Shred the snow!

Snow Update
Man what a day. As you can see from the picture below, it snowed a fair bit last night.

You can just see a mug poking out from the snow to give you a sense of scale.
The mountain says 22cm. I agree with them. There was plenty of snow around the campground too.

Poor old Weber was covered in snow too.


Shred Update
Man it was like being in Japan - there was so much powder my main concern was going fast enough not to bog down, and going slow enough so I didn't have to retired to the turd to change my underwear. I really feel like things are coming together now.

I was totally blown away while riding the lifts up Blackcomb - the resort is just HUGE. I can't wait until everything is open. You could probably ride for an hour downhill...

We had to quit after lunch, but an 08:30 to 13:30 session ain't too bad.

People Pics
Here's me in my new outfit. Dunno what's wrong with this picture, but I look all dwarf-like... Someone needs to work on their photography skillz.


I kind of like this photo though, has a nice light to it, and a little monkey dancing on a table.


Ready for some food, and some sitting on my ass now.

Out.

White

It's snowed a shitload since yesterday afternoon, so we're up to the mountain nice and early to catch the fresh powder. Blog post with morning pictures, a bit later on this afternoon!

Housewifery, Drive Shafts, NFL, Pizza

Big day yesterday.

Washed some dishes, vacuumed the floor, tidied the turd. Had the football on.
Minnesota CANED the giants, and Philadelphia (not the cheese, the Eagles) NEARLY ended the Patriots unbeaten run. I can feel your care factor dropping.

The Jeep has developed two annoying issues.
1. I think the serpentine belt needs to be tightened.
2. There's a squeak coming from the front of the car when it's cold. I *think* it's one of the joints on the front drive shaft (I don't want to entertain the possibility that it's one of the joints in the wheel right now).

Grr. Just for once it would be nice if everything would go smoothly. The belt is pretty easy, but to see whether it's the drive shaft joints I need to unbolt the front drive shaft. Not a hard job, but it's cold and I'm soft.

Made pizza using the Weber last night. Turned out quite well for a first go - even my hand made dough was ok.
Pizza 1. was left over rib meat, BBQ sauce, and bacon. Could have done with a bit more BBQ sauce to be honest, but wasn't bad.
Pizza 2. was salsa, and left over chilli con carne. Also not bad.

Well off to the bathroom, the shower, and the mountain. Hopefully it's going to snow today, but if the snow's crap up there I'm coming home to work on the Jeep. Actually I'll probably be doing that anyway. Oh well.

Poo, Nachos, Razor

Poo Update
Yesterday I cut off the end of the waste valve to see if I could manually actuate the blade. There's nothing quite like the smell of poo-flavoured ice. No wonder I didn't eat anything until late in the day.

Unfortunately, even though I cut right down to where the valve meets the pipe, the blade is too far in for me to grab it with the pliers.

So tomorrow I will call a septic tank service and find out how much it will cost to get them to come and pump the toilet out. Once that's done, I should be able to unbolt the valve (and probably catch the remaining poo into some kind of receptacle, we shall call it the Poo Chalice) and replace it.

I'm really not looking forward to it, but by the same token I don't want to spend several hundred dollars on getting someone else to do it either. I also don't want to end up wearing a poo hat.

Scarily I'm pretty sure I had a dream about working on the poo valve last night....

Frozen Water Update
The wrapping we've applied to the fresh water intake appears to have stopped the water from freezing at night, although it was quite cloudy again last night.

It's pretty annoying having to leave the warm turd and tramp over to the toilets in the middle of the night. Could be worse I guess. I could be covered in turd.

Nachos!
I made nachos last night. Man they were good. That is all.

Battlestar Galactica
So last night was the long awaited TV movie "Razor". I admit it was kind of disappointing. First of all casting someone with a terrible Australian accent just didn't work. I don't know what it is about our "accent" that is so disturbing on TV, but it makes me cringe. Perhaps it's just repressed memories of Crocodile Dundee. Thanks, Paul Hogan.

I also didn't really give that much of a shit about the back story they were filling. If they were trying to vindicate Admiral Cain's decisions, they didn't do a very good job. Enough nerd stuff for one day.

It's Sunday here in Canadia, which is NFL game day so I get to hang arond the turd and get my fill of football.

Enjoy work peeps :p

Ride baby ride!

Snow Update
There's been no snow here now for a week. Friday the snow was getting a bit crusty, and some brown patches were poking through where the grooming machines had been.

A great day on Thursday with my mad skillz returning, followed up by yesterday morning, where my mad skillz disappeared like a stray muffin left on a desk in the COE at GE.

I can only hope that it's due to tiredness after 6 straight days, otherwise this is going to be a long and frustrating winter.

Someone has been showing off and practising her mad switch skillz. Both of us are making a little air now, but alas the backside 540 still eludes me.


Turd Update
The skies have been completely clear the last few nights, leading to nights of below -5C.
On Thursday morning we turned on the tap, and waited for the water, and nothing came out.

The only part of the fresh water system that wasn't insulated and heated was the fresh water inlet on the side of the turd - and it had frozen due to the cold.

Yesterday we applied bubble wrap to the last part of the hose, and taped down the heat tape right up to the end - the final touches being more wrap around the end of the hose and the inlet.

This morning the water was fine, but the next few days of -8C to -10C at night will tell.

I still haven't tackled the poo valve. I can feel the hacksaw and gloves coming out this afternoon.

Moon Update
Last night I went outside to have a whizz and looked up at the moon - I can't remember what it's called but there was a cool ring around the moon as you can see.

Nothing like the noise from the high ISO settings huh?

I spent more than an hour this morning installing Photoshop CS3 again. I have no idea what the hell is up with that installer - it takes so damn long.

So I've run them through Noise Ninja, and though the noise has been reduced, I'm not sure whether the final product is as good. Oh well.

That's all for today. On my schedule is washing clothes, drying clothes, washing dishes, trying to dump the black tank and perhaps a bit of music.

Toodle pip!

Poo glorious poo!

Oh man, the unthinkable has happened - the blade valve that seals the poo inside the black water tank has broken.

It must have frozen while closed, and when I tried to open it, the shaft has broken away from the actual valve - so we're stuck with a 3/4 full tank of poo, and no way to get it out!

According to this post I should be able to dump the tank even with the broken valve, and then I'll just have to get a new one and somehow fix it. Handyman Leigh to the rescue again.

I will tackle Phase One of Operation Poo Dump tomorrow afternoon.

Wish me luck.

Pain glorious pain..

Well the theme for this week has got to be foot pain.

I think we've both decided now that our boots don't fit properly. Mine are a teeny bit large, and Kat's are too narrow in the toe, and too big in length. Thanks very much to whoever sold them to us.

I don't remember my front foot being this painful in Japan, although I also just read that it could be that my stance is too narrow (interestingly I narrowed the stance on my board last week.....)

So not sure where to from here. I've got some new inner soles, and I'll widen my stance - desperately trying anything to avoid needing new boots...

I think Kat is at the end of her tether though, so... guess she'll be workin' some overtime to pay for em (guess I'll be getting a slap on the head when she reads this :))

It's been a frustrating week. I don't feel like I'm progressing, because I can't concentrate on my technique when my foot feels like someone's sawing it off. Might take the afternoon off, fiddle with the board, and try again in the morning.

It must have been freakin' cold last night, because this morning the condensation on the INSIDE of the window frame was frozen solid. The only issue we're having in the RV so far is that where the mattress is against the wall at night, condensation forms. So far we've been able to dry it out each day by moving the mattress away from the wall.

Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving holiday in the USA - I imagine that Whistler is soon to be swamped by our American friends.

Well best get fiddling then!

Ribs 'n' riding...

Continuing my successes with the Weber, 2 nights ago we cooked baby back ribs.

Man were they tasty - I can thoroughly recommend trying the "indirect cooking" method (basically just having something between the meat and the heat).

Also the ribs we got from the supermarket were above and beyond anything I've ever managed to procure in Melbourne - there was so much meat on them it wasn't funny. Forget Squire's Loft...

Some good info here. I also recommend spending the time to remove the membrane from the ribs, I've never done that before and it sure makes for a nicer texture.

Yesterday was our first day on the mountain.

Someone spent all their time complaining about their boots.

I started the season spectacularly by planting my face vigorously into the snow. It made my entire skull ache a little, and I had to take a moment to breath deeply and wait for the world to come back into focus.

Other than than that it felt like a lacklustre day. The strap that tightens the cuff fell off my new jacket, and I managed to gouge a chunk out of the bottom of my board. The board is in for repairs, and I exchanged the jacket. Oh well.

I remain a little disappointed with the robustness (or lack thereof) of the Vapor. For the large price tag one expects that it doesn't fall apart when one looks at it.

On the positive side we're both in one piece.

Snow Report: Allegedly no new snow last night, so we're going to pick up my board, my season pass, and cruise up the mountain to check it out.

Later!

Ooh the anticipation!!

Going up the mountain this morning. Can't wait. Stay tuned for report later on today.

Reason, Chicken, Gates, Google and Snow

Reason 4 has been getting a good workout. Feel quite inspired, and hopefully there will be some results for you to hear soon!

This morning was Kat's first day at work, so I got up and drove her there at 07:00.

Then back to bed as I was feeling a bit crook after too many peanut butter M&Ms late in the game last night. Ahh this is the life.

If you have never roasted meat in a Weber, I can honestly say you haven't lived yet.

Last night we roasted a chicken in the lil' Weber Q we have - oh boy - the meat was so moist and succulent, and that was even without the official Weber Roasting Trivet accessory. I also roasted some garlic heads, and made a garlic/seeded mustard/mayo dip/sauce for the chicken. Served accompanied with Kat's special sautéed asparagus and broccoli. Yum.

I've been wondering for a while whether I've seen the Johnny Depp movie "The 9th Gate". Last night it was on so we tuned in. I really think I have seen it before, but it's just so bad that I'd blocked it from my mind. I'm gonna go with a "not recommended".

Yesterday I found out that Google Mail has an SMTP gateway that I can use to relay mail from anywhere in the world, so no more webmail for me! The joys of Outlook return.

Finally, today is the first day of the season. Once Kat's finished work we'll get my season pass, and if there's enough time hit the slopes. If not, tomorrow morning first thing. Yee har!!

Snow and Alternation

This is the scene that greeted my emergence from the turd this morning.

I wasn't actually able to get out at first, as we'd left the awning slightly down and under the weight of the snow it was stopping the door from opening.

Thankfully I managed to get through the small crack that the door could open (well I guess it can't be that small, because nether am I).

I then had the pleasure of getting all the snow off the roof without my gloves, as I couldn't get in...


All the plants were covered in snow....

Ahh a rustic, winter scene. The turd, and the Jeep amongst the white...


With all that snow on top of it, the camouflage is even more effective.


Apparently the satellite doesn't work very well with snow on it. You can see the precision engineered plywood skirting around the bottom of the turd. I need to get a couple more pieces to finish it off.


Ahh... tree...

This will be our Christmas tree this year, once Blip Industries gets their waterproof LED lights ready (*hint hint Ben*).

The picnic table, on which I will be some kind of gnarly tricks later on this season (most likely some kind of bone breaking one).


Here are the log cabins that are just next to us. They look much nicer in the snow.


So you might think to yourself that today wouldn't be a great day to crawl around under the Jeep. After putting it off yesterday, I thought it best to get the alternator replacement procedure done before any MORE snow....

...and it's done successfully! Thanks to the weather for starting to RAIN about half way through it though. I can assure you that lying in the slush is about as much fun as it sounds. Brr..

Well I'm off to return the old alternator to get my $60 core charge back, find some lunch, and do the washing. I rule.

Snow glorious snow!

This evening the heavens have opened, and it's been snowing non-stop since about 3pm.

At least 10-15cm have landed on top of the turd and the Jeep - we had to quickly put in the awning before it buckled under the weight of the snow.

Even had to engage 4wd mode on the Jeep, lest we not make it out of the Boston Pizza carpark.
Just FYI Boston Pizza isn't too bad for chain pizza (even though it's Canadian, and not from Boston).

Tomorrow morning I will emerge from the turd, camera in hand - for some pictures of our snowy landscape!!

Stay tuned.

Bang that Thumb

Although not as impressive as falling off a roof, today during my building activities I managed to hit my thumb with the hammer. It hurts.

Today I started to assemble a plywood skirt that goes around the RV to stop the cold getting in underneath. Subjectively it seems to have worked so far.

I also discovered that the alternator in the Jeep has broken, so I guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow!! It's supposed to be -5C tonight..... that might make it fun - car repairs in the snow!

G'night!

Back to School

I'm sure you're all dying to hear about my first day of training as a proud new Whistler Blackcomb employee.... I know I was dying to get up at 6:50am for the first time in, well about 5 years.

Leigh woke up early to make me coffee and cook me a lovely breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, mushroom and tomato before driving me to Whistler Creekside. It snowed all morning, dumping about 20cm as the first heavy storm system passed through the region.

Of the 65 people in the training session about 80% were fellow Australians and New Zulanders. It's like a plague. Anyway, they taught us very basic customer service and sales principles via role play (yay) and how to look alert whilst still hungover (seriously) Then off to the computer lab to learn about their awesome ticket selling system. Just easy stuff today though, different ticket packages and such. Tomorrow we're taking on 'how to process a ticket refund' A resounding WOW!!!!!!

But I do get some cool benefits, like a season lift ticket, discount tickets for friends, 2 for 1 unlimited fresh tracks all season, 10% off retail, 50% off food & 20% off beverages. Plus a nice uniform and more.. all exchange for my attendance for 16 hours per week. Oooo, and training this week is paid. Nice :-)

I'm sure I'll hate it before the end of the week.

Darkly Dreaming Dexter

There should be a new law developed, similar to Murphy's Law - I'm not sure what it should be called, but for now let's just refer to it as Clark's Law.

Simply put, the law states that if there is anything you actually WANT to watch on Cable/Satellite TV, then you will NEVER have the subscription to that channel....

We kind of got a bit addicted to Dexter (no not the cartoon, the one about the serial killer) and were excited to see that the new series was on last night.

IMAGINE THE FUCKIN' RAGE WHEN WE REALISE YOU HAVE TO PAY $20 EXTRA A MONTH TO GET THE CHANNEL IT SCREENS ON!!!!

Negative Houston, instead I will download it, at 15k/second.

How freakin' annoying is that? Why does a series screen on a MOVIE CHANNEL?! I don't WANT movies. And they wonder why people PIRATE stuff... sheesh...

So this morning we're up early as Kat has to go to "training" for her new job. I have to ring this afternoon to see whether I am fit for menial food and beverage work.

Snow Update: last night it rained and rained and rained. This morning however there was still some snow on the Jeep, and the mountain is white nearly all the way to the base.... fingers crossed kids - looks like it's coming good!

Man I gotta get me some of these chilli.

Random Snippets

Not surprisingly we were watching some TV today (we did go for a couple of walks too).

I don't know whether you can read the text on this brand of detergents, but it strikes me as kind of.... strange.

Perhaps the creators of Stargate didn't realise that a Jaffa was a lolly, orange on the outside, chocolate on the inside....

I tell you after watching all these CSI shows, a criminal would be absolutely shit scared to do anything, lest he leave a trace of anything behind that a crack squad could find. I mean, according to these shows if you even fart on a crime scene, the exhaust particles from your anus would leave DNA which could then be traced back to you....

Last, but certainly not least, Benny Cousins continues to demonstrate the abilities that make him my all time AFL hero.

Off to LA, get picked up by some chicks at the airport, and then off for a bender (while supposed to be in rehab). I need to get his number, he can probably give me some tips as to what to do when you're unemployed....

Technically though I guess he's not really an AFL player anymore.

ROCK ON BENNY, WE LOVE YOU!!
(IF YOU'RE READING THIS GIVE ME A BUZZ!!)

Hope you're having a ripping weekend. Fingers crossed for the snow please!

One job down...

Well apparently one of is is much more attractive to recruiters.

Kat had her interview this morning, and by this afternoon they'd already rung back to say that she had the job.

Hmm. I don't know what else to say but congratulations.

I guess I'll just be ringing them back with the rest of the muppets on the 12th....

*sigh*

Mood: Incredulous

Dear diary, mood.... apathetic.

Haha, not quite.

But get this, I just got knocked back for a ticket validation job.

Man my career really IS over huh?!

Apparently there were other candidates with "more experience".
Apparently my lack of a job at a fast food outlet has proven to be my Achilles heel!
DAMN YOU BURGER KING!!

Tomorrow I have another interview for some even crappier job. I dunno what's the point really, but I wont bother wearing anything nice. Perhaps if I turn up with a hangover looking like a bum I might have a better chance.

Tired

Man you'd think I was busy, cause I'm that freakin' rooted.

Anyway.

The satellite is hooked up, the proper HD looks fantastic. So many channels, of crap.

I was amazed to see that here, instead of the nice categories that Foxtel is split up into for easy viewing pleasure, it's just one GIANT list here. Chalk that up for one thing we do better.

I had my "interview" with Whistler Blackcomb this morning, it was kind of hillarious.
They even asked the usual behavioural questions - how on earth do snowboard bums answer those?! Anyway. I dunno. I have to ring them back on the 11th or 12th or something.

Hmm.

Monday 05/11 - Satellite Day Part One

Oooh can you feel the anticipation. The satellite man is coming at 2pm!!

Firstly I'd like to showcase the first part of my engineering effort to make sure the TV doesn't fall over, and the shelf doesn't brake. Behold, son of Log.


Somehow the lumber yard had a piece of wood exactly the right thickness...... the gods of television smile upon us.

Oooh our shiny new DVR box:

I can barely wait for the man to come and switch it on so we can watch 1000000 channels of nothing!! YEAH!!!! Irritatingly the box only has DVI out, not HDMI, so the audio goes over regular stereo cables. I am considering a Logitech surround system for the turd, but we shall see.

A further update will be made post-installation.

Television, the drug of the nation....

Well since getting the TV we haven't really done much, except for go on walks up the hill and... watch TV. So far the viewing has been either Oz or Babylon 5 - the satellite feed will be connected tomorrow so we can bask in the radiation of a zillion channels.

Ahh... the luxury.

Our condolences go out to Sean, whose Jeep mysteriously caught on fire while being towed behind his parental unit's motorhome on the way to Illinois.

Not feeling too good today. Didn't sleep well last night was sweating like a madman. Oh well.

GIGANTOR!

It is truly difficult to convey to you the scope and beauty of our shiny new Sony Bravia 46" KDL46XBR4. It fills the room with picture and sound (having a small room helps though).

Even SD tv looks ok, and the quality from an xvid source is more than acceptable. Ahh. Our HD satellite feed will be connected on Monday!

I don't think these pictures do it justice.... this it he laptop running through it at 1920x1080.



As you can see everything is crystal clear and the colours are delightful.

Well anyway. We finished watching the first season of Dexter (thanks Bonne) last night. Not bad, not bad. I'd recommend you take a look if you accidentally happened to have some episodes lying around.

Yesterday I spend most of the day fitting the holding tank heaters to the black/grey water tanks. Unfortunately one of the 2 I bought for the black doesn't fit, so we're left with a spare one. Grrrrr...

After that we wrapped some heat tape around the hose, and insulated it with sticky foam/aluminium stuff. The turd looks like it's docked with the ISS. Must take a picture.

I also banged my head on a nice hard sharp metal post. Rockin'!!

Now I just need to know whether all these bloody heaters are even working or not!! Guess we have to wait until it gets COLD.