Cross-Country Skiing

     Another thing we had to practice for Boy Scouts was Cross-Country skiing. Like swimming, I didn't know how to ski, either. Learning new abilities is important, but this was a very painful experience. Here's a lesson for all of you: always lean forward when you're on skis. We drove up to the golf course, and I had to wear special boots that were not my size to get the skis on (FYI the boots aren't mine). It took forever to get the special plate on the front of the boot inserted into the skis, but we finally got them secured.
     As soon as I tried to move on the skis, I freaked out, leaned back, and fell down. Falling with skis on hurts your ankles, and it's hard getting back up. Once I was back up, Brother Kadomtesev had me go along some pre-made tracks. I had pretty much learned my lesson, but not much. However, for the time being, I was squatting, bending knees, and sliding along. I did fall down a few times and it did hurt, but I thought I really had the hang of things. Then, when we were almost done, I fell down in a position where I couldn't move my legs without pain.
     Every time Brother Kadamtesev tried to move my legs in the right position to get up, I had the most extreme pain you could get from skiing (the most extreme pain as in not breaking any bones). When he tried to pick me up, I had pain that made me feel certain my ankles were going to break. Eventually, I found a way to wiggle my feet so they were aligned. It still hurt getting up, but at least that was the last of it.
     After a little more distance, It was Hunter Shaw's turn to take the boots. Putting on the boots I brought had never felt so comfortable. I laid down in the snow while Hunter appeared to be skiing without any trouble at all. Then Brother Shaw talked to me a little about what requirements we were going to be working on in spring, then he drove me home. It never felt better to rest. I may get Cross-Country skiing someday, but not today.