Ya Jimmy, you got it right, but I would have rated your, uh, mishap, a 9 out of 10. The 10 is awarded when you end up in the trees, which you didn't. But I thought the drop was GREAT with the whales. The right side was starting to bump up into a real rhythmic pattern by Sunday. And what about Thunderdraft???? More fun than a barrel of snowboarders!

Thunderdraft was sweet and it seemed to bump up more than silver streak, maybe it had more traffic because of the race on Lightning? I didn't make it over to OTW, but I've heard it was good, too. I didn't think the Drop was much fun at all, and I assumed OTW would be in the same condition.

I miss the trees on SS, but I have to admit it has at least been very skiable pretty much since the cold temps took over after MLK day. The new trail will never have the charm of the old tree-enclosed one, but I do think it will be open a lot more often.

As for the moguls on the Drop... Well, they are certainly a big challenge for me - the backsides of the moguls near the top drop off precipitously before the next one kicks up. Can't say I skied it well - but I did ski it! I am on board with the whole whale thing now. Given the limited terrain at Mid-A resorts, the whales add a level of challenge and fun that small resorts around here need to keep expert skiers interested. When the Drop and OTW were groomed last year, they skied too easy. To me it's nice to have 1-2 slopes I know will challenge my skiing ability. Kids love 'em too. I rode up Sunday with a 13 year old racer from Bryce who went on-and-on about how much fun the Drop was. My 5 year old daughter has been talking about whales since she discovered Tline's terrain park a couple weeks ago. She wants whales on some blue trails as well!

Tom