Back to the Future – Utah edition
Hey friends,
I am BACK! I made my way away from British Columbia, through Seattle, to Utah. If only it was that simple…
I took a bus to Seattle, rode another bus to the West suburbs, and walked about 40 minutes to my van. With plywood I had forgotten in Squamish under my arm. I was then delighted to catch a glimpse of Rainier before embarking on a foggy walk in the national park. A storm was rolling in, and weather alerts were signaling I should avoid the Oregon coast. So, of course, I drove down to Seaside for a warm shower by the water and Cannon Beach for a very, VERY windy walk. Surrounded by the strength of waves and the gentleness of floating foam, I felt at home.
Feeling reinvigorated, yet torn to leave the ocean, I headed to Portland to meet with my friend McKinley from Alaska. After hearing the finale of her car problem sequel, my car decided it hadn’t troubled me enough. About three minutes after leaving McKinley, Eileen’s “check engine” light began flashing. So here I am again, all stressed and nervous that I won’t be able to afford another organ surgery. But we made it. First, all the way to White Salmon, to enjoy the company of Fisher and a bright moon illuminating Mt Hood. Then, through every city between Arlington and Salt Lake City, contemplating if we would survive the next 2 hours or die on the side of the road at any given moment. At an average speed of 35 mph… For 700 miles… It gives you a lot of time to contemplate. Despite the lack of grand scenery…
To mirror Eileen’s reluctance to be back, my body broke out in tears as soon as we hit Salt Lake City limits and ruled for a week’s worth of flu symptoms. Despite life, I started working at the Slopeside café and trained to become a Wasatch Adaptive Sports instructor for people with disabilities.
We’re about halfway through the season by now, and both jobs have been really fun. I have become a pro at serving Alta bombs (a pint of PBR with a shot of espresso), though I haven’t drunk any this season yet. I have met many wonderful riders with whom I’ve shared precious time on the snow. My dad came to visit. Matt came to visit. And I am now waiting for Eli and Curtis to get here.
Being back in Alta has helped me understand why I had such a hard time last year. Relationships here only seem to exist when bumping into each other. Therefore, I have been more intentional in my relationships and have hung out with people who make me feel seen and wanted. This statement also includes people outside of Alta, aka Erin, Zach, and the SLC highliners.
Erin and Zach are awesome! They have allowed me to be the dirt-bag roomie who lives in their driveway and comes to hang out for food. We’ve been learning flips on trampolines and how to roll a kayak. Erin has been a hero putting up with me in general. But, especially through my first time back country skiing when we had to pick up my board at my friend’s, pick up my boots at Snowbird before realizing my beacon had no battery, figuring out how the bindings work, remembering half way up the skies should be switched around, complaining about my legs hurting, crashing repeatedly, figuring out the board is set up goofy, and finally, sledding down the hill.
The highlining crew has also been a breath of fresh air. First, because they’re all so fun and simply loving. Second, because they have invited me on so many adventures even before getting to know me. We have been to Zion, Moab, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Hog Wallow concerts, dive bar karaoke, a rollerskating ring,… I am learning very relevant skills (rigging lines with Bryan, sit starting with Lynne, Matt and Sara, duck gaming with Kara and Reagan, mosh pitting with Connor, Mickaela, Carson and Nick. Third, because I have learnt to love them in such a short amount of time.
Thank you to the people – Alyssa, Erin Snowpine, Erin Snow, Zach, Jackson, Vega, Cal, Ginny, Shannon, Dani, David, Kyle, and all the highliners – for being great friends.
Love,
Cal