Spring in the ski world is a contrast between interesting moments and hellacious down time. Last week, filming at Mount Bachelor in Oregon with Poorboyz Productions, we had a good sunset, a good day, a milky day, a windy day, a rainy day, two rainy/windy days and finally one perfect day. On lockdown in the hotel in Bend, in spite of the forecast, each day we tried to be ready to shoot, do work, stay motivated, keep mentally sharp and be physically healthy. The week before in Tahoe, and this week in Mammoth? Both very similar...
Every occupation--every life--faces these roller coasters of emotion. Hope, possibility and success. Hatred, despair and failure. Honestly I can say at this moment, it seems like no person could understand my life. Clouds mean that we'll have a mellow breakfast, a nap, and maybe a vigorous competition--basketball, poker, soccer or video games--during a down day. But, as you take off the Gore-tex pants, boots and base layers--permeated with months of blood, sweat and tears--shadows reappear on the wall and a phone beeps: "I guess we're gonna go check it out. Heard it's actually nice up there." Instead of falling back into bed, the soggy boots go back on, bags go back into the car, and we grab two Red Bulls and a can of snus.
At this point, even after an afternoon hot tub followed by a delicious dinner, I can't help but feel like the winter will never end. But making a special photo never gets old and each time out the door we can't help but think, "I'll find someplace to publish another shot of Simon. Above the world. Upside down. Grabbing." Never has a winter been filled by my friends and my brain pushing me each day without regard for family, health, home, friends or bank balances. So to my credit cards, bills, family, friends, e-mail inbox and the real world I can only give heartfelt apologies and say, "Thanks for the patience, support and understanding for my passion, my dream, and my world." Especially I thank my friends--athletes, filmers, writers, team managers, park builders, randoms--and the Earth for taking the time to keep me smiling, make fun of the frailties I embody, crush me and inspire me in each moment, as it happens.
I know this would never be the same without the ups, downs, luck and feet touching the world. I'll never rise above or sink below that, but I promise I'll send those photos, pay those bills, give you a hug, be there for you and probably sleep for a while. All next week. Or the week after.
Oddly enough, despite, or because, of all my whining, these weeks will produce more than a handful of images--that I contractually can't show you here and now--that will next fall be in the magazines that we read or at least look at. (Srsly, check out Freeskier and Powder out and if nothing is published I'll reimburse you.) Just be thankful you don't have to smell my boots when you put them, wet, onto your feet tomorrow morning at 7:30.
My compadre and driver, Tyler.
My pathetic excuse for a bed, office and dining room table last week. Yes, that's a bean burrito and my Mac that kept me from sleeping in anything but one quarter of the luxury of my Queen sized bed at the Bend, Oregon Red Lion Inn last week.
The wind rippled pool at, and bunch clouds over, aforementioned Red Lion Inn.
TJ Schiller admiring his drive during a much relished windy down day round of golf.
