16 March 08
I will be away from Hakuba from 17 March until 10 April so this brings to an end my regular yuki and tenki diary entries and daily weather study plot data. When I get back I really hope that this horribly hot spring will not have deprived me of what I came for, the big mountain lines and summits of Hakuba. After 70 days in the backcountry around Hakuba this season I still have not actually stood on a real mountain, let alone ridden one thanks to constant snow and wind. This proved to be a real test of my patience. It is awkward to be leaving them now, just as they open up for what might be such a short window opportunity. Winter was fun, but low altitude tree riding isn't what I need day after day, regardless of the quantity of powder. You can get that anywhere in Japan.
It isn't as though I will be going without though! The Greenland expedition is with a couple of guides I know from Chamonix and a group of about 5 snowboarders. We will use dogs and sleds to access a the ice shelf then drag our gear on pulkes the remainder of the way to the edge of the Arctic Circle. We will then spend 7 days totally unsupported in tents and tour the peaks surrounding base camp. It is real backcountry, real adventure and a really good experience. Some of us the team were part of the successful Mont Blanc April ascent/descent that changed my life for the better a few years ago.
Wow
How's things Damian? Sounds like these mates talked you in to going to Greenland ... Nice work. Sounds like it will be a real adventure. Hope the weather is kind and hopefully see you soon. Will you be in Tokyo any time soon?
Although it's a while off, will you be in Hakuba over the summer?
Goodluck in Greenland That
Goodluck in Greenland
That is the trip of a lifetime
I'll be looking for numerous pages of trip report to follow this trip
And loads upon loads of pictures
Don't worry about Japan
There will be big lines to ride until mid June
Matt
not-so-greenland
should be breath-taking! Can't wait to see some pics from your trip.
I assume that Llyod will be leading your dog sled?
Igloos & Greenland
Hi Damian
I read this article
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7326031.stm
and then wondered how you are doing. I thought you'd appreciate this articel. So I looked you up and it looks like you may be in an igloo as we speak! Seems like your BC year has been great, good and interesting reading. I will live in Innsbruck full time from this summer, but also working full time, so I'll be a weekend warrior in the mountains. This winter I have a season pass for a lot of the Tirol resorts, from my Munich base. However you'd be disgusted with my riding this year so I won't go in to it! (Well ok then, a brief taste, I bought a true twin shaped 148cm board and managed a 360 last weekend!! On a piste!! After hitting some rails and a wall ride - often "hitting" the snow with my body! It sinks badly off piste. I told you that you'd hate it!! I think spinning is good for stomach, but I still cant do a sit-up! We have had some good snow in the last 4 weeks and I've had a good share of light fluffy powder too, but that was on my "proper" snowboard which is much longer). Anyway, hope Greenland is/was fantastic.
Bill
Greenland
Hi mate didn't realize you were on Greenland until I spoke to Mel, looking forward to an update on the trip hope it went well. My knee is a lot better but wouldn't have survived a weeks climbing. I am doing the physio rehab excersize and looking forward to a summers kite surfing and hopefully a more successful winter 08/09.
Neil Harper
Back from Greenland
Hi guys, sorry I wasn't able to approve and reply to your comments earlier. Just back in Hakuba and internet today. Greenland: What a unique experience, and a door opener.
I'll write something up soon, although I have no pictures of my own as British Airways lost one of my (crucial) bags.. and that contained my camera.
Neil - sorry you weren't there. Mel told me about your knee just as I arrived in Iceland. It would have been great to see you again. Enjoy the kite surfing.
Matt - even though its 15 degrees here in the valley, all the big lines still look great higher up, full of snow and white, not dirty. I'm hitting them from tomorrow, although the forecast for the next week look (typically) crap.
Billy - great to hear from you. Get off the rails and into the bc again. Hope your smashed an injured body is finally back in ok form for an energetic season next year. Say hi to Graham and have a great life in IBK!
And Goemon, that is seriously the funniest picture edit you have ever come up with. You wont ever beat that one. (the sled dogs would have torn Lloyd to bits in a flash).