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THE LOOP
Alex

Batten Down the Hatches!

Most people batten down the hatches when they hear a storm is coming, this isn't exactly true when you're a surfer, skier, (or snowboarder in my case) who relies on storms to provide some of the best riding conditions. This recent storm pounded the Tahoe area with roughly 2-3 feet of powder in a matter of a few days, making for some prime-time riding conditions (as you can tell below, I was stoked). This storm brought some amazing riding, but at the same time storms like this bring a lot of trouble along with it. The two major highways that run through the Tahoe area were both shut down multiple times, there were multiple vehicle accidents, and a lot of money is spent on snow removal. Regardless, nature does what it wants and us humans have no way of stopping it, so why not enjoy it while we can!

  

 

Bryan

Lake Tahoe

Lately I have been reflecting on the opportunities that I have been given, specifically living so close to Lake Tahoe. Living so close to this destination is amazing all year round. I have always had quick access to this place, but never really appreciated it fully. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced my fair share of South Lake Tahoe, but I was never truly thankful for all that it has given me.

 

This paradise has offered a winter playground of truly awesome ski resorts to my friends and I for years. This winter I have had some days where I rode the mountain alone. These days have allowed me to talk with strangers and make new friends. I have gained a greater understanding that Tahoe is a very popular place for vacationing. I may not live in this area for the rest of my life, so I want to enjoy its splendors while I can.

 

This just makes me think that everyone should remember the good things your environment offers you. You may not be able to have access to these same conditions ever again, so why not experience everything you can. Try that new restaurant and go to those local games. I say enjoy where you live now and always be ready for the next adventure that your home town may offer.

 

This is just a photo of Shannon and I on a hike around Emerald Bay a few years ago.

 

 

 

 

Josh

The Struggle

One day a small gap appeared in the cocoon, through which the butterfly had to appear. A boy, who accidentally passed by, stopped and watched how the butterfly was trying to get out of the cocoon. Even after several hours of struggle, there was no progress. It seemed that the butterfly had tried its best and could not give any more try. 
The boy decided to help the butterfly. He took a penknife and cut the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. 
The boy continued to watch the butterfly, and was quite eager to see it fly with its beautiful wings. Unfortunately that moment would never arrive. In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings.
What this boy did not understand was that the butterfly was suppose to struggle. In fact, the continuous effort from the butterfly to come out of its cocoon would let the fluid stored in the body be converted into wings. The body would become lighter and smaller, and the wings would be beautiful and large. Without the struggle, the butterfly would never, ever fly. 
Life gives us challenges and obstacles so we can face them, not so we can avoid them or go around them. Even though it might not be the easiest way out, we are only hurting ourselves when we avoid struggles. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life if we want to succeed, so embrace them with pride! The amazing thing about SlideBelts, its that here you will never face them alone. Happy Friday team!