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Saturday, January 31, 2015

Andesite Columns

From Mount Rainier National Park:




VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH: How did these Andesite Columns Form?

These columns were once molten lava running slowly down the ridges and slopes of Mount Rainier. When the lava encountered the massive Ice Age glaciers that once filled the park’s valleys, giant predecessors to today’s glaciers, the lava cooled quickly and cracked into narrow hexagonal columns. These columns can be seen at various locations throughout the park. This photo was taken on Sunrise Road.

NPS/John Chao photo ~pw

Fog Bow

From Yellowstone National Park:




Fog sometimes obscures the views in Hayden Valley, but it serves up little surprises too, like this fog bow over the frozen Yellowstone River.

Clouds at the Canyon

From Grand Canyon National Park:




The canyon is playing peekaboo with us today teaching us a lesson in patience. (Photo by Erin Whittaker) -etw

United Launch Alliance Delta II Rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Observatory Onboard

From NASA:




A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observatory onboard is seen in this long exposure photograph as it launches from Space Launch Complex 2, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. SMAP is our first Earth-observing satellite designed to collect global observations of surface soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. SMAP will provide high resolution global measurements of soil moisture from space. The data will be used to enhance scientists' understanding of the processes that link Earth's water, energy, and carbon cycles. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Wild Goose Island

From Glacier National Park:




Wild Goose Island is a favorite overlook along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Here is an unusual winter view without much winter. Photo by Becca Alfafara. (mw)

Status Update for Soil Moisture Mission - YouTube

A post-launch briefing was held Jan. 31 to discuss the launch and status of NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) spacecraft. SMAP, which launched earlier the same day aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base, is the first U.S. Earth-observing satellite designed to collect global observations of surface soil moisture. The mission’s high resolution space-based measurements of soil moisture will give scientists a new capability to better predict natural hazards of extreme weather and improve our understanding of Earth’s water, energy and carbon cycles.



Video (10:35)



Status Update for Soil Moisture Mission - YouTube

NASA Earth Science Mission Launches - YouTube

NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) spacecraft launched Jan. 31 from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base. SMAP is the first U.S. Earth-observing satellite designed to collect global observations of surface soil moisture. The mission’s high resolution space-based measurements of soil moisture will give scientists a new capability to better predict natural hazards of extreme weather and improve our understanding of Earth’s water, energy and carbon cycles.



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NASA Earth Science Mission Launches - YouTube

Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Nominated to be World Heritage Sites

From the U.S. Department of the Interior:




This week, the Interior Department nominated 10 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings -- including Fallingwater in Pennsylvania (pictured here) -- to be World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage List recognizes the most significant cultural and natural sites on the planet. Learn more: http://on.doi.gov/1tFN7Nt

Photo by Robert Buschak.

Liftoff of SMAP Spacecraft

From NASA:




And we have liftoff of our Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) spacecraft atop United Launch Alliance's Delta II rocket! Watch live coverage:http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv

SMAP will provide high resolution, space-based measurements of soil moisture and its state -- frozen or thawed -- a new capability that will allow scientists to better predict natural hazards of extreme weather, climate change, floods and droughts, and help reduce uncertainties in our understanding of Earth's water, energy and carbon cycles. #EarthRightNow

Mount Rainier National Park

From the U.S. Department of the Interior:




A beautiful winter scene of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Photo of the Tatoosh Range by National Park Service. — at Mount Rainier National Park.

Launching SMAP

From NASA:




Ready to launch! Our Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) spacecraft is set to liftoff at 9:20 a.m. EST today. Watch live NASA TV coverage starting at 7 a.m.: http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv 

SMAP will provide high resolution, space-based measurements of soil moisture and its state -- frozen or thawed -- a new capability that will allow scientists to better predict natural hazards of extreme weather, climate change, floods and droughts, and help reduce uncertainties in our understanding of Earth's water, energy and carbon cycles. #EarthRightNow #SMAP

Friday, January 30, 2015

Crosslake Winterfest

From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District:




Congratulations to Ryer Myder from Chicago for winning the 2014 Cross Lake photo contest. What an awesome photo! 

Don't forget, the 12th Annual Crosslake Winterfest is next week, Feb. 5 - 7. http://bit.ly/1L50NXS

Mississippi River Levees

From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters:




Levees are the backbone of the flood control plan for the Mississippi River and Tributaries project. The system protects the vast expanse of the developed alluvial valley from periodic overflows of the Mississippi River. The mainstem levee system begins at the head of the alluvial valley at Cape Girardeau, Mo., and continues to Venice, La., approximately 10 miles above the Head of Passes near the Gulf of Mexico. The MR&T levee system includes 3,787 miles of authorized embankments and floodwalls. Of this number, nearly 2,216 miles are along the mainstem Mississippi River. The remaining levees are backwater, tributary and floodway levees. (Photo of mainstem Miss. River levee between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, La., 2011 flood.)

Launch of NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Spacecraft

From NASA:




Teams met today and gave a “go” to proceed with the launch of NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) spacecraft atop a ULA Delta II rocket at 9:20 a.m. EST (6:20 a.m. PST) on Saturday, Jan. 31. This followed the completion of minor repairs to the Delta II rocket. During inspections following the Jan. 29 launch attempt, minor “debonds” to the booster insulation were identified. A standard repair was implemented. More:http://blogs.nasa.gov/smap #SMAP #EarthRightNow

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Libertarian Party Response to President Barack Obama's 2015 State of the Union Address - YouTube

Arvin Vohra, vice chair of the Libertarian National Committee, delivers a response to President Obama's 2015 State of the Union address.



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Libertarian Party Response to President Barack Obama's 2015 State of the Union Address - YouTube

Our Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Observatory Set to Launch Jan. 30

From NASA:




Early bird sees a launch! Our Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observatory, which will produce the highest-resolution and most accurate maps of soil moisture ever obtained from space, is set to launch tomorrow, at 9:20 a.m. EST from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NASA TV coverage begins at 7 a.m. Watch: http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv
#EarthRightNow

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

From the U.S. Department of the Interior:




Amazing winter shot of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. David Paul Davie took captured this shot of dark clouds rolling over the park's main dunefield, which covers approximately 30 square miles. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes and tundra -- not to mention the tallest dunes in North America.

Photo courtesy of David Paul Davie.
 — at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Inhofe questions Dr. Kissinger, Dr. Albright, and Dr. Shultz in SASC hearing. - YouTube

On January 29, 2015, Senator Inhofe asked questions to Dr. Henry Kissinger, Dr. Madeleine Albright and Dr. George Shultz during a SASC hearing entitled ''Global Challenges and the U.S. National Security Strategy.''



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Inhofe questions Dr. Kissinger, Dr. Albright, and Dr. Shultz in SASC hearing. - YouTube

Old Dominion Agriculture by Numbers

From USDA:


Virginia State Infographic
The Old Dominion Dominates when it comes to farming – more than one-third of the state’s area is farmland. VA Farmers, take a BOW! Check back next week for another in-depth state focus from the 2012 Census of Agriculture.
Nothing can compare to the economic impact agriculture has in Virginia. 2012 Census of Agriculture counted more than 46,000 farms, which cover more than 8.3 million acres of farmland in the commonwealth. That’s nearly a third of our entire state! In fact, according to Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, agriculture is our state’s largest industry.
In the most recent census, Virginia farmers reported selling more than $3.7 billion worth of agricultural products. Of these, most came from the livestock sector. Broiler chickens were the top commodity sold in 2012, the year of the latest Census of Agriculture. That year, growers sold $638.3 million worth of broiler hens.
Cattle is another big commodity in Virginia. In 2012 our farmers and rancher sold more than $430 million worth of cattle and calves. And, as can be expected, with livestock you also get livestock products, such as milk. In 2012, farmers sold nearly $347.2 million worth of cow milk in Virginia.
Our crop sales, which amounted to nearly $1.4 billion in 2012 are also nothing to sneeze at. In Virginia, soybeans are our top crop. Nearly 580,000 acres of farmland are dedicated to this crop, with Virginia farmers selling more than $300 million worth of soybeans in 2012.
Not surprisingly, tobacco is a major crop in Virginia. While this industry is not as big as it once was, Virginia still ranks as one of the top 5 states for tobacco. In 2012, our farmers sold $109 million worth of leaf tobacco from their farms.
Virginia farmers also grow plenty of edible fruits and vegetables. According to the 2012 Census, our farmers harvested more than 5,000 acres of potatoes and more than 3,000 acres of tomatoes, which are key vegetable crops in the commonwealth. On the fruit side, apples are the largest commodity in Virginia. Our growers harvested nearly 12,000 acres of apples in 2012. And, largely in thanks to our growing wine industry, grapes are now one of the top agricultural commodities in Virginia. Our farmers dedicated more than 4,300 acres to grape production in 2012.
There are plenty of other facts about Virginia agriculture that I could mention here, but I’ll let you check them out yourself. You can turn to the Virginia volume of the 2012 Census of Agriculture, or get the numbers using our Quick Stats database.
    

Senator Hatch questions AG nominee Loretta Lynch - YouTube

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Senator Hatch questions AG nominee Loretta Lynch - YouTube

"Many Americans don't think it is fundamentally fair" - YouTube

Senator Lee questions Loretta Lynch on the Department of Justice's civil forfeiture practices and loopholes.



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"Many Americans don't think it is fundamentally fair" - YouTube

"At some point there is a limit" - YouTube

Senator Lee questions Loretta Lynch on the limits of executive power.



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"At some point there is a limit" - YouTube

KMOV: Doctor Oz linked to weight loss supplement that may not work - YouTube

A company that worked with Doctor Oz is now paying $9 million dollars in settlements after many people say the weight loss pills they endorsed didn’t work. Doctor Oz was called before a U.S Senate Panel chaired by Senator Claire McCaskill back in 2014 under allegations that he endorsed a green coffee bean extract which promised weight loss without dieting or exercising.



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KMOV: Doctor Oz linked to weight loss supplement that may not work - YouTube

Senator Kirk Speaks In Favor Of The Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015 - YouTube

Senate Banking Committee passed Kirk-Menendez sanctions by a vote of 18-4. Overwhelming bipartisan support shows we are united to stop the clock on a nuclear Iran. Learn more: http://1.usa.gov/1Eq6pdu



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Senator Kirk Speaks In Favor Of The Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015 - YouTube

Ayotte: Any Nuclear Deal With Iran Should Address Tehran’s Development of an ICBM Capability - YouTube

Former Secretary of State George Shultz Agrees Negotiations Must Address Iran’s ICBMs.



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Ayotte: Any Nuclear Deal With Iran Should Address Tehran’s Development of an ICBM Capability - YouTube

Ayotte Questions General Welsh About A-10 "Treason" Comments - YouTube

Ayotte: “It worries me about the climate and tone that is set when airmen and women are told they’d be committing ‘treason’ for communicating with us.”



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Ayotte Questions General Welsh About A-10 "Treason" Comments - YouTube

Fischer Chairs First Hearing of Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation - YouTube

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Fischer Chairs First Hearing of Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation - YouTube

1-28-15 Fischer Remarks at MAP-21 Reauthorization hearing - YouTube

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1-28-15 Fischer Remarks at MAP-21 Reauthorization hearing - YouTube

Crapo To CBO Director: Can We Continue To Spend Ourselves Into Prosperity On Borrowed Money? - YouTube

Under questioning from Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, the head of the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirmed that our nation’s $18 trillion national debt remains a drag on the economy and job growth, and continued increased federal spending used as a short-term strategy to boost the economy will have serious negative long-term effects on the country’s economic future. Crapo, a senior member of the Senate Budget Committee, participated in a hearing to examine CBO’s annual Budget and Economic Outlook report where he questioned Director Elmendorf on the urgent need to begin paying down our massive national debt.



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Crapo To CBO Director: Can We Continue To Spend Ourselves Into Prosperity On Borrowed Money? - YouTube

Alexander on "Innovation for Healthier Americans" Report - YouTube

Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander spoke on the Senate floor this afternoon on the “Innovation for Healthier Americans” report he and Senator Burr released today. The senators' report details the challenges to getting safe treatments, devices and cures to patients more quickly and effectively, examining what is working, and what isn’t, at the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.



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Alexander on "Innovation for Healthier Americans" Report - YouTube

Kansas, in the eyes of its Senator - YouTube

On January 29, 2015, Sen. Jerry Moran helped celebrate Kansas' 154th birthday with this a tribute video featuring photos he took over the past year. 



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Kansas, in the eyes of its Senator - YouTube

Senate Holds Hearing on Barrasso-Heinrich LNG Exports Bill - YouTube

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Senate Holds Hearing on Barrasso-Heinrich LNG Exports Bill - YouTube

Twin Tropical Cyclones

From NASA's Earth Observatory:




Twin Tropical Cyclones

Two storms in the Indian Ocean churned quite close to each other, but not close enough to tango. View other imagery and read more at http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=85187&src=fb

#eartheveryday

Mount St. Helens

From USGS Volcanoes:




Do you recognize this Cascade Range volcano? Well on May 18 1980, the top 1,300 ft of the mountain was erupted away. That's right, this #TBT is an areal photograph of Mount St. Helens taken in 1979 by Rick Hoblitt. Mount Adams is visible along the left horizon. To read more about Mount St. Helens, visit its website:http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/st_helens/
#usgs #volcanoes #cascadesvolcanoobservatory#cascades #cvo #volcanohazards #naturalhazards#mountsthelens

Launch Scrub

From NASA:




Launch Scrub: Today’s planned launch of our Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observatory has been postponed due to an upper level wind violation. We will try again tomorrow at 9:20 a.m. EST. For more on SMAP, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/smap#EarthRightNow

Pulpit Rock

From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):




Happy Statehood Day Kansas! — It's a #TBT day! Today in 1861, Kansas became the 34th U.S. State. To show you how much we care, here's a photo of a giant mushroom rock. See, who said we're not gneiss people? 

For those that don't know, this is a photo from 1916 of Pulpit rock near Alum Creek south of Carneiro, in Ellsworth County, Kansas, which is a hard mass of Dakota sandstone that has resisted erosion better than the underlying softer bed that forms its pedestal. The two dubious looking characters under the mushroom rock do not appear to have any pipe wrenches in their hands and, though they're wearing hats, we don't see the letters "M" or "L" on them. Therefore, we can scientifically conclude that they are not Mario and Luigi. Move on people, nothing to see here.

#USGS #science #ThrowBackThursday #history#historical #Kansas #geology #mushroom #Mario#Luigi #rocks #statehood

Launch Coverage of the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Observatory

From NASA:




LIVE Now: Launch coverage of our Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observatory! SMAP, launching atop a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket, will produce the highest-resolution and most accurate maps of soil moisture ever obtained from space. Liftoff is set for 9:20 a.m. EST from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Watch: http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv#EarthRightNow

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

DJI – New Zealand's Natural Treasures - YouTube

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DJI – New Zealand's Natural Treasures - YouTube

Chicago Blizzard of 1967 Universal News - YouTube

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Chicago Blizzard of 1967 Universal News - YouTube

NOAA Open House

From NOAA:




Will you be in the DC metro area on Saturday February 7? If so, come in from the cold and explore your world with NOAA! Join us at our Silver Spring, Maryland, campus for the #NOAAOpenHouse -- a series of free activities, including engaging talks by NOAA experts, interactive exhibits, special tours, and cool, hands-on activities for kids aged 5 and up. 

Stop by and talk with our scientists, weather forecasters, hurricane hunters, and others who work hard every day to understand our environment, protect life and property, and conserve and protect America's natural resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov/openhouse for details or call 301-713-7258 for more information.

**PS: A government-issued photo ID is required for all adults. Check http://www.noaa.gov/openhouse for a list of acceptable forms of ID.

Newly Discovered Planetary System

From NASA:




Astronomers using data from our Kepler Mission have discovered a system of five small planets dating back to when the Milky Way galaxy was a youthful two billion years old. Details: http://go.nasa.gov/1wCpkJn

Stunning Sight at Grand Canyon National Park

From the U.S. Department of the Interior:




Today, visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park got to see this stunning sight. This weather phenomenon is called a total cloud inversion, and it happens when the air near the ground is cooler than the air above it, creating a sea of clouds. While typically a rare event, this is the second cloud inversion at the Grand Canyon in six weeks. Pictured here is the "Battleship," which truly looked like a ship today, cutting through the waves. Photo by M. Quinn, National Park Service. — atGrand Canyon National Park.

Big Data Implications for the Production of Official Statistics

From the USDA:


Dr. Daniel Pfeffermann at the Morris Hansen Lecture.
Dr. Daniel Pfeffermann, current President of the International Association of Survey Statisticians, discussed the implications big data might have for the production of official statistics at the recent Morris Hansen Lecture, an annual, open-to the-public education and outreach event held at USDA’s Jefferson Auditorium in Washington D.C. Pfeffermann stressed that big data may improve the timeliness of statistics while reducing response burden, but only if big data can be properly assessed, analyzed and interpreted to provide high quality, accurate information that is truly of value to users. USDA/NASS Photo by Dan Beckler.
Unless you live completely off the grid, you likely have heard of, and contribute to, “big data,” the often-used catch phrase describing massive (and ever-increasing) volumes of information stored digitally on computers, servers and clouds.
From advertisers using data mined from customer interactions; to government agencies making data public so developers can create beneficial mobile apps; to farmers applying statistical data to determine their production and marketing practices, a wide-variety of people and industries use big data.
So what implications, then, might big data have for the production of official statistics? Dr. Daniel Pfeffermann, current President of the International Association of Survey Statisticians, addressed this topic at the recent Morris Hansen Lecture, an annual, open-to the-public education and outreach event recently held at USDA’s Jefferson Auditorium in Washington D.C. Pfeffermann stressed that big data presents some impressive opportunities and notable challenges.
Big data might improve the timeliness of statistics while reducing response burden, he said, but only if big data can be properly assessed, analyzed and interpreted to provide high quality, accurate information that is truly of value to users. Big data is interesting and valuable for us at the National Agricultural Statistics Service, where we strive to provide timely, accurate, and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture. We accomplish this mission by administering hundreds of surveys online, over the phone and in person each year, the Census of Agriculture every five years, and preparing reports covering nearly every aspect of U.S. agriculture. In short, we generate tremendous amounts of statistics about agriculture.
We have used two classes of big data for many years in the production of official statistics – remotely sensed satellite data and administrative records. Other sources of big data are still to be explored and may add to the quality or detail of the current information.
Unfortunately, big data is likely not the silver bullet for statistical agencies confronting reduced response rates and demands for more, better; faster data with fewer and fewer resources. Technological advancements, such as the rise of big data, are certainly worthy of exploration, to the extent that they might improve our ability to provide timely, accurate, and useful statistics to the people we serve.
It looks like we are still at the beginning of big data. It will take a lot of research and continued collaboration among statisticians, computer scientists, software designers, engineers, and the public. I for one can’t wait to see what happens when big data and official statistics find a way to merge. The opportunities will be endless.
    

Day of Remembrance

From NASA:




"Today we remember and give thanks for the lives and contributions of those who gave all trying to push the boundaries of human achievement... They have our eternal respect, love and gratitude." - NASA Administrator Charles Bolden

Bolden addressed NASA personnel and others during a wreath laying ceremony as part of our Day of Remembrance today at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. More:http://go.nasa.gov/18u87NU

#nasa #nasaremembers

It's Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month - Head for a National Forest

From the USDA:


Kristin Merony and Tammy Randall-Parker, a Forest Service district ranger and a ski instructor at Telluride Mountain Resort, after Kristin’s first solo run down the mountain after a day of ski lessons. (U.S. Forest Service)
Kristin Merony and Tammy Randall-Parker, a Forest Service district ranger and a ski instructor at Telluride Mountain Resort, after Kristin’s first solo run down the mountain after a day of ski lessons. (U.S. Forest Service)
A new year means new resolutions and new adventures to embark upon. As many of you sit down to contemplate your goals of the year, I would like to suggest learning to ski or snowboard on national forests.
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, which means that on many resorts learning now can be the easiest and most affordable time to head to a forest near you. The U.S. Forest Service is host to 122 ski areas. The most visited forest, the White River National Forest, has 12 ski areas.
Last winter, I ventured onto the Uncompahgre National Forest in Colorado as a true beginner to the sport of skiing. Even today, I can vividly recall the distinctive “click” as my boots locked into my rental skis for the first time. As I looked around at the other skiers and snowboarders effortlessly cruising on the crisp high-country powder I became excited. I knew I would soon be like them, schussing effortlessly down the mountain. Or so I thought.
As Colorado’s newest resident, I had to see for myself what it takes to be a skier. Looking around the ski area, I saw children fly past me without ski poles and seasoned experts sliding off the lift with a graceful ease before gliding down the slopes – backwards.
I could only imagine how they looked at me. I wobbled back and forth trying just to stand. At that moment I thanked myself for the wisdom to seek out lessons from a professional ski instructor. The slopes I envisioned conquering would have to wait.
“The first day is always the toughest,” said my instructor, Tammy Randall-Parker, a Forest Service district ranger and a certified ski instructor.
She promised to take me step-by-step through the process from basic mechanics to stopping at full speed, turns on one leg and seemingly endless trips up the magic carpet. Hours later, after getting the feel for it, Tammy finally gave me the clear to take on my first green circle, or the easiest terrain with a gentle slope. I remember that as I pushed off with my ski poles, held my breath and slowly made my way down. All the while, I kept repeating her advice in my head:  “Shift your weight, roll your toes, pick up your foot, glide.” Sounds simple, but without her guidance and tips I would have never made it 10 feet.
Lucky for me, Tammy has a lot of experience with newcomers.
“When you see their face light up with the big smile as they finish their very first run it’s infectious - like looking in a mirror,” she said. “They instantly forget about the boots that were hurting them and all the falls that came before. Now, they have conquered there first run and will be back to see me tomorrow to learn more and enjoy their new love of skiing.”
Newbies like myself have learned how to ski or snowboard on national forests for a very long time. Now, as an employee, I know the agency is very proud to provide a place for people to learn how to slide on snow. Learning to ski with a qualified instructor is the best start to make sure everyone on the mountain has a safe and enjoyable experience like I did.
Thanks to Tammy, I did not venture into any terrain I was not prepared for. But in case, she also taught me how to navigate between other skiers and snowboarders who were enjoying their day, too.
While on the mountain that day, I learned even more. Forest Service snow ranger Shelly Grail provided a list of tips for skiers and snowboarders to keep them safe while having fun on the mountain.
New experiences are always scary at first. However there are plenty of resources out there to get you connected to skiing and snowboarding and make the activity a little less daunting. For example, there is a skiing and snowboarding program for grade-school children in Colorado where fifth and sixth graders have the opportunity to ski for free at certain areas.
Learning new things, especially sports, can be difficult. But those new ventures also can create life-long memories; I will never forget as we turned in our rental gear, my instructor turned to me, gave me a high five and said, “You are officially a skier.” I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire ride home.
The bright sunshine and clear blue skies of Colorado served as a perfect backdrop for Kristin Merony as she prepared to learn how to ski at Telluride Mountain Resort, which operates on the Uncompahgre National Forest. (U.S. Forest Service)
The bright sunshine and clear blue skies of Colorado served as a perfect backdrop for Kristin Merony as she prepared to learn how to ski at Telluride Mountain Resort, which operates on the Uncompahgre National Forest. (U.S. Forest Service)