My first blizzard

Yesterday (Wednesday) i awoke to a howling wind and radio reports that most roads in area were shut. The wind was gusting to 100 kph, blowing the snow and reducing visibility to zero at times. The temperature was -9, but the wind chill made it -25. All the schools were shut as were many businesses. A dangerous day to be on the roads. So i stayed home for the day, did some reading and caught up on some sleep.

If you have never experienced -25, and most of my friends back home have not, you may wonder what it feels like. The first thing is that the cold air kind of tickles your throat and lungs making you cough and you breath slower to make it stop, and any uncovered skin feels like there is an ice cube on it.

Invigorating indeed!!

The down wind side of my car

A new sport

I have taken up a new sport, and it does not require me to master skating as ice hockey would, or cost a fortune like a ski doo would, but it does require skill and uses more energy than you might think. I am part of a curling team. For the Australians who don't know what curling it is best if follow this link; curling . Last week was my first game and we won 9-7. Curling is big in Canada and people of all ages play it. It is included in some school sport curriculum's.

Adrian

More snow

Over the last four days we have had 25-35 cm of snow. Winter is looking at her best again.

You know you are in Canada when:

• you spend the first 15 minutes after arriving at church clearing the snow off the footpath and entry way
• you leave you water bottle in the car during the day and it freezes
• the roads are better to drive on in winter because the potholes have frozen over
• your friends have stories about hitting deer with their car and not kangaroos
• many people don't know what a fortnight is
  
• after church you have to remove 10 cm of snow from your car

• your neighbour's dog looks more wolf than poodle

This is Shamus and despite his wolf like appearance he is real friendly.

Keep warm and keep shoveling

Adrian

This mornings drive into church was a hairy one. It was snowing when i left home, but only 1 km down the road visibility went from 500m to 100m, or less. The snow was sticking to the windscreen and i only had a hole the size of a football to look through. At those times the focus is to stay on the road and on the right side of the road. Two hours later, the sun was shining.

The view from the church door

A question for Canadians: if it is raining heavy it is said to be "raining cats and dogs", what is heavy snow called?

Adrian XO

PS: For those who don't know, you can leave a comment on my blog even if you don't have a google account. Just click other or anonymous and leave your name at the end of your comments.

It's back

Yay, the snow has returned. When i looked out my lounge room window this morning i was excited to see that the snow is back. This is much better. I didn't travel half way around the world to have an Australian winter.

A photo i snapped of the Sachs family's farm yard this morning.

Adrian

Where has the snow gone?

On Sunday temperatures lifted to 4 degrees and it started to rain. Yesterday we had a high of 11 and this morning most of the snow is gone. There are only little bits of snow left here and there. Winter seems to have gone on vacation.

Whiteface

On Thursday and Friday we skied Whiteface mountain at Lake Placid, the sight of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The mountain is about 1km in height from the bottom of the gondola to the top of the highest ski run. The first day was -22 when we started skiing, but the sun was shinning making it a beautiful day. I had five layers under my jacket to keep warm, but i had to take my jumper off at lunch time because I was too hot. The skiing was great, there were plenty of runs for me to choose from. I kept off the hardest runs, but did go to the top once.

Whiteface from a distance

I'm the one in the red jacket. The gondola went 2/3's of the way up the mountain.

Our group from the top of the gondola. From the left Philip, Adam, Me, Laura, Steve, John, Andrew, Emilie.

Steve and Emilie; check out the backdrop.


Looking to the top of Whiteface. I skied down the run on the left.

My time at Whiteface was brilliant. The skiing was great, even though i am physically exhausted and have muscles that never want to don skis again. The hardest part was getting my legs working on day two. I crashed twice with the only injury being to my pride.

Thank you to the Sachs/Hachey clan for inviting me to join them on their annual ski trip.

Blessings,

Adrian XO

My skiing holiday

Last Wednesday I drove with a group down to Lake Placid, Upper New York State for four days holiday. At the Canadian/US boarder I was pulled aside for closer inspection. Thankfully a search of my person was not necessary and after 45 mins of being mucked around we were again on our way.

Some hours later I was asked for my ID when buying beer at a supermarket. At the age of 36 made my day, especially seeing that 21yo Laura was not asked for her ID.

After 14.5 hours of traveling, shopping and sitting at the US boarder our car arrived at the chalet; we swapped traveling stories with the others, had dinner and settled into our accommodation.

Our chalet and garage/gym.

I'm looking forward to the new three days.

Adrian

PS: The Canadian version of beach volley ball.

Christmas

I must apologize for ignoring my blog over Christmas. It has been very busy with the many worship services and Christmas celebrations that have made my Canadian Christmas special. I will be bringing you up to speed on my Christmas adventures over the next few weeks.

I will start by showing off my new skill; skating. On Sunday afternoon i donned ice skates for the first time and with the help of my instructor Cheryl i managed to stay upright. More over, with Cheryl's constant instructions "just take small steps" i felt that i was actually skating, even though i didn't have a go on my own. Last night the youth went skating and i was solo from the beginning and i didn't fall once. Almost.




Tomorrow i am going with a group from the church to Lake Placid, New York State, for four days skiing. Nice. I will keep you posted.

New Year's blessings to you all

Adrian XO