Cold Day on the Mountain

Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area (on Highway 50 in Colorado) was a cold, gray place this afternoon. I stopped there to talk with Anrahyah, intending to go a mile farther up the road to cross country ski.

Some of their school kids were sitting in the lodge anyway, so she was about to take them and head for home. Wise choice today! The wind outside was bitter cold, and Anrahyah massaged a girl's chilly feet while we talked. Riding the ski lift was said to be the worst--hanging in the wind, not able to move much.

I drove up to the Old Monarch Pass road for some cross country skiing, but that didn't last very long. I almost turned around while just walking up the hill from the highway to put my skis on. Skiing along the road through the forest wasn't bad, but then the road turns and would parallel the wind the rest of the way! Within about 30 feet it had become too bitter for fun, with blowing snow. So back down I went. There will be nice days, and I'll go again.