Several years ago we determined that summer camp takes on a certain rhythm and repetition with each day very similar to the one that preceded it. So much so that the term "Groundhog Day" started being used to describe this phenomenon.
"Heading up the Mile lift at 6:45 AM"
We were at Huck's by 5:30 and we again broke through the mist and clouds at mile marker 3 on the way up to Timberline. The only difference from yesterday was that it was only 31 degrees and the wind was blowing 20 to 30 mph; time to add another layer...
"Lane assignments for today-Sailer lanes 1, 2 & 3"
"Courses set & ready to rock by 7:30"
Day #2 and everyone in camp has found their "ski legs" and improvement can be seen up and down the lane. Testing is in full swing and people are deciding what will have them skiing their fastest next season.
"A new twist on testing. Which leg will be faster?"
"Jack Folkman getting ready for his next run"
To get out of the wind I sat next to 9 year old Will Nida who happened to be eating one of the largest sandwiches I have ever seen. I asked him if he was enjoying it and he said "Yes" and when queried as to what was in it he replied "You don't want to know".
"Will Nida and his mega-sandwich"
Around 10:45 the clouds from below starting moving up the mountain. The racers would start off in the crystal clear and eventually disappear into the cloud bank below.
"Here come the clouds"
By 11:15 it was time to pull and head down as visibility was getting sketchy and safety is priority #1.
"The middle station on Palmer at 11:30 AM"
"The wind was nuking' from the west"
The remainder of the afternoon followed the standard pattern - test center run and tuning skis while the athletes attended video analysis and dryland. It was taco night and there were no complaints about the food.
Monica McDonald a top racer in her time and now a top heart transplant surgeon spoke to the group at the 7:00 PM meeting and attributed her personal success to the foundation set forth by Erich and his philosophy as it relates to success in skiing and in life. Nice way to end the day.
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