We're in full swing at Loon

If it was winter, I would be doing back flips with the amount of early-season precipitation we’ve received so far. However, I have to concede that it’s been a slow start to the summer because of the rain. Even though I’m a die-hard New Englander, and understand the saying, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around…” But seriously- it was starting to get depressing. The good news is that the weather pattern seems to be behind us now, and sunny skies are in the forecast.

I had the opportunity to go for a horseback ride last week. Like many of you - I’m a beginner/advanced beginner equestrian enthusiast. So it always takes me a while to get comfortable on the horse, but then I think I should be a cowgirl or something. The horses are adapting well to their new summer home here at Loon and are great companions for a trip up Brookway, to Brookway Extension, and then out on some cross country trails. When you come back down on the trails, where Lower Walking Boss and Flume merge, make sure to look up at the spectacular surrounding mountains.

Also on my “to-do” list was our new bungee jump. At first I was a little skeptical when I was told that a bungee session is only three minutes long. Then… I started bouncing. Three minutes was plenty of time to get in a couple back flips, a back-scratcher, a daffy, and more. It was fun, but I think I’ll leave the bouncing from now on to my 8 year old daughter. But don’t let me discourage any parents out there- you definitely have to try the bungee jump- at least once. Hopefully your kids will think you’re cool. And after you've proved that you still have it, you can rest in one of the Adirondak chairs down at the Adventure Center.

We’re getting ready to set the course for this weekend’s Loon Mountain Race. Sponsored by the White Mountain Milers, this is our annual 10k trail race. Runners will start in the river lot, make their way up the work roads to the Gondola, then off the backside, over Haulback, up Upper Walking Boss, down Sunset, and back up the last stretch to the top of the Gondola. There will be some incredible athletes here. Even though I’ve run 3 marathons, this race scares the bahjeezus out of me! Honestly- I think I have more body fat on me alone than the total body fat on the elite runners combined. Anyway- it’s a great excuse to drink a beer tomorrow afternoon, and just feel good about yourself if you do finish! So good luck to anyone out there who does race tomorrow.

That’s it from me for now. More blog entries as the summer continues…
Happy Fourth of July!!!

Stacy Lopes
Loon Mountain