JW in NZ

Although the days were quite full, the CSI was quite easy; it was only four days long and was at a relatively easy level. The Stage One, which will qualify me to teach people up to fairly basic parallel turns, I'm told is quite a lot harder. The exam is eight days long for a start!

I should be safe from embarrassing myself in similar style to day one of my CSI though, since I know the ski area in which I'm doing it - 'forgot' to mention that on my first day, whilst working in pairs focussing on turn shape, I led a girl over a 2 metre ledge in a hurry to get to the loo. She didn't follow me! One final admission: my ankle was still hurting post Henley when I arrived in New Zealand but thankfully was not in the slightest problematic skiing. It's fine now anyway.

I'm now doing some training with a group also preparing for the Stage One exam which is going well. It's three days intense training each week.

Since my car was in the garage for a few days I had a hire car, another Subaru but this time a new one that works! I've never handed back a vehicle quite so filthy (or with so much engine wear) which for me is quite an achievement I think!

My exam starts on 1st September, so am working quite hard on my skiing before that now. Am also looking at work for the winter season.