We skied through the forest this afternoon.
The sun shone, but it remained below freezing.
Our usual route is uphill for about 1 1/2 miles.
Then comes the thrill of the homeward downhill.
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| snowing while the sun is shining |
It was hard work climbing on a packed trail, and I started sweating immediately.
I unzipped and let my hat dangle from its bungie, happy that I was wearing wicking garments.
When we finally got to the top of our loop, we followed a lesser-used ski trail through dense forest.
I fell on that trail, my ski catching on a small, partly buried limb.
I sweated even more with the effort of standing to get my skis under me again.
Remember me rising and lowering myself to and from the bottom step without using my arms and hands?
(I have blog friends who say they can rise from the floor to standing, but I need the step.)
This muscle memory is key to lifting myself off the ground when I fall on skis.
Bob waited patiently but didn't help by pulling me up.
I use the poles and my muscles to leverage myself upright.
It's not a pretty sight and takes a few minutes arranging body and mind to the task.
I need to know I can do it myself for the times I'm alone on the skis.
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| Pattern of animal tracks from ground level. |
The second time I fell was on the steeper downhill.
This time it took me longer to get the skis and myself situated properly.
I was covered in snow with it stuffed down my gloves and up my sleeves.
I may have cursed a little under my breath.
However, I managed to rise.
Tonight, I am pleasantly tired.
Tomorrow, I may be a bit sore and stiff.
But, knowing I can still stand the skis and get up if I fall makes me thankful.
The beauty of the snowy forest as I view it both upright and from the ground is my good thing today!
Stay well.
Try to stay upright.
(But if you fall, get up....)
Barb
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