As an undergraduate, I never traveled anywhere for spring break, except for my junior year abroad when I happened to be conveniently located in Europe. This year I decided to take a quick trip to Crested Butte to see what it looks like when it's not covered with wildflowers. The annual CB Nordic Center fundraiser, the Progressive Bonfire Dinner, was in March this year and I've always wanted to drive five hours to ski to my dinner as the sun sets (really, I have). Plus, with the vernal equinox on Friday, I wanted to have one last/first look at winter.
Where they've been hiding the snowUnfortunately, one drawback to spring in CB is the thaw on Elk Avenue. Seems like most residents own at least one cruiser bike and one dog and all the winter doggie deposits resurface with a vengeance as the snow melts. I guess, just like we get used to the Greeley cow smell here, they don't notice it after a while. You do have to watch where you step.
I took my skis out to the Rec trail near the hostel Friday night while I waited for the hostel employee to show up and the Texas Baptist high schoolers to clear out. There are doggie bombs on the ski trails, too. Felt kind of bad since my turning ability's not great and the skis were rentals.
Hey, you try to get in your own picture in ten seconds..
This was just day number two on the skinny skis and I managed to pick out a trail that faded from green to black as it crawled up towards the resort. Maybe this wasn't the wisest idea, especially when the 7-8% grade ended abruptly in pavement.
I was fortunate to be out when the trails were empty and everything was quiet and still.
Even more fortunate was the groomer who came up behind me, erasing any signs of my "accidents" and leaving only nice, fresh corduroy.
The next day I hesitated to shell out $64 for a half-day ticket on the mountain when I realized how warm the valley was, but convinced myself it would be worth it if I stayed on my board from 12:30 till last run. Boy, am I glad I did. I'd forgotten how much I love my snow board. It's been a few years since I spent any time on the slopes due to my distaste for I-70, but it all came back after the first warm-up run on the greens. Next were sun-softened, blue cruisers. Not a significant challenge, but they were so much fun. A local pointed me in the direction of the new Prospect side of the mountain and it was like having my own private slope. I'm not sure if the economy or the sudden warmth was to blame, but it seemed like a large part of the mountain was deserted.
Wheeeeeee!!!
I even found a 2+ mile run from top to bottom that was in great shape in the late afternoon. I was actually disappointed when I was pointed towards the base around four. Usually I'd be dead-tired and sloppy after three hours, but I just wanted one more run! Sad eyes didn't work, so I headed back into town to get ready for dinner and more xc skiing.
Badger on the bus
Native CB fauna
I felt a little out of place at a small town fundraiser, but CB folks are friendly and there were plenty of people to talk to as we shuffled, skated and tromped from one course to the next. I was worried that there wouldn't be veggie options, but my fears were silly - it was veggie all over. And there was so much food.The dessert course was put together by all the Nordic Center parents and the table was overflowing with every kind of bar-shaped chocolate snack I could think of.
Most unusual dinner guest - an African sheep
We tried toasting the marshmallows that were sitting by the fondue pot, but the bamboo skewers were a little short and the heat from the upturned car hood the fire was built on discouraged more toasting attempts.
The next morning, I woke up at the Super 8 in Gunnison, ready for the drive home. But first...waffles. Best hotel breakfast bar anywhere!
Why didn't I try this spring break thing earlier?
