Langlaufen im Schweiz

Well, I've managed to get out on my new skis a number of times already here in Switzerland (Langlaufen is german for cross-country skiing). Before Christmas I bought a pass that is good for every single km of ski trail in the entire country for 100 CHF (equal to about $100 CDN) and I resolved to mkae good on it by getting out as much as possible. One of my goals has been to try out a number of different places since I also have a general abondenment (GA) to get everywhere in the country.

Myself and a couple of people from work usually go skiing at Einsiedeln every Wednesday evening (as they have a lit 4 km loop) and on the weekends, I try and do a bit of exploring. I have also made it to Rothenthurm (photos below) and Langis, both of which were quite nice. The one thing I have noticed is that because most forested areas are limited to the steep slopes, there are not many XC trails that cut though the woods (similar to Gatineau Park) which is just a different vibe, although it does produce nice sightlines.

I will post more photos as the season progresses and visit more trails.

Watching the fog drian into the valley at Rothenthurm

All geared up after skiing at Rothenthurm

Motivation to Blog Diminishing...

I haven't posted anything since the end of November and posts definitely trailed off in the fall. I guess either I don't have as much to say or I'm getting exceptionally lazy about making posts. I'll draw out the percentages as 17% of the former and 76% the latter with the rest being made up by other ridiculous reasons.

Then again, over the past 4 weeks I have had a decent excuse in that I was no where near Switzerland. I was back in Canada for 4 weeks it was great as I managed to spend time in Montréal with Emily, Ottawa with Pat and Greg and some frisbee boys, Halifax with the family and friends from high school and Toronto with the Constantines. It was hectic at times, hugely relaxing at others and overall a superb vacation (with maybe a bit too much travel overall). I apologize if I didn't get to see you, it really hits home how many great friends I have when I can't see them all on these trips home.

In the spirit of the so-called awards season, here are some prizes from my vacation:

Best concert attended: Constantines 10th anniversary show at Lee's Palace in Toronto. Epic.

Best restaurant meal: Fish and chips at Lucille's Oyster Dive in Montréal. Coincidentally, best restaurant name as well.

Most exciting sporting event (live): Sens-Flyers game in Ottawa. Back and forth affair that featured all 4 dressed goaltenders. It was like a video game, except I know it was real beause I received free pizza because of it.

Least exciting sporting event (live): Seeing the Mooseheads get shallacked 10-1 or something equally ridiculous by the Wildcats. The reason I don't know the final score is because we left after the 2nd period. Yep, that bad.

Most exciting but equally disappointing sporting event: (tie) World Juniors gold medal game and Packers-Cardinals wild card matchup. Amazing comebacks only to be shattered by quick OT losses in both cases. Personally, I blame the Ye Olde Orchard (and it's archaic spelling which obviously incites some sort of black magic curse).

Best gambling related event: Finally winning a fantasy football title in the CFFL in the 9th year. No money, just straight up pride. Also finishing in the money for a third straight year in the CHFL was a pretty good moment as well. I wish my hockey team were on that track, but alas they were doomed from the day I picked them.

Best movie watched: Open Range, although the sheer wow factor of Avatar is a really close second.

Best purchase: Definitely my new nordic skis. I'll have pictures of my nordic skiing adventures in Switzerland soon.

That's all I can think of right now (but feel free to post categories you think I should add!) and just being home and eating holiday baking (although in hindsight I should have eaten so much more) was great.

I hope all of your holidays were spectactular and that you are starting off the new year in style.