1985: ski trip

I had the camera for my 18th birthday just a month before. Parents also took me for a meal at Yelverton.     

Then in January 1985 we flew out from (Exeter?) airport. There was a lot of turbulence in one direction and some of the girls were screaming. I guess many of the boys were scared too but had no choice but to pretend otherwise. I don't think I was overly scared. I also believed in life beyond mere physical existence so it was only the pain of the actual crash I was worried about. Looking back, it still is the worst turbulence I've ever experienced - weather over the mountains was extremely unsettled I seem to remember. But anyway, we got there in one piece, and home too.

                             

our hotel in Austria

the views

views

My one and only school trip to anywhere except Devon (remember, we lived in Devon).

An important psychological step in moving away from Plymouth and my family was the school ski trip I went on in early 1985.


I was an accomplished drinker - and now 18 so it was legal. In fact I was buying drinks for underage kids while on this trip. 

Austria: SN at back and JS far right. Taken by me in 1985 

The picture above, these seem to be the kids I was hanging with on the last few days. Two of these were regular friends anyway, but among the younger kids, while I can remember their faces, I don't remember who they were. But it's nice to see a pic from those times that show I may not have been as socially isolated as I remember. 

We had these late night discussions about all sorts of shit though I really remember the musical conversation. The girl on the left fancied my friend so she was always hanging around us, the guy in the middle I really didn't know though he's in many of my pics and I know he became part of the group I was in with at this point. Then that's JS at the back, right. 

JS at the front. The girl sitting and looking at the camera really liked me. I don't know what I was on because I mostly ignored her. When she hurt herself during a skiing session she asked me to help her walk back to the hotel. We chatted a bit then. It was an obvious hint which I ignored. Then I never spoke to her again after this trip. And I can't even remember why. She was lovely. Was I scared of something? Hope she has had a good life though, I really do. 

The the guy with the plastic bag - we got on well I think. He was frighteningly bright. We did physics and maths A levels together and while I struggled  I think he found it easy. I think looking back I found him attractive. 

meal times