This past weekend we got as close as we're likely to get to "going skiing" and to hanging around a "ski lodge" (of sorts). The location was the Canmore Nordic Centre, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics Biathalon and Cross Country Ski races.

Inside the "day lodge" were fireplaces (unlit), blond wood furniture, and a small cafeteria serving soup. Outside the building, once one has bought a trail pass, one can piddle about in a flat area on tracks created for neophytes. One can also (and we did) ascend a rise towards the beginning of an actual trail, then turn about, aim one's skis into grooves, then somewhat rapidly descend said slight incline. (Whee.)

Actually, it was fun, and worth it. In every direction were variously shaped, spectacular mountains, and moving around that location--breathing deeply and breaking sweat--seemed eminently satisfying. Yes, we see how much more we have to learn, and how much better shape we need to be in--but we did take baby steps (and a baby hill) and it was good.

Wasn't it the Terminator who said (with an Austrian accent, appropriately enough): "Ah'll be baaack!"