Super (or not) Slalom at C.O.P

First race of the season done, and guess what I won!!

But, really, now for the full story.

Today we headed off to Calgary Olympic Park in the wee hours of the morning for a 'fun' slalom race. It was not serious, but, the National B Mens Alpine team were there and the course was rather tight - they definitely don't set gates like these at the Australian Uni Games!

My first two runs were okay, the third a little shaky on the icier upper section. Although there was very little competition (the only other female 'soft booter' being an 10 year-old girl) it was good to get back in the start gate and have a bit of 'race day' experience, as the coach says.

Plus, all of the team came away with some chocolate - see Don, Nate and Rob enjoying theirs up on the picnic table podium.

C.O.P was interesting, there is a suburb just off the back side and it is very much in Calgary itself. It would be a fantastic place to teach the kids to ski, an under eight lift pass is only $8 for the day... if only that was the case in Australia.

In other news, I managed to do quite well at University this semester, giving Mum and Dad some relief that they haven't raised a complete snow bum. Also, planning is going ahead for the Nor-Am trip where from Jan 12th to February 13th we will race Big White (BC), Mt Hood (OR), Steamboat (CO), Alpine Meadows (CA) and Canyons (UT). I am still trying to decide whether to sign up for the Stoneham World Cup, being unsure whether I am really up to it. More thinking is to be done on this point.

Finally, I did bake that Flourless Chocolate Cake - almond meal secured eventually. It looks delicious and I can't wait until after dinner to enjoy!

Smiles and thumbs up from Canmore.