By Kari Ann

If you were to google our address (Brent Hill), you might think we actually live at REI, but we don’t.  Fortunately for us it’s a quick stroll across the street which makes spur of the moment cross country skiing a piece of cake.  We rented our gear at REI and headed up to Mt Hood with some friends for a half day of cross country skiing.  Bryan grew up skiing but this is all a little new to me.  Cross country was definitely a little easier on my nerves and my ankles.  It definitely wasn’t easy – the steady climb up was exhausting.  If downhill skiing is riding a powerboat, then cross country is sailing.  Cruising back through the trees with no sound but the wind and your skis cutting through fresh snow.  We really enjoyed getting out in the beautiful mountain air and definitely plan on doing this again soon.