This weekend will be the last open weekend of sunshine ski resort and I thought it fitting to write something that ties in with the official end of my ski season out here in Banff. The break that I have taken from work, proper work, and what I have gained from it.
I look at the photos from the past 6 or so months and what I have written in the various blogs. Not entirely sure who even reads them but I've found it to be a constructive process in writing them and even a pleasure thinking back at the good times. Don't get me wrong, as in every part of life there have been the down times, but I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to come out here, put a pause on my career and live something like a dream, never knowing if it is real or not.
From the experiences I’ve had, to the friendships I've built. The latter of which I've found to be very important to me. Some I need to put the effort in and restore to what they were as it saddens me somewhat that I've lost touch or have chosen to not hang out with. I guess this is the tricky thing, making the decision to hang out with people that might or might not be good for you. All the stuff you read about striving for a better you and a well rounded life experience etc etc.. all good stuff but I find it tricky sometimes. I certainly know not everyone gets on with me haha, my personality is like Marmite, or Vegemite for any Aussie that might read this article ;-).
Anyway, enough of the sentimental nonsense but thought I'd share a little about what's going on in my head, not just the cool stuff.
So what have I been up to?? Well there were a few bucket list items I wanted to do whilst over here. One of them was the Delirium Dive, free ride ski area, where you needed avalanche packs. It has this crazy drop in at the top, just a super steep ski area that honestly makes your bottom wobble when looking over the edge.. and yeah, absolutely smashed it. I remember at the start of the season what I was able to ski down and to think how far I've come. Yes m,y technique might be questionable, and I've very much still an absolute jerry in powder, but there are moments where you have to be proud you've completed something, and being able to say I've done this is one of them.
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| Delirium is the whole area on the left side of this ridge |
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| Just about tell the steepness of the slope. Mind blowing but I ended up smashing this run a number of times. |
I finally got a job. About three weeks ago I started at Guenthers Landscaping. To be fair, whilst the work has been hard, I've loved working outdoors. Already got a disgusting tan on the arms and face that only further highlights the paistiness of my body. As the supervisor I get to drive the truck, a 1970's Ford F-150, that whilst absolutely gutless, is so cool. Just love cruising down Banff Ave with the windows down, listening to the radio whilst going top the next site. I probably look an absolute douche but I love it.
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| This is Brute, yep the truck actually has the name Brute on its side. |
There's been the skiing of course. The final days of spring skiing has been so warm that I've even skiid in just a T-shirt. The beenie, or Toque as the Canadians call them, has been replaced with a cap. Functional, yes... steeziness questionable.
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| Picture from the ridge line at Lake Louise featuring my new goggles I won in a press up competition |
Then there are the friendships. Some friends have gone home, some are here for the summer and I'm looking forward to spending my time here in this magical place surrounded by these people.
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| Fondue lunch was so goooood - loved hanging out with this one, must try to rebuild the friendship |
My boys, Dan's gone which is sad, having spent the whole ski season pretty much living and riding with him. JB is here for the summer and I'm looking forward to all the cool stuff we have planned already.. minus the fact he won't come horse riding with me. His immediate response, and not because of it's Broke Back connotations but his fear of horses, "f*ck off mate". Charming, haha. Then there's Michael, never see him these days with work but a true legend.
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| The last night with Dan |
Then there were the walks around town. It only takes a few minutes out of town and the views of the surrounding countryside blows you away. The lakes, the mountains. Stunning. A few weeks back I went for a short hike up the side of one of the local mountains and had a lovely picnic with a mate. Beautiful views and great company always makes for a great day.
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| Mt Rundle in all it's glory |
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| Finally got a photo with the sign on the way back from our short hike |
About a month or so ago, i made a fire to cook a BBQ on, and don't ask me how I managed it but I got ash in my eye which led me to going to Calgary twice to an eye specialist. Anyway, all is fine now, but the other good thing to come of it was having to wear these bad boys for the day. And playing the blind man whilst Holly walked me across the road, which whilst ethically questionable, did make me chuckle walking past Chinese tourists.
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| Classic cataract glasses |
Thinking back on all the skiing, it's been a pretty sick season. I might not have had the powder they had last year and that's certainly an area I need to work on, not to mention I wanted to be able to do tricks by the end of the season, but the experience on the whole has been unbelievable.
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| Low light days with the boys |
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| Powder hunting |
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| First time skiing with no poles was an experience |
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| Sometimes you just need to rest the legs |
Then there was last weekend - one of the funniest days on the mountain. The board shorts and bikini day at Sunshine. Yep, spent most of the day topless it was that warm, and when I did wear a shirt... it was this pink bad boy. Will definitely be making an appearance at the slush cup on monday.
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| Working on my jumps |
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| Ended up winning at the slalom racing which was hilarious and for a good cause |
Then there are the summer activities that we are already starting on. Chilled days down by the river. Hikes through the woods, with bear spray at the ready. I can't express the level of background fear to any activity ion the woods. From cougars, to wolves, to black bears to Grizzlies. Everything here wants to rip your head off and it's frickin scary, and I love being in the woods. I actually find peace being surrounded by the trees, but I think I feel a little more comfortable when I'm camouflaged and have my SA80 rifle at my side.
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| Chilled Sunday down by the river - Have now bought a hammock following chilling in this |
On Thursday we had a rain day from work, i.e it was cancelled so I messaged the group to see who was available, and me old chum JB was so we decided to go for a short hike. This short hike has ended with my knees and back killing me and left JB with a stress fracture in his foot. We hike hard. Having originally planned for a short few kms, we rather stupidly thought we could hike to Canmore around the back of the mountains through the woods and the river valleys.. well we succeeded but blimey was it a mission. The coffee and cake on arrival in canmore was possibly the nicest I've had, and that's not just because we'd just survived our own stupidity. 30kms through silly terrain was both awesome and tough. Very pleased to have done it but might do something shorter next time.
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| Spray River |
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| At the old dam |
So what next? Slush cup is on Monday which should be incredible/ hilarious. I have plans for going kayaking, hiking, biking and proper outdoor mountain climbing, in between working and partying of course. YOLO and all that. I've certainly experienced a lot over the last few months and I'm very much looking forward to the adventures yet to come.
I'll keep you posted.
