Skiing is a sport that doesn’t always come naturally to everyone, but with a bit of determination and practice, it can become a beloved winter activity. Many people don’t grow up skiing, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn to enjoy it later in life. For some, it takes a few tries before the thrill of downhill skiing really starts to take hold. Living in California for several years provided the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the sport. The abundance of ski resorts and the opportunity to practice regularly helped turn a basic understanding into a true passion. And like many who find themselves captivated by the slopes, skiing quickly became a favorite winter pastime. Having a supportive partner who grew up skiing certainly helped. With years of experience skiing in the Lake Tahoe area, my husband provided helpful instruction and also a sense of humor that made learning fun. That patience and encouragement not only improved my skills but have also been passed down to our children, who took to the sport like naturals. Today, skiing is a family affair, with one son who skied at the collegiate level and a daughter who excelled as a competitive downhill racer. It’s true that skiing can be an expensive sport, which might make it seem out of reach for some. However, there are many affordable ways to get started. ‘Learn to Ski’ packages offered by resorts provide an excellent entry point for beginners. These packages, often available for less than $30 per person, include rental equipment, lessons, and lift tickets. For families, it’s a wonderful way to introduce everyone to the sport without breaking the bank. Ski.com is a great resource for finding these beginner-friendly options. Family ski trips have become a cherished tradition, offering the chance to explore beautiful terrains and enjoy the breathtaking views that only the mountains can offer. Beyond the skiing itself, these trips are filled with new adventures and quality family time. Make sure you have the appropriate winter gear to stay warm. Exploring local activities and resort amenities together adds to the fun and creates memories that last a lifetime. Skiing may not be something everyone is born into, but with a little perseverance and the right support, you too may become a snow chaser. Then, this love can become a lifelong passion that brings joy, adventure, and cherished family moments.
Gulf Coast Tour…
A trip to the beach is especially enjoyable when the weather at home is cold and dreary. If you love fishing and shelling, pack your bags and head to Florida for a break from the cold. A few weeks ago, we spent several days exploring the beaches along the west coast of Florida. We started our adventure in Ocean Reef where we spent another a fun day patch fishing off the waters of Key Largo. Make sure to have a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a long sleeve shirt to protect yourself from the sun. Everyone had a good day practicing their angling skills, learning how to throw a cast net and filling our cooler with yellowtail, mangrove and mutton snapper. From there we ventured through alligator alley and up the gulf coast to Marco Island, Naples, Sanibel and Captiva Island. Our focus here was to spend some time walking the beaches. Shelling on these beaches has been on my bucket list for quite some time. We had a wonderful time combing the beaches looking for pretty shells, uncovering sea creatures and relaxing in the powdery white sand. If you love shelling and are looking for a way to spend a few hours, we highly recommend booking a shelling tour with Everwater Charters & Tours. Captain Jason’s enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment to ecotourism will assure you have a fun and successful trip. While on Sanibel, we took advantage of the weekly farmers market picking up some delicious fruit and vegetables. As far as dining goes, we had an excellent dockside meal on the outdoor patio at Gramma Dots in the Sanibel Marina. We also found an ice cream spot that rivals our favorite in Maine. Pinocchio’s is a Sanibel landmark that serves handcrafted ice cream and gelato. They dole out very generous portions and original flavors such as Sanibel Krunch, Dirty Sand Dollar and Gator Stew. We rounded out our adventure in Sarasota. We spent a couple of days exploring what is known as the hub of the cultural coast. We walked the famous quartz-crystal beach of Siesta Key, checked out Siesta Village, savored the outdoor café style dining on Main Street in downtown, enjoyed a day of shopping at St. Armands Circle and surveyed the Sarasota Bay area of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key Beach and coastline of Bradenton. This was our first time exploring the southern half of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It truly is a beautiful part of the state. We thoroughly enjoyed our Gulf Coast tour and are already planning a return trip.