We got up to Mammoth before the big dump on Friday night and woke up early to a foot of snow and more dropping. I couldn’t wait to get out the door! Season pass holders who got there at 7:30 got “early ups” an hour before everyone else would be allowed on the mountain. I had reserved my space 2 weeks ahead and didn’t eat breakfast since early ups included a really nice spread at the mid-mountain chalet. Unfortunately, when we got to the lodge the whole mountain was on weather hold. Planned or unplanned, I ate and waited until it was safe to go on the mountain.
The snow was heavy and deep and visibility came and went. By lunch we were done and headed to a mountain shop were my friend Robert had rented demo skis. It was time for a new pair. He had rented skis in Tahoe and now in Mammoth and had narrowed it down to one of two pairs. He made a choice, paid a big price and they were going to mount the bindings and have them ready this morning at 7 am. Good planning, right? We would get a ½ day skiing in if the visibility held through all that snow.
We dug out the hot tub and looked at the mountains as the snow fell on our faces. When Robert went to put the cover on the hot tub he slung the big piece of plywood on top of the cover to keep the snow from sinking it in. Soaked from the snow, it was heavy and awkward and he tore his bicep.
No one planned for a visit to the emergency room. No one planned to drive out early in the morning, picking up the new skis and heading down to the orthopedist.
On the 6 hour drive home, lots of topics come up in the car. Somehow it came out that Robert did not have a will. A handwritten document was around somewhere. Hmm. I asked if it had been witnessed? Um, well “no.” Planned or unplanned?
We don’t know if the snow will clear, and we can all have accidents, that is for sure. If you are like Robert, and you have not yet addressed what we all know to be coming, make me a commitment. Complete your will and trusts when you do your taxes this year.
And please, don’t count on getting an extension.