We started the weekend with a day on the slopes and thanks to half the people we know in Harlem, we were outfitted appropriately. Two Utah kids, born and bred, and the extent of our winter wear now consists of pea coats, wool scarves and knock-off Uggs? Eight-year-old Allison "skiin' the Beav" in her bright pink and green parka never saw this day coming. Ski apparel just didn't make the cut on moving day. So a special shout out to friends for helping us out. Plus, it was an especially exciting day to fit in the skinny mini Nikki K.'s snow pants.
With the morning hours quickly slipping by and a big event that made for a crowded Whiteface, one of the guys at the gear shop in town let us in on a little secret - Big Tupper. If I could quit my job and do PR for companies/organizations with stories like this, I would (though this NCPR interview, a New York Times mention and a slew of local press tells me someone's already doing a nice job of it). The resort has been closed for more than a decade, but the town of Tupper Lake banded together to get it up and running again, based entirely on volunteer effort from the people in town.
We almost missed the roadside marquis with plastic letters indicating the turnoff to Big Tupper. Fortunately we got pulled over and the local authorities assisted us to our destination.
Big Tupper didn't have any of the amenities or bells and whistles of big resorts, but the whole vibe was so friendly and genuine - we loved it. Plus, $15 lift tickets and a ski resort with a .org designation? How nice.
It seems ridiculous to admit in the four winters since we tied the knot this was our first time together on the slopes. I fell for Noah all over again. For being {relatively} new to skiing, he was up for the challenge and had such a great attitude about learning. It was fun to give him a few tips and have him actually take them like I knew what I was saying. That's a good husband right there.
And by midday, we were busting out tricks with the best of 'em. Ready to pull a gnarly run like the K-12, dude. (Did I lose you? Only those who know me best are still following...)
What appears to be Allison boxing out Noah and Lauren...
No, no, no... thank YOU, Big Tupper.
On day two in the Adirondacks, we climbed a sheer face of ice. No big deal.
Actually, this was a very big deal. Have you tried this?! Wicked hard.The guy on the left - total natural. The guy and gal on the right - complete pros.
As for me - let's just say this was not a hard photo to capture. I spent a good 10 minutes in this position once I found steady footing and strong holds. This is where I spent some time pondering that age old question, "how big of a wuss am I if I just throw in the towel, hop back down and eat Sun Chips for the rest of the afternoon?"
But thanks to a supportive bunch on the ground, I set my sights a little higher and went until my forearms cried "uncle." And by day's end, I was free climbing - no ropes, no harness - to the very top. Oh wait, not me - that'd be the crazy next to us.
That NOAH, on the other hand. Where did I find this guy?
If you're ever in the opening sequence of a Bond flick and could use a guy to get you out of peril and there happens to be a wall of ice between you and safety - I have this guy's number.
12 comments:
Fun! Can't beat $15 lift tickets! That's awesome!
Wow, that ice looks pretty intimidating!
Oh my goodness!! That looks like so much fun! I wish I was hard core like you guys. Can we still please be friends when we're on the East coast too? I have never climbed ice, but it looks like such a great challenge. We're sad you guys don't get "Spring Break" at work. In a couple months we'll have similar schedules, so hopefully we'll be able to take a trip up North to see you all. You can come down to NC anytime you want. There will always be a place to stay! :)
that sounds like an amazing adventure. the pictures really add to the drama of it all, too. isn't nature incredible?
Are you kidding me?! That is so cool! I thought you only went ice climbing if you had years of experience and such. You guys are so hard core. Sounds like such a fun, adventure filled trip! Love your pictures, so amazing!
Oh. My. Awesomeness. Loved the skiing pics but they do seem a bit tame compared to the raging waterfall of ice (can ice rage?). That is so super cool. I always knew Noah was a secret agent jsut waiting to get a chance to show his skills. Lucky you!
How awesome! That looks like an amazing trip! And I have to say I'm not the least bit surprised that you have now been ice climbing. What haven't you done, dear friend?
Man looks like a good time guys! But seriously Noah...ski pants tucked into the ski boots? C'mon man. Hey where's your neon ear muffler? Even Ben, despite having snow pants covered in flowers, has the good sense to stick those babies on the outside. Geek.
Jesse, did you not notice I had to borrow the pants from a friend half my size. I was lucky to get those pants on at all let alone look cool in them. I was so worried about the backside busting out that I ski with stick straight legs.
You guys are seriously amazing! Ice climbing!? Lake Placid is a lot of fun. It's nice that you guys get out of the city so much.
Wow. Impressive. I am way too scared to go ice climbing. But you have me reconsidering.
That looks SO awesome!!
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