Saturday, January 02, 2010 It was great to think about my blog titled 'No Fear' as I headed out for the first time on very narrow, shaky cross country skis for the first time. I had had concerns during the night about attempting this adventure... but here we were sitting on the ski lift heading to the top of the mountain.

I had walked back and forth practicing turning, walking and skiing on these pencil sticks in front of the rental shop, not caring whether anyone was watching (the whole swag of ski instructors were receiving their briefing just at this same time nearby!) Finally, I thought it's now or never...

As the ski lift arrived at the top of the mountain and hoisted us off down the immediate slope my legs wobbled and arms flailed...I let out a scream but managed to keep my balance... the fun begins.

We had a glorious day walking along the quiet, deserted nordic tracks and every now and again tumbled over on my derriere! It wasn't without its moments of, 'remind me why I am doing this?'.  Especially, the half hour climb, with ski's on, ( slipping and sliding down hill... one step forward, two steps back... two steps forward, one step back... slow and steady is the sure way up) we headed up the side of the other mountain. I found leg muscles I didn't know existed (I know they are there today as well). The views were magnificent and the quiet solitude in the pristine white landscape was divine.

I say 'yes' quite happily to new things, and then facing the challenge can be quite daunting, and for sure, today, there were moments of fear but also plenty of joyous moments and great satisfaction when finally I lay down in my bed, delightfully exhausted and happy.