Memories Of Opening Day!

    An incredible memory came up on my Facebook feed today!  It is incredible to be reminded that on November 15, 2019 I was skiing with my geezer buddies at Greek Peak in Virgil, New York.  This is in contrast to this day 2024, that I was out in my driveway in shirtsleeves repairing my snow blower. In my pessimistic mood, I doubt that we will even be skiing by December 15, 2024.  

    The memory that came up today reminds me how fast time passes and at my senior years of 89 the memories can be buried deeply in my mind.  Skiing memories are especially  fond memories.   In that line, I would mention my 10 or 12 year old adventures with hickory skis with straps over my winter boots for connection.  Straight down the hill with no control on the Drumlins in Wayne County, New York.  In the more modern era, I started with leather boots, wooden skis with steel edges and cable bindings.  Some of that experience was at Mad River Glen in Vermont.  The boots got wet and after drying they were toast.

    Fortunately I later graduated to more sophisticated equipment.  Even moving through the era foaming the insert to get a custom fit.  Unfortunately, many foaming sessions were a failure!  And no refunds.

In the progression of my ski days, in the late 1970's and early 1980's I had the opportunity to do my first Rocky Mountain skiing in Colorado's Breckenridge and Copper Mountain.  We drove out in my customize Ford Econoline Van nonstop from Dryden, New York.  Fortunately my son Colin was a relief driver and we could take sleep breaks.

    Now there are some more recent memories of the great days of skiing with the Tough Old Geezer buddies at Greek Peak.  We are still going as a remnant of our glory days a few years ago when we were still in our 70's.  As I write this I am moved to honor those who have passed and hope they are continuing to ski the heavenly moguls in an after life.  Meanwhile, I hope to enjoy at least a few more years on the slopes! 

Invitation:  As your read this, if you are so inspired, comment with some of your best memories of skiing in your life.  Here's to deep snow!