Smugglers Notch, Vermont

An unexpected invitation from the Maine Wittets to join them skiing at Smugglers Notch (www.smuggs.com) sees me here having a great skiing trip. It has been cold, cold, cold but the sun has been out and the company has been excellent. Alanna suggested a black run this morning which we found to be covered with ice. Alanna and Karin were the only ones who managed to get down on skis. I slid most of the way down on my back nearly taking out Neil on his snowboard on the way. A few photos of us here with the Newcombe family, Pam, Fred and their kids, Pete, Jenna and Collette.

One of the shuttle drivers had a dragon, so of course, I was on the lookout. Alanna found its mates in the village shop and Red has been joined by Smuggs (the blue) and Chilcoot (nickname Chilly, the pink one). As you can see they have made the fridge their home.

I can recommend this ski resort. Loads of varied runs on three mountains. There are wide open pistes and runs through the woods with plenty of moguls for those who wish to do them. Certainly the best skiing this trip.

Skiing at Mont Tremblant

I arrived here on Friday with Debi and Barbara in plenty of time to enjoy the late afternoon, to find that the hotel did not have my reservation. After about 2 hours of waiting around in the reception the mix up was found and we were upgraded. We have a large condo with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Enjoying the skiing though it is mostly on manmade snow due to the unseasonable weather. Here are a few photos of the beautiful scenery and slopes.

More first experiences

I took part in the annual birdcount on Saturday 30th December. This entailed getting up at 5am. It was worth it when Lisa, who had invited me, spotted a Barred Owl fly into the nearby trees. It then came closer after hearing the owl calls from the CD in the car and flew over us. We didn't see anything as exciting the rest of the day but 2 kestrels and a merlin were not bad.

Debi and I finally went night skiing on the nearby Rigaud mountain. It is only small, all green runs and because it is so mild here, all manmade snow. We did 3 runs then went on the chair lift for our 4th. 2 and 1/2 hours later we were still on the lift. Teams of people were hastily arranged to lift us all down. It took 10-15 minutes per car and I was glad it was not the usual -10 degrees for this time of the year. We were hoisted down on a chair which looked like a bent shovel. So I saw the sun set and the full moon rise. That was my first experience of skiing in Canada! I have booked a longer ski trip at Mont Tremblant so hopefully all will go well there.

No photos of the last two experiences so you can make do with a pretty Christmas decoration which is just along the road here and some Rosy photos.