Always Up For A Challenge

We all have our challenges in life. Some of these are of our own making and are sought after for our own desire to better/challenge ourselves.

Yesterday Marion and I headed out of the resort with skis on our backs. The weather was simply perfect for touring - a clear blue sky, temp just a tad above zero and a cooling breeze. There was a queue for first chair. A lot of people went out on the range yesterday.

After a boot-pack up the Back Door I decided Everest would be my first challenge. The climb up didn't reveal any surprises but my first attempt to ski down certainly did. My rock hoppers didn't get a grip on the firmer-than-expected icy bits after my first turn had been in deep soft snow. After an inelegant slide I pick myself up and climbed the last 50 steps again so I could get it right. Following the icy section I had may be two turns on nice snow then on the steepest section I hit the deeper and fresher snow that felt like glue. Luckily the steepness helped me through my last turns before climbing back up the Back Door for a well earned coffee and chocolate.

Just as we finished, Tim Robbo and Rob appeared over the ridge. After a short chat they continued on their trek to do a run down the Main Face whilst I decided to do the North Face. This was much nicer than Everest. The new snow was not so deep and I cut through to the faster brown snow beneath. Together with the steepness this made for very enjoyable turns. One more climb up the Back Door and Marion was ready for a long run down the Main Face. We tracked closely to Tim & Rob's turns and discovered why they didn't do any more. The new snow was sticky here as well - all the way to the walking track. Marion, somehow managed to "ski" if you can call it that, all the way back to the bridge. I walked. We finished with cold beer at Eagles Nest - very nice.

Today was not the day to go touring. It was somewhat warmer and the wind had really picked up along with some high cloud. Instead much of the village and beyond gathered at Poolside for a fund raiser to get Sam Robertson off to the Winter Olympics. If selected, Sam would be Thredbo's first born and raised Winter Olympian. It was a fun afternoon with a return to a long lost tradition of the "Greasy Pole Competition". Just as well that no one was taking bets because I would have bet on Duncan but as it turned out Sam had him off the pole in quick time. Sam did not however go onto win. I hope that's his only loss in the next year. Thanks to the Hotel, other donors and all attendees. I'm sure Sam, Tim and Gabby are very appreciative.

That standard shot and yesterday's target
What a spectacular day

Marion catches me climbing Everest (on my first climb)

I've just hit the thick and deep ...

Looking towards Club Lake Chutes with Seaman's Hut centre left

Ah, the North Face, much better than Everest or the Main Face

You might make out the people (little dots)
walking, snow shoeing and skinning towards Kosi along or beside the walking track

Marion on the Main Face

Seems she is looking for that waterfall again

Son vs Dad - Sam vs Tim on the greasy pole over a very cold pool

Duncan's last good swing before being dunked by Sam on the left
And the girls got into the action as well

There were also some very brave youngsters who also got out onto to the pole over the icy waters. Some so small they couldn't pick up the wet pillows. Luckily Jacqui, my Bowen Therapist, was in attendance and I couldn't get involved ;-)

The last of the Australian ski resorts (well done Perisher) will close on Monday but then the big snows will come ;-) Touring should last for some time yet.

No flare run in Thredbo tonight but we should see some fireworks.