Winter is Over!

Just to recap the winter...it's been great! I was able to try several new sports and found some that I really love. Telemark skiing is the best! I did get to go out several times this winter and can say it rules in powder! I even tried off trail back country and wow that was a workout! Maybe some skins would help that out ;-). I'll have them for next winter. The feeling I get with telemark is more natural movement for my body than regular down hill.
Another new sport was climbing. I am finding I love climbing! I'm good with routes that work my legs and over hangs challenge me! I've taken some classes at VE and Midwest to learn more and there is still so much more to learn. My partners have been a huge help also! The real love that I can't get enough of is ice climbing! I have some big plans and ideas for next winter!!
Kiting went well this winter but it never seemed to be enough. With my mid range kite it seemed like I was waiting for wind or I knew the wind would trash me. I have added a large kite at the end of the season and will be picking up a smaller kite so I'll have the quiver I need to go out anytime. Sessions ranged from easy cruising to "We're just lucky niether of us was injured today" which was said by a very experienced kiter as we left Pepin. But that day stood out as exciting fun! There's something to be said about being tethered to a huge kite in gusting unpredictable winds screaming across ice with six inches of snow for cushion and just a bar and your capabilities for control...Yeah you've gotta love it!
My raquetball partner Shirley and I have been playing together for quite awhile now. We both have progressed at the same level and it's just pure enjoyment! This year we've really been getting in some good power sessions!
Things that bombed for me were skate skiing...didn't care much for it though it may have been the boots. I'll stick to cross country skis. Speaking of which I had planned to ski the rivers on the North Shore which I didn't do this year but I did hike and canyoneer up them which I think was just as fun. Kind of a climbing and hiking mix. All in all it's been a great winter but it's time to hang it up and polish my paddle! Spring is here!