Time to go
MSR Contributor Aili Farquhar shares her thoughts on the shoulder season. Closing-day skiers adorned in neon one-pieces and Mardi Gras beads (most probably under the influence of several blue-ribbon winning adult beverages) fly off jumps and stock makeshift slopeside bars carved in ice with cans from their backpacks. Across the river gravel bike trails and million dollar homes of the valley I fill my living room with well used down gear and the finest rock and ice pro money can buy. Skiers wait at the bus stop down the street as tennis players in shorts dodge lingering snowdrifts in the court across from my house. My small calico cat looks on with nervous attention. She knows the drill. All year she has seen my going and returning. I have left…