So, with help from Ian I bought new skis.

Then, last weekend I headed North (while Maaike headed South to Snowfarm for Rachels birthday) to test out the new skis. Had a lovely day at Lyford (didn’t bring a camera unfortunately). Well, ok, I tried out the new skis and boots and _damn_ they were sore. I think I might have been a little too keen on getting “tight” boots. Took out the inners and it was a _lot_ better.

On Sunday had a look at Amuri – but the season is definitely over there.

But yes, enjoyed the new skis (so much harder than the shorter ones I learned on).. and hopefully get a few more days in before the end of the season.

After leaving Tekapo (in the snow) we went via Ohau where we had a lovely day skiing on fresh powder.. slightly (more than slightly) wishing we had our snowboards too..

Then it was on to Wanaka (which really has got a log bigger since the first time I was there many moons ago with Glynn & Maeve.

Had a days cross country (langlaufe?sp?) at Snowfarm. We had an hours lesson which was well worth it, before heading out. It’s knackering! Probably not if you’re good.. but after 6? 8? km I was dead to the world.

Next we had a day at Cardrona skiing.. 4th day ever (3rd of this trip).

Next day (Friday) we were debating between a day at Cardrona .. but .. fear of the crowds made Maaike, Cousin Ben, Ian and I head back to Ohau. Well well worth the drive. Had an entirely lovely day. Did have a slightly disappointing lesson where we were put in a group with a not so intermediate young girl.. and also didn’t like the guys teaching style. I went so far as to leave some constructive criticism. Shame, as Ohau still is probably my favourite ski field :) Learned a heap, and even went for a hike up the top ridge with Ian (who has a GoPro.. I really want one now!)

Paddy Ryan came down on the Friday night and we had a days mountain biking around Wanaka. Was quite unimpressed with the hired bike… no give in the front shocks and very iffy breaks. I brought it back to the shop and the guy went “Winter, it does that to the shocks and breaks”. Thanks.

Finally, on the way back, had a long 1/2 day at Dobson (which has the best cover of any ski field this year..)

All in all an excellent excellent week. Loved it.

Off down South for a weeks holiday.. had a lovely day at Roundhill yesterday, getting out on the skis for our second day.

We spent the first few hours on the learners slope – getting used to things again. Lucy was kind enough to give us some expert instruction and I really think we progressed quite a bit. I certainly felt I was “getting” it quite a bit more than the first day. There’s definitely more progress to be made though ;)

After lunch we headed up the hill proper where we were greeted with a mulled wine (fantasic!) and some views.

Unfortunately the weather has turned and it is now likely to be snowing for the next 4 days…. which is great for the ski fields, but really annoying when you’ve got a weeks holiday and can’t get out to enjoy it. Still.. there are books to be read, and games to be played. This is the longest I’ve been without a holiday… and I must say, I think I’ve needed it.

This weekend it was off to Cheeseman ski field for the weekend – this time to celebrate Mark & Kate’s wedding. Well, technically they’re already married, but, as they’re Irish & English it’s a logistical nightmare ;)

Lovely weekend. Maaike and I tried skiing for the first time (unfortunately no pictures). I found it… terrifying, frankly.  That said, I think I’m going to ditch boarding for a while and try this skiing lark.  It seems to lend itself (in a year or three) to back-country trips… and I’d love to have a go at some easy multi-day trips.  That’d be fun.

Some pictures..

Looks to me like Mark has better style ;) at least in cake form! That said, I wish I was 1/2 as good as Kate is at skiing (in non-cake form).

Also I went for a short walk…

…while Maaike cycled 104km home. ‘cos she’s like that sometimes ;)

Hmmmm, this monthly posting thing seems to becoming a habit. Will have to work on that.

So, this month, started off with a ski trip to Cheeseman with Maaike, Ian & Lucy. Snow was pretty good, it was quite a busy day really. Ian was trying out his new GoPro 2… some day, when I’m grown up, I might have to get one of these (it’s the fancy camera on his helmet)

Maaike and I spent a day helping our friend Olli move house. She has been red-zoned and finally the time came for them to move. Pretty efficient packers I must say.

Next it was my cousin Benjamin (from the Caymans) visiting. Was so funny to meet up with him as I’ve not seen Ben since he was… 10? 8? anyway, a really really long time ago. So there was that moment when he arrived into the international terminal when we were both looking at eachother thinking “is this my cousin, should I keep on smiling, what if it’s a stranger…”.. but yes, excellent to meet him properly. Ben is here for the “Ski season” (which really has mostly failed to materialise), and stayed with us for a week before heading down to Wanaka to get closer to the bigger ski fields. We spent part of the weekend around town, going to the new earthquake exhibition at the museum.. found an awesome little cafe (The Astrolounge).. complete with stars drawn on the pavement to bring you round the back of the house, and a petonque set. Great.

The cathedral (and a whole lot more) are still blocked off, which you can see… and also had a quick spin through one of the slightly cool areas which has popped up – The Restart Mall… everything built out of shipping containers. Hopefully not too much an earthquake can do to those!

Ben also came to our friend Ang’s midwinter christmas party. Basically a kiwi favourite of a Pot luck dinner (where everyone brings a dish). Quite a change from last year (2 babies present).. but a lovely night.

Finally, got snowboarding with my friend (and climbing partner) Chloe to Porters. The conditions were marginal at best… it was definitely pretty icy.

Finally … a poll… what is most badly wrong with this picture.

[poll id=”2″]