A Fine Weekend

This weekend has turned into a bloody marvellous one.

We spent much of it with Aims and Si, first at DBGB for brunch, where I had an obscenely good stout that was so potent at 11% that it was served in a wine glass followed by what was essentially a fry-up accompanied by a croissant. Delish.

We ventured into the raging snow and headed to Uncommons, a board game cafe and had an afternoon of wholesome fun. Admittedly, it's run by enormo board geeks (there were posters about forthcoming real-life role play nights) but it was so fun! A large cuppa with some mates playing 'Scotland Yard' where you have to hunt down one of your crim friends in a transport based strategy game around London; what's there not to love?

Yesterday we headed to Hunter for a day on the slopes. The conditions were perfect and the Boy has upgraded to an intermediate on skis. He's a natural, though I'm convinced he'd be even better on a board. Not sure it counts as a full hobby yet when we've only managed to go twice in two years.

As usual, Billychica's fat calves have proven to be problematic. Ski boots don't sit well with me, pinching and restricting my circulation. Aims was kind and suggested on my last run of the day that we switch. She'd take my skis and I'd board so I could wear her comfy board boots instead. I haven't boarded in 9 years, so nervously said yes.

As I'm tying myself into her board boots at the top of the hill she asks, 'You're alright in duck, right?'

'What the bloody hell is duck?' I ask her. 'I know regular and I know goofy, but what's duck?!'

For non-boarders, duck is not only when you your left foot leads (goofy), but your feet are also splayed rather than both pointing in the same direction. As Aims is taller than me I properly looked like a duck; one that was doing squats.

I spent much of that run on my bum, but remembered the basics about halfway down. It reminded me why boarding is fun. I'm not an amazing skier, but I can go a whole day without falling and am fine on most red runs. To get better, I'd have to make small improvements to finesse my technique. I'm not sure I care enough to do it. I don't care whether I can go down a mogul hill. I'm proficient enough to get down, but without much style.

On a snowboard, I have even less technique or style and I've forgotten how to turn even. In fact, if I tried again, I'd have to relearn how to do a lot. For some reason, that's quite appealing. I miss that early sense of accomplishment in learning something new. Like when you learn a new language and manage to have a conversation with someone for the first time. Having the 'what if...'* when you're on snow is always scary but fun.

Next time, snowboard, I'll only be on my bum three times down a whole slope, you wait.

Today, was relaxed. We were back at the Russian Bath House, where we spent a good four hours. I feel relaxed and fulfilled. What an amazing weekend.

* ... I die (unlikely, admittedly).