Grant Day James

Going on the GDJ snow weekend is kind of like going on school camp. Everyone is a little over-excited, most people refuse to go to bed when they should, and there’s always the kid up the front of the bus who ate too many fries at Macca’s and feels like spewing (at least I managed to hold it in, guys!). Only difference is, on the GDJ snow trip, there are no camp leaders.

But we’re all mature adults, right?

*ahem*

Right.

This year, the weekend was held at Falls Creek a long journey but worth every minute. After arriving late on Friday, we awoke Saturday morning to perfect weather, beautiful scenery and great snow! Boarders, skiers and tobogganers alike, we were all on the slopes by 9.30, practising our moves with instructors or, for those with more experience, flying down the mountain at high speeds. After a quick stop for sustenance, the afternoon saw us back out there with renewed energy to, well, pelt each other with snowballs! Duels broke out across the mountainside, suspiciously always in the vicinity of “the kids” aka Ben and Pete.

At the end of the day, a hot shower, refreshing beverages and delicious meals were waiting, thanks to the staff at Diana Lodge. We were also met with stories of relaxing facials and massages from the few who hadn’t seen the slopes. And then, in preparation for another day at Falls, it was time for a couple more refreshing beverages. And a few hilarious mobile phone games. Needless to say, some were up earlier than others come Sunday morning!

The weather was again in our favour for another chance to hit the slopes. Various techniques were tried out Joel’s no fear attitude, Bec’s snow plough approach and the face plant, as demonstrated by one who shall remain nameless with varying degrees of success. All methods, however, were sufficient in getting their bearers to the bottom of the mountain with or without injuries (and bruised egos).

And then it was time to head home. The long bus ride was made much more enjoyable with a pre-arranged stop-off in Myrtleford at Carlo’s pizza thanks to Andy Baker. We finally arrived back at the office flashing lights and a group of men in uniform. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the usual North Melbourne drug raid but a fleet of taxis waiting to take us to our respective homes.

And so again we say thank you to Cath, Ben and Pete for a fabulous weekend, and, until next year, contemplate the techniques we’ll try out on the GDJ Snow Trip 2010 ‘The mogul meander’ ‘The one-legged heli-ski drop’ Definitely not a reprise of ‘the face plant’.