Mexico Monday: The Really Big Dill edition

In which a bunch of pickles take Ski to Sea by storm

Yo everyone, hello from me and ME. I’ve been spending a lot of time in my own company lately and what can I say except that I am A LOT OF FUN. It’s nonstop laffs all the time, just ask Millie. She might be too busy ROFL to answer you though, so just be patient.

Speaking of Mille, you already know what a big dill she is.

But what you might not know (or have forgotten) is that I am also a Really Big Dill. Recently my Big Dillness became literal when I captained a team that soared to greatness in Ski to Sea 2025.

What is Ski to Sea, you ask? Well, it’s only the biggest dill in Bellingham, WA. It’s an annual race that goes from the snowy flanks of Mt Baker to the wind-whipped waves of Bellingham Bay via 7 legs: cross-country skiing, downhill skiing/snowboarding, running, road biking, canoeing, cyclocross, and kayaking.

As a dewy-eyed volunteer in 2023

Ever since I landed in Bellingham, I’ve been fascinated with the event. I participated as a volunteer twice, and both times I thought: I really want to do this! And the main reason I wanted to do it was because I thought it would be fun to be on an honest-to-goodness-real-live-team, where, like, you fist-bump and hug and have special handshakes, and cheer each other on! And indeed it was.

Herewith I introduce you to my team, ranging in age from 18-73. From left to right, top to bottom.

Bob the kayaker (aka The Awesome Anchor): The only veteran Ski to Sea-er on our team, Bob cracked us all up with his self-deprecating stories about crashing into things and falling over in Ski to Sea races past. No mishaps in this race, which he completed in fine style, ringing the bell at the finish line while spectators cheered.

Emily the snowboarder (aka The Cliffjumper): Despite getting pushed off a cliff by another skier (by accident, SUPPOSEDLY), Emily clawed her way back to a glorious finish for the Dills.

Mark the cyclocross rider (aka The Hammerhead Shark). Mark is the Man, and he can do pretty much anything, all with a smile on his face.

Andy the cross-country skier (aka Greased Lightning). With his secret hot wax recipe, the pros in the field at Ski to Sea did not see this guy coming. Andy got 18th place overall out of 500!

Ella the runner (aka The Young Gun ) In her pickle shorts, Ella (daughter of Andy!) pounded out the downhill run at a blistering pace, possibly ruining her young knees forever, but proving that athletic indeed prowess runs in the family.

Me the road biker (aka The Captain): I don’t go fast but I get the job done in style.

Tiffany and Drew the canoers (aka The Biggest Dills of all). Canoeists are the unicorns of Ski to Sea. Any old Joe can ride a road bike 42 miles, but not just any team can paddle a canoe for 18 miles. Drew and Tiffany went from enthusiastic newbies who didn’t even have a canoe to pretty darn capable canoeists, all in a short amount of time (while raising their four young kids on the side).

Everyone finished their race, and that’s what we hoped for. And I got the team experience I dreamed of and more. Some team members were old friends, some were new, but now we are Friends4Ever, united by our pickle power and bonded by our Ski to Sea experience.

With that I’ll say adieu, leaving you with a great anthem to belt out in your car if you need to let off some steam. Warning: swearing!

xo

Rebecca