Closing day A-Basin

Arapahoe Basin is considered a slope for Denver locals. It's not really part of the upscale Breckenridge slopes with condominiums all around them. They don't have that many lifts but they do have a serious black diamond run, Pallavicini. It's a 45° dealio, Emilio. It's actually three runs in one and they're all dangerous as H-E-Double ski poles.

They have only one clubhouse. The long house. That's where I saw the short woman with the grandest titons in the whole world emphasized by the bib on her tight-fitting ski-suit.

There are far fewer skiers from Texas and from Mexico. It's actually quite lovely in Spring.

But this is summer.

July 4th, for crying out loud.

You can go up there and just goof around. Kind of ski-hike along the rim and explore the place. Take off your shirt.  Have sausages on buns outside. A picnic. With snow.

Then come back home downtown to 90° weather. Then hail to cool off again.

A friend, Paul, sent this today. Like I'm supposed to be jealous.

What an able-bodied show off.

Before he took up snowboarding he used to ski. Being short himself he used those short skis that go "S-S-S-S-S-S" where I go "C".  For I was taught by an expert to be a power-skier in total control of my edges, and he was taught by a fairy to fly thought the trees.

So he's perfect for snowboarding.

See? There are lots of brown patches behind him. But he still has his shirt on. While the guy in the back in shorts and t-shirt. Others in short sleeves. Others in snowsuits. Odd combinations. They must be hot. Size 6 ski boots. What a pixie. Anyway.

This is Colorado for you. Several climates at once.

Right now I'm watching the most beautiful sunset. Each minute the picture is different as the sun sinks behind the row of mountains. The whole bank of clouds lights up then dims in layers.

The air is still and my flag is dry.

Fireworks are started all around.

Combined with lightening in the darker gray clouds. Lightning and fireworks together like Nature itself going, "Oh yeah?"