The Scene |
The challenge is a financial one. Everyone wants to go get the goods. That is why they are here. But to get everyone in your group to agree on how many chips to invest is hard. To decide on what direction to head to or what peaks to actually land on and ski is almost impossible. Not to mention that most of the people are relatively new to the area and have little if any understanding on where the real goods or what they are called. After a fresh snowfall, the choice is easy. They are plenty of single chip road hits to get more than an amply supply of free flying adrenaline. Right now the conditions make it a little harder, and more expensive.
I walk back towards the motor home and open the door to some cranking Bob Marley and the heavenly smells of Magooss burritos . Guess it is time to chow. One more great feed. A little while later, he grabs his mystery novel, pulls out a lawn chair and heads outside for some sun and a read. I decide it is a good time to get organized and begin to pack my gear for the future flight. Where is my light meter? After searching everywhere to no avail, I stick my head out the door and call out to Andy, have you seen my meter? He startles out of his sleep - what.. oh check the shower hanger. Apparently the book was better used as a face shade.
I look at my watch. It is 4:30, where has the day gone, where is Scott and the rest of the crew. They said they wanted to fly. I walk back to the board to check on our status. It is now almost five and there is still two groups ahead of us. I find myself worrying that we wont get in the air before dark. I decide to check in on Menace and his tent home on the other side of the parking lot snow bank.
AT 5:30 p.m. I see a new RV pull into the lot and recognize the familiar DAWGS sign on the side. Scott Hurd is here, finally, and with him are few Tahoe friends and, Dawgs of Winter film maker Joe Dukeman . As Joe put it earlier, Nothing like a sick Alaska segment to finish up this years movie. Frustrated, I immediately ask why they are so late. Scott, all too familiar with my anxious ways and well settled into the Alaskan pace, responds Relax man, are we the next group or are there still others ahead of us? (Turns out the patience game is still something I need to work on.)
Im just finish putting my harness on when The Wave knocks on the door and steps in. Almost ready, Chris will be your guide, you guys are up next. A quick scramble (like we didn't have the whole day to get ready?) and we are all assembled. Hey where is the Menace? It dint take long to figure out.. He flew out with an earlier group. They were short a man - The Menace was offered a free trip! Free is definitely, good. I run back to the motor home. Andy, we need a fifth - Want to fly? Twenty minutes later, we are at the landing pad waiting for the bird to show up.
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