Sorry we have been a bit slow getting the next update out but we have been totally distracted by these beautiful mountains and the incredible powder snow everywhere. Here is the latest update:
Weather
Lots of snow dumped down on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Temperatures were between -15 and -20 and there was an avalanche on one of the main roads into Denver that swept 2 cars off the road. Denver and surrounds also had winds between 70 - 120 miles (not km) per hour!! Now before you all start worrying - we have been tucked away in Steamboat - very cold but no winds and no problems with avalanches.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Jackson and Vaughan had 2 days of lessons - mainly to sharpen their skills and to get to know the mountain trails - neither have skiied anything this big before. They are now keen experts and have got to know a few kids in their class and usually meet up with us for lunch on top of the mountain.
Loretta - I have found the perfect spot for us girl! You can ski all the way down the mountain on beautiful green runs in lovely powder snow. I did a 5km run yesterday - sky was blue, no wind and most importantly I did not get out of my skis once and walk down any scary bits! Check out the pics to see how beautiful the trails are.
Fire Alarms:
We were all getting ready for bed the other night, around 11pm, when the hotel's fire alarm started blaring combined with a loud voice telling us to leave the hotel. A little daunting as it was about -20 outside and snowing. We decided to hang about in the lobby till they told us what was happening - only a busted sprinkler on one of the floors thankfully and 20 mins later back to our rooms. I have included a pic of the boy's reaction - check out Al's emergency attire.
Other Stuff:
We have the most amazing large outdoor heated pool with 2 jacuzzis - it is the weirdest feeling sitting outside in the jacuzzi with the snow coming down and the temp at about -20. On one of the coldest nights Al and Vaughan's hair froze while they were in the pool!
Boys have a joint message this update - Steamboat is Powder Cool and wanted to let their brothers, cousins and friends know that they are snowboarding all day in the best snow of their lives...(rubbing it in I think).
Al's conference has started and we all went down to the opening night last night. We have met up with some friends from Newcastle who own a property here - (they come here every year!) We are off to Mexican with them tonight to enjoy more of the local cuisine.
Four more days and then off to Vancouver - big snow predicted for Thur, Fri and Saturday so we are hoping we will be able to fly out from Denver on Saturday morning.
I have uploaded a few more pics for you to check out.
