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So
we gathered up the necessary items… snowshoes, headlamps,
sleds and just in case we got in over our heads —buried in
the deep snow— we filled the fanny pack with life sustaining
energy bars, water and the all important emergency fire
starting kit.
It
was pitch black outside when we stepped from our warm cabin
into the cold air.
We
were already numb with excitement
and felt nothing when the frigid 16°
temperature slapped
at our faces as we
strapped on our
snowshoes. Our expedition was finally underway and our
destination... the old ski hill east of HWY 211.
There
is something magical about snowshoeing in 4ft. of snow —in
the dark of night and in the middle of winter— through the
trees that surround Sacheen Lake.
As our headlamps illuminated this snowy backdrop our
anticipation climbed, and when we crested the knoll at the
base of the old ski hill we were rewarded with a unforgettable
kaleidoscope of snow crystals. We were just getting started
and already —it was a night to remember.
First
things first, we high stepped up the north side of the old ski
hill —zigging and zagging our trail through the trees—
until reaching our would be summit, the beginning of our soon
to be made luge run.
One by one we jumped in our plastic sleds and pushed
off into the deep abyss.
As
the sleds speed downhill into the virgin powder, the snow
became angry and fought back. First by filling our open
mouths with choking snow, and then by smothering every ray of
light from our headlamps with a thick blanket of snow.
Our excitement turned to panic, now blind, we rapidly disappeared
into the black hole below.
Eventually
we tamed the old ski hill and quieted the angry snow and sledded until we could sled no more.
Exhausted,
we dragged ourselves back to the warmth of the cabin’s
crackling fire —once inside we unanimously declared, “This night
of snowshoeing and sledding tops everything else we've done so far!”
We’re
always sad to see our daughter go, but that night will live
forever. Thanks
for reading our memorable story. Enjoy
the lake, Garth
and Jan Christensen |
