Picto Diary - 12 - 18 January 2026 -TIMDT, 1969

Above: Park City Mountain (Canyons). 12 January 2025.
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Espresso poses at the summit of Upper Crowning Glory ski run off of Peak 5 ski lift.

While skiing on Upper Crowning Glory ski run, I fell on my rear end after slipping on an ice sheet below a knoll on a fairly steep section of the run. In hindsight, with a bit more speed I could have skied across the ice sheet without falling. But I'm trying hard to reduce my speed relative to skiing in prior years. I wasn't hurt. My skis stayed on. I slid down the hill on my back a bit and then lay still for a moment to gather my senses. My flexibility and strength are not sufficient for me to get upright sans taking off my skis... even with assistance. So, I took off my skis. I need to get on my knees and use my poles to stand up.

Suddenly, coming from behind, I heard a shriek. Momentarily, I heard a skier make a sudden hocky stop above me. Then, "Hey buddy, what are you doing here in the middle of the ski run. Don't you know there are skiers coming from behind you who can't see you as they come up over the knoll?" I replied, "well I fell here on purpose knowing you were behind me." The thirty something fellow picked up on my sarcasm and perhaps seeing my advanced age, changed his tone. "Sir, let me help you restart. But let's walk over to the side of the run where it is safer." The man then helped me remount my skis at the side of the run and asked if I was good to go. I said, "yes... thanks a lot for your help." He said, "well, ski on ahead. I'll ski behind you for a while just to be sure you're OK." All's well that ends well. I was appreciative of the young man's assistance. NOTE: A strong case can be made that I should have, once getting up from my fall, immediately moved to the side of the run while carefully checking uphill as I did so.

Above: Snowbasin Ski Resort. Weber County, UT. 13 January 2026.
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Snowbasin. One hour's drive north of Park City. I drove the Sprinter. Skiing with Espresso. Putting IKON Pass to use. Unfamiliar resort so I need to be more careful. Ski from orange sign to orange sign. Stop. Survey the scene and then proceed. Need for care augmented a bit pre break due flat light. Post break, better light, but also rapidly softening snow in warm temps. Still a good day with adequate calories burned, work on skills, and camaraderie with friend. Lunch on way back at Taggert's in Morgan County.

Above: Salt Lake City, UT. 14 January 2025.
Image captured from University of Utah Hospital.
Utah's curse. Climate Inversion. For twelve to fifteen days a year Utah Wasatch Front is most polluted spot in US.

Above: Deer Valley, Wasatch County, UT. 15 January 2025.
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With PGA in East Village Gondola. On our way to Park Peak. Fifteen minutes. 3.5 miles.

Above: Above: Deer Valley, Wasatch County, UT. 16 January 2025.
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East Village Gondola.
With 'Cake and PGA. Best ski day ytd.
Top notch spicy chili lunch chez PGA.
Toughest run of the day was track in and out for PGA's townhouse...Silver Link run... entrance... Last Chance run exit. But it's OK. I'm an experienced skier!!

Above: Empire Lodge, Deer Valley, 16 January 2026.
I put this pic out as a meme on Facebook. I asked, "What's Wrong With This Picture?" Most didn't get it, focusing only on the straws virtue signaling poster. Preening puffing about no plastic straws rings a bit hypocritical with stacks of plastic glasses below the poster, right?

Above: Deer Valley, 18 January 2025.
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"Snowing" at Mountaineer Lift (background). St. Regis Hotel funicular, foreground.

Above: Deer Valley, UT. 18 January 2025.
Wolverine and PGA on East Village Gondola.
Enjoyed skiing, mostly on East Village side.
Coffee break at First Trax. Stein Eriksen Lodge.

Above: TIMDT, 1969. Nostalgia pic. Received 18 January 2026 from Bling.

Steve:

I came across this photo of Margaret (circa 1969) yesterday while I was converting data from a Windows 10 computer onto my new, whiz-bang Windows 11 computer. Although you have undoubtedly seen this image before, I thought you might like to have it. I'm certain you know how much my brothers and I love Margaret - she was such an instrumental part of our childhood in Provo.

Looks like I picked the wrong year to get new boots and skis. There is always next year - plus I haven't even come close to forsaking this year. We have had great weather in New Mexico, and I have been working on my golf game in the meantime.

I hope you, Margaret, and your entire family are well. I look forward to seeing you in PC soon.

Best.

Bling,
Albuquerque, NM