On Sunday, Jan 2, kate foiled my attempt to leave Vermont for the start of my trip without my ski boots. I fell on the front step of perts house in stowe. I spent my gps and music budget money on new skis. Off to a good start I would say. Not my fault, because I can’t go into Skiershop without spending a large amount of time there and inevitably leaving with some really sweet product that I never thought I needed. Needless to say, I am being sent off with an amazing new pair of Libery Helix powder skis, which are going to be lovely.  So, thanks to the guys in there, who knew exactly how to set me up with what I needed/wanted when all I could say was, “umm, I want to try this rocker thing, I hear its cool…”, Im legit now! And im going to be navigating with paper maps.