The Fearless Femmes: Adventure #1- "I hear a lot of moaning going on . . . "

So, the big day finally arrived, our first adventure! SKIING!!! We drove an hour north to Weston, MO to Snow Creek Ski Area for a day of fun in the (artificial) snow. There were a mix of emotions emanating from each of us as we headed toward our destination . . . excitement, fear, anxiety and apprehension to name a few. I chose skiing as our first adventure, and this is probably the appropriate time to explain why. In high school, on a trip to Colorado with my parents, I decided to take a ski lesson. Lots of my classmates were planning Senior trips to Colorado ski resorts; it seemed they all were innately avid and proficient skiers. I figured if they could do it, I could easily pick up the sport after a quick lesson. WRONG!!! With salty tears frozen to my cheeks, and a strong sense of defeat (which I, the ultimate perfectionist, was not at all familiar or comfortable with) I walked away from that Colorado mountain never having skiied down even the easiest of bunny slopes. I was unable to remain upright even on flat ground. To sum it up, I felt humiliated, inept, and greatly disappointed. So, when it came time to choose our first adventure (def: any activity that requires us to challenge ourselves, step outside of our comfort zones, and/or overcome obstacles), how could I choose anything, but . . . skiing?

The Fearless Femmes conquer skiing!

So back to the present day. We arrived at Snow Creek, paid our fees, picked up our boots, skis and poles, and divided into two groups: the first-timers/amateurs and the experienced skiiers. The amateurs (Jessi, Amy, Meghan and myself) immediately started a lesson with two extremely patient older gentlemen as our instructors. We started with the basics: walking in our boots, learning to turn by skiing in a circle with one ski, then the other, and proper posturing. I couldn't help but feel like we must have looked like a group of Kindergarteners playing "ring around the rosie" during all this. Eventually, we took the rope-pull half way up the easiest bunny slope, and then all the way to the top! Success!!!! We were all able to safely ski down and were "passed" by our instructors, although they weren't sure we were ready for any of the slopes that required a ski lift. Fine by me. At this point, I had already accomplished more than I ever imagined I would. I should have known better than to think that the rest of the Fearless Femmes would be satisfied with the bunny slopes . . . . . . more on this in a minute.

Meghan demonstrating how to get up after you fall, as taught by our instructors.
However, we never saw anyone besides us utilize this maneuver.
Step One

Step Two

Step Three!

Lessons from Stephan

Destiny

Amy

Jessi

Amateurs with our instructors Stephan and Gary

Let's check in with the "professionals" (Alli, Lisa and Meagan). They had warmed up with a few jaunts down the bunny slopes, and had already skiied down multiple green and blue trails by the time we finished our one-hour lesson. While I do recall references to the blue slopes along the lines of "that blue tried to kill me," "never again," and threats to spend the rest of the day in the lodge playing games on an iPhone, these girls looked unphased by their experience. I was so impressed by their skill and energy. By this point Meagan had also switched to snowboarding to increase the challenge for herself. Go girl!

The pros showing off

Meagan- the Queen of the Board

Lisa

Alli

We all reunited, took a short break for hydration and energy bars, and then Meghan decided she was ready to hang with the big girls. So the four of them headed up "the mountain" while Amy, Jessi and I stayed behind to watch. From the bottom, we were able to identify Meagan's blue stocking cap and Lisa and Alli's white headbands daftly maneuver down the side of "the mountain", in a controlled, sweeping, back and forth pattern. Then, like a bat out of hell, here comes Meghan straight-shooting past all of them, yelling warnings of her impending approach all the way down "the mountain." As she neared the bottom, the three of us onlookers noticed a small child crossing her path. I remember saying outloud, "oh my god, Oh My God, OH MY GOD!" Phew! She missed the child, and one or two other people, by a hair and came to a stop all while staying on her skis . . . only to fall down a minute later while standing still!

Love the excitement on Meghan's face!

"I did it!"

After a few more trips down the bunny slopes, Jessi and Amy also decided they were ready to try "the mountain." Like a natural, Jessi made her way down at a controlled, steady pace, keeping up with the others, while Amy took a more cautious, stop-and-go approach. Regardless, they both conquered "the mountain" as well. And now, "the cheese stands alone." "The cheese" being me. I was ~~reluctantly~~ ~~peer-pressured~~ convincingly persuaded that I too could do this. After falling down twice at the top of "the mountain", I was finally positioned to start my descent. However, I was unable to keep control of the situation, and had a very similar experience to Meghan's first run. The only difference is I was unwilling to get anywhere near anyone at the bottom, or risk plowing small children. So, I chose to wipeout, as this was the only way I knew to exert control over my situation and stop myself from certain disaster. Success? Debatable. What I do know is that I NEVER would have attempted such a feat had it not been for the encouragement, patience and support of my friends. They are truly the best! This adventure brought out the determination, strength and athleticism in each of us, that we don't normally get to see in each other. So proud!