Fraser Mountain - Living the snow life

Chapter Twenty Four

‘I’d thought the skating was fast when we’d watched the locals play, but that was something else!’ I whistle, as Taz and I manage to bag one of the last tables in The Pub. I never was one for watching team sports back in the UK, but I find myself getting more and more into hockey over here. The bar is busy after an epic hockey match between Fraser’s professional team and the nearest local town called Kimberly – fierce rivals if the fighting on the ice was anything to go by. The chanting was hilarious, with everyone from Fraser’s side of the rink chanting ‘Kimberly’s a girls name!’ over and over again as the home team scored goal after goal.

Dan hands me a vodka and tonic. I’m not so much over Canadian beer, but I just have a craving for something less gassy.

‘I know. Talk about speedy!’ Taz nods. ‘And did you see Number 5 flatten that poor Kimberly player.’ She asks, before changing the subject back to food. ‘I’m starving! I could murder a Philly cheese steak.’

I look at the menu, which I pretty much know off by heart now. ‘I think I might just have a salad…’ I reply, getting horrified looks from everyone at the table. I may be exercising a whole lot more than usual, and sure, my muscles are looking a lot more toned but I’ve got a hankering for some vegetables.

‘You’re not watching your figure, are ya mate?’Stevie asks, before realising I could take that the wrong way. ‘…because you really don’t need to. You’ve got a great body. I mean, you look really nice! I mean…. Y’know…. Er….’ He takes a gulp of his pint, trying to hide behind the glass.

Taz pats him on the arm. ‘Carry on digging that big ol’ hole, Stevie.’

‘I just feel like a change.’ I reply, giving him a ‘no-hard-feelings’ grin. ‘No other reason.’

Dan cocks his head. ‘First you want a girl’s drink…’

‘I am a girl!’ I interrupt.

‘Whatever…’ he replies. ‘And now you’re on the rabbit food. What’s going on?’

‘Nothing!’ I say. ‘I’ve got a craving for something a bit healthier. Jesus, it’s like having three mothers with you lot around.’

‘Hah!’ Taz exclaims. ‘Pot calling Kettle! Come in, Kettle! You mother us to within an inch of our lives, Lex!’

‘I do not!’ I say, indignantly.

‘Yeah, you do!’ Stevie and Dan both say, in union.

‘I’m not that bad…’ I mutter, taking a swig of my ‘girl’s drink’. ‘And if I do, it’s only because I’m older and wiser…’

‘Aw, mate… We know you mean well.’ Taz says, sensing I’m slightly miffed. She puts her arms around me and gives me a tight hug. ‘We love ya really!’

‘Funny way of showing it…’ I mutter, just as Wade walks over to our table.

‘Hey guys, how’s it going? This here is my buddy Jessie, visiting from Moosejaw.’ He says, introducing the stranger standing next to him.

‘Word up, dudes. Nice to make your acquaintances.’ Jessie drawls, grinning around the table at all us. He seems very young and fresh-faced, not bad-looking at all if you’re into the whole hip-hop, homeboy thing, which I’m really not. He’s wearing a square baseball hat that looks far too big for his head. Dan and Stevie scooch along their side of the booth, making room for them to join us.

‘So, Jessie.’ I ask, as he sits down opposite. ‘Are you here for the weekend, or longer?’

‘Dunno, man. I just came to see my bro, Wade. Shred the bumps, ride some gnarly pow pow… I heard Fraser has some sick terrain, man. Spent last winter in Mammoth going huge in the park, thought I might get some shibby backcountry action going here, y’know.’ He utters, nodding his head slowly up and down as if he’s listening to music while he talks. Dan and I catch each other’s eye at the same time, obviously thinking the same thing – hello stoner snowboarder stereotype!