Date: 25th of January 2008

Hi All,

One more sleep to go!

This morning’s wake up received very little response as most people preferred to sleep rather than get out and get their last few turns. Silver Star really turned it on today for our last day as it was sunny and warm, perfect for making the last turns. Some of the crew did manage to get out for a bit and make those last few turns in before having to pack their skis and boards away until the next Aussie winter season. 

Our final Lunch today was toasted ham and cheese sambos plus our usual sandwich buffet, soup was tomato vegetable.

At 4.00pm all of the athletes piled into vans and headed down to the annual 50% off sale. I witnessed a phenomenon downtown at Attridge today that I don’t think I’ll ever see again. Just about every one of the 40 people we took downtown today purchased something in the massive sale. The line at the register wound its way around the store as people lined up with gear in hand ready to part with their (or mum and dads) hard earned money. There were boards, skis, backpacks, goggles, watches, sunnies, jeans, and hoodies practically running out the door they were being purchased so quickly. Luckily a few even bought new board and ski bags to fit in all their new purchases. I only hope Air Canada is generous with their baggage allowances tomorrow – somehow I doubt that!

After the shopping spree it was off to dinner. Now normally at the end of the camp we try and take the group out to a restaurant for dinner. Well this year we tried to do that again but had absolutely no luck. Being a Friday night here and a having a large group no restaurant wanted us. We tried Long Johns, Italian Garden up here at Silver Star and several restaurants down town – not even Pizza Hit wanted us! So when all else failed we settled on Wendy’s (not the ice cream place). It’s a typical burger joint with all the usual favorites. Tonight though it was the ‘baconator’, two patties and plenty of bacon! Ouch!!!!!
After Dinner operation cleanup came into full swing. All of the staff cracked the whip and used any means possible to get the bags packed and the rooms cleaned. With that mission complete the crew had a free night to do as the wished while the staff set to work packing up all the gear that has kept this place ticking over for the past 6 weeks.

It’s a crazy night tonight as we write this as everyone is busily signing journals, exchanging email addresses, taking photos, and generally getting in as much socializing as possible before tomorrow’s plane trip home.

Pinky is finally on holiday he will rest until next years camp where he will be back raring and ready to go.

We will be leaving the hostel tomorrow at 2.00pm for the final trip to the airport.

Until tomorrow....

Stowie