Year 1992
This winter I visited Lake Mountain quite frequently. And then I learned about Kangaroo Hoppet. The only international ski marathon in Southern Hemisphere, member of prestigious Worldloppet. Marathon was definitely too long distance for me. But half-marathon, just above 20 km, I covered usually such a distance during my weekend walks in Lake Mountain.
My daughter Ania supported me. We hired boots and skis and used our regular clothes - flannel shirts, woollen gloves. Only investment I made, were proper ski pants. They serve me till this day.
We hit the ski trails and discovered quite new world of cross country ski races - beautifully groomed trails, skiers dressed in colourful lycra suits, dynamic skating style.
In the meantime we toiled diligently on our fish scaled skis and completed the race in quite honourable times. We promised ourselves to return to ski races next year, better prepared, with better, own gear.
In the first week of September, I entered another race, this time in Lake Mountain, organised by Melbourne Nordic Ski Club. There I met Sheahans, Jenny and John, couple with great passion for skiing and outdoor activities. They introduced me to the club.
In November, on the Cup Day, together with family and friends, we went for Melbourne Nordic extended weekend to Dinner Plain. There I met Judy Herkes, Leigh Patterson, Ian Ash, Leslie Clements and others. We found quite reasonable patches of snow and tried some telemarking there.
