The TOP of the World!

I feel like I have been starting each entry with the phrase “It has been a wonderful few days…!”, but that seems to be the reality living up here in the Colorado mountains! While I am writing this, Shawn and Riley have headed out for a bike ride. The sun is out, the weather is spring-like and we are all enjoying a much needed day off.

Saturday morning dawned cold and windy, but since it was our last day at Breckenridge with Jordan and Mark, we decided to take the three lifts to the highest peak of the mountain and conquer the “300 Steps”. For those of you who don’t know, Breckenridge boasts the highest lift-serviced terrain in North America, and despite the fact that the elevation at the top of the Imperial lift is nearly 13,00ft, locals and die hards climb the last 300 ft to the top of Peak 8 and then enter the ungroomed expert runs off the top. We had been told that it is a humbling experience, but the spectacular view and great runs make it well worth the climb. Unfortunately, with the biting cold and blowing wind, Shawn and I made the decision about 50ft up that I would bring Braedon and Riley back down to the warming hut. Jordan, Mark and Shawn struggled through the conditions, the low oxygen levels, and the climb to brave the summit and had a nice moment together at the top before heading back down to warm up. Shawn, who never seems to feel the cold, crossed the ridge line and descended into the backcountry bowls solo and arrived at the warming hut almost 45 minutes later feeling a little numb, but in awe of the terrain and the beauty of the mountain. Here is a 360 degree view from the top of the peak:



Sunday we headed over to Keystone and had an amazing day on the slopes. Jordan, Mark and Riley hung out all day in Area 51, the biggest and most well equipped terrain park that any of us has ever seen. Jordan and Mark both tried and landed the tricks that they have been working on at Woodward and we are really proud of both of them for their efforts. Jordan’s Cork5 and Mark’s Rodeo were spectacular! Shawn, Braedon and I had an adventure of our very own with the opportunity to Cat ski up to the highest elevations. I have to confess to feeling a little trepidation as we boarded the snow cat and headed into the backcountry, but the experience is something we will never forget! Shawn’s snowboard seemed to easily plow through the natural snow, but with the recent freeze Braedon and I kept busting through the crust into powder every time we made a turn and it certainly took a little time to get comfortable. Once we managed to get our skis under us, however, we enjoyed every minute of the run and were a little disappointed to find that the cat was done for the day and we didn’t have time for a second attempt.

Today Jordan and Mark left us to return to Barrie. We were all feeling a little sad to see them go, but are so glad that they joined us and have been a part of our adventure. Tomorrow, we are heading to Vail and Wednesday to Beaver Creek and then we will begin to pack up to move on to our next stops in New Mexico. We are certainly lovin’ every minute and cannot wait to see what lies around the next corner!

Tammy :)