Atypical Start To Summer

Following the snow reports from Peter in my last report, it almost seemed like Thredbo was trying to play 'catch-up' when Mother Nature delivered a dusting of snow last Wednesday. For the beginning of summer it was a pleasant surprise. It snowed in the village but never settled and all traces on the upper slopes had disappeared by 9:30am - such is the way of summer snowfalls.

Then yesterday, as if to say "that's not snow, this is snow". Peter reported another 60cm at his door step in Rusutsu.

In response all I can say is that the days are much longer here and the weather this weekend in Thredbo has been somewhat different than that on Hokkaido. Warm, sunny and dry but when I say 'warm' I mean low 20s in the village and teens up on the range. This was perfect for this weekend's 2015 Thredbo Cannonball MTB Festival and a very popular weekend it has been.

WARNING: Some photos below may contain images that some viewers may find disturbing!

Early Wednesday morning - December 2 - and there's a dusting of snow above 1600m

Peter sent these rather scary photos from Rusutsu during the last fall

Meanwhile back in Thredbo, mountain biking is popular - to the point of crowded

Probably the easiest snow to access in Thredbo - Summer Drift

One could be mistaken for thinking there's snow boarding available for the whole family ;-)

There has been a changing of the colour since my last photos of the wildflowers

Almost every time I venture out there is a new angle, a new view.
Looking north to where the Snowy River drops into the valleys

Top centre: Mount Kosciuszko
Bottom: The first hordes of the day approach the summit for selfies

Top centre: Mt Etheridge
Bottom photo: Seaman's Hut is nothing more than a single pixel in the top photo

My regular readers know what this is - a bid for consistency ;-)

The forecast is looking a bit damp ahead for Thredbo but at least it is going to much cooler than most places in OZ.

Eagles Nest restaurant is open again but KT works continue on the Bullwheel Bar & Bistro below. Drop in for a coffee or a beer or a meal and marvel at the great job that Steve and Nick have done with the furniture but don't forget to tell Sara how good the fresh paint looks :-)