April 9. 2012. The biggest storm of the season so far, it was BLOWER! If you don’t know what that means, come to Park City and find out. It’s literally something that dreams are made of. It’s something that creates a pain on your face because you just cannot stop smiling! It is Utah smoke! It is something not to be taken for granted and something that you will remember when you leave here! Today was one of those days! I found myself thinking over and over “It’s a good day to be alive in Park City.” (To be honest, every day is BUT today was super special!) I said it out loud several times on the chairlift when interacting with tourists and then with my friend Dave when we met up. I tried to take some photos while riding but it was SO COLD that my camera froze up. So did my face. I went in for a minute and had a bit of frost nip. I hate to say it was worth it so I won’t, because chances are, my mom is reading this. (Read between the lines on that one!) However, once the crazy winter storm blew over, the sun came out as it always does. I was taking the short 5 minute walk from the run to my house and looked over and saw this AH-MAZING sight. I saw the beautiful clouds being interrupted by the blue sky and sun pushing through. Then, I saw the beautiful aspen buds pushing through the big cotton balls of snow that were now weighing them down. WOW! What a sight. How blessed was I to encounter that and to chalk this day to another great one. Tomorrow I take off for a few weeks to have a few different adventures in California. I am torn to leave my home and everything I love BUT I am excited to come HOME to what I know and love. I am also excited for everything that lies between here and then because that is the life that I love to live. That is my blessing. I am living in the midst of a wonderful gift. My snowshoeing days are over for this season. When I return, I come back to a season of hiking, mountain biking, trail running and Stand Up Paddleboarding! Wa-Hoo!!! It really is a good day to be alive!!!