January 8, 2019 – Kirkwood Mountain, California

Click. Click, click.

I adjust the frame and take a deep breath. Exhale. Click. A smile finds its way to my face as I enjoy a rare “me day” on the mountain. I’m at the top of “The Wall,” a double black diamond run that appears to be one of the more intimidating on the mountain. Sunshine. Perfect temperature.

You picked a good day, Nicholas.

I ride halfway down Headwaters and get some shots of the other side of the mountain. Zoom in. Click, click. Change lenses. It’s a much appreciated therapy session, as I’ve recently discovered that one of my uncles is losing his (other) leg. Simultaneously, my grandmother is being placed in a care center. Click. Click. These events weigh on my heart, but I take solace in the fact that there is plenty of family in Iowa to help them.

I drop into Eagle Bowl and head over to Caples Crest lift. New terrain. Be careful with the camera. To add to the drama, we’ve also had three of our staff recently leave us, including our general manager.

Typical resort shenanigans.

Before I know it, my Canon T4i is back out of the bag and into my hands. Click click click. Lens change. Fortunately, our assistant manager has stepped up and is handling both roles. Thank God for Courtney. I casually ride down Deadwood Spur to Sunrise lift. Near the top, I witness other people hiking up to a nearby peak. How could I not?

The views are remarkable in every direction. I snap some more photos and take in the rays. A beer would be nice, wouldn’t it? But I’m over a month into my winter sobriety, and it’s as refreshing as the mountain air. Drinking culture is synonymous with resort life, but I’m content with avoiding it for the time being.

I’m focused. My mind is clear. I feel good.

I close my eyes, breathe in deeply, and slowly exhale. I feel the cool breeze across my face. The layers of powder all around me. As my eyes open, I observe the majesty that surrounds me.

These things are enough.

“To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter…to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of the simple life.” – John Burroughs