Ending 2007 on a powerful note

I spent the past week snowboarding in the mountains of Colorado. The last day we hit Vail, noted to be the biggest ski resort in the US. Up until now I have spent my snowboarding days primarily at local resorts. Vail was a huge surprise. We were able to literally board down an entire run and not see a single person. It made me think about what would happen if I were to get hurt. Who would know?As the day progressed, the temperatures dropped and the winds picked up. At one point on a back bowl with no one around, the winds were blowing so hard I could literally not tell if I was moving and if so, in what direction. Pretty scary considering there are many runs which drop off into double diamond blacks - I’m a moderate snowboarder at best. I’ve never been so intimidated and well…honestly frightened in my life.

The day ended early because the temps refused to rise above 1 degree Fahrenheit and the wind chill plummeted way below zero.  Leaving early turned out to be a good thing. On our way home the road conditions were so bad that a parade of four wheel drive cars climbed up the mountain pass at about 3 mph. Visibility at times just didn’t exist and as we made our way over the pass, people behind us were being turned around. They closed the highway for the next 30 hours to protect folks from avalanche danger and of course sliding off of the road.

That night as I lay my head down on my pillow I have never said so many “thank yous” to the powers that be. It was a humbling and frightening experience that has changed my outlook on life. I’ve always been a grateful person but I think I’ve lived my life feeling very immortal. The last day of 2007 changed that for me.  Feeling my mortality created a much stronger sense of gratitude.  Seems like a good way to go into the new year.  Happy New Year!