Wandering Wonderings: I am sorry for the things I said, when it was winter

Those who know me best know I am not a big fan of cold weather.  I shiver when temps are in the 70s (F) and am blissfully comfortable in the midst of a hot, humid Alabama summer.  The prevalent joke is that my "heater" is broken.  I can go for a run in the heat of the day and be just fine.  If I could spend all of my days in a swimsuit, shorts, and flip flips, that is exactly what I would do.  So why I am telling you all of this???

Because I went to Lake Tahoe to see the snow. VOLUNTARILY. I did not complain. Or cry. Or hide in the hotel room.  I actually went out and TOUCHED the snow!

Prior to this trip, I had only seen real snow 3 or 4 times in my entire life.  What I had previously experienced was NOTHING like what I had the privilege to experience in Tahoe.

For the first time ever, I could understand why some people actually LIKE winter.

The scenery that surrounded me looked like a fairyland — like the wee folk might peek out from behind a tree or flutter by to see what was about.  The quiet grace and other world quality of the sleeping, blanketed mountain ignited a light in my heart I did not know was even there.

I never imagined winter could be like that.

Everywhere I looked I saw magic.  The snow was pillow-soft.  I had heard of snow being called "powder", but never imagined something icy could be feather-light and gentle.  I could actually see the different shapes of each flake.  I was giddy and mesmerized by the falling fairy sparkles.  It was like the snow decided to fall just for me.  The concierge at my hotel said Tahoe had not had snow like that all season. 

In the spirit of my adventure, I decided to go snowboarding at Sierra at Tahoe. 

I had been snowboarding once before in West Virginia.  On that day, it was icy. NOT soft. I spent most of the time on my backside. It was not an ideal first snowboarding experience.

My visit to Sierra at Tahoe was COMPLETELY different.  I fell in LOVE with a winter sport!  ME.  Lover of all things hot and beachy.  I ACTUALLY love a winter sport. 

Of course, it does help that the snow was soft and my instructors were incredible.  I actually made it all the way down the mountain on my board rather than my backside! 

For the first time ever I did not want to leave winter.  Once I got the hang of it, gliding down the mountain was like flying.  I felt like I could actually be a fairy dancing in the snow.  The experience was incredible! 

So now snow and I are friends.  I don't want to live in it, but I am thrilled to get to visit.  I am excited that warm weather is finally here,  but I am also counting down the days until my winter fairyland awakens again, so I can go drift through the gentle fluff.

P.S.  If you decide to embark on your own winter adventure, be sure to do your research online first.  I am not from a snow prone area, so there were things I had to learn.  Be sure you take the appropriate clothing and supplies (like snow chains and an emergency kit).  Also, be sure to check for deals on your winter fun.  I stayed at a beautiful hotel, but the closest ski resort was much more expensive than where I ended up going.  Many resorts will do online-only specials or Groupon deals.  Sierra at Tahoe had an online special at the time I went.  I was able to get my first lesson, lift ticket, and rent my board and boots all for $45.  This was an incredible "get started" deal and the resort was beautiful.  I also packed a picnic lunch when I went to the mountain, so I did not have to buy food at the resort.  This really helped me save money. I was able to get back on the mountain faster since I did not have to wait in line for food.  It is also very important to stay hydrated.  When it is cold, it is easy to forget to drink water.  Staying on top of that helped me keep my energy up the entire day.  Doing your research can definitely pay off and open opportunities for even more fun!