Liberated

The last time I felt this liberated I jumped off a 55 foot rock into the Snoqualmie River. A friend was in a boat down below telling me where to dive so I didn't hit the rocks under the surface of the water. I was twelve years old. Thirty six years have passed and once again I have that feeling again. Free from traditional social restraints- some refer to it as liberated. It's a feeling I think we all seek out in different ways, for me it was through my work. It took me a lot longer than most, and maybe that's why it is so rewarding now. Could it be that one distinct circumstance put me over the edge and made me do it? Or, is it all the instrumental people that have touched my life in so many different ways over the past forty some years? I think it's the latter. Thank you.

A Day To Remember

If you haven't skied at Mission Ridge in your lifetime, you might want to think about doing it soon. Sunday was a banner day at the remote resort nestled in the mountains above Wenatchee. The two and a half hour drive from Tri Cities was a foggy one. For Cameron Wills, a five year old from Pasco, it was definitely first cabin. He watched "The Transformers" on the way over, the luxury I didn't have when I grew up skiing. It was a great tune-up for the day to come. When we arrived at Mission Ridge, we were greeted with a Chamber of Commerce day. Beautiful sunshine, great snow, and a family atmosphere to boot. Cameron likes to ski fast, much like his Dad, Andrew. Jody, his mother, just wants to witness some turns. Cameron had other ideas. Straight down, no fear. There was no lack of confidence either. When I told him I thought he was the best skier on the mountain little Cameron replied, "thank you very much".

You can learn a lot from kids. I did. A day to remember.