Spring, what’s not to like? The very sound of the word should put a bounce in your step as you shake off the lingering effects of winter and embrace the warmth, light and promise of spring. This year, I did not see the grass in my yard from December 6 until after President’s day. And then it snowed again and covered it all back up, albeit the melting has started in earnest now that the calendar shows March. Don’t get me wrong, I love snow and I am actually one of those who would like winter to last till at least April. I never complain when the white stuff is falling. Bring on the snow blower and the shovels. Grab the snow brushes and scrapers for the car windows and don’t forget to buy the ice melt before everybody in town runs out. Winter is my favorite season and I’m convinced that everything looks better covered with a blanket of snow. I haven’t even begun to talk about my passion for all things skiing; downhill, cross country, (classic and skating), alpine touring and ski shoeing on my Altai Hok skis. (see YouTube video on Hok Skis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDkigQJegcc)

I have been on some type of ski almost 70 times since late November of last year. It started with skiing into the woods to cut our Christmas tree. I should be able to ski well into April or even early May. However, come this time of year, I do start to pay attention to news coming out of Arizona. This is the season when my passions collide. In the words of John Fogarty, “there’s new grass on the field.” I love baseball and my allegiance to the San Francisco Giants goes back to 1961, pre dating my first skiing experience by about eight years. Fortunately, these pursuits only cross paths in the early spring and although memorably one time in late October. In 2012, we had an early snowfall in the mountains and I was cross-country skiing on the morning of October 27. I was home in plenty of time to watch the Giants beat the Detroit Tigers to take a 3-0 lead in the World Series. They would wrap it up the next night, completing a four game sweep. How often can you enjoy the best of both your favorites? I got the cake, the icing and an extra piece that day. It’s a great memory that comes to mind each year as the snow starts to become visible on the ridge tops and baseball enters the post season.

Of course the snow will melt this spring like it does every year, and that’s a good thing. My good bye to winter will be easier because I will have settled into the promise and hopes of a new season. Opening Day overshadows everything, and even though I’ll still be skiing for a little while longer, I’ll probably be listening to the ball game as I ride the chair lift or explore one of my favorite trails on my skinny skis. Spring will give way to summer and the rhythm of baseball will replace the rhythm and magic of skiing in all its forms. The crack of the bat will pierce the silence of winter and the joy of the crowd will draw me in. I will apply the last coat of wax to my skis before storing them away, undoubtedly with a Giant’s game on in the background. I will find renewed and familiar pleasure in the drama of another season, but come September I will begin to look to the hills. Winter can never come soon enough. Play ball!