Goodbye, and Thanks!

So, cross off the only item on my bucket list.  Sounds like I need a new list. ;)

What an amazing, life-affirming weekend. I'll never forget it, and I can now start dreaming of repeating it, someday. 

Thank yous are in order. More than I can say. This never happens without some extreme generosity.

Thank you to:

Johnny Seale for being our fabulous host, pulling strings and calling in favors to get us reservations on the busiest weekend of the year, showing us all the cool (and hot) spots.

Carly Seale, for loaning us Johnny!

My infinitely cool, smart, patient, brave, trooper of a brother, Geoff, for taking the time and expense to make this all possible. I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather share this experience with. #Buffalo90  #WatcherOfTheSkies

Tiffany Taylor, for loaning us Geoff and conspiring with Krista in the very earliest stages of this plan.  None of this happens without your initial push.

Corey and M.E. Harbold, for loaning three degenerate men the "Lincoln Lodge" for the weekend. What a delightful home in an absolutely perfect location. We could walk to anything except the resort, and who needs that after 4 pm? Thanks so much!

Jerry Brady and Kristen Bickel - my Cincinnati skiing crew - for the loan of a fair bit of gear (helmets, goggles, knee braces, etc), Kristen for helping give me exercise goals and for escorting and even filming me at Perfect North,  and Jerry for being my number one hype man - "Let's talk about makin' some turns!"

Mike Miles, for giving me the opportunity to get my legs under me at Perfect North before my trip.

Mike at the Sea Level Spa in Crested Butte, for nursing this flat lander through both altitude and self-induced struggles, thanks to the miracle of OXYGEN!!

The Gypsy Wagon girls, especially the formidable Amber, for briefly tolerating us old guys (and buying us shots) on Friday night.

Megan at Crested Butte social media.

Parker at BCC.

All of our servers, lift attendants, kind rental people, and friendly people, in general.

And, of course, Krista, who gifted a glutton with a fantasy-grade feast of pleasures. I know you would have hated being on the mountain on skis, but I would have loved to hold your hand walking down Elk avenue under the stars. I even wished the kids could have been there. It truly is more beautiful than you could possibly imagine. Apparently, it's even better in the summer. Just sayin'...

And so...... Goodbye, sweet prince.......

May flights of elk sing thee to thy rest.