The Return to Ski Touring on a Healing Knee.

Griping and Ripping!

Today was my first day back skiing after my accident and surgeries. The loop above, although fun to look at once, I admit is a little nauseating on repeat. Also, I want to make it clear that the pictures above were not taken today.

I posted the looping images above because of what they represent. They represent a goal: Where I want to be back to. Its happening. I can feel it. Its still a long road to recovery, but it is now attainable. Even just 2 months ago, I was in an emotional quagmire regarding my leg and knee. I think that I've turned a corner in the last few weeks and its a very positive thing for me.

Cole Anderson in Rare Form, cutting up Lower Pink Pine

We took a little tour up into pink pine and did 3 laps up off the ridge. For anyone who wants to know what area we are skiing in and is unfamiliar, you can look here in this neat little google earth utility.
http://wbskiing.com/desktop.asp

Mr Bainsmith, getting excited about the impending battle ski.

Today was a very relaxed ski day and I had an enormous amount of fun just getting out with the Transplants and getting in a couple of turns. The snow was variable and slightly sun affected in places.

The first run I took quite gingerly. I was concerned that my knee would just buckle under me or I wouldn't be able to exert the control I expected into the ski. Low and behold, the knee stayed solid, but I did not have the command that I normally have over the skis.

I spent the rest of they day skiing quite conservatively and only had a single minor scare when I had a mild fall and my knee bent further than I am currently able to bend it without pain. In retrospect its not such a bad thing. I'm supposed to be bending it for therapy, but I usually quit when the pain comes on strong. This particular fall, although quite concerning, probably helps my long term flexibility.

We also enjoyed the views across white pine at the Tri-Chutes. Witness the majesty of the Tri-Chutes in the photo below.

Tri-Chutes: The Gem of White Pine Powder-Skiing.

I'm looking forward to getting more turns in this year. I've also made a personal resolution to post more blog entries on the UT-XPLANTS blog. Rather than feeling like a guest collumnist (which I hear can increase reading!) I'm going to make a regular effort at it.