Thursday, January 4, 2018 -- We go home today! We were all up before 6:00 to get last-minute packing finished, grab some breakfast (a chocolate muffin, apple, orange juice), and load the shuttle for the airport at 6:45. Checking our bags, going through security, and the entire nonstop flight from Portland to St. Louis was smooth. We had a fair bit of turbulence and clouds, but at times, the latter disappeared -- we saw parts of the Grand Tetons, Rockies, and Great Plains, all covered in snow. We had grabbed turkey-Swiss sandwiches at the airport before we boarded, so along with the airplane snacks and drinks (some Ritz crackers, tomato juice, and water for me), we had a full meal high in the sky! As we began the descent toward St. Louis, the clouds again parted and we had full views of many familiar landmarks and highways, including our beloved home ski hill, Hidden Valley! We smoothly touched down right on time, barely had to wait for our bags, and were home by 4:15. Due to the intense cold while we were gone (which hasn't really let up), our pond is frozen solid (6-8 inches), with a glassy-smooth top. Matthew and I had to check it out before unloading all our stuff from the car, and there will certainly be some ice-skating coming up in the next few days!
Because we just cannot get enough of snow, cold, and skiing, we quickly donned our ski gear and headed over to Hidden Valley. In all seriousness, our pick-a-day passes allow us one day per week (only Monday through Thursday) to enjoy cruising. Because we were gone every other valid day this week, this was our only chance. We skied "the circuit," as I like to call it -- every run in order, from one side of the mountain to the other, and we laughed about the comparatively small runs and slow lifts to what we've enjoyed for the past week. Dinner was leftover rotisserie chicken, potato salad, blueberries, blackberries, cherry tomatoes, sparkling grape juice, and plenty of Christmas goodies haunting practically every corner of our home! More unpacking, organization, and planning for the week ahead ensued...and then I may or may not have fallen asleep by the fire my dad built. 😊
As always, I thank you for "joining" us for the journey and reading my blog. It's a pleasure to share our day's activities, adventures, food choices, and everything else with you, and I hope it's enjoyable for you to read as well. Until next time, I bid you farewell!
Blessings,
~Anna
I love your blogs. Such wonderful memories. Visiting these places through your eyes, its as if I could feel the cold wind and snow. Thanks for sharing. Lots of love.
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