Mindy Masters the Moguls

I woke around 7:30am in a wonderfully comfortable, finely appointed, pillow top mattressed bed. I quietly headed down the stairs in my jammies, started a pot of coffee, and whipped out my sit-ups and push-ups. I worried a little last week about where I might run while here on the mountain. But those fears were put aside when we walked to the brewery last night. I was certain that I could run the Government Camp ski village despite the icy-snowy roads.

Mary Ann was the next one up, just as I anticipated. Soon others followed. After a couple cups of fluffy coffee & and a bakery style cookie I took off for my run. I ran first towards the east and then to the west. I could tell that it had snowed all night long. The village appeared to have their own well-equipped snow removal team, which did a fabulous job managing the ever mounting snow pack. Still, the road was very slick. I had to be mindful of my footing throughout my run.

At the villages western edge – the MT Hood Brewery – my turn around point, I was fortunate enough to end up behind a ‘salt truck”, who was actually dropping what appeared to be pulverized rock. That made for excellent traction even on the iciest of spots. I was back at the condo 30 minutes after leaving. I worked up a pretty good sweat despite it being somewhat of an abbreviated run. I worked up the sweat because the last mile was all uphill.

By the time I was back in the condo the breakfast strada was ready to eat. Everyone was up and milling about the kitchen and condo. We were all excited about the prospects of another day on the slopes. By the time everyone was fed, showered, and dressed, it was after 10am. And by the time we were at the ski lodge with our lift tickets it was nearly 11am.

We hit the slopes once again starting out with a green run. I stayed with Mindy even as she struggled with that ever present first drop off. However, somehow we got separated on the long, slow descent and I think she paired up with Mary Ann who skied ahead of Glenn and I. Glenn and I assumed they would return to the top at the first lift. But we were apparently wrong. Looked like it would be just Glenn and I skiing together for the next hour or so. We took advantage of the opportunity by taking on a number of the mountains tougher trails. Again, exhilarating! The fresh snow and powder was nothing short of awesome. The only slight draw back was the occasional white out conditions from the driving snow that continued to pummel the resort.

We kept an eye out for our companions for the next hour. We spotted them on the lift where we were certain that Bob gestured to meet on Pucci. We skied over there but never did find them. It wasn't until just before break time did we intercept one another coming down the same slope. Mindy was noticeably excited about her newly acquired skills which she was quick to demonstrate. She reported running into a ski instructor on the slopes that gave her a few quick pointers, which, for her, turned out to be the ‘holy grail’ of ski tips. Almost miraculously, I could see marked improvement. Now she was skiing like everyone else, only a little slower. These newly acquired skills reenergized Mindy. She was very happy! And a happy Mindy is a happy Jimmy! ;)

Around 2:30pm we made our way into the day lodge where Tommy & Mindy already sat enjoying some wine and the Buckeye/Badger basketball game (#1 vs.#2). And just like the day prior, we ordered a couple of pitchers and some hearty food. As we ate and drank, we watched the remainder of the Buckeye basketball game. They managed to squeak out a one point victory, clinching themselves another outright big ten title.

After lunch we all headed back to slopes. Mindy was more than eager to show off her newly found skills, and I was more than eager to see them. And what a difference. She finally conquered that first descent as we skied down the mountain and eventually made our way to the Stormin’ Norman lift. Mindy skied that trail – a blue – without failing once. I, along with everyone else, was very impressed! It’s funny how one little tip can make such a difference. She was even doing a hockey stop. Watch out winter Olympics; here comes Mindy Thompson-Wright!

We skied that run a few times. Everyone in the group could now do it. Around 3:30pm Tommy & Mindy called it a day and retired to the lodge. The good doctor talked about going in but decided to hang. We skied are asses off for the next hour, or until the lifts closed. We were having a ball!

Come 5pm all the trails were closed. We called it day and retreated to the main Timberline Lodge for a self-guided tour and some brews in one of their bars. We stayed on the mountain until just before 7pm. By the time we headed for the parking lot there were just a few cars smattered about. And yes, the snow continued piling up.

Back at the condo, we relaxed for just a short while before making our way to the Mt Hood Brewing Company for dinner. We arrived just after 8pm. We ordered a couple pitchers of beer and some entrees. I ordered their house burger, Mary Ann, their Salmon, Mindy, a steak & calamari, Glenn calamari, not sure about the others. It was all good! We headed back to the condo by 9:30pm. Once again, Mindy headed directly to bed. I stayed up only another half hour or so. I was in bed shortly after 10:30pm.