Trip Updates
Sunday, 4 September, 2022 (Fathers Day)
probably goes down as the first camp in history where everyone was at the meeting point (before 6am we might add) and ready to hit the road on time. Well done everyone!!! Interesting fact (and according to Rohan it is a fact) that the average time it takes a child to ask "How much longer is it?" is 1 hour 40 mins. We made it to 2 hours, 10 minutes before Ethan broke the drought.
After a couple of stops en route (our favourite was the playground at Mansfield), we were greeted by the much awaited white caps of Mt Buller. After a snow taxi drop off to our lodges, we dumped our bags and headed off to find the gnomes around the village and explore some snow. We were fitted out for out skis/boards before heading back for some down time at the lodge (throwing snowballs, creating an ice slide, playing pool and table tennis). Dinner was very much appreciated, as was an early night. Nothing like a good night's sleep in preparation for our lessons tomorrow.
Photos for day one are uploaded to:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VnqPQib9YP96pQD17
Our first day on the slopes!! And what a ripper it was! To be fair, getting to the lesson (on time) proved a challenge with all the belongings that needed to be brought and then to carry everything to the Ski School. Never-the-less we all arrived and were divvied off into our respective skiing or boarding groups with some pretty awesome instructors. Our first lesson was at 8.30am and went for an hour and a half. Our first time skiiers hit the carpet run and practiced putting on/taking off skies, stopping, directional control and, of course, how to fall daintily. Our boarders hit Bourke St straight away and learned fast how to exit a ski lift without going under it when disembarking. Our boarders learned how to clip in, get up, toe side, heel side and, of course, fall daintily.
Lunch was terrific at ABOM and filled our tummies. After a little bit of a free ski/board after lunch, it was time for our second lesson. Our skiiers ventured onto ski lifts and took on Bourke St as their first real slope. It was great to see them snaking down the mountain in great style. The boarders further practiced their skills on Bourke St also. At the conclusion of the lesson, some students chose to return for a rest at the lodge, whilst others continued on with skiing/boarding on the same of different slopes.
We were treated to delicious chicken burgers, potato salad, sticky date pudding and ice cream for dinner. Yummo!! There was much happy chat and laughter that filled the lodge tonight. It was great to hear all the lovely comments our students were making to each other about the great things they did on the slopes today. There is sure to be another sound night of sleeping tonight.
Photos for day two are uploaded to:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/upJCuP3tAXkevLED9
Happy Birthday Rylan!!
Day two on the slopes and boy did the kids do amazingly! It only took a short while for everyone to find their snow feet and continue to further their skiing and boarding skills. Another 8.30am lesson (which we were comfortably on time for) followed by a bit of a free ski/board. Even before lunch, our groups were venturing further afield (to Shaky knees and Family Run). Lunch at ABOM. 1.30pm lesson after which students decided if they wanted to head back to the lodge or continue for a free ski/board on Baldy and Burke St. We were lucky with the weather again today.
For those who wanted to, there was a quick trip to the village for a few souvenirs and then a yummy dinner of spaghetti bol, garlic bread, birthday cake (thanks Cat) and apple and rhubarb slice. Energy in the lodge was positive and high before hitting the hay. Mr O was recruited for a quiz because 'you were alive in the 80's'! No doubt it will be another deep sleep for all our skiers and boarders.
Photos for day three will be added to:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/aUdpTLshX4raQiPR8
A bit of a change with the weather this afternoon but that didn't dampen our efforts on the slopes. The day ran as per the last two with the exception of a later afternoon lesson. We can't tell you how impressive our students are on the slopes - both with their skills and attitudes. All our students are taking what they are learning in their lessons and putting them into action during their free time between lessons. They certainly are putting the adults to shame (although Rohan is yet to loose $10 in a speed race). The groups are getting to explore plenty of the mountain now that their skills and confidence have grown incredibly.
We pegged it home for a quick dinner (curry, rice, naan bread and cheescake) before heading out to the movies to see 'Bob the Builder Builds a Burger Shop for Bob' (some kids think it's called 'Bob's Burgers'). Back and straight to bed for our final day on the slopes.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zazbXxSVM1HyCnhy6
Happy Birthday, Ella!!
'Holy Guacamole!" as Jake would say! Did the weather come in overnight! We woke up to blustery winds, rain and fog. So much so that all chair lifts were shut down and there was a cheer in the lodge when the kids realised that we were having a chill day in the lodge. The day was unexpectedly filled with chill out time, Minute to Win It (thanks Andy), the Folding Story (check them out on the photos - thanks Mark) and a movie (Shrek)/milo/marshmallow sesh. Our biggest adventure today was heading to ABOM for lunch and a little bit of souvenir shopping.
Not the day we had planned but very relaxing and enjoyable. Semi ready for our trip home tomorrow and looking forward to sharing our stories with our families.
Bus tomorrow is set to leave at 12pm. Estimated 5 hour travel time home but we will keep families posted via Compass on our progress home.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/JP9BLXzQMVdtyi149
9/9/2022