May 02, 2006
THE LAST PICS WE EVER SEE OF COACH?!!?
Are these idiotic images- captured spontaneously by Temple Manager Ananda - to be the last ones we ever see of our Beloved Coach? The camera has caught him practicing 360's while wearing child's "Mini Skis" off his backyard bench when he really should be working. In the second and third photo we can see auspiciously, the Sacred Peak that our whacky mountain yogi plans to do the first ever, "Mini Ski Descent" on Thursday...uh, that's tomorrow! 
Well, it could be true...these pics could be the last of Coach. For our Coach - who has tirelessly inspired so many people each day over the years in so many ways and has numerous extreme sport feats under his belt - has gotten into his mind to do the first ever "Mini Ski" descent of the 11,800' "Larry's Ladder" snowfield on the Sacred Peak...
directly into the White Lightning colouir pictured here with WF Student Cerame climbing it wearing crampons on a recon mission with Coach last week:
Fortunately, DL was able to wrestle a few minutes and a few comments from Coach before his planned, "First Mini Ski Descent" attempt on the great Peak tomorrow. Unfortunately, we could not convince him NOT to do this foolishness. As you can read below, he already had his renown CHI stoked up for the attempt:
***
DL:
What makes you even consider such an attempt of a steep, dangerous high mountain descent wearing, of all things, a child's pair of plastic Mini-Skis?
COACH:
Okay, let's get one thing straight, these are NOT just 'plastic' okay? Penguin Guy on the packaging says that they are made of "High Density Polyethylene," okay? Geez...you reporters should get your facts straight. That is how misinformation begins.
DL:
Oooooh...sorry! Okay, so these "High Density Polyethylene" Mini Skis are like $20 and intended for, and i quote from the Penguin Guy on the package, "Backyard Fun For Toddlers and Kids Up To Age 10." Any comment?
COACH:
What's your point?
DL:
Well, my point IS...that you are 44 years old and about ready to climb and then launch yourself down a colossal, steep, rocky high mountain face wearing edgeless, 14" toddler skis made of plastic!
COACH:
"High Density Polyethylene." Besides, these things are made in CANADA! Dude...have you ever BEEN to Canada? Bro, those dudes KNOW how to make quality Toddler Skis, baby!
DL:
Whatever.
COACH:
dude, i GREW UP on Mini-Skis! They are like my second skin, for Christ Sakes! (pausing)...BeSIDES, on the label, Penguin Guy did not define "age"....as i have Taught you throughout the years, 'age' comes in many forms besides the assumed chronologic version that people are so addicted to. Age could refer to physiologic age, mental age, spiritual age, or in this case, my particular emotional age. And, for the record, the Sacred Peak IS in my "Backyard Fun" area...so, i see no violation of Mr. Penguin Guy's counsel.
DL:
Oh geez. Awlright, whatever...go break a leg. We'll miss you and thanks for all the fun and fitness throughout the years. I am sure i speak on behalf of the worldwide WF Sangha as i wish you, "Godspeed through the Bardo."
COACH:
Thanks, dude!
DL:
oh, by the way, do you need someone to drive you up to the base of the Sacred Peak?
COACH:
Hell no, i'm riding my bike! Whaddya think i am? A...a...TODDLER or something?...Geezo...
DL:
Namaste, Oh Noble Warrior!
COACH:
Namaste!
Above; The Sacred Peak on 4*28*06 shot by Coach a week or so before his attempt to do the World's First Mini-Ski Descent of its Northwest Face which is the face seen on the left side of the photo.
The only packaging on Coach's $20 Mini-Ski's was a plastic sleeve and this "Mr. Penguin Guy" label. Click to enlarge.