Ewe-taw and winter wonderland

I got feathers clamped into my hair. It is all the rage out here. I got them in Steamboat before I left. They look really cool. I went with the subtle brown, blonde, grey striped ones so they would blend into my natural hair.

The drive from Steamboat to Salt Lake City was a rough one. I was finally starting to feel exhausted and it was definitely a long day. Henry and I covered a lot of different landscapes and ran into some nasty weather just outside of Heber. We caught some great pictures of dinosaurs in Vernal, UT and some amazing desert sights. I would love to go back and mountain bike if I ever get the chance. It was pouring in Park City and Salt Lake as we drove down. The roads were scary slippery and just nasty with all the trucks hauling. We checked into a hotel, got settled and I was just in time for Sushi Happy Hour at a restaurant right across the street. It was yummy. The night in the hotel was perfect. I was able to unwind and relax. We definitely needed some down time before our big day at Snowbird celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Henry and I met up with Toni the following morning at her place at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon. We have not caught up since college – and it was great to see her and spend time with her. Being St. Patrick’s Day we sported green flare. Got up to Snowbird and started the day off with a couple of PBR’s – they know how to roll – for sure. Toni knows everyone – or maybe I should rephrase that – everyone knows Toni. She’s been there for nine years and is just one of those girls that everyone knows and loves. It was awesome to tag along with her for the day. She also rips. I remember skiing with her in New Hampshire back in the day, and was stoked to spend the day chasing her down the mountain. We ran into two of her friends – Uncle Mike and Woj – who were visiting from Mass. and spent the day skiing with them – or I should say I tried my best to keep up with them.  I also got a couple tips from Woj – who coaches at Sunday River. Repetition, hands up like you are driving a truck, and crush the grape in the front of your boots.

Snowbird is a sick mountain. The terrain is steep, diverse and takes your breath away. I could feel the tram laps halfway down and got my butt kicked trying to keep up. The vibe with the locals there is also awesome. The lodge area is very chill and relaxed. People bring their own beers and food and chill out on the picnic tables. People are just nice and chill. We ended our day at the Tram Club to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish car bombs and green 3.2 Budweiser. It was one of my favorite days – for sure. We headed down the canyon back to Toni’s for dinner and group sleep over in the living room. I totally love the randomness of ski life. Her friend Uncle Mike ended up squeezing his gear in my already packed Subaru, duct taped his skis to my roof rack and made the trek to chase the powder in California. It was awesome to have a driver for that last leg. Henry sat on my lap the entire way and was a little prince. Uncle Mike was a trooper for hauling it the entire way – tumbleweeds and all. His nephew lives here in Truckee, so I dropped him off and met some new people. It’s just so interesting how everything comes full circle and just falls into place if you let it. Good people, good friends, good Karma and the rest takes care of itself.
So I pulled into Copenhagen Drive just before dark last night and am still getting settled in. The scene is chill here. It’s almost old school. I unpacked and finished settling in today. We got pounded with fresh pow pow, but I decided to just relax. I felt a cold coming on and really want to be prepared and ready to go for my first day at the office on Monday. From what I’ve seen so far things are chill and laid back here. No frills. I am living in a house with 2-3 housemates. The place is a typical ski place – my room is cozy and nice. Henry seems to be settling in ok. There’s an Alaskan malamute named Tawney and their first encounter was ok. Last night he got after her a little bit, but he will just have to work through it. I had a hard time falling asleep last night just because my mind was spinning. I am still amazed that I actually made it and I am actually here in this winter wonderland. I am hopefully going to get a better lay of the land in the next couple days and will spend some time trying to describe what it’s like. I am taking it all in. It is completely different. The 10 day road trip was incredible. I have been thinking about it all and will probably blog more about details as I process it all. It’s been great – for sure.

On that note, I see the sun peeking out between the clouds. Snow covers half of my window and the tall pines shoot up everywhere as far as the eye can see. There is white fluffy magic everywhere. It is like nothing I have ever seen. I had to wade through waist deep powder to get to my car in the driveway. Ooooohhhh laaaa laaaa.

Bring it on.

rabbits

I arrived in Steamboat Springs late last night and received super warm hospitality from my good friend Sara from VHS. I have been amazed at how much time can go by and yet people really do not change much. We reminisced about our ski school days back at Greek Peak over beers last night. Thankin’ Facebook again for linking me up. This stop was decided very much on the fly after connecting with Sara on the way. Reconnecting with her brings back so many great memories.

My legs are cranking and I am debating a stroll down to the Hot Springs for a dip. Skied with my buddy Jim yesterday “the man of Breck” at Vail and had an incredible day. Smiles all around with plenty of sunshine, warm temps, insane terrain – spent most of the day in the back bowls soaking it all up. He was right – there is no place like it. I had hoped for good snow, but managed to only find dust on crust and some soft corn. It was a little crunchy, but the vistas made up for it all. I took a huge digger on one of the bowls. I thanked my lucky stars I had my skis set low so they both came off. It could have been messy.


Decided to hit the road and head up here around 7 pm, so I missed most of the scenery on the drive but saw plenty of mule deer creeping on the side of the road. The drive itself was full of twists and turns. I have no idea how people make that trek in a snowstorm. This huge white rabbit hopped out in front of me. I have never seen such a big rabbit before. Rabbits have become a staple here in Colorado.

The view from top of Rabbit Ears was spectacular. What a relief to see welcoming lights of Steamboat after charging a two lane road through the wilderness for two hours. I have been here before – years ago – in the summer and made a promise to myself to come back. So here I am. Not sure if I am going to ski today. My body is feeling a little sore and tired. I have been on the trip for a week now. I am trying to save up some energy for Snowbird tomorrow. I have a feeling it could get a little out of hand.

I am very tired. I am looking forward to just getting to Truckee and settling in. This has been an incredible trip so far. I am almost there!

xoxo

life at 10,000 ft.

So, I realized that my spellcheck didn't save last time, so I have been sweating my misspelled words the past day or so. Sorry about that - bad spelling is kind of a pet peeve of mine.

Today was a beauteous day. True Colorado bluebird day. Reconnected with my friend Jim - who now calls himself "James" and I'm still getting used to his new name. He is a fixture here in the Breckenridge scene. He claims to hold the "2010 Breckenridge snow maker of the year" and "big deal in town" titles. I could see that being the case, for sure. This guy lives and breathes skiing, the mountains...and everything encompassing all of the above. Best tour guide ever. We both were feeling our back issues today, so decided to kick it around town and take the "car tour" of the surrounding areas including A Basin and Keystone, shop a bit on Main Street (got hooked up with a sweet deal on new goggles and am trying out a pair of super phat skis tomorrow.) Jim claims the "big deal" status helps get him all of these items. He totally cracks me up.

I am taking it all in with a clear mind. It's pretty amazing out here. I silently asked myself why I have never been out here before. Everyone should experience this place at least once. It is quite a scene. I forgot to mention that it is also SPRING BREAK so there are plenty of gapers too. The sun shines all the time. I like it.

Henry seems to be adjusting well to all the new sights, smells, dogs and people we encounter. I can tell it is going to be way cooler to have him in Tahoe than Rochester - definitely. And he will have a better quality of life. :) Gotta think of the kid.

It's interesting to check out so many places - each one is so different, with different friends and good times. I'm honestly exhausted but still looking forward. We are hitting up Vail tomorrow. Jim says I am going to be "blown away". I can't wait. Then I have to figure out when I'm heading up to Salt Lake and contemplating a brief stop in Steamboat for some turns and visit with old friends. My goal is to be in SLC for St. Patrick's Day with Toni at Snowbird - gotta work out the next few days...

For now we're planning on dinner at an Italian joint this evening (I feel like I've eaten Mexican for the past few days) then maybe a drink or two, and bed early. Hopefully dreaming of a little bit of POW POW. Forecast calls for 5" but you never know. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Definitely had an awesome day kickin it doing the tourist thing. Hopefully the back will hold up.

xoxo from 10.000 ft.

co

It's a small world after all...

Landed in Boulder - same time as the Tsunami in Japan. Craziness how devastating that is. I watched the video today (two days behind) and was overtaken with emotional sadness. My heart goes out to everyone suffering over there.

Exploring the sights with my friend Rob and his two English setters - Higgins and Dack. Henry is in his glory. Unfortunately it's been just him and I for his 19 months of existence, so playing with other pups is great for him. Took them out to Rabbit Mountain yesterday morning - nice short hike/walk, with beautiful views. Henry spotted his first horse/cowboy combo.

Floated down to town to explore Pearl Street for a few hours and met up with a friend I have not seen since good old VHS. It was great to connect - and see her. Another thank you to FB for linking people up.

Watched some hoops and dined at Oskar Blues - the Dale's Pale Ale brewery - last night. Good times.

Boulder is a very interesting place. Lots of different folks to watch. I get the Burlington vibe - which is intended - but the people are just so friendly and nice. It is shocking to me. In fact, it's very different from what I am used to. Everyone is in great physical shape too. It was beauteous yesterday - in the 60s and there were 100s of road bikers rippin it up. Rob pointed out a professional triathlete at dinner last night, and I actually learned that my friend's younger brother - from VHS - is a triathlete too. Crazy. Seems like good stuff happens here.

It's been awesome to collect myself and my mind here. I was sprawling all over the place the last few weeks. Finally starting to feel like I am putting the pieces together and making gains. I was pretty strung out - so was Henry - with saying goodbye, packing up and taking the initial leap. Now the wheels are in motion. Keeping my sights focused on what's in front of me and trying to smile as much as I can. Some guy stopped me on Pearl Street yesterday and told me I should be smiling more. Random, eh?

Heading out to see a friend from the good old Binghamton days out in Breckenridge for a couple days, then on to Utah for the long awaited reunion with Toni from UNH and celebrating some Irish holiday at Snowbird? I think it's going to be off the hook. We will see...

I almost forgot...so I'm having coffee with Rob and looking at wedding pictures and see a woman I work with at Rochester Hearing and Speech Center in Rochester. She's front and center. Turns out Rob's wife is a Hixson, and the niece of Peter Hixson, one of the best directors at RHSC - who passed away from a terrible battle with cancer a few years ago. Her dad was actually Peter's twin brother. Talk about full circle - small world.

Great hospitality out here - great time to gather my head and set off on the next leg tomorrow morning.

xoxo

Hen Hen and AB Day #1 - Creepy

I kept waking up last night in my not-so-great hotel room in a not-so-great area in the outskirts of Chicago. I remember waking up and asking Justin, who was in the bed next to mine, "Is everything ok? Is everything ok?" It was a tough couple of days, and I realize how lucky I am. It was great to spend 10 hours with someone catching up on years of history and saying a proper goodbye. Someone to say "yes, Amanda, you can do this, you are going to be fine" in the middle of the night. I also appreciated the company and support. (Stoked we didn't kill each other crammed into my car with Henry on our laps.)I dropped him off at the airport this morning and headed west.

So, props to an extra special guy. :)

Now - about my day.
My incredibly RANDOM day.
Started out with a terrible interaction with a sketchy/weirdo cop on 88 just outside Chicago. Total CREEPER...I've told the story about 100 times today, so I just don't want to go there again - but he sent my head spinning - and let me tell you, that was the last thing I needed based on my anxiety and state of mind this morning.

Loved getting calls today from random friends checking in. You are the best. My February 2011 mix made the rotation about 20 times. I can't get enough of Florence + The Machine, as well as Phoenix. Keeping me going...

I don't want to harp on being a single female and how different it is traveling alone than with someone - but seriously the looks, the honks, the randomness from out of line truckers and fellow travelers completely freaks me out. Henry is just a little cutie, not much of a guard dog, but at least I feel a little safer with him.

Saw a billboard today that was kind of funny.
"Buy insurance for your crops. My daddy does." with a smiling adorable 10-year-old outfitted in a cowboy hat and plaid wrangler shirt. Only in Iowa. My mom went to Iowa state - after growing up in Brooklyn - so I kept wondering/thinking about her time in the cornfields.

Picked up a "country dating" publication. Actually splurged and spent $1.00 at the third rest area I saw the newspaper offered. I thought long and hard about the purchase. First visit I was like "hummmm" - second visit I tried to get a free one -third visit I actually went back to the car to get the four quarters for the machine. There has GOT to be some good stuff in there. It is buried in my car somewhere, so I have yet to dig in, but I bet it is pure entertainment. I consider it a $1 well spent.

I landed in a luxurious hotel - which is actually a suite - in Lincoln, Nebraska. Watched the sunset from the outdoor hot tub. My back has been cranking a bit - so it was a fab idea to splurge on a plush bed, hot tub, great meal, and free internet. I hope the breakfast is good in the morning.

Randomly crossed paths with the happiest bartender ever with "sweeties" all around and - get this - "yes i would absolutely LOVE to take out the garbage for you." Who really says stuff like that? I hate to jump to conclusions but think the mid-west is full of these types of friendly, nice people.

It's off to Boulder tomorrow. I hear the weather is supposed to be incredible. Might trade the comfy yoga pants in for jeans and a t-shirt so I can roll directly to happy hour with Roberto. Stoked to see him, and hopefully meet his new wife. Good times, good times.

Not sure what the ski agenda is for the next few days. Thinking Vail and Snowbird are definites. Possibly some more in Colorado and a day at Alta? Will play that by ear. St. Paddys day is set for Snowbird at this point. Catching up with Toni from UNH - a long overdue visit.

Again, praying for clear roads and fair winds. It's time to walk the pup in the parking lot and hit the hay. Hopefully tonight I won't be waking up asking the empty bed next to me "Is everything going to be ok?" I am starting to feel that it is.

Two down, one more crazy driving day left to go.

xoxo

see you later

What is that saying – certain people come into your lives for certain reasons?

Some stay longer than others – and there are friends who last forever?

I feel as if I have made many friendships that will last forever as I say goodbye – or “see you later” these past few days. I shed many tears of joy and gratitude for my blessing of friends in Rochester. (And as I read that over again I realize that I sound like a religious Hallmark card.)

I feel the love. It is deep. It is real. It is sincere.

Can friendship be one of the strongest bonds between human beings? I think yes – aside from true love.

I share tears, joy, love, hardship, struggles, frustration, laughs – and maybe most importantly *time* doing all of the above with many beautiful people in my six years here. It is definitely difficult to say “see you later” to those who shape my days. I appreciate each and every one of my fabulous friends.

The open road lies ahead - unchartered waters and new horizons. Let my instinct be my guide. Let the “best is yet to be” be the first sentence in my new chapter.

Get out and live…

Xoxo

I promise the next entry will not be so sappy but thank you for sticking by my side.

Life is either a great adventure or nothing - Hellen Keller.

Mile 448

Ahh so I did it.
Currently in the tightest packed car ever making my way to the west coast. My belongings for the next adventure are with me and I am doing this. For real. True story.
I wrote last night about friendship and will post that when I get my computer back up. I am lucky to have a wonderful co-pilot this first leg to Chicago. I wouldn't have been able to get through this past week without this one.
Packed up my place in three weeks and couldn't believe how bare and lifeless it was when I checked out this morning. I definitely bring heaps of personality to my spaces. Same is true for my office after clearing six years outta there.
So now I am out on the open road...a couple fits of tears later..it is always sad to say goodbye.
Ny pa oh out of the way. Hitting up a hotel outside chi town and then a quick stop at the airport and on to nebraska in the am. I fear tomorrow will be a tough one but I am prepared for the worst...so hopefully clear roads and fair winds. Then hopefully on to boulder, Breckenridge and salt lake city. Excited to get to colorado to see friends and mountains.
Not quite sure I like this iPad typing but glad I have a few minutes to check in on the journey.
Crazy part of the day an overturned big rig in penny. Winds were off the charts.
Checking out. Chi town bound.
Xoxo