As I strap on my binding, I realize how simple it is to feel so happy over the smallest thing. With one foot strapped down, I skate over to the chairlift ready to head up the biggest mountain I have ever laid my eyes upon. I doubt myself if I am ready to take on this big monster but all I can hear is my dad talking about how he hopes his knee will not give out. It is our turn to get on the chairlift I cannot believe I am about to go 9,000 feet above sea level. The ride up the mountain was longer than I expect which made me even more nervous. The snow seemed to go on for miles not just stop at the end of the ski hill drive like back in Wisconsin. I was trying to take in all the beautiful scenery while my heart was pounding very hard. When I got off of the chairlift I was in awe. I mean isn’t that how you are supposed to feel when you are on the top of the world? Little ol’ midwest Wisconsin ski hills definitely did not prepare me for this. This run was pretty steep, steeper than I thought. But I did not let that affect my confidence in myself that I had before. Everything I have ever snowboarded before was nothing like this. …show more content…
A lot of things can make me feel relaxed but being on the mountain does more than just relax me, it makes me feel at peace and makes everything around me stop for a second. Taking in all the gorgeous scenery and watching all the people around me is one thing that makes everything slow down. Most people think being on a mountain in the winter, probably freezing, uncomfortable is the last place that would make them feel comfortable. I love being away from technology and having time with your own thoughts. While on the mountain you can completely zone out and not pay attention to anyone but
It was going to be the time of our lives. Four buddies of mine and I went out to Jackson, Wyoming to do some of the best snowboarding of our lives. It was our chance to get away from home for a week and have the best time of our lives. The trip out there was extremely boring driving through Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Possibly the three most boring states in the country.
Riding down Pikes Peak was one of the best adventures I have ever had, however, it was horrifying at times. Our whole vacation in Colorado was full of adventure. We rode ATVs, went white water rafting, but the best part was riding a bike down Pikes Peak. This was an exhilarating adventure I will never
When I first saw them, the seven chairs, I felt scared yet, interested. My fellow nuns and I were confused the day they appeared in the church closet. Sister Angela was first to see them, she was definitely one of the braver sisters. She came to me frightened, I’ll admit I’d never seen her that scared… well before the seven, terrible chairs appeared.
...I jumped on the boulder and there I stood one jump away from gaining back my popularity. Looking at the cold ice had already given me shiver. I counted to three and jumped, I had broken the ice feet first. Beneath the ice was dark and extremely cold. I wasn’t able to see anything; I was frightened that I wouldn’t find my way back. It was an unusual feeling, like time had stopped and everything was moving slow. I ran out of breath and eventually found my way back. The whole school assumed that I had died from coldness and wouldn’t come back up. After warming up, it was the new kids turn to jump. Everyone waited but he couldn’t jump he choked. I was glad and proud of myself for overcoming my anxiety. The quote by Amit Ray really inspired me and will never be forgotten: “If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”
I rush toward the mechanical clanking and rattling of the ski lift and collapse into the chair. Exhausted, I use this time to restore my energy. I begin to form the image of the steep route that I plan to attempt on my next run. Its nearly vertical face, large jagged rocks, and rough terrain send shivers down my spine and adrenaline into my veins. I painfully recall my previous attempt, where I did not perform the necessary technique in order to survive the run without a crash. This time,
I always felt that I had to know or believe something with certainty. Not so now. I’ve come to realize how little I know about anything. With snowboarding that’s the point I most understand. It’s just when you think you’ve got it under control that the board goes out from under you, and you discover yourself sloshing in the congealed icy mush. Suspending judgement and having fun at the same time and being confident and assertive balances me, and I ascertain an equilibrium. Achieving balance, however, is a constantly mercurial endeavor. If you’re too careful, you’ll never carve the slopes, and if you’re not careful enough, you’ll lose the edge, and forces beyond your control will sling you into the trees or off the slope completely. I’m not anticipating all gloom and melancholy depression with all the snow and barren, gray trees standing stark against the aging night. In fact, anytime I strap on a snowboard and point it downhill, I feel the life force of fun and I can’t stop smiling. It’s just fun—there might not be a better word. On the next slope, should I go it alone? Bringing my favorite people along with me will be the greatest
Finally reaching the top was the greatest feat we could have ever accomplished. Being at the top of the mountain was like standing on top of the World. Looking down over the surrounding farmland and towns one could really appreciate the wonder that is Nature. The World below so tiny one could pick it up and make it snow by shaking it, just like one of those snow globes.
I knew taking this shortcut was a mistake, yet I didn't think I had enough strength to keep climbing this monumental cliff with the others. The humidity was affecting my vision and the ground now started to spin. The muscles in my legs felt
Eventually, a majority of my rides started to get lengthier, and I started to feel like I was starting to get the hang of it. I finally got the self-confidence that I knew I needed if I was going to be able to do overcome this challenge. I hopped on the bike, getting a feeling that this was going to be my lucky run. As usual, my dad gave me a little push start, and I was on my way. I rode through the grass like it was a breeze, and I didn’t fall off at all. I could hear my dad in the distance shouting, “Good job! You got it!” It was at this moment when I knew that I had finally learned how to ride a bike.
The freezing wind had chilled my hand to the bone. Even as I walked into my cabin, I shivered as if there was an invisible man shaking me. My ears, fingers, toes, and noes had turned into a pale purple, only starting to change color once I had made a fire and bundled myself in blankets like ancient Egyptians would do to their deceased Pharaohs. The once powdered snow on my head had solidified into a thin layer of ice. I changed out of the soaking wet clothes I was wearing and put on new dry ones. With each layer I became more excited to go out and start snowboarding. I headed for the lift with my board and my hand. Each step was a struggle with the thick suit of snow gear I was armored in.
A blast of adrenaline charges throughout my body as I experience the initial drop. My body's weight shifts mechanically, cutting the snow in a practiced rhythm. The trail curves abruptly and I advance toward a shaded region of the mountain. Suddenly, my legs chatter violently, scraping against the concealed ice patches that pepper the trail. After overcompensating from a nearly disastrous slip, balance fails and my knees buckle helplessly. In a storm of powder snow and ski equipment, body parts collide with nature. My left hand plows forcefully into ice, cracking painfully at the wrist. For an eternity of 30 seconds, my body somersaults downward, moguls of ice toy with my head and further agonize my broken wrist. Ultimately veering into underbrush and pine trees, my cheeks burn, my broken wrist surging with pain. Standing up confused, I attempt climbing the mountain but lose another 20 feet to the force of gravity.
Unsure of his exact location, cold and growing weary he started his tedious climb up what he thought was the northern side of the peak, he was unsure how he got to where he was, but his best guess was that when he was the origin of a small avalanche. His last memory before his startling awakening in his would be snowy grave was snowboarding. It had been just after lunch and he thought he would try some new terrain. He laced up his snowshoes, and proceeded to climb to the highest point of the mountain.
It is still dark when we get there, so our horses are still very alert; they keep moving around and snorting with eyes wide and nostrils flared. I strap my pistol to my hips and tie the tip of the holster to my leg so it doesn't flop. We are ready to go, so I take a deep breath of the sharp, clean, mountain air and step into the saddle. As we ride along in the dark, I begin to relax. Man, I love the smell of cool mountain air; there is nothing in the world quite like it. It is so refreshing for me.
the rush I get from heights. I love the feeling I get when I have
One of the most enjoyable things in life are road trips, particularly to the Colorado mountains. Getting to spend time with your family and friends, while being in a beautiful place, is irreplaceable. The fifteen-hour road trip may feel never-ending, but gazing at the mountains from afar makes life’s problems seem a little smaller and causes worries to become a thing of the past. Coming in contact with nature, untouched, is a surreal experience. My family trip to the Colorado mountains last summer was inspiring.