I don’t usually ski on the weekends, but the morning after a heavy snowfall, such as this morning, I can’t hold myself back, especially this year when there’s been so much rain ruining the ski conditions. I like to avoid the crowds. My story is that they’ll interfere with my ‘communion with nature’. This morning I had to admit to myself that it would be a good time to revise that story.
Yes, there were crowds out, and early. The parking lot at P19 was in overflow mode when I arrived at 10am. And not just ‘crowds’, there were hoards – ski teams, groups of families, ski outing clubs and so forth, pulling toboggans, wearing huge backpacks, and, attacking the snow with enthusiasm. When I got to Lusk Cabin, while it was everything I normally try to avoid, (22 people cramped in the smallest cabin), it was – joyful, energetic, full of enthusiasm and inspiring. Young families who had dragged toboggans with gear and kids all the way, just to have lunch, others leaving after having spent the night. I left feeling joyful and inspired and even more grateful for the Park and what it provides to a circle much larger than the one I belong to – retired folks who ski during the week. And, I had a rich experience of ‘communing with nature’.
