Cross Country Skiing Is Not For Everyone...

But it's worth finding out if it appeals to you. I've never been downhill skiing, but I know that for people who have, cross country skiing doesn't have much appeal. It's a lot of hemming and hawing until you get the smooth, NordicTrack motion down, (if you ever get the smooth, NordicTrack motion down) but I like it because you can explore the woods while working muscle groups you didn't know you had. 

My uncle took us over to the University of Maine fitness center, where you can rent skis, poles, and boots for $5 with a University ID. Even if you don't fraternize with the Black Bears, you can still rent skis, but it'll cost you $11. I know what you're thinking: it's steep up here in Maine.

Once you get outfitted, there are miles of lovely trails through the woods on campus for your skiing pleasure. Lots of trees, snow, and the occasional skate skier. No moose, unfortunately. Did you know they don't come when you call? It all starts to look the same, but it's beautiful, especially if you are from New Jersey.

This was only my second try at this sport, and the first for Mr. SevPrez. He is naturally athletic, so it only took him about twenty minutes to really get in the groove. Still, we fell a lot. I am a poor turner, and I especially can't turn after picking up downhill speed. The reasons for Mr. SevPrez's spills were less predictable. But we were both able to get up without assistance. The first time I went, 12 years ago, I needed a large brother to come over, stand on my skis, and pick me up. Well, I'm a big girl now, and I was able to get up by myself after I took a few minutes to stop belly laughing and compose myself.  I really enjoyed my time down in the snow, though. This is the view.

All in all, it was a great time, and my uncle was very patient with us. Every once in a while he'd disappear around a bend, and without fail, a couple minutes later he'd reappear, gliding towards us to come deliver some helpful tips or reassurance. 

He is one of those naturally talented people who plays every sport and most intruments, cooks well, is conversant on the most important topics of our day, but is also a Buddhist, so he doesn't get all riled up about his opinions, like some people I know... I mean, like me. This is a long way of saying that not only is he an excellent ski guide, he's an amazing person to be around. The kind of person you'd drive eight hours North to visit. In March.