Mt. Hood Ski Run!
Annie describes her first visit to Timberline
It is about 8a.m. as we pull out of the driveway to head for the snows of Timberline, cool but it is only my second time downhill skiing and we are going to the top of a towering mountain!
My first time skiing was actually on some sissy hills in southern Wisconsin. I am pretty sure it was man made snow, definitely a place for beginners. This was long ago in junior high when the bunny hills were my main domain and the ski lifts were my nemesis. I could never actually master the "exiting" part of the ski lifts. I would mentally and physically prepare myself for a swift exit, but 99% of the time I bit it once my skis hit the snow, which would then get all tangled. The ski lift riders behind me would sigh as they maneuvered over my messy situation, the ski lift operator urged me to get up quickly as politely as they could and my friends pretended not to know this girl who could not even exit a ski lift; we of course, had to maintain our cool being junior highers and all, god forbid if we were to look uncool.
Anyways, you can imagine why I felt a little hesitant to attempt to ski an actual mountain such as Mt. Hood. But I soon felt at ease as we drove closer and closer, the scenery was breathtaking. Picturesque orchards in full blossom and a towering mountain guided our way up to its snowy slopes. Being raised in the flatlands of Illinois, then moving to the gentle hills of central Texas, I am not used to driving for only an hour to suddenly be on top of a snowy mountain. Windward is such as special place, perfectly set amidst eco-heaven.
After the beautiful drive, we arrived at Timberline Lodge nestled just under the mountain complementing Mt. Hood perfectly. Now I was ready to ski! I slipped on my boots, slapped on my skis and inspected my route down a seemingly small slope, not quite sure what to do, but as a teeny bopper whizzed by me backwards, I figure "Hey this can't be so hard."
I finally take the plunge; I'm not sure how to control my speed, and have no clue where I am going, but what I am most concerned with is how to stop and not run into anyone or any tree while stopping. So, not sure where the next turn will take me I plunge into a snow bank! It felt strangely nice to get my first fall out of the way, knowing what to expect for the next few dozen times. I eventually got a little better at slowing my speed and minimizing my dramatic falls and had a successful day.
I ended my day of skiing with a trip to the top of the Mile Run (Parmer was closed), the view above the clouds was spectacular. I took the ski lift down of course! In short, Mount Hood rocks!
the view from 7,000'
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Notes From Windward - Index - Vol. 68
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