Wednesday -- April 10, 2002 -- Day 3
We hoped for snow last night, but a little rain fell on top. The temperature was warm and the snow is melting away before our eyes. We're keeping our spirits high and hopes up for enough snow to last through Friday -- Race Day. As long as we can stay higher on the mountain, we should be OK. Descending to the base gets us a watery pool...OK for waterskiing :)
|
After the mandatory instructors' meeting, Karen and Rick were finally convinced to try to climb the wall. I did it yesterday, but because I had the camera, there are no pictures. Bummer. But that's OK because here are Rick and Karen in their individual glories. Rick had just fallen and was saved by his belayer...and stayed hanging there for a while until he could swing back to the wall. Karen looked like a pro! She climbed the wall bare-footed and in record time. Rick finally made it up after 10 or 12 minutes. Karen took about 40 seconds.
Lettie is returning home tomorrow to attend her mother's 80th birthday. Happy Birthday, Vi! Have you seen any of these people? They are wanted for tipping wheelchairs, tripping blind people, and sneaking up on deaf people. Please report their whereabouts to the nearest police station.
|
Matt
tried the Tessier Dualski today. After first breaking a rigger on the
top of the Big Burn, I taped the remains of the outrigger to Matt's
arm and we made it down the mountain. I replaced the rigger and we continued
back up to the top of Coney Glade. The rest of the morning saw Matt
becoming more comfortable with the ski and making turns without any
intervention from me....so I removed the tether and let him have the
ski completely. What a trip! He handled the Tessier without any diffulty...keeping
his speed under control and managing to work his way through the slushy
snow at the base. It was an awesome day!
My
next lesson was with Ray Kenney. His team made me an honorary member
and gave me an official uniform. The nightgown of the Naked Ladies.
What a great honor! Unfortunately, Ray was unable to ski the afternoon,
so I helped out on the dock, took the chair to the top, and helped out
on the mountain where I could.
Lot's
of folks were eager to get up the mountain. The Fanny Hill chair traversed
right over the loading dock, so we had ample opportunity to see if the
skiis were waxed properly.
After
returning my equipment, Sandy (the clinic founder) called me over to
introduce one of his instructors (me) to Bo Derek...this year's celebrity
host. She is an active supporter of the DAV and other charities such
as the Habitat for Humanity. She wanted a chance to thank the Volunteers
and greet the Participants at this event.
The
afternoon slush took it's toll on even the most experienced instructors.
Ted is still recovering from the day and here, he's just barely been
able to change into dry clothes. Warm weather and wet conditions made
for a sloppy day.
Chuck
just couldn't keep his eyes open! Of course, lugging around those bionic
knees didn't help much. I'm sure Chuck was dreaming of his grand child!
Ted,
Rick, Chuck, and I had dinner at the Stewpot that evening and was joined
by Lettie...a volunteer and previously a sponsor with 3M. We were also
joined by Dee and Barry who skied with Chuck and Ted today and actually
controlled his own turns and speed without the help of his instructors.
AWESOME!