As spring bears down on us, I know lots of people are off on last minute missions to the hills before its all over. Am off soon to Mt Stirling to see whats on offer in Stanley Bowl. It reminded me of this nice little story from my friend Andrew from last spring.
“Below, one last drop before the long summer and dusty roads and work and endless heat, waiting for those cold fronts to push through off the southern ocean. Just before I drop, I feel on the cusp of height and gravity, a small, fleeting moment of grace. I wait a minute more, weightless and happy and alone and yet in company. The whole world below beckons, and I treasure the thought of those few minutes of turns and no time for any other thoughts, and then push off into that space and that moment. One last time”.
Mountain Journal 
September 14, 2011 at 6:49 am
Skiing In My Undies
I’m skiing at Mt Stirling, and the sun is in the sky –
Cross country skis, not downhill, so there are no passers by.
There ain’t no better way to spend your Sat’dies or your Sundies.
Look at me!
I’m wild and free!
I’m skiing in my undies!
You don’t have much control when you are on these narrow skis.
The slope’s a major challenge when it’s just fifteen degrees.
I topple and I tumble, but it’s still the best of fundies!
You leave a lot
Of skid marks when
You’re skiing in your undies!
I laugh. I cry. I scream. I shout. I holler and I curse.
Denounce the world in general in vocabulary terse.
You’d very likely think that I had drunk too many bundies.
I’m clean as glass.
Hey, kiss me arse!
I’m skiing in my undies!
© Stephen Whiteside 12.06.11