For those of you who've gotten to know me a little here and there, I've been a powder-hound for years now. I love skiing and I'm a huge fan of the seasons, especially in mountain towns. Watching the transformation from Spring to Summer and then Fall to Winter has been something magical to me. Putting the skis away to get the bike back in shape, then giving the bike one last tune up before putting it away and waxing the boards...sigh. Magic.
So about two months ago I came to the realization that I need to give it up for a little while and stay closer to my step-daughter. She and I had a very candid conversation, the kind you can only have with a ten year old bright kid, and I was told, in no uncertain terms, that she'd like to spend more time with me and go to the beach etc. So Jackson, where I was moving back to, became the best plan I shelved and the central coast of CA became plan A.
It's been a little harder than I expected. Seeing the TGR and Northface feeds on my social media accounts, blower pow everywhere and people getting their early season backcountry turns in...seeing the powder alerts on my phone every morning (Jackson, 9 inches, Tahoe, 10 inches, Alta 13 inches etc) were reminders that I'm making the hard right decision.
But then you start thinking about it and living here is in no way even remotely close to being a consolation prize. On the contrary, SLO and the surrounding area was always my second favorite place in the US. Now I live here and not only do some of my closest friends live here as well, but almost everyone I've met so far is just as active as I am. Instead of skiing, I now go climbing and have learned just how little I know about it.
One of my new buddies is all into mountain biking and I should be finding a damn fine riding partner in him. Then there's a girl I met who runs this amazing veteran-centric surfing organization and I should be learning how to stand on a board in the sharkiest of sharky water. Can't wait to be back at the bottom of the food chain!
Well, I must say...I love it here. So many good things to say about this place. Hoping to move into my own place this month. Knock on wood for me and send me some positive vibes. It's a teeny tiny little studio and perfect for me. Can't wait to have my own space again but am incredibly grateful for the couch surfing experience with various friends here.
Life is good. Again. Finally :-)