Back to Breck, Part One

After a year off on account of a practically brand-new Bean, Kenny and I found ourselves on our way back to Breckenridge, Colorado for another ski trip last week.

Despite enduring a 20-hour car ride to get there, adjusting to the cold, remembering how to breathe in the thin air, and realizing just how out of shape both of us are, Kenny and I had a fabulous time.

Whether driving (four of us) or flying (the other six), we all arrived in Breck late-morning on Mardi Gras day. We made our traditional pit-stops at the grocery and the liquor store, and then we went to find the private home we rented this year.

Once we were unpacked and settled in, we headed back down the mountain to town. Breck does a {small} parade every year for Mardi Gras, so we planned to catch it before going to pick up our skis from Main Street Sports. Fortified by crepes from my favorite place on Main Street, we had to fight off the crowds of people to secure our spot along the parade route. (Totally kidding on that last part.)

 

But when the lead car carrying the parade’s king and queen broke down (in true New Orleans fashion), we didn’t stay out in the cold much longer, opting instead to warm up inside MSS. Skis safely rented and stowed, we then drove back to the house to rest up for our first ski day.

Our first full day in Breck dawned cold and sunny. Once we were all suited up, we ventured outside to get our 2012 ski on. Sadly, Erin couldn’t ski at all because of her pregnancy, but she took a few pics as we departed and wished us well. Thanks for keeping everything in line at the house while we were away, Erin; you rock!

 

Once we arrived at the base, Lizzie and Keegan headed to lessons, the other guys took off for Peak 7 and blues, and the other girls stuck to the greens on Peak 8. We all went back to the house for lunch, and then most of us bundled up again to do some afternoon skiing.

All in all, a great first day, except that Kenny and Scott both injured a knee. Scotty’s fall was a bit more serious, and he ended up being sidelined for the rest of the trip. (Bummer.) Kenny, not surprisingly, skied through his pain. (Typical.)

Thank goodness the hot tub {and beer} cures all.

The second day was drastically different from the first.

The wind was kicking and the snow was blowing, just about all day. Trisha and Jenn decided to take the day off and hang with Erin and Scott at the house, while the rest of us braved the elements.

This was also the day I was determined to ski Peak 7 and its blues. For the first time. In less than desirable conditions. Super idea.

 

I survived, but just barely. When we got back to the house at lunchtime, I had no choice but to collapse in front of the fireplace.

Everything on my body hurt, I couldn’t feel my toes, and I didn’t have the strength to do much about any of it.

I just love skiing.

Part Two of our trip recap coming up tomorrow in a special Saturday post, so y’all come on back!