Tried to send this before but think it failed so apologies if it's duplicated.
It’s snowy but mild in Central Alberta and reading notes about Kristkindlmarkt and storms, I grew nostalgic for winters in Garmisch.
Though I worked six days a week at the Green Arrow, Bowling Alley, etc from ’72 to 75, I occasionally had time to get out and relize why I worked so hard to stay.
I’m remembering with pleasure:
Hikes to the mountain chapel and up the Kramerweg to the half-way house.
Watching rodelers race down the weg without fear of life or limb, nor the unfortunate souls trudging their way up.
Skiing the Zugspitz and sidestepping up to a vertiginous drop to the valley below, I thought about (I think it was Mike Harker) hang-gliding into Austria (wasn’t he met by the police for illegal entry?)
Coming out of the Green Arrow one morning to find the first snow of the season and California friends George (a fellow dishwasher) and his soon-to-be-wife frolicking in their first experience of snow. Later traveling with them and Carol Thistle and others to the Pflegersee and a postcard winter scene of the lake and chalet.
Building a snowwoman on the field near the Sheridan Annex with Geordie Julie from Northern England and watching the kids come and marvel.
Skiing the Hausberg at Fasching in a nightgown while others, dressed as clowns, cowboys and even, naked glided by.
Walking at night through Kurpark past a snow-shrouded band shell and meandering through the streets past bridges over the Loisach and the Partnach where snow-lined banks were slowly eroded by shudderingly cold, clear water, and a discarded plastic bottle spun interminably below a small weir.
Drinking gluhwein from a stall on the street.
The scent of Lebkuchen and kaffe.
The joy of over 30 friends from all over the world gathered for a Christmas dinner a few of us cooked in the Annex – two turkeys, veggies and salad fixings from the PX, pastries and appetizers from who knows where, music from the shared record player, fine German beer and wine and a feeling akin to Scrooge after his joyful awakening from his misery.
Dear Garmisch and other friends, may you have that same feeling wherever you are and whatever your circumstances.
Chris in Canada