Jackson Hole Winterfest - Part 2

So much fun in one weekend that it deserves two blogs! Following a fun day at the Cutter Races we headed into town for the Outrageous Air Show, a jaw-dropping display of aerial acrobatics starring expert freestyle skiers. The show was staged under spotlights at Snow King Ski Resort (in town), and accented by fireworks. It drew a huge crowd of families and was a spectacular show.

On Sunday morning we had gotten two feet of fresh powder on the mountain and the snow was still accumulating at the rate of two inches an hour. The locals were all talking about the "Epic" conditions - in other words NOT good for Barry & Michele's skiing expertise! Our church was hosting a mountain-top church service at the top of the Gondola - so we headed to the Mountain Resort for church; hopefully to be followed by a day of skiing. There is no better way to worship God than at 8,500 feet overlooking the snow covered mountains with it pouring snow! Funny thing was that our associate pastor (a young, self-described, transformed ski bum) cut the service short as he couldn't resist the mounting "powder" and wanted everyone to enjoy some "fresh tracks" - AMEN!


"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." ~George Washington Carver

Well, all the praying in the world and even attending church right there on the mountain did not help our descent down the mountain Sunday morning. All that fresh "cowboy powder" knocked us right back to admitting what we truly are - groomer skiers! We tried a second run and then realized that "epic conditions" are not for us; we waved the yellow flag of surrender and packed it up and headed back home. At least we got in church!

TOO MUCH POWDER FOR US!



"Snowbows" appear out here when the
sun peeps out during a snowstorm!

We couldn't let a "little" snow completely ruin our day, so we took Bella on a 5+ mile hike on Cache Creek. The snow doesn't stop her, although at times we thought we might lose her - she loves to venture deep into the snow!

Bella hiking through the snow!

Some of the planned events that we missed this year, but look forward to attending next year:

• Snow Sculpture Competition (winners qualify for U.S. Nationals)
• Margarita Cup Race (don't know what it is - but Margarita's sound good)
• Moose Hockey Games 
• JH Ski Club - Moose Chase Nordic Race (maybe I can skate ski by then)
• Jackson Hole Ski Club - Club Series Slalom Race (this would be Barry's event)
• Texas Hold'em Tournament @ The Wort Hotel (A good way to fund living in JH)
• Dodgeball on Ice Tournament (Sounds a bit dangerous; but fun if enough beer first)
• K-9 Keg Pull (We need to get Bella ready)

K-9 Keg Pull

We were ready for some R&R by the time President's Day rolled around! Barry had the day off (Thanks George Washington!) so we enjoyed a restful morning, brunch with our neighbors and then a 6.6 mile cross country ski on beautiful Game Creek to work off our French Toast Souffle (Shelley Primovic's recipe that is just amazing)! Now it is back to reality - work for Barry, and for me: still a nice long vacation!!!!

Hope you find yourself having a great week and starting to feel like you really need to visit JH! Miss you~