Addicted to Light?

[Luddite]

Maybe it's just me, but the bounty of local snow has really turned into a 2 edged sword. The good edge has been carving turns in the trees behind the house that I would truly say equal anything I've experienced on the skiing pleasure scale. The Outtabound/Excursion/Mountaineer combo has just made skiing such a joy.

The other edge is I have lost all enthusiasm for my heavier gear. The Garas sit in the basement. The Piste Pipes sit in the basement in Maine. One day on the El Caminos had me missing my 'hood stashes. Even with a foot of new I can't be bothered to get in a car and drive to a place with lifts - I'd rather play in 6" at home.

Not sure if it's the instant gratification, the ability to get as many turns as I need and still have 5 hours left in the day or...? Only concern is that these lower angle tree runs will prevent me from maintaining skills for the steeps, but then again, do I really need those anymore? Somehow my definition of skiing is changing. Maybe I'm getting old and this is the skiing version of the rocking chair... Anyone else so spoiled they can't be bothered to travel?

[UngaWunga]

Not such a bad thing. Easy is sometimes good. Heck, with the googlemaps terrain feature (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=pawtuckaway+state+park&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=59.50923,60.996094&ie=UTF8&ll=43.102487,-71.174583&spn=0.054458,0.059566&t=p&z=14&om=1), I'm cutting out early to check out some possible areas in Pawtuckaway.

[efeldborg]

I'm in your neck of NH (Fremont) and have the backyard stash too. Hard to justify 1-3 hours for steeper turns. Now that that crust layer is buried deeper, it's getting really good again.

As for skill atrophy, take hart in the balance required to tele at slower speeds in boot deep snow. That rear ski is tough to engage because your center is not very far towards the inside (very little inclination). Your time spent on lower pitches will continue to fine-tune those little toes' sensitivity which will translate to steeper stuff.

BTW, I've been meaning to reach out about a Guido or Agamenticus trip. I've been thicketeering with kfarrar and he mentioned you might know the way around those parts. PM with which liquid refreshment might entice a tour.

Enjoy the outback!

[Luddite]

Now the holidays are over I can definitely see a Sunday Guido or Aggie trip (kids basketball is Saturdays). I scouted the Ring Trail at Aggie this fall and saw a lot of nice looking stuff when you take it to climber's left towards the horse trail. Climbers right had possibility too but was really rocky without snow - probably ok now though. Not sure what this weekend will bring, but a Guido tour may be doable...

[Luddite]

Not such a bad thing. Easy is sometimes good. Heck, with the googlemaps terrain feature (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=pawtuckaway+state+park&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=59.50923,60.996094&ie=UTF8&ll=43.102487,-71.174583&spn=0.054458,0.059566&t=p&z=14&om=1), I'm cutting out early to check out some possible areas in Pawtuckaway.

One of the mountains there is a big climbing destination. The other side of it has a trail that was a hell of a ride on a mountain bike, I think it has big possibility. kfarrar and I have been pondering it. Might be the "Firetower" trail or something like that. Let us know how it is!

[Luddite]

and speaking of liquid refreshment, we were looking for something different for the winter, found this drink and it's been a great post-thicket beverage;

2 parts Meukow 90 proof cognac
1 part cinnamon schnapps

I think they call it a 90 below. I have it on the rocks, warms you up really nice!

[P-HUG]

Hey keep me in the loop guys as I just moved to Newmarket and I am looking to latch onto some locals to show me around the woods.
Will provide Copperhook

[RR]

If it works out for Saturday, I might be going back up for a Guido's, etc. Sunday will be points northern obscura.

[bucksaw]

Somehow my definition of skiing is changing.

Mine has too over the years. Let's see...

Ski Mountain
70 lift tickets
Ice
Crowds
Cold lifts


Backwoods
good exercise that keeps you warm on the ascent
no crowds
powder (most of the time)

[PWDR8S]

Back to the original posting..... Yes... you have now caught the bug. Lightitude is now my affliction and I can't complain. As the body slows down, I can keep up on the laps, etc with the lighter gear. BUT it co$t$ to play light as I've been discovering.

More training may avert such a predicament. I opted for the mid-aged route and throw money at the problem. :p;)

Good luck! Now to get some after hours tracks! :D