Out There

With Cynthia Saunders
From Top to Bottom - And Back

On any normal day, it takes me less than a minute to glance at the thermometer outside my living room window, decide which layers to throw on, and slip my house key into my shoe for a quick run. I’m just not the kind of person to sit around. For the past week or two, however, it’s the minutes that have been running together, and I’ve had to learn patience. My eyes have been mostly either closed or feverishly gazing at the thermometer dangling from my lips. I have become a mysteriously motionless bundle of blankets. I’ve been sick, and stuck inside, and just dreaming about getting out there on the slopes.

Sure, we haven’t had a ton of snow yet this season, but clear skies are a poor reason to stay home. I was talking on the phone the other day (when my voice returned) with Catamount part owner Bill Gilbert. He told me straight up that this has been the worst start to a ski season he’s seen in 52 years, but things are picking up as people realize that almost every trail is open, the quad chair is running, and there’s nothing to wait for.

I probably don’t need to tell you that Catamount is only one of several Berkshire resorts open and ready for business with plenty of their own snow to keep you gliding down your favorite trails. Butternut’s got some great races and events coming up in the next month or two. If, like me, you missed the first Butternut Squash Jam a couple of weeks ago (though hopefully not for the same sickly reasons) you’re in luck because there’s a sequel coming up in early March. (For those who don’t know, it’s a rail jam for both skiers and snowboarders in the twisted terrain park. Should be good!) I’m also hoping to check out some the Mardi Gras and St. Patty’s Day celebrations at Jiminy—both seem like prime opportunities to celebrate on the slopes.

Maybe you’ll know what I mean when I say that, on the far side of it now, I find myself strangely inspired by my recent illness. Sure, I’m still a little weakened, but I feel like I’ve gotten through the thick of the sickness only to surpass my previous state of wellbeing. The absence of headaches is remarkable; the ability to stretch my body and breathe deeply without choking on the air is a beautiful thing. There’s nothing like going back out into the cool, fresh morning and feeling up for it.

I’m ready to be on top of a mountain again.

About Cynthia Saunders
North Adams native Cynthia Saunders wrote her first poem, “The car went after/ the star” at age 5, and has been writing, and chasing stars in her car ever since. Currently, she teaches English at Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton and lives with her kitten, Thomasina.