Such a mission

12:55am. Just got settled in our room at the Sundeck. Absolutely blizzarding. Ozdad is such a champ and we wouldn’t have made it here without him. Seriously one of the biggest missions I’ve ever been involved in. More on this later. I can feel my feet again yay!

haha glad you got there ok. look forward to hearing the story. I’m still up battling this assignment.

I’m pretty much finished and cordsmum is a champ helping me edit it!

Yeah yesterday it was so blizzard on top of mountain!!!
Glad you arrived safety, I would be so scare on my own way up to mountain in dark…
Good on Ozdad

Looking forward to this story!!!

So you are out riding now in all that fresh !!!?

NAh prob sleeping in like last yr

Glad u got there ok! Lookin forward to this story

Haha good work mate!

Went and picked up my stuff from the oz residence thismorning, from what i hear, “it was a nightmare!” , “a nightmare doesnt even come close!!”

The conditions on the roads last night were the sketchiest I’ve ever experienced in Australia. I’ve driven through my fair share of snow storms but nothing compared this this. ozdad’s ute was packed with our gear. I’m talking 30 snowboards, boxes of prizes, gear, two cases of beer, and all our luggage. The tray of his ute was completely full.

Anyway, we really didn’t know what lay ahead as we began our journey from Jindabyne to Perisher. I knew it was snowing up at Perisher but none of us expected the storm we encountered.

From about 10 minutes out of Jindy the weather was getting pretty intense. Lots of snow and very high winds. As we got closer to Perisher it only got worse. Two other cars had already slid off the road and we almost slid off a couple of times ourselves. It takes a bit to get my heart racing, and let me tell you, it was racing. We couldn’t even really stop to put on chains as we needed to keep our momentum going and the roads were so exposed to the wind, it would have been close to impossible. The wind was so bad, we were literally blinded many times during the journey by gusts of snow causing mini tornados right infront of the windscreen. We literally couldn’t see a foot ahead of us - but you can’t touch the brake either, or off the road you go.

Somehow we made it all the way to the Perisher carpark, although the ute was now pretty much not getting out of there without chains. Brian and I both knew we have to get the chains on the rear wheel drive ute. The thing is, we were in the middle of an intense blizzard, completely underdressed, with very little light, and these chains had never been used before, so we basically had to work out how to use these particular style of chains.

I’ve fitted chains countless times before, in bad conditions, but it was almost impossible to get these on. We couldn’t see what we were doing, we were completely blinded by the snow blowing in our faces, and our hands were frozen numb. My pants and shoes were soaked through and I couldn’t feel my feet. At this point I was honestly worried I would get frostbite again on my toes (got frostbite a few seasons ago in Whistler teaching in -26c).

It took us about an hour to get both of the chains on. Brian and I were completely exhausted and so cold it hurt. Eventually Michelle and I were picked up by the snowcat and we bid Brian farewell. At this point I was really worried about Brian getting back to Jindabyne. I would have insisted he stay with us in Perisher but he had to drive the Skitube at 6:30 in the morning.

All our stuff was dumped out of the cat into waist deep snow at the top of the stairs outside the Sundeck. Still frozen, Michelle and I slowly dragged all the stuff into the Sundeck. At this point I was trying not to think about my frozen hands and feet. It was so painful. As soon as we had all our stuff inside, I literally ripped off my pants and shoes and tried to get some warmth back into my body. The worst of it was over. I honestly hope I never have to experience something like that again.

A huge thank you to Brian for what he endured last night. A true champion who dealt with these horrible conditions with good spirits, a laugh and a smile on his face. I know he will probably never want to see my face again but I owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Brian! Kim’s family is so nice. Met ozmum and oznan at their house in Jindy and Nan made me a hot coffee.

That’s it. Pretty intense evening but it all ended well.

Wow thats effing insane!

Things you do for BW aye!

EPIC haha! As horrible as experiences like that can be, I still love them. Its something to look back on. I have experienced some very epic and challenging times with some of my expeditions where I though it was the worst thing in the world, but at the same time loved it.

Makes for a good story, but glad your all safe. Now hope your enjoying some POW

So true. As soon as we were settled in our room I said to Michelle, “well that was quite an experience, but I wouldn’t trade for anything.” I don’t know if Brian feels the same though.

They are gonna be hating boardworldians by the time they have us on Thursday night!

Oh wow
Sounds like u had quiet a night, did u ride today?

Oh yeah! Had a great day. Check the Shred thread.

that sounds like an insane night rider! glad you are all safe and well though!