Back to the mountain

Sorry this has all taken so long to update. Been a really bust few weeks and have not really had a chance to sit down and update the blog.

On Friday 9th July we headed back down to Ruapehu to enjoy another weekend on the snow. So after driving the 2.5hrs we arrived at another lovely bach in National Park (we were lucky to get it after someone cancelled last minute). We grabbed some food from the supermarket on the way down for our dinner, and just after cracking open a few of the beers we were joined by 2 friends Orlaith and Helen. That evening we just had a quiet few beers with a few card games before retiring for the night.

Saturday we awoke to a beautiful day, had a quick bacon butty and headed up the mountain. Although the weather was amazing, the other side of the mountain was shut for high winds so everyone all joined the Whakapapa side. Unfortunately this meant that it was absolutely rammed. Still a great day though and we stayed out till the last lift. However, unfortunately on the last lift mine and Si's boots somehow caught on each others which meant that when we got of the lift and tried to go separate directions my knee got really badly twisted. Still suffering from it now, should probably go and get it checked out, actually talking of which, i'll book an appointment. Also, right after that Helen had a horrendous fall which ruled her out of skiing the next day!

That evening, fully broken, we retired in the pub. After having a nice dinner we settled down to watch the first tri-nations rugby match - and what a match, probably the best game of rugby I have EVER seen, it had everything (including an exposure of one of the All-Blacks bottoms) So so good and a great start to the season by the All Blacks.

On Sunday Helen and Orlaith heade back home as Helen was so broken she could barely walk, we on the other hand attempted the mountain again, probably a little foolish on my sore knee, but I took it easy and it was a beautiful day and much quieter than the day before.

At lift closure we headed back up to Hamilton ready to start work the next day and face the packing saga of moving house.....

skiiinggg!! Yea

This weekend felt like our first real trip down to the mountain.
Headed down Friday lunchtime as Si, Gem and I managed to get the day off (unfortunately I came down ill on Thursday night so wasn't feeling that up for it). Met James and Laura at Turoa ski field at around 2.30 and decided to catch the last hour or so on the mountain. Beautiful day, sun shining, enough snow to play.... perfect.
That evening we lit the log burner, got some nice food and wine and had a cosy night in playing cards and games. Saturday morning we awoke to a cloudy day and headed up to Whakapapa (pronounced Fakapapa) to check out the conditions. Luckily the cloud just circled the mountain, and was below the snow level so we enjoyed yet another beautiful day. By the end of the day we did need to do quite a bit of rock dodging and my ski's have now become a pair of rock skis but never mind, all worth it. Saturday night we were joined by one of my work friends, Rich with his wife and 18mth old. Had a nice meal in Schnapps bar followed by another lovely evening in.
Sunday morning we woke to another great day and headed back up the mountain. Got another great day of skiing in before heading back home. Dont think the winter will be so bad if I can spend it like this!