Intracranial Climate in a Dry December
Motivation is a matter of perspective. But conditions can't be faked. 17 days since the last real snow fall. Red Cone Bowl, December 25, 2013. Jed self portrait. |
That's a good feeling: Camber pressed out of the skis, snow spraying. Jed photo December 14. |
Red Cone Bowl. Also Christmas Day. The most popular early season terrain in the range, getting tracked out, over two weeks post storm. Six turns. Of many. Jed photo, Jed turns. |
It's not all rainbows and sunsets. Mammoth, December 22. Jed Photo. |
"Sightskiing". TJ Lake. December 25. Jed Photo. |
Maybe therein lies the problem: I love skiing. A bad day of skiing is better than a sunny day at the boulders. Thrashing in brush and facets and rocks is more appealing than the Owens River Gorge. Even destroying skis sounds better than "giving up". I'm a stubborn dude. And I don't want to be alone in the pursuit of snow. But I've been alone out there. Kinda by choice. That's just where my head is lately. But also from a lack of partner and client interest. Sure, there are real hazards. But change the tactics. Go for distance. Go for the climb. Go for the scenery. Go for the lakes. Go for the fitness. And get your six turns as bonus.
Maybe the solo travel isn't by choice. Maybe that's just what I tell myself. But, I am a quirky partner. Taking elaborate "selfies", wearing obnoxious clothes. Damn, I wouldn't ski with me either. |