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TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
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We have made it to our first stop on adventure! After relatively painless journey to Calgary (although taking two huge snowboard bags on the tube in the rush hour not recommended) we met up with our landlord Graham for a few beers and the lowdown on the small town of Fernie where we are to spend the next few months. Keys exchanged, we headed up on a four hour boneshaker bus across the Rockies to arrive in Fernie late Sat 4th.
The last week have been spent getting to know the town (charming, turn of the century place with pretty much all you need) and the mountain, a series of 4 bowls off which around 100 runs can be found. Many more, if you count the routes I am making for myself through the trees. The terrain is super steep in places, but the inland snow (we are around 15 hours drive from the coast) means the snow is super light and hence more stickable on the huge gradients.
Have been up on the mountain every day pretty much so far and my snowboarding is getting better already, with a pretty intense 1on1 camp for the past 3 days which included a lot of video footage to analyse my mistakes! R has been on skis and having bought a pair of powder ones seems to be almost as at home on two planks as one. I have a sprained wrist from trying to catch a particularly strong rope pull with one hand rather than two, but it doesn't seem to have affected the boarding (but is inhibiting the drinking a bit!)
Ah yes, the cold weather is pretty epic here and whilst we are getting used to wearing 5 layers its still a bit strange to see frostbite warning signs everywhere. Luckily although the weather is cold the locals are really warm and friendly, and we have met a load of great chaps and chapesses. Two in particular to single out - Butch and Clare we salute you and hope we still board as well as you when we are 58 and 62!
Plans over the next few weeks include an avalanche course, possibly some cat skiing and snowmobiling too. The snow is coming down pretty much every day and there are still a number of hidden spots on the mountain where is stays pretty clear - great for those of us who aren't so good at getting up early!
Well there is a spare room in our flat and so give us a shout if you fancy escaping for a bit!
V and R
previous travel blog entry
Andy and Olivia says:
Lovely to see yo having great time, keep warm and enjoy!!Much love O&A