Coronet Peak is open for 2007 and I'm here in the office writing about it. But nevermind, after lunch we'll be taking a trip up there for a few runs, and we'll look at taking some photos and even some video, so watch this space. Last week's polar blast didn't bring us much snow, as Southland got it all, which wasn't too surprising. The cooler the air, the less moisture it can hold, and that's why we got less than 10cm in total. Maybe next time?
The forecast for this week doesn't look all that hopeful either in regards to more snowfall, with my prediction of nothing significant falling in the next seven days. Significant being anything over 10cm, and my sources for this estimate are the
Australia Bureau of Meteorology, and their infra-red loop, and the Victoria Univesity of Wellington and their 7-day precipitation forecast. Lets cross our fingers for the next week then, otherwise I'd doubt that Coronet will be able to stay open without more natural snow.
In National news, Team New Zealand flogged Luna Rossa 5-nil in the Louis Vuitton Cup which was anything from boring if you could stay up till 3.30am to see it finish. All things now point to the 24th of June for when the America's Cup racing starts up for real. The All Blacks well and truly hammered Italy's C-Team but at what cost? Auckland Blues lock Ali Williams looks to be out of the game for the Tri-Nations at least after he broke his jaw tackling French Number 8 Sebastien 'Caveman' Chabel. Thanks to Jerry Collins for bringing the Frenchman back to earth and claiming the King of the Cake Tin title.
Well that's it from me today as it's time to head up Coronet for a few runs and a status report. Watch this space later for photo and video action for the first day of the 2007 snow season. Lets just hope it continues.
Nathan - Queenstown.com Editor.
Joke of the Week
Confession
The elderly Italian man went to his parish priest and asked if the priest would hear his confession.
"Of course, my son," said the priest.
"Well, Father, at the beginning of World War Two, a beautiful woman knocked on my door and asked me to hide her from the Germans; I hid her in my attic, and they never found her."
"That's a wonderful thing, my son, and nothing that you need to confess," said the priest.
"It's worse, Father; I was weak, and told her that she had to pay for rent of the attic with her sexual favors," continued the old man.
"Well, it was a very difficult time, and you took a large risk - you would have suffered terribly at their hands if the Germans had found you hiding her; I know that God, in his wisdom and mercy, will balance the good and the evil, and judge you kindly," said the priest.
"Thanks, Father," said the old man. "That's a load off of my mind. Can I ask another question?"
"Of course, my son," said the priest.
The old man asked, "Do I need to tell her that the war is over?"
