When we arrived at MBJ, it was about 7 degrees and windy. We went in the hut to rent skis from the newly opened ski rental service there. The pleasant and helpful woman working there said we were just the second people to rent skis. They got new Salomon boots, Salomon skis, and Swix poles.
Luckily, the new bindings functioned well and were easy to get into because it was very cold in the open field by the hut. I suggested we take the most direct route into the trees. With the blowing snow and flat light in the now cloudy, late afternoon sky, it was difficult to make out any tracks, not great conditions for my novice skiers. Fortunately, they are both Native dancers and have good coordination, so we were soon in the forest, where we could talk, and I could give some instruction.
Everyone learns differently, and it soon became apparent that Denise learned from watching. After modeling the kick part of kick and glide for her, she immediately picked it up, and was soon passing her granddaughter. She asked me to demonstrate poling, and soon she was effectively poling too.
After that, I forgot about teaching cross-country skiing, and we were just ladies out in the woods, chatting, and enjoying the fresh air. We made a complete circuit of the ski trail, emerging from the woods to the open field, where the blasting wind drove away some of the heat we had built up from our exertions. We returned the equipment just before they were due to close.
I shouldn't be amazed by this, since they are both nimble dancers, but neither one fell the entire way!
Afterward, I was treated to a delicious cup of medicinal tea and more great conversation at Denise's home. I went home feeling happy and relaxed.
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