If you've been following my blog for a while, or know me, or get within 100 feet of me you'll know that I've become addicted to snow boarding.  I've been about 12 times in the last 7 weeks and have been getting pretty good at it.  Saturday I had my best day yet.  Got first tracks on 4 runs at Eldora and was in control and fast all day long.  Sunday unfortunately didn't go so smoothly...

I got to Eldora late, about 11:15 (decided to go at the last minute).  On my thrid run down (on my way to Corona lift) I ate it.  Hard.  I was near the bottom of a black (Mule shoe) and was going the fastest I've ever gone.  I pushed too much and caught my toe edge.  I went flying forward at 25 mph at least and slammed my left should right into a big patch of ice.  I separated my left shoulder and am borderline for needing surgery (although tonight it's feeling quite a bit better).  This finally leads me to my point...

During this terribly painful event something entirely unexpected happened.  I met some of the nicest, friendliest, genuinely kind people I've ever met.  From the guys that stopped to help me (Jamie, who I hope to buy a beer soon, spent at least 30 minutes helping me get on my feet), to all the snow patrol volunteers and pros.  They had to sled me down to the bottom of the run then tow me behind the snow mobile all the way back to base (oh it was fun being the spectacle at lunch time let me tell you!)  Then the medics at Eldora and the paramedics in the ambulance (oh yeah, left in the ambulance so I could get the "good" drugs) were more of the same; amazingly friendly, helpful and genuinely good people.

I hope to have beers with Jamie sometime soon to repay a little of the kindness he and his friend Adam showed me (I sat there for at least 5 minutes before they came by).  I'm also trying to think of an appropriate gift to take up to the guys at Eldora (thinking something like muffin, etc).  If you've got suggestions please post them, I'd love the input. 

Just had to share this story, it sure is making my shoulder feel a lot better...