Skiing at Arapahoe Basin

First off, this ski resort is my kind of resort.. my speed... my type of runs etc... I had to love spending the day up here. The drive up the mountain side made the whole trip worth it, let alone the incredibly runs and the beautiful scenery from the top of the mountain. Of course, finished off the runs with the classic FacePlants at the bar at the end of the day. I am geared up and ready to go for the next time! Can't wait to come back.

Nic

Cross Country Skiing in Nederland

Went cross country skiing with Paul and Lisa up at Caribou in Nederland. One of the many towns that we are looking to buy a house. It was absolutely fantastic, aside from the hard blowing wind and the constant stop and go advancement of our party.

We had first tracks through almost 2 feet of fresh powder, which of course made my one massive forward face plant on a downhill stint quiet enjoyable. After only a few days out on the slopes and on the trails, I have come to realize that the only time I truly enjoy Colorado powder... is when I am cross country skiing. When I am up on my Sticks on the mountain, it's no where near as fun as hitting the little patches of powder found amongst the Cascade Concrete. It's funny, after the last trip up to Breckenridge, I was talking to one of Marc's friends and he said the hardest days of skiing he has ever experienced was up in the formidable Cascade Crud.

Skiing in Breckenridge

Okay it took me a little bit to post this because sadly it took me a bit to load up the photos.

Went skiing at Breckenridge (first time back on some sticks on real snow) with Marc, Julie and Tom. The town is absolutely beautiful, still decorated in christmas lights and fresh powder.

Starting College

Well ladies and gentlemen, I am now officially an International Affairs student at the University of Colorado at Boulder... WOOO HOOO... For all of those that know me well, although I am now a 'Buff' on the surface, I will always be a Huskie/Coug at heart.

Caribbean Cruise

My family and I went on a cruise out of Galveston for the Christmas holiday.
What follows are some excerpts from my journal entries.

Dec 23rd: (on the road from Houston to Galveston)
One thing I notice right away as we drive along the miles and miles of cracked highway corridor; the advertisers must have it easy. Their flashy billboards and bright colors provide a welcome relief to the travelers eyes, bombarded by the utter drabness of dilapidated buildings, dusty laundry, and industrial parks. even the small vestiges of humanity that are tucked in between the tons of concrete are quickly forgotten. Their rusty memories congealing together in my brain leaving me with a feeling of despair

(on the boat)
We are finally onboard. Our room is great, with a beautiful balcony that looks out across the aft of the ship. Directly to the right of us is my mother and Jeff, then Irene and Wally.






Dec 24th : Christmas eve at sea










Dec 25th: Christmas with the family on board.
I am watching MASH.... and I can't help but say that I miss being in the military with my 'friends and family'.

Dec 26th : Jamaica - Snorkeling
Dec 27th: Grand Cayman - beaching....











Dec 28th: Cozumel Mexico, ATV TREK
(Tom split his lip on this trip)