Night Skiing, bad lad Dave Mac

Well, I was late up the mountain, taking some sunset photos. Went into the Jochalm to have a gluwein. Chattering away to some locals, when in come two Race Coaches, (English). Rather unwisely, they were laying into the beers. We were having a good old natter, I had a second gluwein.
Then I looked out of the window, to see it was pitch black. I got the guys outside, gave them a lecture on safe skiing, then we set off down the Marbachjoch. It was too dark even to see the snow. They got their mobiles out and switched on a tiny torch. I skied across the slope until I felt an area where two piste machines had come up the mountain, turned and skied down, feeling for the piste machine tracks.

Got down Ok, went straight into the Harfenwirt, ski boots and all, and had dinner. Coming out, I headed up the road towards my apartment, when the two racers staggered out of the Bichlwirt. They told me they had been sat writing my obituary! I didn't have the heart to tell them I was down 10 minutes before them....

Ahhh, the Hafenwirt, that brings back memories. Mostly of Fawlty Towers funnily enough.

Yes, it is different Doug, but Herbert has been a mate for well over 40 years, I forgive him a few foibles.
Every year, I give him an update on where he can improve on service and marketing. He agrees with everything, then just carries on as ever!

As young fellers, he and Walter regularly skied the mountain in around 2 minutes ~ and that was before piste machines! I'm slightly over half a minute slower than that, and I need total sheet ice conditions to manage that!

I know, Bless him, strange fella, but obviously very successful as I gather he just about owns everything in the village.
I didn't dislike him, I just found him, how should I say, different.
What I was really impressed with while staying there was the disability skiers and guides. The crew that were there when we were there were blind, and the guides would lead them round the slopes with a tether, speaking to them all the time so they knew what to expect.
I was so impressed by the courage and ability of the blind skiers. They were taking on more difficult runs than me! Also the patience and dedication of those who took the time to be guides was humbling.

Yes, they stay at the Sonscheinn, run by Gill, Herbert's English wife, always the same time as me in January. So I normally get to ski with the DSUK guys, but this time I put in a bit of effort, and helped out on odd days.

I was pleased to do a drawing of a sit-skier and instructor. Something totally different.

I also have, over the years, skied with, and met socially, many of the blind skiers. I agree, they show the most amazing courage.

Interesting background information about Niederau which I wasn't aware of.