On our Way

Stefan and I traveled to Portland, Oregon last Wednesday. Mt.Hood received 10+ inches and we were excited to arrive. John's parents were nice enough to give us a warm place to stay and hot tea for breakfast. Stefan and I set out for Mt.Hood. Our goal was Ski Bowl, unfortunately, Ski Bowl did not open till 1pm, with 10 inches waiting for us, we would not wait till 1pm. We traveled further up the Mt. to the next resort that was Open: Timberline. Excitedly we changed into our ski drawers, got tickets, and started making turns. We explored the mountain quickly chewing up the Powder. Sadly, we found ourselves at the flattest ski resort we have ever skied. NOTE: I learned to ski in Ohio. We made the best of the situation and skied every foot of the resort we could, face shots and face plants were enjoyed! We returned to Portland to meet up with John, complain that he should have warned us against the horrible flattness that is Timberline, and get ready for Mt.Hood Meadows.
We awoke and jouneyed to the Meadows. It was a pleasure to actually see some pitch! There was even some good snow left. It was a little difficult because before the 10"+ Mt. Hood received several days of rain making the base layer nearly as solid as a hockey rink. We managed well, finding good snow were we could and exploring aspect the Meadows had to offer. Oh the joy we experienced with real speed. Our joy was interrupted when John fell victum to the wedge turn he holds so dear. The ice forced him into a compromising position and tweaked his right knee. Now, only able to make right turns, we escorted him to the lodge, then set off for a few more runs.
My Oakland roommate, Sebastian, joined us that night and we set out for the Meadows again on Saturday. No new snow, but the crowds helped to break up some of the frozen rain layers and mix with the snow being blown around the mountain. Sebastian did well dealing with the inconsistant snow conditions, but we did get to drop into Heather Canyon and enjoy more of the steeper terrain that Mt.Hood Meadows has to offer. John had to retire early after a run in Heather Canyon after re-aggravating his knee. Speedy recovery John! Stefan and I made a few full mountain runs to end the day.
We stayed with Jenni and Abbey in Portland that night. Two great gals from Columbus, Ohio. Stefan, Sebastian, and I agree that the Portland boys are lucky to have two well school party girls like Jenni and Abbey in their town. Sunday we dragged Abbey around the Meadows and enjoyed watching her sample the snow with her face on a slope called the Elevator. Safety Patrol recommended it...but I didn't find as much enjoyment in that run. Rocks and inconsistant conditions were the down fall of Abbey. Stefan and I practiced carving and edging and we made a few full mountain runs testing the strength and endurance our our legs. Ending the day with a couple hits in the terrain park, we skied right to the car, packed up, and headed for Colorado. Sebastian rode back to Portland with Abbey. Good Luck to them, they have to work this week. Stefan and I will search for powder in Colorado.