Wonderful Weather

Thredbo has received a lot of rain in the past two weeks but with the weather station out of action for over a week, you won't see the precip level there. Luckily the days have been mostly wonderful. Easter mixed with school holidays has seen huge crowds in and around the resort.

It seems that the Global Financial Crisis and some spectacular weather has got Australians out and about in their own country. The few beautiful days I recently spent on the south coast revealed huge crowds in Merimbula and Bega as well. What a great time of year.

Before Easter, Marion and I went on a fruitless search for a set of lost ski skins out under South Ramshead. A difficult walk, cross-fall line and at times through some pretty thick undergrowth. A stroll I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

I don't have any photos of my first return to small-craft sailing in almost 40 years. I didn't dare take my camera on-board for the fear of capsizing. As it turned out, Annie did a great job keeping me out of the water.

The bowl above Bogong Creek

Hard to imagine we may be getting freshies down here in 8 weeks time

Looking back towards the resort and the Dead Horse Gap walking trail

Looking towards Victoria, way beyond DHG

Marion tackling one of the creek crossings

The further we went the more the vegetation thickened

Little sign of all the new snow gun work

Tower 10 should be sweet all winter long

A great day for taking advantage of the hotel facilities

So, heard any good forecasts for winter? I have been informed that there is significant water in Lake Eyre and this is supposed to be good. The absence of any really early snowfalls is also supposed to be a positive sign for a good season. The best forecast I have heard recently is for a 3m base this winter. I've promised Dave (not saying which Dave) a slab for each extra metre that we get above 3m. I haven't starting saving yet. Meanwhile NZ is getting the early snowfalls.

If anyone finds Marion's ski skins (the sort you put on your skis not your legs) there is probably a reward in the offering.

Thought for the day: I found the pass holders' lane on the Alpine Way open last Tuesday - I wonder how long that will last?