X-Country

The early November snows that dumped two feet around our house got me wanting some cross-country skis. So in early December I went to REI in Spokane and got outfitted with some nice skis, boots, bindings and poles. I went several times near our place on the forest service trails and it was fun, the dogs loved it and I was getting some good exercise and showing some style. Then it started to rain and the snow melted, it rained off and on for about 3 weeks, real soggy out there boss.
Finally I woke up this morning and there was 5 inches of fresh snow, hot damn. I took off early for the trails but was disapointed to see there was less snow there even though is only about a mile or two away. Also there were several vehicles in the parking area which meant that there were probably people on my private trails which would not do at all. So I headed for the nearby mountains and drove until the road was closed and found a trail heading up the through the thick trees. The route was steep and I was working pretty hard and enjoying the fresh snow, it caused the trees and bushes to overhang the trail but I knocked the snow off with my poles and pushed on. The ground under the snow was still soft and muddy in places and the snow was sticking to and building up on my skis, a little irritating but going uphill it wasnt too bad. I topped out and the trail ended at a nice little creek I looked forward to the trip down.
I turned around and started down and things took a turn for the worse. The snow was still sticking to my skis and when I would knock it off I would either take off like a rocket or fall over backwards on my ass. The trail was narrow and steep and there was no way to frigging way to slow down, even if I could manage a half ass telemark turn there was no room to pull it off. So I fell and skidded myself down the mountain, grunting and cursing the whole way. I came to one steep section with a hairpin turn at the bottom right at a huge tree, I studied the route and planned my strategy and then took off my skis and walked down like a weasel. I'll spare you the rest of the descent.
At the bottom I loaded up the dogs (who had a fine outing) and surveyed the damage - a bent pole, bruises and a chapped ass. So much for the fresh snow, tomorrow me and Boo are going up to Lookout Pass Ski Resort and do some downhill skiing. Cross country sucks.