Well Christmas was a rather manic affair. On Christmas Eve I went over to Mum and Dad's simply because I wanted to see the kids put their stockings out and getting excited.
That meant that I woke up at 4:15 when Cal went into Mummy's bed, then worried we would be geting up to start unwrapping but it wasn't until 5am that Ella came in and after I said we should wait 1 more hour before unwrapping she got into bed with me and talked and wriggled non-stop.
At 5:45 she apologised for abandoning me but she was going to wake Granny up. 6am and she came and dragged me out of bed to watch her open stockings.
Her eyes popped out at the site of presents and the first unwrapping frenzy of the day began.
I took Biscuit for a walk after stockings and before breakfast- itv was wet and grey but nice and quiet.
We ahd to wait til 3ish beforeJo brought Jessie and Lucy and then the next major present opening franzy got underway. I don't think I've seen thatmany presents in one room!
Dinner swiftly followed and then Aunty C and Mummy were employed to do the toy extraction from boxes and packaging. Toughest work I've done all year!
Cal decided Megazord had to be built and gave me the "structions" and through much complexity and lack of knowledge combined with Cal's advice we built Megazord. Wow!
A manic day- pretty exhausting- but so much more fun to have young kids around at Christmas and to play with their toys!
Thursday 27 December 2007
Merry Christmas to all
Thursday 20 December 2007
Tuesday 18 December 2007
Scrambles in North Wales
December 15-16
Friday night we drove up to Llangollen for a cold night in a B&B (Wynnstay arms- great hospitality but v/cold room). Then Saturday am carried on up to Llyn Ogwen.
It was -5 degrees and very frosty everywhere as we walked past Llyn Idwal to scramble up Cneifon Arete. Pete led and belayed me in second then Is. We picked up his dropped gear on the way up!
First time I'd rock climbed in years- I love the scrambling but find the climbing a bit freaky. Still the adrenalin shots were just what I needed and its always a sense of acheivement to overcome your fears.
We carried on up over Glyder Fach (987m) and then down Bristly Ridge. A great walk and scramble.
Sunday and I wanted to get up Snowdon and over the 1000m mark. So we walked in on the Miners track on a beautiful clear day, still a temp of minus figures but very still with fantastic reflections of Snowdon in Llyn Llydaw.
We scrambled up Y Gribin then along Bwlchysaethau to the Summit, Where we bathed in clear still sunshine amongst smatterings of hard packed snow patches, views were clear for miles and looking down on the tops of the clouds in the valleys.
Then we scrambled back over Y Lliwedd to complete part of the horseshoe I'd never done.
I'm very out of practice for this stuff but this was a dose of the outdoors I needed to escape from my lonely desk. Great weather, fantastic scenery, good company and plenty of exercise- that's what its all about!
Sunday 9 December 2007
Do I look like I'm skating yet?
Time for our annual venture into the world of slippery slidy ice at Hampton court.
Of course it would be easier if one did not have a young child hanging onto you for balance when you have no balance yourself.
It's a lot warmer this November and today that meant rain and wind. We were lucky that it stopped for our whole session- amazing!
We all progressed somewhat from the moment we first staggered onto the ice, except Gareth who took the excuse of Lucy and Cal "not liking it" to make a swift exit!
Gerry, Jules, Mark and I hung around to take turns escorting Ella and Jesse around. My stance was more "snowboarding" than "Speed skating" looking at my stance in the photos!
Afterwards Cal, Lucy and I went to the "Knights shop". Then we all rode the carousel before heading to Zizis for a long lunch.
I took Nick (Gareth's brother) back to Redhill to catch the train down to Brighton.
Hev stood by and took photos with M&D watching on. I have edited the photos and built a slideshow for all to remember.
Friday 23 November 2007
Sunday 18 November 2007
Email blogging
I thought I ought to test this out so I can log more often as its so easy to email a blog entry rather than sign in.
Let's see if I can manage to do it regularly though.
And if I do will it just add to the triviality of the drivel I talk about!
Won't know til we try will we?!
Canadian visitors
The only reason you would get up early on a Sunday and choose to ride when the weather forecast is for rain and sleet and 2degrees, is when you have visitors from Canada.
Dennis arrived at Ken's on Friday and so today we rode Bracknell.
There was some bike rape and pillage done in order for Ken to turn out 2 retro bikes for this ride. Poor old Dennis on the Slingshot and the "I've been hanging on the wall for 3 years" Bontrager was ready for Ken. Both bikes were gleaming against my extremely muddy Cove Hustler!
Of course we had not even ridden round the car park when Ken had the first mechanical. Loose headset and no damn allen key long enough. Some begging of every mountain biker by their car resulted in getting the right tool and salvaging our ride.
Anyway it was a good ride- not at all muddy considering its Novemebr and CooooOLD! But the slingshot took its toll on Dennis's back and that promised rain started so we headed for a cuppa tea.
Boy you cool down fast when you stop. I shivered all the way home and had a hot shower then did loads of house work just to warm up again. (Bike still muddy in car though!)
Sunday 11 November 2007
Welsh Weekend - Nov 10-11
It's rememberance Sunday and actually falls on the 11th Nov this year. We saw the service in Aberdovey. I tried to spend some time remembering the efforts of my grandfather and father in the 2 world wars. It was weird to contrast their lives with the fun I'm having this weekend amongst friends and with all my toys. How lucky our lives are nowadays.
Another trip to Wales, but this time to stay in mid-wales. Drove up to Aberdovey on Friday night, trying to listen into conference calls with traffic noise (not recommended). Took me about 6hrs. Stayed at 8, Trefyddian-red door! Tom had organised the weekend and although a few dropped out last minute there were 9 of us - Tom,Paul, Alex, Dan, Pete, Liz, Mark and James.
Talk about 3 degrees of separation. Mountain biking is a small world - James and I met in Fernie, Canada in 2004. Tom and James met in Whistler, Canada in 2005. I met Tom in Whistler in July 2007. And here we all were together for the first time all 3 of us unknowing in Wales in Nov 2007.
We rode CYB on Saturday - the Tarw trail (the old red bull) 20km, then Tom and James and I also whizzed around the Temtiwr trail just 9km before it started to rain. Took a shower at the new visitor centre which was great to be able to do but disappointing that 3 of the 4 ladies showers were out of order. The water pressure was somewhat limp but as the water is collected in a local borehole I can forgive that. £1 for 3min shower.
The cafe was great though- table service, great food, reasonable prices. Just what you need.
We dined in Aberdovey- Bay of Bengal rather late after watching strictly come dancing- yes with 7 blokes! Can you believe it- it had me giggling anyway!
Sunday we rode the Climachx trail in Machynlleth. A bit of a slog fire road climb then some fun rolling singletrack and more single track climbs. Good all weather rocky/slate terrain. Paul bust his saddle clamp and some teamwork and cable ties in particular ingenious work by James made sure he could carry on albeit climbing unseated- (painful!).
Tom took a nasty OTB crash into a huge drainage ditch and completely cracked his helmet in several places. The rest of his day his neck got stiffer and stiffer- but he did not abate on the pace he rode round.
We hit the DH section and James, Tom and I climbed up to ride the small North shore section and the wooden wall berm which I took with fear all over my face (and the sound effects to match) as everyone watched on from below it! The rest of the DH was great swoopy fun with some great high bermed switchbacks. I hope the helmet cam footage comes out!
Driving back I bumped into the boys again at the M54 services for a burger king and then home - 5 hrs drive- pretty impressive. These weekends are dose of medicine to balance the working week. Bright sunshine at times was the icing on the cake (again pretty amazing in November in Wales).
Another trip to Wales, but this time to stay in mid-wales. Drove up to Aberdovey on Friday night, trying to listen into conference calls with traffic noise (not recommended). Took me about 6hrs. Stayed at 8, Trefyddian-red door! Tom had organised the weekend and although a few dropped out last minute there were 9 of us - Tom,Paul, Alex, Dan, Pete, Liz, Mark and James.
Talk about 3 degrees of separation. Mountain biking is a small world - James and I met in Fernie, Canada in 2004. Tom and James met in Whistler, Canada in 2005. I met Tom in Whistler in July 2007. And here we all were together for the first time all 3 of us unknowing in Wales in Nov 2007.We rode CYB on Saturday - the Tarw trail (the old red bull) 20km, then Tom and James and I also whizzed around the Temtiwr trail just 9km before it started to rain. Took a shower at the new visitor centre which was great to be able to do but disappointing that 3 of the 4 ladies showers were out of order. The water pressure was somewhat limp but as the water is collected in a local borehole I can forgive that. £1 for 3min shower.
The cafe was great though- table service, great food, reasonable prices. Just what you need.
We dined in Aberdovey- Bay of Bengal rather late after watching strictly come dancing- yes with 7 blokes! Can you believe it- it had me giggling anyway!
Sunday we rode the Climachx trail in Machynlleth. A bit of a slog fire road climb then some fun rolling singletrack and more single track climbs. Good all weather rocky/slate terrain. Paul bust his saddle clamp and some teamwork and cable ties in particular ingenious work by James made sure he could carry on albeit climbing unseated- (painful!).
Tom took a nasty OTB crash into a huge drainage ditch and completely cracked his helmet in several places. The rest of his day his neck got stiffer and stiffer- but he did not abate on the pace he rode round.
We hit the DH section and James, Tom and I climbed up to ride the small North shore section and the wooden wall berm which I took with fear all over my face (and the sound effects to match) as everyone watched on from below it! The rest of the DH was great swoopy fun with some great high bermed switchbacks. I hope the helmet cam footage comes out!
Driving back I bumped into the boys again at the M54 services for a burger king and then home - 5 hrs drive- pretty impressive. These weekends are dose of medicine to balance the working week. Bright sunshine at times was the icing on the cake (again pretty amazing in November in Wales).
Sunday 4 November 2007
Bonfire Night
Fireworks time again, my favorite festival of the year.
Tonight really pointed out how much warmer it is this year. Usually we are dressed in thermals, coats, scarves, hats and gloves and moving closer and closer to the fire as the night goes on. I recall Thorpe park displays as a kid being so so cold and trying not to complain too much as I wanted to see the fireworks and eat candy floss!This year it was a beautiful warm sunny autumn day, cycling in shorts and shirt sleeves during the day.
The fire was too warm and hat and gloves not needed. The booms and bangs were great but it just did not seem right not to be shivering!
Then Sunday we celebrated Mike's 60th birthday (3 months late). It was great to catch up with him and Joyce. Dad seemed so happy and jolly to have all his children around him again.
Wednesday 31 October 2007
Why do I run?
Was just posting my runs to my NikePlus site and seeing how I'm doing - just over 150km to go to hit the 1000km milestone so that should be my year end goal! 8 weeks less than 20k per week seems acheivable right now- although the dark nights might prove otherwise.
Also got to thinking about why I run and how sometimes it's so easy to just get out and run and feel the freedom of running and other times it is just so damn tough.
I need motivation sometimes, guilt factor sayings like this one help....
"Right now, someone, somewhere who is busier than you is working out."
and the poster I had on my wall as a teenager which I think we got in Florida...
Why do I run?
'Tain't no mystery --
Wanna have a good
Medical history.
Doctor told me
Runnin' is great --
Helps them blood cells
Circulate,
Great for the lungs,
Great for the ticker,
Can't nothin' getcha
In better shape quicker.
Feels so healthy,
Feels so sweet,
Pumpin' my arms
And flappin' my feet,
Moldin' my muscles,
Firmin' my form,
Pantin' like a pack mule,
Sweatin' up a storm.
Keeps me youthful,
Keeps me loose,
Tightens my tummy
And shrinks my caboose,
Beats bein' sluggish,
Beats bein' lazy --
Why do I run?
Maybe I'm crazy!
by Ed Cunningham
But my main reason for keeping fit and healty is not to live longer but.....
"To really live while I'm alive!"
Also got to thinking about why I run and how sometimes it's so easy to just get out and run and feel the freedom of running and other times it is just so damn tough.
I need motivation sometimes, guilt factor sayings like this one help....
"Right now, someone, somewhere who is busier than you is working out."
and the poster I had on my wall as a teenager which I think we got in Florida...
Why do I run?
'Tain't no mystery --
Wanna have a good
Medical history.
Doctor told me
Runnin' is great --
Helps them blood cells
Circulate,
Great for the lungs,
Great for the ticker,
Can't nothin' getcha
In better shape quicker.
Feels so healthy,
Feels so sweet,
Pumpin' my arms
And flappin' my feet,
Moldin' my muscles,
Firmin' my form,
Pantin' like a pack mule,
Sweatin' up a storm.
Keeps me youthful,
Keeps me loose,
Tightens my tummy
And shrinks my caboose,
Beats bein' sluggish,
Beats bein' lazy --
Why do I run?
Maybe I'm crazy!
by Ed Cunningham
But my main reason for keeping fit and healty is not to live longer but.....
"To really live while I'm alive!"
Chicago Trip - Oct 19-26
Another work trip to Chicago for 2 weeks. England made it to the RWC finals amazingly so I had to seek out somewhere to watch it. After some chinese whispers around work I was matched up with Matt a Welshman in Supply chain and we met in Downtown at Fado's an Irish pub.
We got there at 11 for a 2pm Kick off! I was shoulder to shoulder with South Africans and the banter was flowing. Well we were robbed of a try and a penalty so the result was disappointing but the match was great until then.
Rest of the trip was excellent work wise and also getting to know my work colleagues better in social outings and finding my way around the 'burbs. Thinking of waht life would be like if I relocated.
Probably the last trip this year now.
We got there at 11 for a 2pm Kick off! I was shoulder to shoulder with South Africans and the banter was flowing. Well we were robbed of a try and a penalty so the result was disappointing but the match was great until then.
Rest of the trip was excellent work wise and also getting to know my work colleagues better in social outings and finding my way around the 'burbs. Thinking of waht life would be like if I relocated.
Probably the last trip this year now.
Welsh Weekend - Oct 5-7
Took a few days leave starting out with babysitting Cal who had chicken pox on Thurdsay. Actually was great fun playing cricket and kick in the garden on a beautiful sunny day with him.
Friday I hit the road to Afan Argoed and camped at Glyncorrwg, it was glorious sunny weather and ideal temperature shorts and T-shirt not too hot but not at all cold. I rode the Penhydd trail on my own, the views were fantastic and the trails were dry, fast and sweet-perfect. Only slight issue was my drivetrain- having changed the chain and cassette I needed a new chainring, but could not find one with 5 bars. Chilled on the sofas in the cafe with a good meal a beer and watching MTB movies- cool I love this.
Next morning I went to the cycle shop in Cwmcarn and managed to get a titanium chainring but they did not refit my inner chain ring. I finally got to Cwmcarn and joined Tom et al on the uplift, thankful to be able to ride downhill all day. Finally reunited with my inner ring at the end of the day. Tom had the worst mechanical ripping his wheel out and bending his rear disc rotor- amazing he survived unscathed and even more amazing missed just one run getting a replacement disc on!
We camped at Glyncorrwg and had beers and grub in the cafe while watching France beat NZ in the RWC quarter finals- wow, and then heard England had beaten Oz- double wow!
Sunday another group joined us and we hit the whytes level trail- a few mechanicals amongst the group made for slow going but the company was good and the riding great espesh the wooden sections and the last DH fast and skippy. Home made cake in the cafe and hit the road home.
Great Long weekend.
Monday 17 September 2007
Day out with Thomas the Tank engine
15th September
Ella, Cal and I went down to Lakeside at Eastleigh to ride on Thomas the Tank engine and his friends Gordon and Henry.
We rode 6 trains, played on the bouncy castle and in the park, saw a fisherman catch a massive fish in the lake that wriggled and writhed in his hands. Wow!
A beautiful sunny day. after lunch we had our faces painted Ella as a butterfly and Cal as Gordon no.4 train.
Great fun was had by everyone!
Sunday 12 August 2007
Rainy Al Fresco dining
Mum's birthday barbeque is invariably a rainy affair and 2007 was no different.
Here we all are sitting it out as stubborn brits sheltering from the rain and ever hopeful the sun again will shine.
It did!
And we all had a great day.
The paddling pool had 4 shivering kids in it, splashing Anjelica and Emanuele til Anjelica was soaked through. Granny rode her new bike, Ella rode hers faster. Gerry and Hev prepared a feast and Keith manned the BBQ. Dad was ready with the brollies and I snapped away for posterity and played with the kids.
Wednesday 25 July 2007
Looking for fish
Actually trying not to look for fish as I ride the "River runs thru it" log bridge cos if I look at the river that is where I go so- I' muttering look at the end, look at the end (no don't look down!) look there's the end!
Tuesday 17 July 2007
BC MTB Trip 2007
17 July
BC MTB Trip 2007
June 28th - July 17th 2007
Just back from my trip to British Columbia- 18 days awesome mountain biking on the North Shorfe, Squamish, Whistler and Permberton.
Heres an update of all the brutally awesome mountain biking we did....
Day 1 - Galliano Island - took ferry from..... rode the island, had a beer and meal just as the rain came then slept on teh ferry back - a bit jet lagged- good warm up!
Day 2- North Shore- Seymour CBC and Neds Atomic Dustbin with Tim and ....
Day 3- North Shore- Fromme - rode up to Upper Oilcan, did that then Pipeline, then came back up to find????
Day 4- Off to Whistler- staying in a place in Bayshores -went for a play on River runs thru it for a gentle ride
Day 5- Comfortably numb after rainfall - what a climb, climb, climb, flies flies, flies, some cool rock slabs but the long awaited descent never seemed to come it was pedal up and down all the way down- tough day in the saddle but ggod to tick it off. I won't do it again in a hurry tho'!
Day 6- MTB park- all suited up and on Kona Garbanzo bikes we hit the park- first B-line, then up Garbanzo chair for a very wet descent off No joke with melting snow creating a muddy rooty wet rock slab descent. My rear tire was slick and mainly sliding ahead of my front tire - hairy! Conditions no good to go for Khybers tho.
Day 7 - Squamish - Recycle, Psudosuga, Gearjammer route
Day 8- Trash then Kill me Thrill me
Day 9- 1st day with T2R- riding Lost lake slabs and trails
Day 10- MTB park with Lee adn Andy- saw a bear and cub, Crank it up extension onto lower joyride that was best bit. Later did Schleyer and Rock City with John much better.
Day 11 - Freeride day with Craig and Dan just me- shuttled up to Steps,
Day 14- MTB park with Tom et al photo shoot on Crank it up then on Garbanzo, later met Lee and rode with him down from Garbanzo much drier more fun- loved it, riding Giant Faith bike
Day 15- Pemberton with John and Nige, John had an allergic reaction so Dan came out to guide us, met 2 bears on the trail!! Scary.
Day 16- Last day rode alone- River runs thru it, Tunnel Vision, Steps (saw bear on trail on own)- great day
Day 17- Transfer to Vancouver- went for a little ride locally round the Dyke path
Day 18- North Shore Seymour shuttled CBC 3 times, Pingu, Pangor, Neds,
Day 19- Rode the Dyke trail, packed bike and headed for airport- definitely tired but refreshed- great holiday- pity its over as usual.
Day 20- Day off at home to build ikea stuff and breakfast bar before back to work.
Went to Chicago for 2 weeks 3 days later.
Watch this space photos and head cam info coming soon.
Sunday 24 June 2007
Jules' June BBQ
Jules and Gareth had a BBQ on June 23rd, all my neices and nephews were there and the sun stayed out ,long enough for much play, fun and games in the garden.
Great food and a touch of cricket added to the enjoyment.
Saturday 12 May 2007
New Home!
Last weekend I spent the bank holiday moving into my new apartment. Everything went pretty smoothly and probably the easiest move I've ever had. The removal guys were great taking furniture to pieces and rebuilding it too!
The new pad is really great- storage is somewhat of an issue but I've got to buy some furniture and sort that out ASAP so I can finish unpacking.
Anyway I'm glad I made the move and am back on the property ladder. Unfortunately am away on business for a few weeks but then I hope to get some storage sorted, unpack and then maybe even a house warming gathering!
Monday 30 April 2007
Night Riding
I bought a great Lumicycle HID light this winter and rode with it once! The weather was so warm for winter it just rained a lot and created mud! Not enticing for a muddy night ride. Was worrying I had wasted my money, having justified it as an investment for many rides all year round- as you do!!!
Anyway bumped into a Kiwi female rider on the trail at Peaslake 2 weeks back who wanted to try a night ride but... it doesn't get dark til about 8:30 now so...
Last Tuesday we met at 8 and headed off lights off from Dorking and by the time we got up Rookery and half way up the Greensand way we started needing our lights on.
We rode Windy Willows and my lights were great- fun fun fun, I wipped along the singletrack. Wendy followed with her dim lights having a much more adrenalin packed ride as a result and all I got were the sound effects as she fell off- should've warned her about that sudden dip in the trail.
It was a late night but fun to do so need to squeeze a couple more in soon before it gets even lighter! Trails are so dry and fast right now- love this UK weather (even though what is causing it is a worry)!
Anyway bumped into a Kiwi female rider on the trail at Peaslake 2 weeks back who wanted to try a night ride but... it doesn't get dark til about 8:30 now so...
Last Tuesday we met at 8 and headed off lights off from Dorking and by the time we got up Rookery and half way up the Greensand way we started needing our lights on.
We rode Windy Willows and my lights were great- fun fun fun, I wipped along the singletrack. Wendy followed with her dim lights having a much more adrenalin packed ride as a result and all I got were the sound effects as she fell off- should've warned her about that sudden dip in the trail.
It was a late night but fun to do so need to squeeze a couple more in soon before it gets even lighter! Trails are so dry and fast right now- love this UK weather (even though what is causing it is a worry)!
Monday 9 April 2007
Change is Inevitable
It's been a busy month- I've bought a house and am spending so many hours just planning and preparing to move in. Mortgage sorted, solicitor instructed, bought Laminate flooring so far and a dishwasher and alarm- got to do all the blinds and wardrobes etc and arrange moving, but just waiting for contracts to exchange now.
Been over in San Francisco for IHRSA and 3 days mountain biking and 1 day site seeing. Rode all the Marin areas.
Easter weekend was beautiful weather but I'm fairly exhausted and due to above going on did not arrange to do anything so all freinds are away/booked up.
Next event is going to be the big move- started clearing out the house- 16 months of MTB magazines to start with! As determined as I was not to collect so much clutter moving feels like a huge chore- something I seem to do almost annually!!
Been over in San Francisco for IHRSA and 3 days mountain biking and 1 day site seeing. Rode all the Marin areas.
Easter weekend was beautiful weather but I'm fairly exhausted and due to above going on did not arrange to do anything so all freinds are away/booked up.
Next event is going to be the big move- started clearing out the house- 16 months of MTB magazines to start with! As determined as I was not to collect so much clutter moving feels like a huge chore- something I seem to do almost annually!!
Saturday 24 March 2007
Rocky has gone
A very sad week, on Monday night I went over to cuddle Rocky for the last time he was so week and just sat on my lap limp and hardly able to purr let alone move but I knew that he still wanted me there.
On Tuesday morning he passed away on Mum's lap.
He had been my companion for 17 years, sitting on my shoulders while I studied for my finals at University and never forgetting he was my cat when he went to live with my parents, through to his last night sat on my lap. Whenever I needed solace he was there to show me affection. I will really miss him.
Some people may not understand such an attachment with an animal - but Rocky was part of my family and he loved me so unconditionally even when I moved away for months and months as soon as I turned up at the door he was there to greet me.
Thankyou Rocky.
On Tuesday morning he passed away on Mum's lap.
He had been my companion for 17 years, sitting on my shoulders while I studied for my finals at University and never forgetting he was my cat when he went to live with my parents, through to his last night sat on my lap. Whenever I needed solace he was there to show me affection. I will really miss him.
Some people may not understand such an attachment with an animal - but Rocky was part of my family and he loved me so unconditionally even when I moved away for months and months as soon as I turned up at the door he was there to greet me.
Thankyou Rocky.
Saturday 3 March 2007
McNab Snowboarding 200702
This is the GPS tracks of the backcountry snowboard routes we completed during the McNab week
Friday 2 March 2007
McNab Snowboarding Course 17- 24 February; Chamonix Off Piste 25-28 Feb
Day 1- Sunday- Off Piste round Le Tour
After arriving to little if any welcome and squeezing into a tiny room in Hotel Le Vert (in Les Gaillands area) which I share with Emma, things brightened today. Emma is a good room mate to have espesh as we have no room to swing a cat let alone a snowboard, so things will be cosy. We left at 9 this am and drove to Le Tour. Took the 2 lifts up then had a shaky red crud run down, everyone was nervous, as we checked each othres styles out but were more focused on checking we still knew how to ride. We split groups and I was with ski guide Kathy Murphy, the partner of our guide Mark for rest of week. We took the poma drag up which took me 2 attempts to ride, then cat tracked round to swiss side and headed off piste under the Esserts chair down what is called the Scandi trap as it catches so many Scandinavians in Avalanches each year, indeed we crossed the path of one that had triggered as a slab avalanche probably a few days ago from a sizable cornice at the top. Snow was awesome that side and I gained much confidence on it even dropping into the gullies. Nearly took a skier out as I lost control of my turn and she was standing right in middle of the gully. I took a backflip and lots of snow down my back- boy I miss that powder skirt. A horrid heelside traverse/ hike through trees back to lift, then picnic lunch. Transceiver training in pm, then one more run from top of poma drag.The other group had tougher day and had to hike up and drop in over the cornice on day 1, moaning abou Sebastian who shot off without them so much- not looking forward to that tomorrow! I feel full of energy still though great.So I remember the names here we go - (Calum Paul Roberto Dan Darrell Dermot Simon Emma Ed Richard) (Richard Hamshire Dan (Oz) Ali Hester Paul Dan (Halifax))
Day 2 Monday - Vallee Blanche
Early start picked up snow shoes extendible poles and a harness and headed up Aguille de Midi lift to 3854m. Calum was maybe a bit merry still and was geeing me up he was so stoked we were so high and the mountain views were incredible. We stood in the ice tunnel getting excited while we roped up with me at the front and 5 guys attached to me for the walk down across the narrow arrete to the pillow white snow fields below. We gripped the ropes for dear life as we slipped down and Calum sang "To the left" all the way down.Once there we were amazed at the panorama around us as we boarded up and rode down some freshies away from beaten track. At one stage I was first after Sebastian, riding his tracks across a snow bridge over a crevasse and it was faster than I have ever boarded but I was too terrified to move from his tracks an inch so I got faster and faster!We took our boards off and adjusted our snowshoes and poles then roped up for a hike up for 1hr and 10 mins.I was just running out of oomph when we stopped for lunch and to view our next descent fantastic.I boarded up quickly and chased Calum down to get the feshest lines-awesome!Then we toe slid across some rocks then a steep and deep then long flattish traverse that burnt the thighs on heel edge for ages.Finally slalomed through glacial blue ice and rocks just sprinkled with snow down Mer de Glace to reach the Montenvers train.A long climb up steps to the telepherique back to the Montenvers train finished us off.A smile was stuck on my face all day and cheeks are rosy- a great day!
See the map from our lunch stop on Periades glacier to Montenvers base in Chamonix here
Day 3- Tuesday Courmayeur Off Piste
Headed over to Courmayeur today by car. Caught lifts up to very top of mountain where it only goes off piste and only groups with guides are allowed. Took the helmet cam today, no snowshoes though.First descent was pretty steep and cruddy and I did not manage any turns but then we hiked a bit and headed into beautiful powder and slightly less steep so I got my rhythm and started my quick turns.We headed thru the trees a little and filming from the back the rest breaks were so short I really got leg burn. I caught up with the groupand nearly dropped a big cliff to hard flat but avoided it in time. We found a couple of small kickers which I filmed then rode.Finally we traversed out on heel edge and sheer pain in my legs we hiked a while.
We finished back at Dollone in Courmayeur village where we picniced in a field.Then we jumped on the magic carpet of the nursery slopes and thru the punch bags of the kiddie slopes to get some gradient for a roller coaster ride to the bubble.Back up the top we got some really awesome powder and this time on the steeps I was popping my turns with rhythm and no leg burn, sweet!It finished in death valley a complete terrain trap and you could see avalanche debris around us.We hiked and rode along a river bed, I had to jump over the river when I got trapped and a few times had last minute ollies over holes in the snow over the stream. Emma sank 1 leg up to her hip and had to drag it out with much effort.It took ages to get out from there and we were exhausted digging ourselves out. Also our boards were wrecked by the rocks and stones.Back on piste we headed back over to the other side of lifts and then off piste down a crud singletrack that was fast and punishing on thelegs. Even across a back yard right to the car park! That is commitment to ski in/ski out! Phew exhausted!Popped into town to get my extendable poles and beer at "the pub", got chatting to Dan from Oz who is on the off piste course this week.Big day tomorrow so trying for early night. 11!
Day 4 - Wednesday Tour Noir Glacier
Today we drove to Grand Montets and took 2 chairs up- down a piste and booked onto the telecabine to the very top at 3000m, gave us a chance for a chocolat chaud and some route planning on map before our turn on the lift. There we headed off to skiers right out of bounds to the Argentiere glacier some cool powder descent to the glacier then snowshoes on we trekked up to the Tour Noir glacier, a fair climb with lunch stop half way. Tried the shewee for the first time which worked well but took a bit of getting used to. Fascinated the guys though, and I think I got away lightly with some of the comments.I led the trek up from lunch and was told to slow down by guide Sebastian! I counted 50 paces then a breather and repeat as it got harder. He called us to stop and board up so my kit was off in no time then half the group carried on which was frustrating as I would have gone too. They made a big deal of it of course but I am sure they did not get that many more turns in than us considering the extra 30 mins it took them.From there it was awesome smooth turns, fresh lines and fun fun fun!
Back on the Argentiere glacier we had to use our poles to scootch along which was a new technique for me and I was glad of my new poles as everyone struggled to extend theirs.Some awesome glacial sites as we weaved close to the crevasses and seracs which made a stunning backdrop and made you realise how dangerous and adventurous this all was. Luckily Darrell was snapping away so we have some great shots to remember it. As usual a calf burning traverse and a few blue ice glacial pieces to slide over before we popped out on a black run and descended to the lifts and car park.My board is shot since the rock fest of death valley yesterday a huge ding in my heelside rail that makes piste riding tough. So time for some shopping!
See the map here
Day 5
Today we took the telecabine up from Flegere and then the index lift and Floria drag where we put our crampons on, poles out and climbed up and over the Floria peak. On the top we boarded up and traversed over a couple of km then crampons on again and a steep climb up the Col de Crochues. Pretty tired and sweating loads in the hot sun when we reached the cornice I thought shit where do we ride from here but alas we had arocky scramble still to climb. We had to hold Paul back from dropping off the cornice its so deceiving and looks a good place to rest!So we roped up and climbed toghether Sebastaian first then Emma then Me then Ed. It was rocky and icy and very exposed, suddenly Sebastian called my name and I looked up for a photo of me on this snowy arrete with a sheer drop either side. Wow! Exhilarating!While we downclimbed a snowy incline to have our lunch with awesome views and loads more sun, Darrell was climbing up and losing crampons on that scramble- ow! We dug some snowpits then boarded up and had some awesome fresh powder tracks through huge bowls and across Lac Blanc, which we had to pole over like gondoliers on our boards. Then we hit some slushy crud stuff which punished the legs adjusting to the juddering with fast twitch muscles to absorb the minor bumps, I got some cool windlip turns and twisted thru trees. Back on piste and Ed arrived having sideslipped and nosedived his way down with one bent nose tip to his board. As my board is splitting badly too and I did not want that too happen on our biggest day tomorrow I went shopping with the suport of the boys and Emma and bought a Burton Feel Good ES 155cm. Hope I love it! Bit grumpy tonight very tired and fed up of spending 3hrs at dinner each night talking to people, gets a bit much when you are so used to being alone all the time!
See the map here
Day 6- Friday Col du Passon
See the map here
Day 7- Saturday Hangover Rest Day
It is snowing for first time since I got here having had blue skies and bright sun all week. Had to check out at 11am so went for a long lunch in Cham with Dan and Richard. Had a great chat- wandered round shops with them then met Is and headed to Mark's place. It was fun to see him as he is enjoying it so much. Had chicken wings for dinner in the bar by Spar then slept like a baby I was so tired.
Day 8- Sunday Le Tour White Out Off Piste
Joined Is as it was her first day out and on new skis, only a few lifts were open so I off pisted near the red run which was deep snow but such a white out hard to tell how fast you were going and what was up and down. Eventually I got dug in in deep snow and had to hike out up to my thighs so got very tired and called it a day.
Day 9- Monday Rest day
Felt exhausted and ill all night think my body is run down so I took a rest day and went shopping and then just sitting around reading and doing the Everest impossible jigsaw at Mark's! Couple of drinks in evening with Is, Mark, Andy and Madeline.
Day 10- Tuesday Le Tour Tete de Balme/Vallorcine Off Piste
Back on form today and as its been snowing for 3 days now and around 90cm on the ground plus the sun came out I went to Le Tour and joined the huge queues up the lifts. I headed straight over to Tete de Balme Esserts lift and rode the piste too worried about going off alone, but piste was choppy already and too many people to avoid. Once on the chair I picked out the off piste lines within view of the chair and saw where others were going so I headed out skiers right under the chair at 1st pylon and over the ridge (not into Scandi trap) and chose some sweet untracked powder near the chair line down (Esserts chair). On my 3rd run I dropped a little towards Scandi trap and deboarded and hiked up where I bumped into Mark and Al. So rest of the day I rode with them. 2 more times down that run then went skiers right from lift over unpisted blue run the off piste on completely fresh deep snow all way down to Vallorcine for some frites and a chocolat chaud.
Back up and it was cold and weather closing in so we headed back across pistes the off piste route and from the top of Charamillon we traversed skiers left twice then I had to hike and scoot along the ridge with Al's help before we dropped again thru untracked lines to the car park at Le Tour. Rode from 10:30 -5pm- wow- exhausted but what a way to finish off the holiday!
See the map here
Got home soaked and packed my bags then out for Italian at Casa restaurant with Is, Mark and Al- then home to bed I was shattered and could not wait to sleep! Tomorrow I get my transfer home- tired, refreshed and renewed- this week I came alive again!
Day 1- Sunday- Off Piste round Le Tour
After arriving to little if any welcome and squeezing into a tiny room in Hotel Le Vert (in Les Gaillands area) which I share with Emma, things brightened today. Emma is a good room mate to have espesh as we have no room to swing a cat let alone a snowboard, so things will be cosy. We left at 9 this am and drove to Le Tour. Took the 2 lifts up then had a shaky red crud run down, everyone was nervous, as we checked each othres styles out but were more focused on checking we still knew how to ride. We split groups and I was with ski guide Kathy Murphy, the partner of our guide Mark for rest of week. We took the poma drag up which took me 2 attempts to ride, then cat tracked round to swiss side and headed off piste under the Esserts chair down what is called the Scandi trap as it catches so many Scandinavians in Avalanches each year, indeed we crossed the path of one that had triggered as a slab avalanche probably a few days ago from a sizable cornice at the top. Snow was awesome that side and I gained much confidence on it even dropping into the gullies. Nearly took a skier out as I lost control of my turn and she was standing right in middle of the gully. I took a backflip and lots of snow down my back- boy I miss that powder skirt. A horrid heelside traverse/ hike through trees back to lift, then picnic lunch. Transceiver training in pm, then one more run from top of poma drag.The other group had tougher day and had to hike up and drop in over the cornice on day 1, moaning abou Sebastian who shot off without them so much- not looking forward to that tomorrow! I feel full of energy still though great.So I remember the names here we go - (Calum Paul Roberto Dan Darrell Dermot Simon Emma Ed Richard) (Richard Hamshire Dan (Oz) Ali Hester Paul Dan (Halifax))
Day 2 Monday - Vallee Blanche
Early start picked up snow shoes extendible poles and a harness and headed up Aguille de Midi lift to 3854m. Calum was maybe a bit merry still and was geeing me up he was so stoked we were so high and the mountain views were incredible. We stood in the ice tunnel getting excited while we roped up with me at the front and 5 guys attached to me for the walk down across the narrow arrete to the pillow white snow fields below. We gripped the ropes for dear life as we slipped down and Calum sang "To the left" all the way down.Once there we were amazed at the panorama around us as we boarded up and rode down some freshies away from beaten track. At one stage I was first after Sebastian, riding his tracks across a snow bridge over a crevasse and it was faster than I have ever boarded but I was too terrified to move from his tracks an inch so I got faster and faster!We took our boards off and adjusted our snowshoes and poles then roped up for a hike up for 1hr and 10 mins.I was just running out of oomph when we stopped for lunch and to view our next descent fantastic.I boarded up quickly and chased Calum down to get the feshest lines-awesome!Then we toe slid across some rocks then a steep and deep then long flattish traverse that burnt the thighs on heel edge for ages.Finally slalomed through glacial blue ice and rocks just sprinkled with snow down Mer de Glace to reach the Montenvers train.A long climb up steps to the telepherique back to the Montenvers train finished us off.A smile was stuck on my face all day and cheeks are rosy- a great day!
See the map from our lunch stop on Periades glacier to Montenvers base in Chamonix here
Day 3- Tuesday Courmayeur Off Piste
Headed over to Courmayeur today by car. Caught lifts up to very top of mountain where it only goes off piste and only groups with guides are allowed. Took the helmet cam today, no snowshoes though.First descent was pretty steep and cruddy and I did not manage any turns but then we hiked a bit and headed into beautiful powder and slightly less steep so I got my rhythm and started my quick turns.We headed thru the trees a little and filming from the back the rest breaks were so short I really got leg burn. I caught up with the groupand nearly dropped a big cliff to hard flat but avoided it in time. We found a couple of small kickers which I filmed then rode.Finally we traversed out on heel edge and sheer pain in my legs we hiked a while.
We finished back at Dollone in Courmayeur village where we picniced in a field.Then we jumped on the magic carpet of the nursery slopes and thru the punch bags of the kiddie slopes to get some gradient for a roller coaster ride to the bubble.Back up the top we got some really awesome powder and this time on the steeps I was popping my turns with rhythm and no leg burn, sweet!It finished in death valley a complete terrain trap and you could see avalanche debris around us.We hiked and rode along a river bed, I had to jump over the river when I got trapped and a few times had last minute ollies over holes in the snow over the stream. Emma sank 1 leg up to her hip and had to drag it out with much effort.It took ages to get out from there and we were exhausted digging ourselves out. Also our boards were wrecked by the rocks and stones.Back on piste we headed back over to the other side of lifts and then off piste down a crud singletrack that was fast and punishing on thelegs. Even across a back yard right to the car park! That is commitment to ski in/ski out! Phew exhausted!Popped into town to get my extendable poles and beer at "the pub", got chatting to Dan from Oz who is on the off piste course this week.Big day tomorrow so trying for early night. 11!
Day 4 - Wednesday Tour Noir Glacier
Today we drove to Grand Montets and took 2 chairs up- down a piste and booked onto the telecabine to the very top at 3000m, gave us a chance for a chocolat chaud and some route planning on map before our turn on the lift. There we headed off to skiers right out of bounds to the Argentiere glacier some cool powder descent to the glacier then snowshoes on we trekked up to the Tour Noir glacier, a fair climb with lunch stop half way. Tried the shewee for the first time which worked well but took a bit of getting used to. Fascinated the guys though, and I think I got away lightly with some of the comments.I led the trek up from lunch and was told to slow down by guide Sebastian! I counted 50 paces then a breather and repeat as it got harder. He called us to stop and board up so my kit was off in no time then half the group carried on which was frustrating as I would have gone too. They made a big deal of it of course but I am sure they did not get that many more turns in than us considering the extra 30 mins it took them.From there it was awesome smooth turns, fresh lines and fun fun fun!
Back on the Argentiere glacier we had to use our poles to scootch along which was a new technique for me and I was glad of my new poles as everyone struggled to extend theirs.Some awesome glacial sites as we weaved close to the crevasses and seracs which made a stunning backdrop and made you realise how dangerous and adventurous this all was. Luckily Darrell was snapping away so we have some great shots to remember it. As usual a calf burning traverse and a few blue ice glacial pieces to slide over before we popped out on a black run and descended to the lifts and car park.My board is shot since the rock fest of death valley yesterday a huge ding in my heelside rail that makes piste riding tough. So time for some shopping!
See the map here
Day 5
Today we took the telecabine up from Flegere and then the index lift and Floria drag where we put our crampons on, poles out and climbed up and over the Floria peak. On the top we boarded up and traversed over a couple of km then crampons on again and a steep climb up the Col de Crochues. Pretty tired and sweating loads in the hot sun when we reached the cornice I thought shit where do we ride from here but alas we had arocky scramble still to climb. We had to hold Paul back from dropping off the cornice its so deceiving and looks a good place to rest!So we roped up and climbed toghether Sebastaian first then Emma then Me then Ed. It was rocky and icy and very exposed, suddenly Sebastian called my name and I looked up for a photo of me on this snowy arrete with a sheer drop either side. Wow! Exhilarating!While we downclimbed a snowy incline to have our lunch with awesome views and loads more sun, Darrell was climbing up and losing crampons on that scramble- ow! We dug some snowpits then boarded up and had some awesome fresh powder tracks through huge bowls and across Lac Blanc, which we had to pole over like gondoliers on our boards. Then we hit some slushy crud stuff which punished the legs adjusting to the juddering with fast twitch muscles to absorb the minor bumps, I got some cool windlip turns and twisted thru trees. Back on piste and Ed arrived having sideslipped and nosedived his way down with one bent nose tip to his board. As my board is splitting badly too and I did not want that too happen on our biggest day tomorrow I went shopping with the suport of the boys and Emma and bought a Burton Feel Good ES 155cm. Hope I love it! Bit grumpy tonight very tired and fed up of spending 3hrs at dinner each night talking to people, gets a bit much when you are so used to being alone all the time!
See the map here
Day 6- Friday Col du Passon
See the map here
Day 7- Saturday Hangover Rest Day
It is snowing for first time since I got here having had blue skies and bright sun all week. Had to check out at 11am so went for a long lunch in Cham with Dan and Richard. Had a great chat- wandered round shops with them then met Is and headed to Mark's place. It was fun to see him as he is enjoying it so much. Had chicken wings for dinner in the bar by Spar then slept like a baby I was so tired.
Day 8- Sunday Le Tour White Out Off Piste
Joined Is as it was her first day out and on new skis, only a few lifts were open so I off pisted near the red run which was deep snow but such a white out hard to tell how fast you were going and what was up and down. Eventually I got dug in in deep snow and had to hike out up to my thighs so got very tired and called it a day.
Day 9- Monday Rest day
Felt exhausted and ill all night think my body is run down so I took a rest day and went shopping and then just sitting around reading and doing the Everest impossible jigsaw at Mark's! Couple of drinks in evening with Is, Mark, Andy and Madeline.
Day 10- Tuesday Le Tour Tete de Balme/Vallorcine Off Piste
Back on form today and as its been snowing for 3 days now and around 90cm on the ground plus the sun came out I went to Le Tour and joined the huge queues up the lifts. I headed straight over to Tete de Balme Esserts lift and rode the piste too worried about going off alone, but piste was choppy already and too many people to avoid. Once on the chair I picked out the off piste lines within view of the chair and saw where others were going so I headed out skiers right under the chair at 1st pylon and over the ridge (not into Scandi trap) and chose some sweet untracked powder near the chair line down (Esserts chair). On my 3rd run I dropped a little towards Scandi trap and deboarded and hiked up where I bumped into Mark and Al. So rest of the day I rode with them. 2 more times down that run then went skiers right from lift over unpisted blue run the off piste on completely fresh deep snow all way down to Vallorcine for some frites and a chocolat chaud.
Back up and it was cold and weather closing in so we headed back across pistes the off piste route and from the top of Charamillon we traversed skiers left twice then I had to hike and scoot along the ridge with Al's help before we dropped again thru untracked lines to the car park at Le Tour. Rode from 10:30 -5pm- wow- exhausted but what a way to finish off the holiday!
See the map here
Got home soaked and packed my bags then out for Italian at Casa restaurant with Is, Mark and Al- then home to bed I was shattered and could not wait to sleep! Tomorrow I get my transfer home- tired, refreshed and renewed- this week I came alive again!
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