The holidays were quite the whirlwind and unfortunately my blog has suffered! My apologies for being so late in posting, here we go:
The busy Aussie and Kiwi holiday weeks were a test of all of our abilities as well as a huge learning experience for me! I can now safely say that I've been through enough hectic days to be comfortable in my new coordinating role. Throughout the month, one just had to take a deep breath and appreciate the environment we work in. Everyday, the beauty of the mountain range reminds me why I love what I do!
With the month of July came the return of the Keas, the cheekiest birds I've had the pleasure of meeting. These alpine parrots entertain themselves by stealing people's hats and gloves left unattended, snacking on left over food and picking at the rubber on people's cars. The little buggers are cute and very mischievous.
Cheeky Kea on a Jeep
Chilin' on the roof
Kea in flight
One beautiful morning
A new and stunning sunrise
To all those interested: Pete is no longer a long haired hippy. No, don't cry. At first I was quite saddened that my redheaded wonder was no longer so red. But he does look pretty good. I would also like to report that he no longer scares small children.
"The better to sell lessons, my dear!"
Pete with a fresh haircut and a big... drink.
As the school holidays came to end, we decided it was time to celebrate. Being all so far from our families and craving a bit of tradition, we celebrated Christmas on the 25th of July. There was food and drink for all (yummy home made mulled wine and eggnog) and we all exchanged gifts... some more thoughtful than others.
Our lovely christmas cookies
"Christmas friends!": Zeljka, Gill and Pete
The AMERICAN flatmates: Reva, Rob and Heather
Some of the girls: Georgie, Cate and Heather
A rather disturbed Santa
A very special christmas cookie for Gar
Christmas family photo... spot the Nathan in the tree?
Ah, work. Now that we aren't dealing with waves and waves of tourists, its easy to see why I LOVE MY JOB!!!! No really, playing with kids and adults alike on a sunny mountain is about as good as it gets. Not to mention, getting ride time makes it all that much better.
The last week of July, Joss (another coordinator and friend) and I found a few hours to hike up a new run that we both hadn't done yet. I finally got to see what lay beyond our mountain and experience new views of the runs I've done many times before.
Enda, one of the Kids Instructors, attacked by an angry mob of children
The kids ski instructors and... Pete!
View of Sugar Bowl
View of the Chutes and a frozen Alta Lake
Joss right after a pretty scary near miss...
What Joss and I hiked that afternoon
For all of you back home, I love and miss you very much! More to come, much sooner this time.
HUGS and KISSES
