The Climb to the Summit

23 May 2010

Hubs and I went for a backcountry ski tour yesterday morning. Yes, I know it is the end of May and we should be thinking more about our garden, and summer being just around the corner-but there is still a fair bit of snow up high in the mountains.

There is an expression we backcountry skiers use called “earning your turns”.  As I was shuffling along yesterday during the long approach, I was thinking of how in a way how skiing is metaphor for infertility.

Backcountry skiers are a small minority, and our journey and motivation is poorly understood by others. Even when you share stories and photos of your incredible adventures, most people still don’t really get it. When they want to go skiing they just jump on a chair lift and take little notice of the scenery around them, and whiz down the crowded slopes with little thought and repeated ease. The avalanche danger has been managed and the snow is evenly groomed to level out any bumps. This is how it seems most fertile people approach trying to conceive -they just show up at the lift and start skiing.

A backcountry trip on the other hand begins with careful planning and waiting for all of the factors (weather, snow conditions, avalanche risk) to be just right. Sometimes you have to cancel or end a trip early because of these factors that are out of your control. Even with modern technology like GPS, the key pieces are still dependent on mother nature. When you do get out, the long exhausting climb up makes the reward of the views from the summit seem that much bigger and brighter. The ride down also seems that much more exhilarating, although it may include a few unexpected bumps and falls. We spend an entire day just to get a few turns in, but the enjoyment and satisfaction of each one is greatly magnified. There are no crowds and it is generally a very private experience.

I just have to remind myself to stay on track, and keep shuffling along no matter how tiring it seems right now. Even though we don’t know how much further away the top is because of the fog, eventually somehow we will reach the summit, and be able to fully take in its amazing view in full sunshine. The ride down to parenthood will be truly unforgettable, and we will enjoy every turn, and bump en route.