The day started out in a flurry – literally – as my daughter, granddaughter and I headed north for a morning a skiing at Bogus Basin. With the “kids” having season passes and the fact that age allows me a lovely discount, we were set. Allison had carefully loaded equipment, clothing, water bottles, etc.
The climb up included a bevy of vehicles with everyone driving with caution as wind-whipped snow dashed our windshield. I reminded Allison that the weather proved typical of every ski trip we’d taken together: neither wind, not snow, nor ice could prevent us from our appointed runs.
As we rounded the final bend Allison let out a crazy laugh: “I forgot my coat!” She’d taken care of us but not herself. Recalling an adventure earlier near Reno, I remembered the past forgotten coat and the new one we had to purchase at the resort.
Oh, well, every time she scores a jacket, I become the beneficiary of a hand-me-down. Sometimes a sweatshirt will do, but not during a December storm. As I gathered my ticket she searched for the ski shop – surprise! It does not open until later in the week. But fortunately, a Ski Host overheard us and offered Al her extra jacket for the day. One predicament solved. The second, she had not tossed in her poles, was averted as she determined to ski hands free.
With skis attached we shuffled to the double lift that took us to the top of the “practice hill”, formerly called the bunny hill but that just sounds so beginner-ish. A couple of runs had us ready for a bigger adventure and we headed to the quad. Not only does it deliver skiers to longer runs, it also accommodates four skiers so we could ride and chat – one of my favorite aspects of skiing: comradery. Scooting off the lift and toward the left with easier runs, we headed off.
With fresh, heavy snow and not too many skiers, the run required more dexterity and planning for turns. Ellie had been busy on the practice hill, wedging her way straight down at high velocity.
That was not possible (or safe) now. Instead of speed she had fall following fall until fury overtook her temper. “I can’t do this!” she screeched (she’s 7) as I assured her, she could and Mom assured she would. Crash, slide, crash, slide ensued until we reached the bottom.
“How about another practice run?” I suggested. No need to destroy confidence when a gentler incline could rebuild courage. We practiced our turns, wedging and leaning into the hill to slow down and by the bottom Ellie agreed to tackle the big hill. “Mommy says I have to,” which proved to be an excellent requirement. With the pace under control, we all had fun. She did have one tremendous, snow puffing, ski flying wallop but she got up laughing and the warm lunch that followed made us happy.
Since the storm had picked up and the fact that on our first outing of the season we did not want (or need) to overdo it, we walked to the car and began the drive home. We met a steady stream coming up the hill and we had a strong flow of traffic in front of and behind us.
Around a curve we met a small, uphill traveling car spinning out and sliding into the bank. The cars behind honked and then sped by when a break in the line of downhill cars subsided. We waited a time or two for this passage and recognizing that the little car had made no progress, Allison pulled near and asked, “How can we help you?” A tear-filled sob greeted her, “I don’t know!”
Al put on the flashers and we emerged to evaluate the situation The road being a solid sheet of ice we skidded over, realized that there was no chance of uphill progress, and weighed solutions. Eventually another woman walked over and we discussed possible answers.
Finally, three men gave up and came to help the rescue effort and with pushing, maneuvering, and periodic racing to move our car from potential collision, the “kids” were free and so were we. They wanted to “try again” but all present shouted. “No!” I’m glad we helped; I wonder why no one else responded sooner as the girls had faced whirling tires for some time. But we felt good. Someone had made a difference for us; we repaid the gesture.
