japan2012

Destination Risitsu!!

Gate 7

Skiing Day Nine: Sunday Jan 15.

Oh no!! Only 10cm of fresh snow overnight. Temperature still very cold, -15C through the day. Light snow continued to fall all day, although by 4.00pm the flakes are heavier, thicker and persistent. By this stage of the tour all groups are confidently navigating between all four resorts, some skiing between two and heading to a third for lunch. Lunch for most groups today was at the Annapuri Hotel Buffet, all you can eat for 1800yen. Dave was deflated with his inability to “peak” his soft serve ice cream – it continued to droop before he could get it to the table. Of course Dave and Mick disgraced themselves in the gondola on the way home – that’s one gondola that definitely needs a new coat of paint inside! Marg P skied with the B Team for the morning and enjoyed repeated fresh track runs through the trees at lower Annapuri, punctuated by a short Hot Chocolate break.
The Boyz boarded happily through Gate 7 and again through their “secret” spot.  Sophie and Sarah started the morning skiing with their brother Dan, but they dusted him off early, sending back to his lodge! Ross and Margret C began a little later, but still found a few tracks. Margret sounding a little complacent with “just an average day” in paradise!! If the conditions today at Hirafu could be duplicated at Buller, Victorians would be talking about it for years. Ken has fallen in love with his hire skis as they are a little fatter and a bit shorter. Dave has been skiing Kens old skis and negotiations have begun.

Jacqui has finally succumbed to the dreaded lurgy. Type A flu and now confined to her room in isolation. Medicated now and the doctor says she will be OK in a couple of days.

Tonight will be dinner out. Most of our touring party have discovered Dancing Dave from Hobart, who is flogging Indian “cuisine” from a mobile Taj Mahal van. Spicy Chicken seems to have done the job and keep customers regular. Some heading to the Fridge Door for an aperitif.

Tomorrow will be a huge day as we are heading to Risitsu. Early start, full day skiing and Buffet dinner at the Resort Risitsu. The snow continues to fall so we are all hopeful of another outstanding day skiing as close to back country as can be achieved whilst using chair lifts.

Another great day in deep powder snow paradise!

PS.. Hugh supplied these pictures, thanks to him, now please dis-regard the photo I inserted a few days ago with Hugh hugging the Ninja Platypus! Thank you.

Gate 7

Greg getting air!