Sunshine

Despite the title of this posting, no, this isn't another weather related issue. For those unaware, Sunshine is the ski hill just beyond Banff. (I say hill, rather - three massive mountains). It was our first proper outing to a ski resort this year, and a great start it was! They've had loads of the white stuff, there were fresh tracks to be had just off piste (a la Val d' Isere) and the sky was blue. The wind chill on the chair lifts was about minus 35 however, but this wasn't too much of an issue if all skin was covered; Enter, Darth Maul on skis;

As well as ski-ing for the most part of the day with Darth Maul (above), the brother Vader did make an appearance;

Mt Assinaboine is the Matterhorn like Peak in the background behind Brina in the top photo. It's a classic landmark of the Canadian Rockies and it's pretty impressive to be ski-ing (boarding) with it sat on the horizon (as usual, the photo doesn't do it justice, but it's a bloody massive chunk of rock sitting higher than anything else around).

Brina was testing out her new skis, and they're a lot quicker than the old ones. Much to her delight, I inadvertently took us down a black diamond chute through the trees on the second run of the day. After much coaxing (and talking her out of divorcing me for taking her on such a ****ing stupid run) she glissaded down with ease (better than the oik with a snowboard who took her there!). The old board had a fun day out and found some steeper and deeper stuff when Darth Maul went in for an extra cup of hot chocolate and to warm her frozen tootsies.

We got there at last, the season opener was a good un, and hopefully next weekend will provide more of the same. (It may well even be a bit warmer - the crazy Calgary temps were in the minus 40s last week and they're forecasting plus 16 for this Thursday. I don't know many other places with a temperature range of 50 for the daily highs within two weeks).

The Christmas lights are coming out tonight (all the neighbours have had their outdoor lights up since the end of Halloween and our road is like the Strip in Vegas - only less hookers). I don't think I'll be too Christmassy until work is done - only two and a half weeks to go!!!!!!

Hope the weather isn't too crazy where ever you live,

Deck the Halls,

S&S.