Driving to the mountains

I finally plucked up courage to take to the Italian roads and head for the mountains for some fun in the snow. Arriving at Chiesa, Valmelenco to a distinct absence of snow I was doubtful of the chances of snowboarding. But busloads of skiers put my mind at rest and I joined them in the ski lift that took us to the top of the mountain.

The plateau stretched out before us, there was indeed snow. Whether it was good or not I didn't know. I was neither a snowboarder nor skier - yet. I hired my deck, a rather short board I thought and took a leap into a new world.

To my surprise I went well, remembering a few techniques I had picked up in France a year ago. I was self taught and proud to be so. The biggest danger I encountered was other people on my slope, I resented them for making me nervous. The first run was done, my calves were burning, but I had survived unscathed and hooked.