Ski and Sky

The "Killer B's"


Our leader attacks the hill


Durango has mountains - We have a river








A week of skiing in Vail has come to an end with everybody going home having all of their parts more or less in tact. Our fearless leader, Mike O, has been organizing these annual jaunts for more than 20 years and, he does a great job!! It is always a week of great skiing, lots of laughs and, once in a while, a libation or two (one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor!!) In the past few years the group has divided into the “A” team and the “B” team. The “A” team is focused on jumping off cornices, racing through the trees and finding the “steep and deep” stuff. The “B” team, on the other hand, is more concerned with preserving life and limb and getting a good seat at the bar. I remain a proud member of the “B” team! Funny how the “A” team members want to ski with the B’s when they are injured, ill (hung over), or otherwise not up to the challenge. We B’s wear their abuse with pride!!

The run back to Mesa (Phoenix) Arizona started with a trip south on the “Million Dollar Highway”, so named for the continuous million dollar views along the route. The road runs through the very high San Juan Mountains, taking in three mountain passes of 10,640, 10,910, and 11,018 feet. (The highest PEAK at Vail is 11,570 feet) The road is paved but extremely narrow and, for most of its length is sign posted for 10, 15 or 20 miles per hour. Speeding would be insane. There are few guard rails and, it is up to 2,000 feet straight down off the edge of the road. I wondered how many snow plough operators they lose each year?? I was told by a local not to even think of driving this road if there was one snow flake on it. There wasn’t! Someone does a good job of snow removal but, I sure am glad I wasn't driving the motorhome here!!

The old Colorado mining towns have found rebirth as holiday destinations with 5,000 square foot mountain vacation homes popping up everywhere. Towns like Leadville, Silverton, Durango and, of course, Telluride have all maintained their 80’s ambience (that’s 1880’s) and, welcomed the “boomers” with their desire for comfort and modernity. It would be nice if someone at Brockville City Hall would pay attention. The influx of “new money” has certainly caused these “dead mining towns” to flourish!! A night in Durango revealed numerous good restaurants, bars, and even a live music scene. Maybe a bunch of moneyed retirees moving in isn’t all bad!!