What's wrong with this picture? Actually, nothing!
You would think the inventor of PHNX Boards would have brought one along for his 2900 mile cross-country drive from Boston to Phoenix...or rather PHoenix. Well to spare you a long story, lets just say he didn't. Since most of the journey was through dry, Western landscapes, it wasn't missed...until I approached PHoenix, of course. The snow line started in Flagstaff, and at the top of the pass heading toward PHoenix a rest stop offered a tremendous view...and an even more tremendous opportunity to GLIDE! Most people stopping were travelers and truckers passing through, but one family -three generations- had driven a half hour precisely to get to this place. And once you stepped beyond the guard rail, it was clear the drive was worth it. A perfect hill in a perfect landscape with several inches of fresh, untracked snow waiting to be enjoyed. And this family, three generations together, had it all to themselves...except for the lone board-less, sled-less, passerby. So friendly, they shared their sleds and we shared the moment. What made it even more incredible was finding out that the young boy climbing back up the hill to take another run had Lyme disease, which would prevent him from sledding more than a couple times before being too exhausted. And his sister, also beaming with delight and trudging back uphill had diabetes, and her energy would soon deplete and end her session. Undaunted, these kids have learned early on that "doers" carry on and "do" despite their conditions that might slow them down, and that extra effort is often rewarded by extra pleasure...pleasure that others who have it easier may never experience as finely.Yes, I sure wish I had brought a PHNX Board and I will never make that mistake again, but you THANK YOU to this incredible family for sharing your sleds and for being such an inspiration!
