Return to Sunday River

On Feb-12 Tuesday morning I was up bright and early for the 1 hour 45 minute drive to the ski mountains of Sunday River, Maine.  It was to be my first (of many I hope!) ski excursion in Maine since our move here on Feb-2.

I had skied Sunday River 18 years ago, in 1996.  I was in my third year of skiing then, after having taken up the sport at the age of 38.  It was the year that, after a rash of yard sale quality equipment, personalized ski lessons, and many head first crashes, my skill set had improved to an advanced level; only a few weeks before I had ventured west for the first time and easily skied Steamboat Colorado.  As I stepped onto the slopes of Sunday River all those years ago, little did I realize that I would go on to ski all over the Rockies of Colorado, all over the Wasatch range of Utah, every mountain at Lake Tahoe, and both the Swiss and Italian Alps. 

As I drove the easy commute from Portland, I reflected on how my skiing has evolved over the years, as has my life.  Back then I was dedicated to expanding my IT career in the financial services industry, a brutal commitment of time and energy that took a heavy toll on me and my family. One of the things that helped me maintain my sanity was my pursuit of outdoor adventure whenever I could, whether skiing, boating, scuba diving, or hiking.  With the toils of corporate life now behind me, I have been free to pursue my commitment to adventure in ways I never could before, many examples of which are highlighted in detail in my blog                                                                                                                                                                                                    about our past year in Italy.

It was -10F below zero when I clicked into my ski bindings and caught the Chondola Express Quad up to North Peak, and I was happy to have brought my artic rated Spyder ski jacket, used only for just these conditions.  Thankfully, the bluebird skies were clear and the sun’s brilliant rays quickly softened Sunday River’s well groomed trails, and it’s calm airs warmed to a balmy +20F.

Sunday River has 8 distinct peaks, and I skipped around the mountains a good bit, enjoying Risky Business on Spruce Peak, Ecstasy (it’s next to Agony) on Barker Mountain, Airglow (one of my favorite black trails) on Aurora Peak, and venturing as far as Jordan Peak for Excalibur and Rouge Angel.  

It was great to see that after 18 years Sunday River has still remained true to its core values; good snow making and excellent trail grooming, and a broad variety of terrain to keep things interesting. 

My return to Sunday River could not have been better; yes, the brilliant sunshine figured largely into having such a good day, but the fun trails, diversity of terrain, and easy drive will draw me back.  Like, tomorrow.

Reflections on our first week in Maine

I wasn't so sure I was actually going to start a blog about our adventures in Maine, but after receiving a lot a encouragement about more stories and especially more pictures, I'll post when it seems appropriate.  It’s been just over a week since our move to Portland Maine on Superbowl Sunday; I’m sure I don’t know where that week went, but here are some initial impressions on the new town we call home:

There is something to be said for living in a seaside town; Portland’s vistas of Casco Bay are magnificent, whether overlooking the Promenade at the East End, or out across the harbor area.

There certainly is plenty to do in Portland, whether going to museums, little art boutiques, browsing all the little shops or dinning out.  Sunday we concluded the second part of a five hour movie entitled, “Generation War”.  Shown at the Portland Museum of Art, Generation War highlights the personal impacts on the lives 5 naive German young adults caught up in horrors of WWII.  

Plus, there are the outdoor activities; Angie has been out snowshoeing, and tomorrow I’m up early to make the 2 hour drive to the ski slopes of Sunday River.

Regarding our digs, our first floor, two bedroom apartment is small by all but Italian standards, but warm and cozy by any standard.

The kitchen is sunny and has a great view of the Back Cove salt water estuary. 

Our living room opens out onto a small porch and our dining room now features pictures and paintings from Italy.  We are starting to personalize our apartment in a way that will make for a nice home for the next 10 months.
Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to find how easy it is to drive around the city of Portland.  After living and driving in Florence Italy, where the insane traffic will crash into your car if you are driving one, and will run you over if you are not, we have been buzzing all over town this week.  And having a couple of nice, comfortable cars to tour around in has only made it better.

Dinning out in Portland Maine is exactly what you would expect it to be – fabulous sea food.  So far we have had lobster and fish & chips at the Old Port Sea Grill, scallops at the Front Room, and chowder to go.  Plus we have brought fish home for the barbecue grill; it has ALL been outstanding. 

And yes it snows in Maine; if tomorrow nights’ storm pans out as expected, we will have gotten 20 inches of snow in 12 days - normal for this time of year.  That means we will be snow shoeing this weekend, and possibly more skiing for me next week.  As Angie and I settle into our apartment we are working to establish daily and weekly routines of exercise, outdoor activities, and integration into our community.  We are very happy, excited, and energized with the choice of our new home, and will keep you posted as this new adventure in our lives begins.