Monday, June 14, 2010

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Lake Jindabyne

On Friday we headed off to the Snowy Mountains for a mini-break. Audrey was very excited as we'd promised her snow and possible sightings of kangaroos. When we arrived in Jindabyne, with not a sign of snow anywhere, the first thing she said was "Where's the snow?". So it was with trepidation that we set off the next day for Perisher, hoping against hope, that the snow that had fallen a couple of days before was still on the ground.

We caught the ski-tube train from Bullock's Flat to Perisher which was pretty exciting for the kids. And to our relief there was snow at Perisher! Hurrah! Audrey said, "So where are the kangaroos?". There's no pleasing some people. After she got over the lack of kangaroos she enjoyed a few toboggan rides and a couple of hot chocolates as well. She was pretty brave and went on a solo toboggan ride, ending up crashing spectacularly into a group of innocent bystanders! No-one was hurt ;) Eli had a go on the toboggan too but we decided that we wouldn't let him ride unaccompanied (although I'm sure he would have loved to have given it a go - that boy has no fear!).

On Sunday, we headed off to Crackenback Cottage to attempt to get through the largest maze in the southern hemisphere. As you can see from the photos below, neither Audrey or Eli was impressed! We had been in there for only 10 minutes or so when we realised that we had to get out quickly as the children's moods were deteriorating rapidly. I (Amy) swallowed my pride and got down on my hands and knees and crawled under the walls of the maze to get out. Trevor had the pushchair so didn't have this luxury. While I contemplated leaving the three of them in the maze while I enjoyed a peaceful cafe latte I decided against it and got up on the viewing platform to try and direct Trevor out of the maze. In the end I had to direct them back to the entry. There was much relief from all the Hickmans that the ordeal was over! The children were much happier playing on the slide and swing and munching on hot chips than tackling the maze! Maybe we'll go back there in about 10 years time and try again....

We're all pretty tired after our weekend of fresh mountain air. Next time we go we hope that we can get the kids to try out skiing or snow-boarding. I might opt for apres-ski and leave Trev and the kids to the snow!

Audrey and Eli enjoying the playground at CoomaAll aboard the ski-tube!fun on the slopes!Audrey enjoying some apres skiEli also enjoying some apres szzzzzzzzznot terribly impressed by the mazethe largest maze in the Southern Hemisphere (this is just a section)

free at last!

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