It has been a unusual winter here in the Northwest this year so far – warmer than usual temperatures, so that the moisture that came our way plentifully in December settled mostly as rain rather than snow. When finally, two feet accumulated on the ground I pulled the trigger – full of anxiety since that was also the first time out in the snow since I insured my right foot. Stomping through the woods towards our favorite spot – Todd Lake – felt so exhilarating and even though I could feel my ankle at every step it was not to a point that it became worrisome. So much light! Sunshine, white snow and a few flurried clouds in the sky. And as the distance covered grew, so grew my confidence. At the end there was a tired happiness and determination to check out also my other winter sport disciplines – climbing with skins and downhill skiing. Those followed over the course of the next two days, also with positive results. Sure, more endurance and fitness would not hurt, but they will come with more outings. Working the turns and the bumps down the familiar slopes at Mt. Bachelor felt as if a door was finally open again to step through and enjoy one of my most favorite things. A good start to the new year and plenty of opportunities to go out and ski.