A Jump - Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

It is an unimageable joy to be able to finally go skiing even as yet another the new variant rages in this everlasting Covid-19 pandemic. I planned the trip (back in the summer of 2021) thinking the situation would have improved by now. Well even though it did not improve, I took the leap anyway and hoped for the best. I took all the precautions I could whenever and wherever possible and with all the inconveniences, the trip was well worth my efforts.  To stand at the top of the ski mountain and look down, side to side, up and all around was freeing to my soul.  The mountains are like a dream, they are invigorating and freeing. It is a feeling that is often hard for me to articulate.  

About to head down the Vagabond Trail

People always ask me after my ski trip, did you have a relaxing time? I say, "Mentally relaxing? Yes.  Physically relaxing. No!".  I often suffer from altitude sickness so much so that I take prescribed medication (Diamox) and yet I still suffer with some ailment for the first 2-4 days, but now-a-days to a lesser extent.  Apart from that, I skied green, blues and groomed blacks, in bright sunshine, with snow falling and in a heavy fog. I explored the mountains for five days with my Baltimore Ski Club members and took in all the resort events and amenities including: the cowboy up balloon glow, cowboy races and rodeo and the mountain coaster. I was even blessed with a side trip, on my rest day, to Strawberry Park Hot Springs where for two hours I felt like I had stepped into a paradise of serenity.

Hot springs - small pool

Looking up at the mountain surrounding the hot springs.

Surrounded by the mountains, aspen trees and filtered sunlight, the the misty steam rose into the air around me.  I enjoyed the sounds of the waterfalls trickling and daydreamed of wonderful things in life.  The hot springs took my mindset to a place of positivity both emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  After the hot springs visit I am left with the idea that I must make a trip to a hot springs a regular event. On my return home I've already spent some time researching my local hot springs (Berkley Springs, WV) a place I have yet to fully experience. 

View from the top of Buddy's Run Trail

I hope to return to Steamboat Springs one day, the town had an array of shops, galleries and restaurants. In addition, my ski club mates were all uniquely active during their days off with side trips such as: snowshoeing, horseback riding, hiking and cross country skiing activities (minus the horses) that I wouldn't mind checking out. My favorite shop, for it's unique selection and other pluses (read below), was Bjorn's Colorado Honey.  

A store that sells honey? Well, I went into the shop planning to by one jar of honey, as a gift, and instead I left with 5 jars! In contrast, I walked into some other stores and bought nothing after I was not acknowledged or heard the routine and very tired, "can I help you find something" when I clearly did not ask for help to find something. In reflecting on my experience at the honey shop, here are the keys (in my opinion) to a giving a potential shopper a pleasant and lucrative visit.

1. Be GENUINELY friendly

2. Offer specials

3. Make suggestions

4. Offer samples (as applicable)

5. Show the products with little clutter

Now I am already daydreaming of my next trip, as well as which tea will go best with my Lemon Honey, Vanilla Bean Honey or Whiskey Barrel Honey. 😋

...Viv

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