Matt, Chris, and Dylan Munger at Bridger Bowl
So here we are once again in Big Sky Country on a ski vacation with Duluth’s quintessential ski shop family, the Ski Hut. There’s some debate how many years Wes Neustal, and now his son Scott, have organized this mass exodus of Duluthians to ski Bridger Bowl, Big Sky, Moonlight Basin, and, at times, Showdown and Red Lodge. It’s something more than twenty and less than forty years. That’s all that’s known for certain. My wife Rene’ and I have made the trip at least seven times over the past decade, usually with our oldest son Matt, his wife Lisa, and Jack, our youngest son. This year, grandson AJ is along for the ride (he’s 9 months old and he’s a couple of years away from skis). Dylan, our second oldest, was here for a few days, down from his home in Williston, ND with his significant other, Shelly. Chris, our third son, drove out with us. He’s been here before. My mom and my step-dad, my sister and her husband and their two girls, and a host of their friends are among the 200 plus Minnesotans taking over the Bozeman Comfort Inn. Gene Cook, the owner of the place, always greets the mob from Duluth with a smile and a warm handshake. And his staff…what can you say? They are simply the best. Year after year we tromp through the hotel, dragging ski and snowboarding equipment behind us, all with the knowledge that we are as welcome in Bozeman as if we had been born here.
Jack brought along a buddy, Nate Sich, who, on his first trip to the mountains, has boarded everything in sight, including the Headwaters at Moonlight.
Jack Munger and Nate Sich at Moonlight Basin
My wife Rene’, who broke both her tibia and fibula in a nasty slip and fall just before Christmas, isn’t in any shape to ski. But she’s a trooper, making lunches for the boys, doing babysitting duty with AJ when asked, and reading a novel during the quiet moments at the hotel or in the chalets. She’s gone right now, as I type this blog, to Big Sky with Matt and the crew. Next year, she’ll be back on skis, cruising the blues and greens at Bridger on her silver skis.
Just before we left Duluth, I got the OK from my doc to ski. I haven’t been able ski all year because I had shoulder surgery in October and ended my PT just a week ago Monday. It was exactly a week ago today that Doc Klassen at Essentia saw me and cleared me to go on this trip. Since we left the next day, I was pushing the envelope a wee bit. But that’s the Munger way. The shoulder has, due to Doctor Jeff’s surgical prowess, held up fine. Other than a twinge here and a sore night there, it’s handled the best skiing Montana has to offer. And since this is the first time all four Munger boys have been in the mountains with their father, I am grateful beyond measure for the good doctor’s skill.
Last night, Rene’ and I and my mom and step-dad drove to Livingston, just a short jaunt down the freeway, after another snowy day at Bridger. Given that my last book, Laman’s River is partially set in Montana, I scheduled a couple of events at bookstores in Big Sky Country. The folks at Elk River Books in Livingston were kind enough to set up a reading at their store last night. Though the weather was a bit tough and the crowd was meager, I had a great time reading from and discussing the book with fellow poets and writers. If you are ever in downtown Livingston, check out this cozy, sweet little bookstore featuring new and used books. You won’t be disappointed.
In a couple of hours, I’m slated to be at Montana State University at the bookstore for a signing. Hopefully, it won’t be just me sitting there, staring at the walls. But one never knows when one schedules events in places far from home…
The highlight of the trip has been spending time, even “cozy time” in the car, with my sons, Nate, my wife, and the rest of my family. Seeing my grandson’s smile against the bright Montana sunshine is an image that eludes description. He’s the light of my life, along with my boys. And what can I say about Rene’, the rock of my crazy life as a semi-famous writer from Minnesota?
Before I forget, I wrote a little piece for “Reflections West”, a literary radio program on Montana Public Radio that is airing twice during this week on MPR (that’s Montana Public Radio for you Minnesotans!). But those of you in places other than Montana can listen to the essay at:
One more day of skiing and then, the Munger clan faces a long ride home. Here’s hoping the box of books in the back of the Pacifica is a bit lighter on the return trip!
Peace.
Mark
