December 2, 2002…………
Yes, the core group of SFTR’s Last Mountain Division made their first assault on Agua Fria Peak today with mixed reviews. While the mountain was open and lift tickets full price, the conditions were marginal at best. But this did not stop the intrepid souls from making it a great day and performing some fine turns. While Gene and Sue Downs checked out the backside, Mike Shelton and Asa (the Ace-inator) Lutz scouted out the jumps.
 |
| Mike Shelton getting some air time!! |
 |
| The Ace-inator has landed!! |
Asa Lutz, a rock mason and self described multi-sport aerialist, strapped in and made some interesting attempts at pretending he was still 18 and could leap tall buildings in a single bound. Above, the camera misses the actual jump but captures the only landing that did not result in the thunderous scritching sounds of a snow board dragging a human carcass across frozen tundra.
Meanwhile………on the front side of the mountain, Harriet and Fred Vaugeois spent some time with me reviewing some of the finer points of skiing.
 |
| Harriet doing some turns while practicing the martial arts skills necessary for participation in various POA committees |
Fred declined to be photographed during his “lessons” which included how to pirouette 180 degrees, sprain your thumb and do a “flea market.” For those of you unfamiliar with this highly difficult ski maneuver, a flea market is where you crash and have all your loose clothing, skis and gear strewn soooo far that they must be brought to you!!! Fred also enjoyed my “hands on” demonstration of the practice of “curtsying to the mountain” (not bowing) which included me pushing him to the ground, falling on him and he then sticks his elbow in my eye…….the Bunny Hill lift operators laughed so hard they too fell to the ground. I am glad we could make their day.
All in all, I felt we were off to a good start with good friends. If anyone would care to join us, email me at mjhandpt@activematrix.net and I will make it known to the others that you want to be called whenever some of us go skiing. Angel Fire will most likely be our destination of choice because we bought pre-season Season’s passes for only $199!!! This is still being offered for a short time but the price has been increased to $249. Check out their website at: www.angelfireresort.com
 |
| Me dropping into Hully Gully in my new Hawkeye Bumble Bee jacket. |
I apologize for the lack of great photos but the light was flat and I was much too interested in what I was doing to take time for Kodak Moments.
It is snowing here on the ranch………8-10 inches so far. Apparently my thoughts of powder during the writing of this piece have worked!! So for now……that’s all from the Western Front.
| Be careful out there and finish all your turns. MJ |
 | Click Here or use your browser's back button to return. |