Sunday River Ski Resort: Beautiful Views, Maine Roots, and Memories with Lee (February 16, 2012)

Lee at Sunday River Ski Resort (2012)

After Lee and I got our season ski passes in 2012, skiing and winter sports became a regular part of our lives. We had something fun to plan around and another reason to spend time outdoors together and make memories. Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine, quickly became my favorite. I loved the skiing, but being there also made me feel connected to my Dad and my roots.

Photos of Sunday River Ski Resort at the South Ridge Lodge (2012)

The mountains of western Maine have always meant something to me. Returning to that landscape brought a feeling of familiarity that is hard to explain to someone who does not have the same connection to a place. At Sunday River, I could spend the day doing something I enjoyed and feel close to my Dad at the same time. Sunday River has always done a great job with snow grooming.

Aurora Peak Chairlift, Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry, Maine (February 16, 2012)

Getting to share that place with Lee made it even more special. We were creating our own memories in a part of Maine that already held so much meaning for me. Each trip gave us another experience together, and soon the resort had become part of our story as a couple. We got married at Height of Land near Rangeley Plantation held our reception a year later at the Jordan Grand.

Photos of views from the Aurora Peak chairlift (2012)

Our trip on February 12 was about getting familiar with the mountain again. There was plenty to take in as we explored and got a better sense of the place. But on this trip, I stopped to take pictures of some of the most beautiful scenic views. We were enjoying skiing and sticking to the easier trails until we felt more confident. We would wake up and go on the perfect weather ski days.

Jennifer on the chairlift at Sunday River Ski Resort (2012)

On the second trip, I took a couple videos on the chairlift and a ton of pictures. The first visit helped us get acquainted with the mountain. This time, I paid more attention to capturing its beauty so I could capture the memories and someday tell our story of survival in Western Maine. I always wanted to have my own website and share my memories as stories, now I can share ours.

Photos of Sunday River Ski Resort from the Trails (2012)

On this visit, I took two videos while we rode up what we believe is the Aurora Peak chairlift; the video we took on February 12 was the South Ridge chairlift. The Aurora Peak chairlift gave us another perspective on the mountain and another view to enjoy. Recording the ride let me capture a little of the experience of going up, with the scenery changing as we climbed.

Aurora Peak Chairlift, Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry, Maine (February 16, 2012)

I enjoyed the chairlift rides. It was always so peaceful and serene, while simultaneously taking in the beauty and resting in between runs. Skiing gave us the speed and excitement we loved, while the ride back up gave us time to sit together in a peaceful, beautiful nostalgic setting. There was no need to hurry through the view. We could take it in as the lift carried us toward our next run.

Photos of views of Sunday River and the surrounding mountains from the Aurora Peak chairlift (2012)

I also took a bunch of pictures from the chairlift and along the trails. The views were too beautiful to leave undocumented. Looking out across the mountain, I kept finding another reason to reach for the camera. I wanted to remember what it felt like to spend the day surrounded by that scenery.

Lee posing for me during a rest on one of the trails at Sunday River Ski Resort (2012)

When I was a kid, I guess I didn’t realize how beautiful Western Maine was compared to other places. It was my normal. I never would have moved back to this area if it wasn’t for my father’s untimely death. I inherited his home in 2001, Lee and I got married in 2007, and we decided to settle down and decompress for a little while we lived and experienced these majestic mountains.

Photos of views of trails and the surrounding mountains at Sunday River Ski Resort (2012)

These photographs now hold special memories of the two of us spending time together. They remind me of a period in our life where we both demonstrated epic resilience in the face of betrayal and isolation. We chose life over letting lies and narratives. We chose places where we both felt safe. And we did what we had to do for our mental and physical health. I’m so proud of us.

Photos of the North Peak Lodge where we went for hot chocolate, a warm up, and some rest (2012)

Sunday River became a place where my connection to my Dad and my Maine roots met the life Lee and I were building together. We made beautiful memories here, and I am glad I took the time to record them. Whenever I look back at those mountain views, I remember how much it meant to be there, especially with Lee. Sunday River will always have a special place in my heart.