Snow Bound

DH and I had a wonderful time up in Lake Tahoe, a four hour drive from San Francisco. The weather was warm, in the low 50s with partly cloudy skies. It rained last week so the mountains were sprinkled with much needed snow.

We stayed at the Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa. We had a nice room with a King bed and a round Roman Tub, which we of course took advantage of. We ate buffet for dinner, just because that's what you're supposed to do when you're up in Lake Tahoe -- all the casino hotels offer buffet and you're on vacation right, so you're supposed to indulge. So, indulge we did!

The dinner was $15/person, a really good price for a dinner buffet. We feasted on prime ribs, ham, crab legs, pastas, italian food, chinese food, salad, fruits and of course the best part was dessert. Numerous pastries, pies and cakes -- choose one or choose all! I was beyond stuffed at this point so I only opted for an ice cream sundae and a cream puff, which by the way, are my weaknesses!

We loitered in the casino after dinner. I ventured to the crap tables and tried a few rounds. I wasn't very lucky and lost $40. I quit as I was not feeling the vibe and did not want to lose more. DH was luckier as he won $30 at the slots. We were both pretty tired from the drive so we went back to our room to relax and make use of the Roman Tub. ;)

The next morning, Monday, we got up at 8am. We packed and checked out of the hotel at 9a. We went to McD to fill ourselves up with breakfast fuel. We arrived at the Sierra at Tahoe Resort at 9.30a.

We were on the lifts at 10am. We started in the easy green runs as I have not skied since last winter -- very rusty. I am always worried that I would forget how to ski during that first run of the season.

After the warm up run, we ventured to a more advanced blue run. It was great! The snow was soft and the trails were nicely groomed. The best part was that there was no crowd since it is a Monday. We went down effortlessly down the mountain enjoying the crisp air and scenery.

The next run was a little harder -- we ended up in the mogul part of the trail. I really do not like the moguls (see picture) -- I tend to forget everything about skiing and get stuck. The trail on this side was narrow too and as I skied down, I fell hard on my side, as I did not make the hard turn. I had such difficulty on this run.

DH says it was because I was scared. Yes, it was steep and the moguls really throw me off when I'm supposed to turn. DH was great though as even though I fell hard a couple of times, he gave me encouragement and good tips. He told me to follow his trail down. Ski a few feet, and turn then slide. Then do it over a few feet at the time. Break down the mountain and you will get down. It was really hard and I was scared but eventually I made it down after a few falls.

That was the least favorite trail of mine. I was proud of myself though for making it down the mountain. I don't think I had proper form skiing dwon that trail but all I wanted to do was to make it down.

DH & I enjoyed the rest of the day skiing in the advanced runs. I did better in each run, feeling more confident and assured. We skied until 3p and drove back home to San Francisco where we stopped again at the outlets. DH bought me running shoes at the Addidas store and I bought myself a wallet at the Coach store. A little retail therapy to salve my bruised body. :)

I love skiing with DH as he's very encouraging. He also pushes and challenges me. If it were up to me, I would stay in my comfort zone, the easy green runs, all day long.

With him, he pushes me to a more difficult run in order for me to learn and improve. I trust him and I know that he wouldn't take me to a trail where it would be unsafe and we cannot handle.

I've improved a lot since skiing with him the past few seasons. I've managed to ski down steep trails, trails I wouldn't have thought I could do. I am glad that DH & I share and enjoy this sport together.

All in all, we had a great time... and I have 2 big bruises on both knees to prove it!

Question of the day: What is something that has challenged you, where you had to go outside your comfort zone?