Pow Day 2

Day 2 is dedicated to Queenie!

Like day 1, we got picked up in front of our suites.  However, this time, the temp was much colder, and we were equipped with two six packs of beer instead of one.  The bus was full of Canucks and Swedes......unfortunately, not the Swedish women's bikini ski team....just more old codgers like ourselves.  We arrived at the cat and got grouped with Canucks from Kelowna.  The youngest ever cat skiier in Valhalla history was in our cat....13 years old and a helluva skier.  At the transceiver training site, while the newbies were getting their training, our lead guide Chev told us we could get an extra run since PB was nowhere to be found.  How was the office today PB?!!!  We got our extra run, picked up the Canucks, and headed up the hill under blue skies and cold temps.  The first two runs were spectacular, and then we went to a west facing aspect that required the guides to dig a pit and check the stability of the snowpack.  After getting the A-OK, the young 13-year old whipper-snapper poached our lines and got first tracks down the run called Prune Juice.  He stole a page right out of PB's cheating playbook.  When we were ha lfway down Prune Juice, we gathered near our guide, and my dream words were spoken: "Rusty, if you see your line, lead us down to the cat."  Chev let me rip the lower half of the slope since it was a perfect speed run for a snowboarder.  The sides were lined with snarb, and FM complained the whole way down.  I got to the bottom and videotaped the others coming down.  Unfortunately, the videos are taking way too long to upload, so you'll get to see them later.  Holiday chute was next on the agenda, and it was officially measured with an inclinometer to be a 48 degree slope (e.g. steep).  It was a narrow, one-man chute and surprisingly firm (insert joke here).  For the most part, the chute was handled expertly, except TP had some trouble with premature release.  He exited his skis and quickly remounted before FM could film the carnage.  Unfortunately, while helping Don stop his own detached ski, TP immediately snapped a pole.  In his efforts to ski with a half pole, TP took another header, and one ski decided to go ahead without him.  Dream Killer came to the rescue and located the wayward ski 100 yards below the crash site.  TP slid down the slope on his backside while the tail guide (Johnathan) carried his other ski.  He looked like a dog wiping his bum along the carpet.  After regrouping, the rest of the run was excellent.  TP got two loaner poles from the tail guide, and he was good to go for the rest of the day.  The next drop-off location was called "Top of the World", and the views were spectacular.  The run was pure bliss.  We liked it so much that we convinced the guides to take us back for a second pass.  These are the two runs we want to dedicate to Queenie because they were as magnificent as her friendship and adventurous spirit. 

The rest of the day continued in similar fashion, and we concluded with 9 superb runs.  The bus ride home was much better than the day before since we were able to lock our lips around a thirsty beaver (see photo below).

The hot tub was wonderful as always, even though the cold air caused TP's hair to freeze.  Dream Killer cooked a fabulous dinner of linguine and clam sauce, and the five of us are going to bed fat, dumb and happy. 

Tomorrow's adventures await....