TR: A Tale of Twos

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TR: A Tale of Twos

January 20, 2017 by Nick

Locations: Hidden Peak, West Shore & Herlan Peak, East Shore, Lake Tahoe

Skiers: Jon, Andrew, Nick & Mike

Photos: As noted

Synopsis: My life trajectory has really validated the theory that good things come in pairs. Ultimately, this TR is A Tale of Twos, so to speak. Two general themes, life and skiing. Two seasons, last year and this year. Two little boys, really struggling then triumphing. Two particular days. Two peaks on two shores of Tahoe. Two life arcs, pre- and post-parenthood. Two inversion layers, above and below the fog. It goes on and on, as does life…

This Tale begins on the West Shore of Tahoe, with a deep snowpack filled in from huge storms breaking over the Sierra Crest. Light filters through the trees, cutting through the fog layer leading up to the a second layer. Photo: Andrew

Above the fog layer, looking out at the mystery below. Photo: Andrew

For me, I had not yet began this day of skiing. While Jon, Andrew and Mike explored Hidden Peak, my tale continued with two little boys who have entered my life. Photo: Sarah

This season was just starting for me, as abruptly as it ended last February when Sarah was rushed into the hospital at 24 weeks. We knew it was much, much too early for that tale to begin, but two weeks later at 26 weeks the tale of Jack and Ben started. For the next 100+ days, their life started in the NICU. For me and Sarah, it was 124 days, over a third of 2016, spent in the hospital.

Day by day, these little guys powered on. While it continued to snow up in Tahoe in 2016, it was the furthest thing from my mind. I was overcome by the utter strength and resilience of two little boys that were born at only 2lb, 6oz and 2lb, 4oz (each dropping below 2lb at one point). Photos: Nick

Jon looks down at the possibilities on Hidden Peak, unsure what lays below the fog layer. Photo: Jon

This is much like last year, when Sarah and I tried to look through the fog with hope for the other end. Day by day, our Jack and Ben powered on, growing and fighting through infections and illness. Tiny little guys, enduring surgeries and countless procedures, while on oxygen for months. Sarah and I were witnessing the ultimate in power and determination. Photos: Nick

On Bliss Peak, Jon reaps the rewards of that similar determination of climbing up with power and strength. Photo: Andrew

While the tale of Jack and Ben is really only beginning, when they finally got out of the hospital 100+ days later they were awesome. Zero complications, zero long term issues and all follow-up appointments showing extremely positive results. In looking back, at first I think Sarah and I are just lucky, as we are in the absolute best case scenario at this point. However, I realize it is not luck. It is Jack and Ben. Through their resilience and will, they are where they are. Sarah and I were just passengers, providing the love and support while they motored on with a vengeance!

So Jon, Andrew and Mike continued on the West Shore, dipping into the fog inversion, the second layer of the day. Photos: Andrew

Two skis, cutting through the untracked snow. Photos: Jon

The first part of the story fades away, alpenglow painting the East Shore in the distance. Photo: Jon

This Tale continues on another day, on a different peak and on a different shore. The East Shore, shadowed away from the Sierra Crest, but offering good possibilities in deeper snowpack years. This day is my return to skiing, as the boys are doing great at home. Although Jon, Andrew and Mike don’t realize, I am literally about to overflow with joy to strap on skins again, climb a peak and ski it.

My emotions are overwhelming a bit, as I feel guilt in leaving Jack and Ben at home. But I feel joy in being in the mountains and knowing that they are doing awesome and one day I will share this same experience with them. Knowing how awesome they crushed the NICU and how much they have grown, I know they will be strong. They will likely crush me on the skin track, in fact…

As we gear up, well beneath the fog layer, I get a text from Sarah wishing me a good day and telling me the boys say hi. I glance at my phone and a massive smile erupts on my face. I have to share it with Jon, Andrew and Mike – a proud, fatherly moment as I get ready to skin. For me, the Tale starts again, skinning and skiing as a father, counting down the days to be able to share the mountains with my sons. Photo: Sarah

Similar to Hidden Peak, the lower portions of Herlan Peak are enshrouded in fog. We climb up and are greeted with unbelievable views. Photo: Nick

Scouting out lines, deciding what to ski. The possibilities before us. Photos: Andrew, Jon

I moved slowly this day, breathing in the crisp mountain air, thinking a lot about the past year. 2016 will go down as the single best year of my life, as I bore witness to a miracle. Watching extremely premature babies grow over the course of a year into strong, healthy little men crawling around and growing personalities was unbelievable. While Jack and Ben visited us 3+ months early, I view it as 3+ more months I get to spend with them and get to know them. Photo: Jon

Deep reflections on the year, but never too serious… Photo: Jon

Above the fog, the steep snow was less than inspiring on our first run, but any day in the mountains is a great day. Jon fooling around with the Glen Plake inspired jump turns. Photo: Andrew

As we punch through the fog towards Sand Harbor, the snow quickly improves. Photos: Andrew, Mike, Nick

On the skin back up for another aspects, views of the sky did not disappoint. Photo: Jon

Nor did the slopes. Photos: Andrew, Jon

Thanks to modern technology, I was able to sit perched on a rock, looking out at the unbelievable fog layer and FaceTime with my boys. They were smiling, crawling around, mostly confused my Dad’s glasses. While I could only virtually show them the views, I know that one day their eyes will look out at the Lake, while perched on a similar rock up a mountain. Photos: Jon