What a fun trip we had!! On Wednesday, Grandma and Papa came up to handle 'Kate Duty' while Ron, the boys and I went skiing for the weekend. Some friends had offered the use of a condo on Beech Mtn. for Thursday and Friday nights. With Grandma and Papa agreeing to come help (YEAH!!) we were able to go. So, Thursday morning, we got up, got dressed and headed out for the NC mountains. It was a great drive. NC sure is a beautiful state! The weather was pretty good, just COLD! When we got near the mountains, we started to see snow. From previous posts, you will know that we have had quite a bit of snow in NC this year. But, we weren't expecting all the snow we saw! Once we got into the mountains, the snow began to fall faster and faster. It was beautiful. Of course, I wasn't driving... The roads were getting a little slick- the mini van was handling it pretty well. Then the wind started and, boy, snow and wind do not mix!! I had never seen 'white-out' conditions before, hope I never see them again! Once we got into Sugar, we headed up the mountain. Got parked, and changed up for skiing. We all had enought clothes on to outfit a store!! We headed in, got our ski equipment and had some lunch. The boys were so excited!! Before we went out, we got them turtle fur wraps and goggles. The temperature was in the low teens and the wind was blowing. Once we were all bundled up, we headed out to the lifts. What fun!! I took Ben on the Green slopes, and Ron had Will. Ben and I took to it pretty well (this being only my 3rd time to ski!). Ben held onto my poles and skiied between my legs. We did pretty good! After a mid-afternoon break, Will and I skiied together. Will was skiing on his own at this point! YIKES!! But, he was doing great! We had such fun together- he is actually better than me! He is fearless! By 3:30 or 4, we decided it was time to head out. The weather was getting worse and we still needed to find our condo. Unfortunately for us, there is only one way up Beech Mtn. and you have to have chains on your tires to get up! We had NO idea. We stopped to find out about chains, heard that there were bilzzard conditions expected and MORE snow. I suggested we either head back to Charlotte or check into the Best Western. The Best Western it was! Pretty nice on in Banner Elk. Had a great dinner at the Lodge and breakfast, too! Watched a movie with the boys then we all passed out! Woke up Friday to 14 degree temps and wind gust as high as 60mph- YIKES! Packed up, got all our gear on and headed back out to the slopes. The powder was great, the lifts were FREEZING and we had a blast! Ben skiied with his harness that day and did fantastic. Will was getting off the lift by himself and skiing like a pro. We skiied much of the day. By 3:30, Ron and I were beat. The boys wanted to keep it up but, we said it was time to head back to Charlotte. The trip back down was much easier, the sun had come out and the roads were clear (YEAH!) . When we got home, Kate, Grandma and Papa were waiting to hear all about the trip. Kate had her own fun with Grandma and Papa. They went on a trip to Davidson and spent some time at the McD's playplace. We sure were lucky to have them come stay with Kate. Maybe in a couple of years she will be out on the slopes, too!! Enjoy the pictures!!
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