3/4 Skyline 21M Kite - SKM

[Kenny]

Do you ever have one of those days kiting that is more than just another day on the snow, but feels transformational? You think to yourself "I don't think I will ever be the same again after today."

I arrived at Skyline to see a myriad of kites in the air. Billy was there to greet me and tell me about a huge glide with 4 loops - way to lay it down Billy! Several riders were doing short glides half way down the hill and looping back up right from where they landed, add to that several downed kites and it was a 3-ring circus. I picked my way carefully up the hill and found a slot. The NW wind was perfect for big floaty glides. Decided on my 3rd glide to gap the road and cleared it with ease. Once on the other side of the road, I decided to do a downwinder. The wind funneled nicely and I was able to ride the next hill behind Bosco powered up by myself. Bluebird skies and a foot of new pow, it was perfect. I felt the tension of my work week ease away as I slashed turns on that hill. Rode for about an hour there and then the wind died. I didn't mind as I was right by the road. I packed up my gear and started walking back. I was glad for the time to reflect on the majesty of the Skyline area. The amazing white hills that stretched out for miles. I felt fortunate and blessed to live so close to such an amazing place.

Once I got back, we did a group photo for the SKM and I was joking with Tom Reynolds that it is now time for the wind to turn on. Sure enough, within minutes the wind came back. Launched the big kite and decided to do a glide off Bosco before the circus came back. Noticed immediately that the wind had turned more SW as the huge lift that was there earlier was gone. I thought to myself, no problem that means the area at the south end of Bosco will be ideal. Sure enough it was perfect for some soaring glides. However, the best part was watching other riders. Chasta was working his feline moves, throwing down his unique style. Marty going big, showing some of the young bucks how it is done. Riders from all over with big grins just slashing up the new snow. Wind started backing down and I got caught in the gully. I laughed as I packed up my kite and started walking back on the track left by a sled. Once again, I welcomed the time to reflect on the day. How great it felt to make turns in crisp powder under sunny skies. How it felt to soar high above the trees.

After saying good byes to our awesome local crew - I listened to an old song from the 80's by THE THE - called "This is the Day." Somehow it just fit the mood of the day. If you want to watch a really cheesy, poorly shot video, check out the video on YouTube. However, I don't recommend it. Listen to the song without any visual cues. The best part about this song is that it has an accordion solo! The song comes from the album Soul Mining. I once listened to the album 10 times in a row on a road trip from Alaska on the Alcan Highway because my buddy was asleep on the center console and I could not pull out another CD, so I just listened to the album over and over.
Here are the lyrics:
Well... you didn't wake up this morning
Because you didn't go to bed
You were watching the whites of your eyes
Turn red
The calendar, on your wall, is ticking the days off
The calendar on your wall is ticking
the days off
You've been reading some old letters
You smile and think how much you've changed
All the money in the world
Couldn't bring back those days.
You pull back the curtains, and the sun burns into your eyes,
You watch a plane flying across a clear blue sky.
THIS IS THE DAY -- Your life will surely change.
THIS IS THE DAY -- Your life will surely change.
You could've done anything -- if you'd wanted
And all your friends and family think that you're lucky.
But the side of you they'll never see
Is when you're left alone with the memories
That hold your life together like
Glue

[Mark Johnson]

Carefull Kenny! You might just win your own kites.