Friday, February 13, 2009

Memories of Alpental


Charlie Jr. Here... I was up in Seattle last month, and went up to Snoqualmie Pass for the day with my sister Molly. It was a foggy day below 3000 feet, but it was sunny and warm at the top of Alpental. As many of you know, Alpental was Dad's home ski area, only second to Sun Valley on his favorites list. He moved over to teach skiing at Alpental in it's inaugural year-1968-The Winter of Love.


It was my first time back to Alpental since I went there with Dad a year ago. I could feel his presence there that day. For me, Alpental holds so many memories of my Dad, as that is where he taught me how to ski way back in 1973. To honor him, I scattered his ashes into the mountain winds at some of his favorite spots:


Edelweiss Bowl-where Dad would sing the song Edelweiss from The Sound of Music, before he set off down the hill.


Chair 3-along the treeline where Dad would carve his Round Turns and discuss his philosophy of Skiing. One of his favorite spots for teaching his students.


The Top of Chair 2-where I threw his ashes into the wind, and they were blown down into Internationale, his spirit descending down that great ski run.


Thanks to you Dad, for bringing us all to The Mountains.