Last weekend we went to the snow for the very first time. My kids have never touched snow and I myself haven't touched snow in 30 years. Can you believe it? Yep, I think the last time I went to the snow was with YTF. Fortunately we found a couple of seasoned families to accompany us newbies.
Some of you may be thinking that I really missed out on the fun of skiing/snowboarding all these decades... and maybe you are right to some degree. But the way I see it, those fun activities come at a steep cost that don't justify the fun. Honestly, I've heard way too many stories of people getting stuck in the snow/traffic resulting in seven hours of travel time and just the thought of being trapped in a car that long with my screaming kids would kill me. And then you have to buy the gear, and take lessons, and take a day off from work... And did I mention the risk of injuries? Just last month two CIBCers had a dislocated shoulder and broken arm! Um, no thank you. I survived this long without swimming, I think I can do the same without skiing.
Thanks to Hebron, we were able to secure a wonderful cabin in Twain Harte. The grand total for two nights rental, food and gas came out to about $270/family. The 2.5-hour, 125-mile scenic drive was a breeze with zero traffic and no need for chains. In fact, we didn't even see snow until 15 minutes before our destination. I'm guessing by next month most of the snow will be gone.
The kids, aged 3 to 9, played very well together. Dustin has been dying to play in the snow. He would often tell me how his friends always go up to the snow every year and how come we don't. And how they've gone to Disneyland every year and us only once... My response would be, "Sorry Dustin, but who said life was fair? If life was fair, your friend's parents would've given birth to twins and you would be born into their family. And it's not just unfair to you... If life was fair for me, I would have children that appreciate being part of our family and not whiny little ingrates that wants what everyone else has." Life is so unfair.
The first day the incredible Hung shoveled a nice long slope for us just above the cabin. And here was my first interaction with snow in 30 years! It was an absolute blast!
The second day we discovered a giant open space below the cabin.We called this place the "lake".
Lining up for the sled race.
We had nice sunny weather in the low 60s, I didn't have to wear my jacket once.
I wonder if those sleds have a weight restriction.
Both nights I waited until the final (north) round to stage my miraculous comeback.Them women don't know what hit them!
The view from atop the giant slope. Everyone vacated at lunch timeand we owned the mountain. Sweet!
We owned the lake too. There was no one else in sight.
The gentle slope on the lake was perfect for the younger kids.
My van seats 8, but we easily fit 12. All the slopes were within walking distancebut we were quite pooped after several hours of playing.
After a long day, half of us passed out immediately.Below is a three minute video that summarizes the weekend.
It was such a delight, we're already planning for next year.
Photo credit to most photos: HM
