Last day was a cracker!

We made the most of our last day of skiing. Managed to do all our favourite runs and a few new ones. Worked our elaborate routes where Tim could do his green runs and we could do our blues and then we would meet up. Over the past two days we have been using an app that measures our skiing. My top speed was 63km / hr this morning and Jack hit 65! Our average speed was more like 17. Apparently Jack clocked 70 this afternoon but it didn't save?? Took the camera out today so no snow photos here. All our blog pics have been taken on my phone. After the skiing we headed into town to buy packing tape and a ski bag to get Grant's new toys home. We then found  Smokin' Moes for dinner, Jack was in meat heaven! Was probably the most 'all American' looking place we have eaten in. Unfortunately Liz was too unwell to come visit, a two hour trip, so we had a good chat on the phone tonight. Next trip, mmmmmm, we plan to spend time with her in Steamboat Springs. We are nearly packed, shuttle picks us up at 11am and then we have about 16 hours travel to get home. Looking forward to some warm weather and snuggles with Yoda. 

Grant's all sorted!

Last night on the way back from our spa, Jack sprinted up the staircase, apparently being chased by his brother, and got his big toe jammed in a door, ouch. The injured toe was feeling pretty tender today, so it spent the day on the couch. Tim helped to look after the toe in the morning, while Grant and I spent the morning with Pat getting Grant's new monoski customised. After lunch, while the toe continued to recoperate, three of us headed out to test the new mono. Lift loading was even easier and the skiing was pretty impressive, so it got a double thumbs up. Our food supplies are running low, so we headed out for tea tonight. Tomorrow we may be catching up with Liz, who we stayed with 22 years ago when we were here. One more day to go. We are all looking forward to coming home to summer.

More adventures

We had another adventure this morning. When we got to the bottom of the hill and looked up to find Grant, we saw a blob and a line that wasn't moving. We saw someone stop to give assistance, the line moved, but the blob remained. Jack was sent up to investigate, he had the phone. Once he arrived at the scene I got a call to say that Grant's ski binding had released and they were having trouble putting it back together with his mono. So I headed up to help. But by the time I arrived Jack had applied those great problem solving skills and saved the day; Grant was back in one piece. After lunch the boys headed over to investigate the tubing, which they loved, while Grant and I had a lovely afternoon together exploring some new territory. At the end of the afternoon we all met at the disabled skiers base, Grant's mono had arrived from Denver. It will be attached to the seat and have adjustments made first thing tomorrow. We also did a wee spot of shopping, got Tim some new ski pants for a bargain price and found a stand with ski helmet coverings, Tim fell in love with the racon. On the way back to our ski locker we stopped to toast some mashmellows. A busy day all round. Just two days to go and sunny skies are forecast. Back continues to improve, still tweaking a bit.

Grant makes a big purchase

The money has been paid and tomorrow afternoon Grant's Nissin monoski gets assembled. We got to choose a ski and a spare this afternoon - thankfully the skis are free, donated by Heàd. Big Christmas pressie for Grant! The weather today was very cold with a few snow showers, but we did some great skiing. Jack thinks it was his best afternoon ever. While Tim zoomed down his favourite route, including a number of jaunts through the trees, the rest of us hit some more challenging blue / black slopes, so much fun - everyone was beaming. I'm getting by on deep heat back rubs and drugs, Grant had 4 voltarin tablets and some other pain killers. Love that hot tub at the end of the day! Best of luck with the big move Chris, will be thinking of you. 

Snow showers and sun

My back was a bit better today so we were back on the slopes. The weekend crowds had gone and the slopes were lovely and empty. The snow that feel yesterday left soft powder for us to experience today. Most powder experiences were positive, except for when Tim decided to go straight and fast, resulting in a painful snow-angel pose! We had snow showers on and off, at times we had sunshine and snow at the same time, I managed to capture this in one of today's photos. Have included a photo of part of the disabled snow sports facility, where they work on equipment and store the bi-skis. Grant has been offered a very good deal on a mono like the one he is using. We wil meet with Pat, the wizard who puts these skis together, early tomorrow morning and it looks like we may be bringing a new mono home with us! More snow is forecast tomorrow and then three days of sunny weather, hopefully the back pain will be gone tomorrow, so I can enjoy this amazing place in a pain-free state. 

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Quite a quiet day today. We had a sleep in and hit the slopes just before 11. The snow started early in the morning and fell on and off throughout the day. Some nice fresh powder to ski on. After three runs we stopped for lunch, by that that time my back was giving me grief and seized up a bit when we stopped. So rather than heading back to the slopes after lunch, we headed to the hot tub - just what I needed, and the boys enjoyed a snow ball fight in the tub. Spent the afternoon on the couch with my book and one of my foot heating pads on my back. Feeling a bit better this evening. Luckily Grant not longer needs to be lifted onto the chairlift, just pushed off, will get Jack doing this tomorrow. Looking forward to some nice powder skiing in the morning. Tim is showing signs of Pa, he likes to ride up the chairlift with other people and where possible engage them in conversation ... sound familiar?

More great skiing

Boys were pretty sluggish today, so just skied the morning, then they spent the afternoon watching movies. Grant and I were keen to make the most of the day so we went off together this afternoon and explored a new territory, this time on the far right of the ski area, Vasquez Ridge. Had some lovely blue runs, the lift was easy to load and we had a great afternoon. Jack and I usually head off first in the morning, to check out new areas, we are usually away by 9:30 depending how on the ball Jack is, then Grant and Tim join us an hour or so later. It gets pretty cold after 3pm, but we usually ski till 3:30, Grant and I kept going till 4 today. I've included a photo of the ski racks when we stopped for lunch, four mono skis were lined up as well as another guy in a chair. We met the guy who owns the ski Grant is using, he has been in NZ during our winters training our disabled ski team. He mentioned that there is a ski like the one Grant is using for sale in Denver, mmmmmmm, very tempting. Having a quiet night in tonight, all a bit weary. The forecast is for snow tomorrow afternoon, looking forward to some powder.