Unexpected Winter

I woke up at my grandparent’s house in beautiful Castle Rock, Colorado today.

My mom and grandmother dropped me off at the airport this morning with lots of gear.

They are doing lots at Denver International Airport.

They are building a train station for the Light Rail that will connect downtown Denver with the airport. (They are also building a hotel and public plaza.) I am excited because soon I will be able to have my grandparents drop me off at a station 10 minutes from their house and I can take the train all the way to the airport. It is currently a 45 minute drive each way and costs $10 in tolls.

I flew from Denver to Cleveland then to Hartford, Connecticut. The travel was easy. My skis didn’t make it, but hopefully they’ll get here tomorrow. I was shocked to get off the plane in Hartford and have it be winter!

Amy Caldwell of Caldwell Sport, my coach Zach’s wife, came to get me at the airport. It is an hour and fifteen minute drive each way. I owe the Caldwells more than I could ever hope to repay.

I came bearing gifts for Zach from the US Ski Team including a giant High Sierra gear bag. Zach and Amy’s son Gunnar wanted to test if it’s big enough:

Big enough, he determined.

There were also presents waiting here for me, including my supply of Honey Stinger to keep me from going hungry on the World Cup:

I am supper psyched to be back in Putney. It is as much home for me as anywhere. I am looking forward to seeing all of my great friends in the area!