on the view while learning how to handle four pieces of equipment rather that a board, but Blake has a gift for teaching and he got me carving down the mountain in no time.  

By the way, no Homewood experience is complete without a little happy hour while going down the mountain just as the pros do.  

Skiing Pro, Blake, completing a 360 with beer in hand.

Afterward we went to Alpine Meadows, and I wish I was in better shape to last a little longer, as my form eventually got sloppy and got myself into more crashes.  However I absolutely love skiing and can’t wait to go back up……anybody wanna buy a snowboard?

The next day brought a beautiful, windy sunrise which turned the lake into what looked like a chilly ocean beach.  This wind also closed nearly all lifts…so no skiing.  

It was also Valentine’s Day, so when Courtney was napping with her cold, I sacrificed my disfavor of the commercialization of love with v-day and got Courtney flowers and made plans for our date.  After which we drove around the moonlit lake into a state we thought we would skip…Nevada.  After passing the tacky décor and lighting of Crystal Bay.  We walked into our first casino and spent a whole dollar on the slots.  High rollers I know.

The next day we booked outta town with a large storm quickly approaching.  A couple weeks later with that storm and a few others, Blake tells me they’ve received 15 feet!