Day 3 in Val Thorens

Day 3 in Val Thorens was much better than Day 2, and very much better than Day 1. Today we woke after a long sleep and had a leisurely breakfast. We stayed together today and were joined by Peter (Hayes). Actually, he's the reason we're here at all.

When the boys finished their tour last year Jonny was designated tourmiester for 2011. They had been to Heavenly, at Lake Tahoe, which, according to them was fantastic, if quiet. They wanted something more exciting this time. Oh, and cheaper. I didn't go as I just had my vertebral artery dissection and visual field loss, so I thought it best not to go. Some say I shouldn't be going this year either, but as Steve says 'them as say that can put their slippers on and watch Emerdale' and wisely 'you're a long time dead'. I suppose I do want to delay that life event for as long as possible, but I can't stand Emerdale, Corrie is more my soap.

Apparently Jonny, in his usual way, decided to go for the easy option, and decided to go where Peter was going to anyway. I suspect he got Peter to do most of it, although Peter seems to have got a better deal altogether. A later flight, shorter transfer, and a hotel with a sauna. So that's why we have come to Val Thorens, the highest village in Europe, and actually, it's lovely. The sky has been bright bright blue with aeroplane streaks like chalk marks. The mountains have been sharp and white. The temperature is cold. Minus 15 degrees they say. It is perfect skiing weather, but we're not going to tell Johny. If you don't enjoy skiing here, don't go skiing.

Just briefly, Day 1 consisted of getting up early, too early, for a flight to Grenole, then a four hour transfer to Val Thorens. None of us was particularly thrilled, but Dave, as is usual, made the most fuss. Well he does get travel sick. Anyway, much of Day 1 was spent moaning at Jonny. This men's group would not be what it is without considerable moaning. Light hearted of course, but moaning with basis in truth. We wouldn't moan without justification, now would we?

Interestingly no one offered to organise the trip next time. It is the poison chalice handed on at the end of every trip.

Once in Val Thorens, and after moaning about the hotel, which doesn't have a pool or sauna(another basic requirement for the boys), we set out to find the bars. Buzzing is not what I would have called Val Thorens, but it is change-over day, so perhaps it will be better tomorrow. Still I got my ski hire, and we saw Manchester United on the tele.

Tomorrow is Day 2. Everyone slept soundly, except for my room mate Paul, who accused me of keeping him awake with snoring. Complete lies of course. After breakfast it's out on the slopes. I must say I was feeling pretty nervous, and was a bit wobbly. Still the lads looked after me. Well until the last run, when traditionally it is everyone for himself.

Yes I got lost, well I lost them really. I was supposed to know they were turning left when they di. I also came across a large patch of ice and fell. Then so did lots of other people, and I began to think someone was going to ski into me and frankly lost some nerve, and came home.

I was just settling down to writing my blog when they returned to the hotel. They had waited for me. I didn't mind really and was glad to be back in one piece.

We went off for a beer, or two, well several really. There was a Danish bar that had a live band on. They were playing Cold play, and other stuff that was on my i-pod. Brilliant.

So today, with Peter now with us. He's been staying with another group elsewhere. We had a wonderful days skiing. My confidence has returned and am skiing much better. Still crouching, they say, but much more confident.'Try going a bit faster' Steve offers helpfully 'it'll make it easier for you, it's like driving in the fast lane of a motorway, much safer as there isn't the traffic'. I nod agreement, although not entirely convinced by the analogy. I have to agree with Steve, he's much bigger than me.

Another days skiing over, and time for another beer. It is worth celebrating after all, being alive. Alive AND kicking.

Now, it's Monday isn't it? A double episode of Corrie for later. Where's my slippers?