Feeling almost fine I loaded my skiis and headed up the Grand Mesa to Powderhorn.  Mondays are my favorite day to ski there.  It's like my own private ski resort.  Few people are on the slopes or in the small lodge.  Those that come know each other, first names, last names are unimportant.  Usually we know which side the Mesa each is from, but that is also inmaterial. 
The drive up was beautiful, sunny, little traffic.  It's always nice to pull off the interstate and into the canyon.  It's like entering a different world.  The old west takes over.  Winding through the little town of Mesa slows what little traffic there is.  One gas station with overpriced gas, one cafe/bar, the community center and a couple hopeful real estate offices.  The energy boom is just reaching the area. 
Powderhorn is a small family ski area.  Few outside Colorado have heard about it, although next week is called Texas week when spring break hits.  Mondays are for the few and far between.   I was happy to see my favorite skiers, Lil and Charlotte.  I'd missed them.  I found out that Lil had broken her leg earlier on a ski trip and this was her first trip up in awhile.  I have to tell you about Lil.  She is a blind skier, not unusual in this day and age.  Charlotte drivers her up and is her guide, although I've seen Lil in the lead more than once.  What makes her travels to Powderhorn special is that she celebrated her 90th birthday this year.  Charlotte won't tell her age, but she can't be much younger.  They spread chocolate and cheer wherever they go. 
The staff treats everyone like family, at least on Mondays.  What fun to ride up the lifts, even though they are slow. There is always someone to get to know better.   The views are incredible, not mountainous like most areas, but looking down into dessert and bookcliffs.  Unique.  Shadows always changing, snow glistening.  Then the thrill of the wind in my face as I "glide" down the slopes.  I love to stop just to look over the slopes, watch others, visit, or spend time with my own thoughts. 
There are some special people who work or volunteer there.  It's amazing how similar some of our lives have been.  There are lots or retirees in the area.  One man was just learning to ski at over 60, then there is Lil who has skied over 60 years.  One man skied with the 10th Army division. One lady is from Switzerland, but lived in Alaska.  The people make the area special, but the snow is fantastic too. 
It's nice to not have to travel far to be in such a "Grand" place as my "Mesa".