Tunes are playing on this gorgeous Autumn day. For the first time in weeks it hasn't been so humid - summer must of been quite a scorcher this season. Spotify is spitting some 'Groovy' tunes whilst I try to brainstorm tracks for Groovy Gentlemens Corner. Dads out buying pork and chicken rolls and mums in the loungeroom watching the Anzac Memorial service. I'm effectively back to the 'normal' routine.
It's been 3 odd weeks now since I've come back from Canada and the 17/18 winter season at Big White and thought to write something to reflect on the last half year past. I often dreaded the thought of having to come back and the magic of what was Big White would fade. Whilst the magic hasn't faded I do find it hard to keep the momentum going as I get reminded once more of the dreaded 'routine' everyone in the city have to endure. That's a realisation I made whilst on the mountain, out the 80% of the aussie staff on the mountain I can count less than 10 people I met who were from Sydney. Everyone is very much in a bubble around here - or just living life? maybe I'm just too much of a dreamer? Who knows.
Big White has been to date the best thing I have done for myself. In mind, body and spirit it was the most perfect note to end a tumultuous last 3 years with. I even finally got around to receiving my Canadian tattoo which by the same token acts as a commemorative piece. The fresh mountain air I can never tire from - from walking to work, to snowboard, to have a big night out with the crew fresh air for some poor lungs in recovery was a great little recipe. The biggest trouble I had on days off was whether to sleep in or snowboard. Love it. Despite a crazy landlord shifting the experience of living in the place that I did there isn't anything that beats a proper ski in and ski out residence like I had. I don't expect to be spoilt the same way next time though!
I always expected and looked forward to meeting people and gaining some new friends but by far the biggest surprise and most enlightening was just that. The entire team were memorable in the best way possible bar a couple of interesting characters but that digresses from the point. Brianna and our love for Chet Fakers cover of 'Lover'. To the bromance I had with the fellas on the team - even the Kiwi boys were particularly special. Barb, such an amazing woman - she had the best head on her shoulders. Steele turned out to be a decent guy after he decided to relax a little. Still not entirely sure how I feel about his management style that's more my own problem than anything else. Suffice to say, we had the smallest team on the mountain yet we shut it doownnn. Who breaks a lane, starts fights with the supervisor and ultimately gets kicked out of the bowling alley. I know Tequila/Sambucca was involved but will never know the real culprit ... #TKTTS
I walked away from the mountain at the end of the day with family. The best of connections and peoples friendships that I'll obviously remember and cherish. They're a crazy bunch. I'm late to the game as usual but I certainly enjoyed myself, had to revert back to 23 year old me for awhile there. I felt like a big brother but I'm glad there were a few in the same age bracket who I could enjoy some *those* good quality conversation with. Naomi was awesome, Beau , Liam and to a certain degree Patrick. I envy those at that age who have thought about travelling and doing a season - all I did at that age was burn cash money, drinking away nights that I can't remember, with people who I don't talk to anymore for an image that never lasted. I guess I just like to dance after all! Big White was no different to any place for that reason - just dance was the lesson as it always has been. In another significant way, it was refreshing to be amongst people on the same wave length, those that know how to be happy without the creature comforts, I met people of all walks and backgrounds all mashed together on the hill. Angel still is one my favourite people on the hill for the reasons that the average person cannot fathom - I'm alittle quirky like that. Brianna and Nikita for all the love they could give and Grace! an absolute soul mate - I saw that because we have a crazy connect yet I barely spent time with her. Absolute legends the lot of them.
Cole and Sage need a mention also, the two Canadian peeps from Sunshine Coast and Manitoba. A very odd couple I decided from the start but I accepted maybe opposites do attract in that sense. I was right after all - prior to the season ending all hell broke loose. They broke up and Sage ended up with one of my housemates, whether that's something I agree with they're both happy at the end of the day I suppose. Cole is destined for good things but needs to keep his ego in check - I can handle it but I can imagine how it could rub people the wrong way. Absolute gentlemen otherwise. Sage, I found her annoying for the most part of the season but the sweetest and most generous of people I've met recently, I guess I just don't have time for petty games that alot of late teens and early 20s tend to play which she did. Andrew, mr Kutasi is good man. ha should of not moved into 101 though not for me but for all the other reasons!
Bona was cool, Zik is a dude, Sargeant is questionable but my favourite little old veggie patch queen hailing from Geelong. My absolute FAV and the best soul on the hill, Emily. She had not a harmful bone in her body with a persona that radiates only the best energy. Naive but with the greatest attitude she is destined for great things if I haven't already said that myself. It's interesting to see how I read people over these past few years - my experience in Canada would definitely have been different had I done it at their age. I'm quite thankful life worked out the way it did. It's got a funny habit for looking out for me like that and God? I'm sure you're out there and I thank you too.
As with everything good - it must come to and an end and my trip to Canada ended before I could blink. I always say to people whilst it may have seemed I just left yesterday it's because the status quo remains and nothing ever changes - of course 6 months would pass by in a flash. My time on the hill however seemed so much longer, so much more fulfilling. I've decided that's the way (the right way) I want to live my life more now than ever before.
