Fraser Mountain - Living the snow life

Chapter Twelve

I tuck the large bottle of Colt45 under my arm and make my way to the party. It's stopped snowing and it's dark but everything around me is covered in a blanket of white, the snow glittering underneath the streetlights.

I smile to myself, enjoying the walk and feeling much happier than I've felt in a long, long time. I've made new friends, and I'm off to a party where I'll probably meet some more nice people and have a blast. I think about Joe and hope he's having an equally great time in Utah. He sent me an email this morning, attaching some amazing photos of the freestyle park taking shape. I couldn't even imagine launching myself off any of the kickers in his pictures – they were all the size of small buildings. I wonder if I'll be that good by the time I go back home in May.

I see a row of identical-looking houses and find the right number. There's a repetitive beat coming from behind the house and someone's put some fairy lights on the front door so this must be the place. Walking up to the porch area, I immediately trip over some battered trainers and dusty work-boots, narrowly avoid a variety of skis and snowboards, as well as helmets, kneepads and two battered-looking skateboards.There is a smell of melted wax, wood shavings and weed all mingled together.

I poke my head through the front door and my eyes are immediately assaulted by a room that looks like something out of a bad Seventies porn film. There is some seriously kitsch green wallpaper on the walls, which clashes horribly with the brown carpet and the floral orange three-piece suite. I know people that would pay serious wonga for this retro decor back in London.

'English Lexie!'

There's a yell from somewhere and I'm suddenly engulfed in a group hug with Dan and Tim.

'Oof!' I'm thrilled to get such a warm welcome. I don't know what aftershave Dan wears, but it smells expensive.

'Hi fellas!' I grin. 'Nice place you've got here.'

'I know, right?' Dan's eyes are shining with excitement. 'It's a sweet, sweet pad.'

'Mate, you've gotta see the hot-tub!' Tim cries, hopping from foot to foot excitedly.

'Beautiful wallpaper and a hot-tub? You guys have got the best deal in Fraser! I'm totally jealous!' I joke. Having seen the state of the porch I'm still glad I turned them down on the housemate offer.

Dan grabs my hand and leads me through to the kitchen, which is full of people and noise. No sign of Taz but I say a few hellos to the few that I recognise. Dan opens the back door for me.

'Mind the steps.' He says, grabbing my arm as we walk out into the cold. There are even more people gathered in the backyard and I can smell food cooking. Ben is stationed by a large gas grill, flipping burgers whilst wearing board shorts, a massive hoodie and a pair of snowboard boots. Some would say that's a fashion statement in itself...

'Wow – you guys are doing a barbie in this weather? Impressive.' I say, as we walk through the throng. Rob hands me a cold beer. The temperature is probably a few degrees below freezing, so not exactly ideal grilling conditions.

'What, no Colt45?' I ask, looking at the bottle of Kokanee he's given me.

'Have you even tried it?'

'Is it really that bad?'

He smiles knowingly. 'Have a few of these first. Do you want some food? It took us ages to light the bloody grill but it's working now.'

I take a sip of my beer, looking over at Dan. 'Maybe later... So are you going to show me this legendary hot-tub then. No wonder you wanted some more ladies to come.'

Dan wiggles his eyebrows at me. 'Why the hell do you think we spent $50 on getting that hot-tub up and running again. We're not complete fruit loops.'