Tuesday - January 6, 1998: Taos Ski Valley, NM
Taming the Beast...
Yesterdays storm began to blow over today, and the day was mixed with clouds and a bit of sun peaking through from time to time. Is always coldest after the storm, but some smart purchases and a coupla well timed Holiday gifts kept us warm and extremely cheery today!

Second day of lessons for Des, and she was a little tentative at first, but by lunchtime was itchin' to leave the bunny slope behind and tackle her first, real-live mountain slope. She went up the big lift with her small class and completed Whitefeather, the easy trail, very slowly, but surely. She fell only once, and steered way clear of any trees. Brad flew by periodically to check on her before hopping over to other trails "on the back side" that are quite beautiful and challenging.

A really great day of skiing ended with Desi's first ever "apres ski" experience at the lodge's Martini Tree Bar, filled with college-age ski bums (surprisingly, a lot of people from Texas) who had been out "shredding the slopes" all day and looked it. A nice lot, but very scruffy. Was such a nice day that Desi even polished off two - count 'em, two! - Hot Chocolates with Peppermint Shnapps!

By the way, our new favorite restaurant is Tim's downstairs, because they make the most tender, spiciest, pork tenderloin in a red chile sauce with black beans on the edge, this side of the Pecos! Worth coming to Taos for even if you don't ski! Trust us!