We have developed quite a knack for making bus deliveries into some pretty amazing family outings. With the 2009 Christmas blizzard reaking havoc on our holiday plans, we scurried to regroup. Ron needed a bus to go to Jones County in Murdo, so we loaded the troops and set off. Saturday, the day after Christmas, we headed down the highway in hopes of meeting Jen, Jed and the kids in Chamberlain since they were not able to travel. The interstate was still closed when we left, but we took a chance, and knew as a last resort, we could stay in Mitchell if need be. Well, about ten miles outside of Mitchell, we knew that need had become obvious. The road deteriorated quickly as we approached the Corn Palace. I was driving the bus, following Ron in the Durango with snowmobiles in tow. By the time we ventured downtown, I was questioning our decision. There was one lane open on each side of an eight foot bank of freshly plowed snow down the entire length of Main. It seemed like I had only a foot or so on each side of the bus. I remember shaking my head, "What were we thinking?". We pulled into a Comfort Inn, on a sheet of ice, parked the bus, plugged it in, and headed for the pool. A few families had been stranded there for several days waiting out the storm. Sunday morning, the interstate opened and westward we continued. We pulled into Presho on schedule, enjoyed lunch and a short chat with the McNaughton's. By early afternoon, we needed get back in the saddle. Trail's Head promised us a cabin and access to the snowmobile trails, with a whopping 50 inches of snow. It was plenty of driving for one day, and it was better once we got the Jones County bus parked. Trailshead is southwest of Lead, near the state line. The folks at Trailshead were still shaking their heads at the tremendous dumping of snow they just received, the most in twenty some years according to the locals. The kids, always anxious to check out the digs, were thrilled with the loft. Once we settled in and enjoyed a friendly meal at the resort, Ron wanted to check out the trails, so he and I took a spin. In the attempt to turn around, we soon found ourselves stuck. I hopped off and blazed a trail for Ron to shoot out on. When I stepped off the sled though, I was up to my hips! No lie. I've never been in that much snow. It was incredible. I plodded along, and it didn't take but a few minutes and we were back on the trail. We made a plan to ski on Monday and hit the trails on Tuesday once the groomers had more of a chance to do their magic.
Monday morning, Terry Peak was buzzing, every Christmas skier must have been there like us, to take advantage of the new snow. We all did well, just a few minor spills, and plenty of white. Winter sports have become a family favorite. I love being out with the kids and Ron. We have become creatures of habit, Tyler and I usually ride the double chairs together, with Ron and Hannah right behind us. The high speed quad lifts are the ideal fit for us. At the top, either Ty or Hannah will start the run, with Ron and I following. I like to take full advantage of the width of the run, taking my time down. Not a lot of need for speed for me. We're all willing to accomodate one another's styles. The kids and Ron just hang out at the bottom until I get there, then up we go again. There is something about the cold fresh air, it's invigorating. After many solid runs with lots of company, we decided to call it a day, always thankful when we've had another successful experience on the slopes. Back at Trailshead, we enjoyed a burger and a game of pool, along with the Vikings game. We were all spent, and knew the beds would work wonders.
Tuesday morning, we loaded up with a hearty breakfast and hit the trails. The kids had never snowmobiled out in the Hills, and Ron and I knew they were going to be impressed. Not one of us was disappointed. With each evergreenbranch heavy laden with snow, it was simply breathtaking. We enjoyed the meadows and the forested parts of the trail. One just doesn't tire of enjoying the beauty of the Hills. I was reminded of how I can sit and just gaze at the lake in the summer day after day, it never gets old. At every turn, it seemed the scenery was more splendid. It was one of those rare times that I knew not to even bother with the camera. This type of splendor is best experienced with all the senses naturally. We had a trail lunch and made the most of the day. The last route we covered was the least traveled, and the further we went, the fewer people or tracks we met. Once we crossed the WY state line, we decided to end on a good note. Ron's sled had been acting up, and we knew we didn't want to risk getting into a bind. We headed back, loaded up, and drove into Rapid for the night.
As if we didn't have enough time getting our thrills in the elements, in a weak moment, we decided to treat the kids to the Watiki Waterpark. Yes, the largest waterslide this side of the Missouri! I must admit, the slides were awesomeazing as my fourth graders would say. Ron had a meeting in town, so the kids and I swam Wednesday morning. They had a huge slide that was like a gigantic bowl that you swirled around and around in, until you swooshed down a shoot! Another had a space of sheer blackness that lasted just long enough to give you the creeps before you saw a glimmer of light and blasted out into the water. The lazy river was just right to gather our wits and calm the racing hearts. After a few passes around the bend, we were ready for a bit more excitement, so we started a challenge. First, I pulled Tyler and Hannah and they timed the lap. Then Ty and Hannah formed the team, finally Ty, the powerhouse, and I took it with Hannah in the tube. We were panting like dogs when we rounded the bend, but we shaved a good twenty seconds off the top time. You can only do the slides so many times, so we played a few rounds of hoops, then knew food was becoming a priority. We timed it all well, just finishing our lunch when Ron pulled in, ready to make tracks eastward. In Murdo, I jumped in a cold bus, the trade-in, and we proceeded home by the light of the moon. Nearly full on this night, just one night from the 2009 Blue Moon scheduled for December 31st. Traveling along the moonlit prairie was a perfect ending to this whirlwind of days. As we thought about it, we realized that we romped around pretty well in several different forms of water, driving in slushy ice, skiing and snowmobiling in the flakes, and swimming and splashing in its liquid state. Now that's using your resources wisely!
