1, Snowboarding

Time to hit the Slopes! 

Its a long drive down from Seattle to Mt Hood, so we are up, the car is loaded (to its maximum capacity) and we are off. Seriously, Snowboards, boots, shopping, DVD's (even maybe a VHS or 2), we have everything anyone could ever need for a week on the mountain! 

John Denver is the Gambler on the 90's car stereo (or car MONO might be more appropriate) as we cruise across the state border! We hit Portland, grab some diet lunch, and begin our ascent up the mountain... 

For those of you that have not been to Oregon, and seen Mount Hood, let me try and explain. Mount Hood stands completely alone. If you check the skyline, you will see Portland city, a whole load of green (pine? redwoods?) and then suddenly a MASSIVE snowcapped mountain towering above everything. If you turn 180 you will also see Mt St Helens, that also stands alone on the skyline... Its cool. 

Side Fact: Wikipedia claims that Mount Hood is the Oregon Volcano most likely to erupt. (thats where we'll be living) but surely there its the only one big enough to cause a threat? (St Helens has had her day!)

We arrive at Collins Lake Resort a few hours later. Let me tell you, the last 30 minutes climbing through a blizzard, with 6ft of snow at each side of the road, was a little hairy. Can I please remind you of our ride...

Yes, 1990.

We are all 'geared up' and ready to roll. Tomorrow we start our lessons. Both myself and Lora are complete beginners, Lora ski's... I once went to spain on a ski trip 10 years ago...We are beginners on a board.

The lessons start early, we spend a good hour at home modeling our new helmets. We even wear them in the car, If you were in Scatje, in those conditions... you'd wear a helmet too. Trust me. 

Karl is our instructor. Me, Lora and some other chick who does not have a cool helmet. It is fast established that we all know nothing! We spend the next hour just dragging our boards up the baby slope, to slide back down mostly on our backsides. It is Tiring!! and we're in a snow blizzard. 7" fell during our first day on the slope. 

I pick it up quite well after the first hour, Im turning right, and left... then face planting into the powder. Perfect. Its not long before both of my feet are strapped in, and I'm snowboarding! Lora and other chick are not so fast to pick it up... I feel like a rock star... there lies the issue!

Lesson 1 over. Time for lunch... mmm diet sandwich and a yogurt! 

My ass hurt.