Ahh glorious Day 4, when I finally re-learnt how to ski!
I awoke to the most spectacular sunrise and seriously frozen hands. I’d been having some issues with my mitts which meant that every time I had to unzip my pulk to get my water or food I’d take them off. Exposed hands and subzero temperatures don’t mix so it was taking at least 20 - 30 minutes after we’d set off for them to warm up! ❄️❄️
Who knew snow could be this heavy?!
As we set off, I was put at the front of the pack as a pace setter because basically I was moving like a 🐢. I won’t call what I was doing skiing, it was more like stomping through the snow ungracefully 🤣. But then, the amazing and legendary Jane, one of the other ladies on the trip decided to take me in hand and teach me how to ski. By lunchtime I was gliding like a pro and absolutely loving her coaching. I cannot begin to tell you how joyous it was to move more efficiently; my legs were certainly thankful!
The weather was due to turn so we set up camp a bit earlier than usual so we could all have time to build a protective snow wall around our tents. Let me tell you, that was backbreaking work! I came away with a newfound respect for bricklayers.
Then came my favourite part of the day, melting the snow that we used as drinking water and to rehydrate our meals. That was definitely my favourite tent duty. I found myself thinking about my grandfather who was a chef and wondering what he would make of his Gen-Gen cooking out in the freezing cold. And it is with the sweet memory of his voice and laugh that I fell asleep that night, exhausted but happy!