Joy-Start 2015 Day 1

As if I didn't get enough marvellous mountain time before Christmas for four days, I'm back at it for another four days to joy-start 2015.  I referred to those previous four days as a "retreat" which in hindsight was nothing retreat-like at all.   The down-time and rest-time came once I returned to home at the end of the fourth day.  The opportunity arose for an additional four days on short notice and I could not resist.  My toys & stuff were not fully put away from round 1 so it was very easy to pack up and be off.

The hope for these four days is to focus on honing my X-C Ski Skills and I got off to a good start.  I went back to Pocaterra where I took my lessons in early December.  I skied trails here a couple of years back so knew this place would work for me today. I arrived near 10:00 am to three vehicles in the lot and no one in the Hut.  

After a few glides along the grid I then smoothly transitioned into the track and was on my way.  It was a crisp, cold morning and the views were beautiful right out of the start.  

I remained upright except for one fall when the track for my left ski vanished and I slid sideways.  I skied mostly on green, I completed a short blue, and I walked down a black.  The air temperature was very cold. I need to work on a way to wear my left wrist-lacer with a warm mitt or glove that fits over top.

expressing how I feel about today

I made it to a meadow to find a moose meandering and... 

...came across two whiskey jacks frolicking on the ski track. 

I turned around at my planned turn around distance and skied back to the Hut to dine.  By now, others were out & about.  

I had time to pass so visited Barrier Lake then.....   

...drove down by the Bow River at Lake Louise Village.

I was tired by the time I checked in so was quite content to luxuriate for the balance of this first day of 2015 and just enjoy the view outside as it drew its curtain.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!