Actually this wasn't John at all despite the posed photo and the 30+ year absence from downhill skiing. Now Michele on the other hand...
Miss A described Mama's downhill descent during cross country skiing as something right out of a comic strip: "It was all poles and skis and Mama somersaulting down the hill in a cloud of snow." Lovely.
Despite it all, we had a great time skiing in beautiful NH. The whole family gave the aforementioned xc skiing a try on Day 1 at King Pine in Eaton, NH. All the kids took right to it although the consensus was that it was more work than downhill. The well groomed trails wound around the woods and lake on the grounds of the Purity Spring Resort. We ended our trek skiing across the lake which 3 out of 5 of us thought was pretty cool. The other two were less than enthusiastic. What is it about crossing natural formations like lakes and volcanoes that so unnerve our kiddos???!!! You'd think we were going to fall in or something!
Day 2 was a full downhill day at King Pine. To the surprise of the kids John actually skied and Michele took her first downhill lesson (yes--face plants here too!). Adelaide loved having Papa ski with her although both parents agreed--those boots are uncomfortable!! After an afternoon break, we met up our friends the Bouchers and the kids skied until they closed the place down!
On Day 3 we headed up to Black Mountain in Jackson, NH. And who knew what sights we would see on the way!! Outside Eaton we passed a farmhouse with a giant Totoro painted on their barn door! Of course this needed closer inspection! John turned us around and pulled right into their driveway figuring they wouldn't mind admiration from fellow Miyazaki fans. Then in Jackson we witnessed the birth of the next Olympic sport: bungee boarding! Yes, you read it correctly. Some young fellow pulled back and launched himself airborne, vaulted over the gazebo rail, and continued his flight down to the bottom of the hill!! What a ride!
Our day at Black Mountain brought another full day of skiing and good company with the Bouchers. J and M even got another xc trek in at Jackson. We are headed home now in dicey weather conditions. What--is it winter or something?! Until the next adventure...
