March 21st has come and gone, and the week that preceded it was full of excitement for sure. We started the week with a weather delay and only half of the group made it in. But true to form Don at Alpine had the remaining guests in by 9:30 a.m. sunday morning.
Sweet..let's go skiing and we did. Tuesday afternoon though brought Don back to fly Antoine home to Isabelle, and Helmut and Kat home to their children. Thank you Kat for the wonderful chocolates and next time you and Helmut must stay longer! As the week pushed on the weather system did not, and views were few and far between. Dan and John though were just happy to be able to get their skis into Canada from the U.S. , and have a few days making great turns together. Susie, Eric, Mikey and myself got to spend thursday touring with Roger down the Danube, along the valley bottom and up the 'grizzly trot'. One of the highlights was watching Roger carry and ski his sweetheart Tua down onto the lower flats (ears flapping and all), as she was struggling to keep up with all the deep snow.
Lee Johnston our assistant guide and guest Heather Armitage continued to explore new lines all week, but sadly on friday we had to call Don back in with a machine to take Lee into Golden with a broken fibula. Even though his ski exam is in four weeks his spirit was not dampened and was greatly missed at the dinner table for sure. So by friday night my place settings were down three guests and an assistant guide. Nonetheless the week was a success and despite spooky snow conditions everyone left the Abbey enriched with new experiences.
I feel guides at the Abbey and surrounding operations are such a vital key to our enjoyment in the back country. They keep us safe every day and do it unwillingly. Conditions this season have been challenging to say the least, and the responsibility the guides take on each day is immense. I strongly believe it is important to "hug your guide at the end of the day"....I know I do. Over the last three weeks the mountains have tossed and taken a lot of close friends. I am sure that on behalf of all the guests this season at the Abbey everyone is wishing a speedy recovery to Robson, Lee, Tom and Matt.
Touring around Butter's Creek
Susie
Berries and Brandy
A window with flare
Roasted veggies for dinner
Mr. Mike
Healthy starters
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