3.30.10

Just like we planned this morning we headed over to Beaver Creek

There was a crazy lady on I-70 that decided she deserved our lane as well as her own and almost drove into us.  She was busy on the phone and the sad thing was she had kids in the car with her.  If you can't handle driving and talking please put the phone down so you don't endanger your children.  Keep an eye out for her and her gray Tahoe.

So Beaver Creek's logo is 'Not exactly roughing it' and I'd have to agree.  We arrived to a paved parking lot where we set up Cherokee Lounge so we could get ready.  So much better than sitting in puddles.  Everyone's parking lots look like swamps right now since it's been so warm and there isn't any snow pack. 

The bus stop was super close and the bus itself wasn't as crowded as the day we took the shuttle in Vail.  Now I don't get how people don't understand the concepts us city folk use when it comes to public transportation.   Usually the rule is that you move into the bus as much as possible so other people can get on.  Didn't really go that way today but we only took it one stop to the landing where we had a quick pit stop.

Then up we went.  You can see how horrible the winter has been since there is no snow under the lift.  Funny thing, I had a dream the other night where Pete and I were on the lift.  When we got to the unload point I got off like you would at most lifts, straight.  Pete continued around the turn like you were going down mountain and then got off.  I've never seen a lift do that until today.  So weird.  But don't worry, I got off the lift the right way today.

When we made it to the top the trail map with grooming report was right there so we could see where we were going to ski. 

And as we headed down the trail we were welcomed to the resort

They have a couple features that are a little more than just a sign with the name of the trail

Overall today was a dream day.  Blue Skies, Sunny, 50 degrees, I tried to take a picture of the thermometer on the lift hut but missed.  We even had the trails to ourselves and that was what I hoped skiing out here would be like. 

I for some reason, even though I heard it was going to hit 70 in Denver today, I dressed like there was a blizzard on the way and wore a turtleneck.  I will never make that mistake again.  We took a break at Arrowhead Village, had some water, a Cliff Bar and got some sun.

A little too much it turns out.  I have a slight sunburn on the top of my face from this little break in the sun but boy did I get a massive goggle burn on the bottom.  Hopefully I'll be able to work some makeup magic tomorrow for my interviews because it feels like it's gonna be bad.  If I get the courage I'll post a pic.

Since it was getting late and we needed to get to Beaver Creek Village for the cookie parade we started our long journey.  We had lots of traverses (aka flat spots) which normally I hate but the last few times I've been able to keep my speed up and don't have to unstrap or worse, walk.  You always look like you can hold your own where you're walking down the trail instead of riding.  I did smash my knee pretty good at one point.  We were riding on a traverse and when we looked behind us there was a snowcat grooming the trail.  It was a little congested cause people were freaked out.  I was skating (only had my front food strapped in) at the time and I just lost it and my knee cap smashed into my binding.  Not a good feeling and it was almost impossible to get to the village.   After a few embarrassing falls, it looked like it was my first day again, we made it. 

There was so much stuff going on in the village.  There was a band taking requests from the crowd.  I guess they didn't have a set list.

They had a huge trampoline 

We sat around for 20 minutes and finally saw some chefs come out of the kitchen

The one on the left is wearing a helmet and goggles so she must have been getting ready to go on her ski break.  It's the best thing about working at a resort.  

There was a mad rush when the cookie cart came thru

It took Pete 4 attempts before he finally snagged a cookie and he couldn't wait 

We walked through the village to see if North Face had the pants that matched my fleece from Pete but no luck.  We're trying to figure out what we can wear for mid layers.  Next he showed me the skating rink

There was a guy next to the rink that had a Reindeer.  I'm not sure what the deal was but kids were lining up and paying for something.  Poor thing, it looks so sad.

We decided that we were going to do some exploring and drove up to Eagle to check it out.  Speed limits in the wild west:  75 mph - West of Beaver Creek anyway

We drove around and it is so cute!  We decided to grab a bite at the 50's Diner we spotted on the way into town.

Eagle Diner, so cute but so empty

We looked at the menu and Pete wished we had come on Wednesday for the Chicken Pot Pie Special but alas it was only Tuesday.

I decided that I should get something that was inherent to the restaurant so I decided on a Root beer Float.  I had been thinking about making myself one for the past few weeks.

So about half way I realized that I had messed up.  After about 5 days with no caffeine I just had some because I wasn't thinking.  I was only thinking about 'what could I get that would be good to write about?'  My guess is that it didn't have much in it anyway since I still have a killer detox headache. 

We both had salad as our dinner side

Pete decided to have the Fried Chicken.  He wasn't too impressed, but the potatoes and gravy were pretty good.  

I had a grilled cheese with tomato on Rye

After that we headed home.  I can't believe how green everything is already.  Pretty soon it'll be time for camping and hiking.

 
I updated the Colorado album with a few new pics from today's ride.

We plan on hanging out and having some leftovers for dinner.  Maybe try to catch up on some 24 and Lost. Pete's skiing with Andy tomorrow at Copper it looks like before the big storm hits on Thursday.