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On the very rare occasion I get tagged a rascist, I simply state: 'Hey, I'm an Aussie - we don't discriminate, we hate everybody!'

Very nice pics SB - what type of camera have ya got ... I'm after a waterproof digital but don't wanna pay a ridiculous amount of $$ for it (or a bulky w/p housing). (Previous attempts to photograph Niseko using 35mm cameras have resulted in mixed results because of lighting - digital removes the hit 'n miss.)

Quote: Originally posted by big-will: Are you in that pic SubZero? No way BW - there's only room for one (retired) Morris Dancer on this website - and that's Mr. RMD.

Try this website: http://www.honda-air.co.jp/top.html I can't read Japanese, so don't know if they're based near Tokyo.

Ah, mass production/consumerism - ain't it great! Need to throw things away because the manufacturers "can't" (won't) fix them. " title="" src="graemlins/cry.gif" /> I've never had, nor ever want, a mobile phone - unless work absolutely necessitates one ... as a consequence, all numbers are kept in the efficent and trustworthy ol' cardboard & paper Address Book - if people can't get me at work or home, then perhaps I don't wanna be got.

Quote: Originally posted by Retired Morris Dancer: I do a bit of a dance-like warm up. That always gets me going. LIKE THIS?

If a Redneck = banjo and moonshine, does a Scouser = tyre lever and a pint of Stella?

Try this website: http://www.andesweb.com/index.htm ... should give you all the info. you'll need - it would be useful if you gave us some feedback AFTER visiting one of these places - have been meaning to ski in SA but haven't done so, so far.

Quote: Originally posted by 2pints,mate: Work! I use my free time outside the office as far AWAY from computers as possible. Ditto on that one!

Stretching routine - what's that? I try to think holistically: getting outta bed, having a wash, dressing, breakfast, coffee, putting on the ski boots, and walking to the gondola all contributes, and is the extent of the routine. (Just putting on the boots is enough exertion.) Strong coffee is perhaps the most important warm-up in the whole 'set'

Not meaning to start a snowboarder vs skier thing here ... but I reckon the problem is due to the fact that snowboarding is quicker to pick up than skiing - awareness/practice of 'mountain etiquette' only really comes with time. Therefore, many Boarders don't pick up the etiquette thing until much later, by which time all the damage has been done and bad habits linger. (Disclaimer: obviously the message doesn't sink-in with some skiier too! )

Perisher Valley, NSW (Australia) back in 1981 - clothing and ski bindings have certainly changed for the better! Ah, the halycon days ... no Boarders.

If the prediction is correct - it'll really bugger up the prospects of good ski seasons in the US! Elsewhere should be good though - new iceage. Us Rider's will be prepared at least!!

Quote: Originally posted by Yamakashi: sub, was it the miharashi hut?? That's the place! Thanks for reminding me. Best food deal on mountain, though not a huge variety. As for lunching - well it depends what country I'm in: Oz typically has heavy greasy foods - which I avoid. US has a good variety (Chilli Beans!!) Canada much the same as US, NZ has crap, Japan - the best choice of healthy and light foods. After a bit of experimenting, these days prefer to have a big breakfast and just eat lollie/drink for lunch.

Evolution is natural - death of some and creation of others. As you're aware, English is simply an amalgam of many ancient and more contemporary languages. Besides, it's all okay as long as we don't adopt 'American English' (whatever that is??!!) or, Saints preserve us, damnable French!

Quote: Originally posted by gamera: gargling? yeah - gansou, ugai - though I don't know if this is the same meaning as in English ... like using mouthwash.

Yeah Rach, still can't believe that in such a populated area of the globe that the nations haven't got an early warning system like we've got in the Pacific. ASEAN needs to get their fingers out and address that lack of intelligence instead of feathering their own nests like that other useless bunch called the UN.

Quote: Originally posted by gamera: Sounds yum! and almost drool haha! Have to prepare tons of mints when Subzero tries to get in my house I find gargling with Scotch REALLY helps!

Welcome aboard ja ne, I'm envious of you being able to take that much time off - ENJOY!

Quote: Originally posted by tsondaboy: Snowboarding for me 2. Doing it for two WEEKS eh? That'd make you a snowboarding instructer then? (Maybe even a Winter Olympics contender!)

Yeah, I remember watching it as a kid on old B&W TV. A quick google search found this - some interesting stuff ... sorry to say it's been 'cheapened' by the current promoters - the old days were MUCH better ... real biffo and blood! History: http://www.rollersport.us/history.cfm Reminisces: http://www.rollergames.com/ http://derbymemoirs.bravepages.com/ Today: http://www.bggw.com/ SZ

Pain in shins from leaning forward in the boots, soreness in quads (upper legs) from 'bent' possie, but major pain situated in the wallet from expensive tastes in recreational pursuits - skiing! Life's so tough some times, eh? " title="" src="graemlins/cry.gif" />

Apologies for bringing up that overused resort AGAIN - Niseko ... At Hirafu there is a small hut located midslope that do lunches - rustic old joint with a potbelly stove in the middle of the main room, and the smelliest toilets in Japan. Does anyone know its name? I've been there numerous occasions because the food is good - hey, beats greasy pizza and chips!

Thin base; lotsa vegies - mushrooms, capsicum, etc; bacon or heavily smoked ham, anchovies, pickled artichoke, olives, handful of chilli, and a sprinkling of pungent cheese - tried bluevein once ... REALLY nice. (Only ever use a tomato based sauce with a plentiful supply of garlic.) Yo'all might smell me before ya see me, but life's too short to worry about such stuff ... yep, a devoted foodie!!

Have injection moulded ski boots so comfort isn't a prob, also don't feel the cold - so insulation isn't an issue either. Use a very thin pair of knee length ski socks that have no joins or ribs other than very thin ones that are located in the toe and heel gussets. Used 'em in -40C temps in Canada and here in +4C - great. As Sanno said - these types of socks are just fine to prevent feet sticking to the liner and absorb only a small percentage of moisture. (Thicker the sock = moisture absorption = cold) At the end of the day, the liner of your boot should provide the