We’ve been down for 3 days in Alaska now, and it feels like an eternity.
Awareness of the rapid pace of my winter life becomes more apparent when I am forced to slow down suddenly. While I can think of worse reasons to sitting still ( snow falling is falling and sunshine is on it’s way ) the incessant pacing and thumb twiddling tells me that the shock to my system may be more substantial than I anticipated.
Backtracking the past ten days or so- 3 days ago, I spent the day flying around in a helicopter and skiing lines, humbled by the monstrous character of Alaska- lines are steeper, rolls are more blind and holes are deeper than I’ve ever seen. Before that, a drive from over high alpine pass from Whitehorse, Yukon to Haines, Alaska- two planes and a 4:00am wake up call in Calgary. Before that- a heli flight out of the Esplanade range and a drive into the Canadian Rockies to my hometown and finally, where it all began- A 7 day ski touring trip – big lines, long days, good food, saunas and fireworks- at Vista Lodge with twelve awesome friends (old and new).
Cravings for rest tend to subside when dosed with good times in the mountains with friends but these so called “down days” are likely much needed reprieve for my body and mind. As insufferable as sitting still, waiting, watching tv seems when I know I could be working, climbing, sweating and skiing I know it is good to slow down, relax and rejuvenate.. the sun is peeking through the clouds and it appears that tomorrow will bring a whole new adventure..
