Hobbling around Provence....

Not much to say!

Managed a few walks but I've been hampered by a pulled muscle in my back.

The route with the 8 runged metal ladder hammered into the rock was interesting - especially with the dodgy back! I had to climb it 'cos I wasn't going back down the way I'd gone up!

Best and last of the season.......

Finally, the high pressure arrived giving us the best weather of the whole season. Blue skies and perfect snow conditions at last! This has to have been one of the poorest winters for getting out and about since we started coming out here for the season in 2001.

The good weather coincided with me using my new cross country skis for the first time. The skis are a bit shorter and wider than the old ones so they took a bit of getting used to - but I've persevered. The problem with this kind of skiing is that I find the skis are less stable and harder to control than downhill skis. Consequently I find myself feeling anxious and having the wobbles far more often than is necessary. At the end of the day I feel as though I've 'got away with it' again - until the next time! Great exercise though especially for my feet and arms which usually do quite a lot of the work.

{First time on the snow}

{Approaching the first corner....}

As the weather improved so did the snow pack so that the avalanche warnings lessened and I felt I could safely go out on the snow shoes. This involves a whole different set of muscles than skiing. By the end of a session my calves ache a little and I'm glad to finally stop the 'stomping'. I stick to well used routes as I'm usually on my own for this.

{Peaceful lunchtime resting my legs}

{Didn't risk this slope - I could see how unstable it was}

{Warning signs to help...}

The downhill skiing in the past ten days has been particularly good. Longer days mean brighter sunshine and the views are magnificent. We have had to start earlier so that when the snow softens we can come home. Old legs don't really like soft snow conditions! Much too much like hard work.

{At the top of a tow at Ceillac}

{Blue sky and snowy mountain tops.....perfect!}

Packing up to come home to Scotland now. I'm going south first though for a bit of a recce of the area around Greoux les Bains in Provence. There's an HF lead coming up for me there in April and I'm going to have a look at some of the walks I'll be doing. If I can, I'll post some of the routes here.

All good training for the Challenge in May!

At last, a blue sky day.......

Downhill skiing on my own isn't something I normally aim to do but, up to this morning, it had been two weeks since the weather has been good enough and more importantly, the roads had been clear enough, for me to set out for any of the ski resorts in the Queyras.

After the last three days which have been particularly miserable with snow and sleet almost all the time I could hardly believe the blue sky which greeted me this morning.

{The view from the windows this morning}

As the van hadn't been moved since Sunday morning I knew the first job (after breakfast, of course) was to dig it out from about 50 cms of snow plus the stuff the snowplough had pushed up beside the wheels. This took me about 45 minutes of work. Fortunately the snow was quite light and hadn't frozen into heavy lumps this time.

Then I sorted my rucksack, made some lunch, packed my ski boots and for good measure, threw in my snowshoes too. I gingerly drove down the hill; the road was still mostly white and a bit crusty in places. As I made my way along the main road into the Queyras I was extremely grateful for 4 wheel drive and the winter tyres!

I decided to go to Arvieux - it's the nearest resort without too much climbing on dodgy roads. Arriving without any problems, I set off to ski the runs at the top of the hill. There was loads of fresh snow - it had all been pisted but was still quite soft and loose in places. This makes for skiing which is slow but can be hard work and a bit 'catchy' on the edges. I managed about six runs in all before my legs began to protest - they haven't done much work lately after all!

{Heading downhill}

{The main tows - not exactly busy!}

The whole resort was very quiet. It won't be like this next week - the school holidays begin this weekend coming! I had parked in the small car park near the bottom of the pistes. The sun was still shining and I decided to take off the skis and drive further on to the car park at the bottom of the road to the col d'Izoard. The road is shut this time of the year and should be pisted for cross country and snowshoes.

I had my lunch in this other car park, sitting on a camping chair in the sun. A rash decision was made to put on the snowshoes and attempt to walk up the road towards the place they call 'La Casse Deserte' on the way to the col.

{Borrowed this photo of la Casse Deserte}

As you can see from the photo above this is quite an amazing place and I fancied seeing it in its winter garb. The sign told me it was 5 kms of snowshoeing to reach it. I set off but it wasn't long before I had to stop and take off my jacket. The climbing wasn't too bad but after an hour and a half I still had not reached the end of the walk. The sun was threatening to drop behind the mountains so I turned round and went back down - just reaching the van as the light changed.

{The start of the col d'Izoard road}

{Brilliant conditions, fresh snow, blue sky and no wind}

It's quite a popular route. I saw several skiers who passed me on their way down, a whole group of snowshoers, and a couple of walkers. When I got home I checked the map and there was probably only about a kilometre left to climb when I turned back.

{Looking back down to the village and the downhill skiing}

 The walk had taken me about two and a half hours. It was possibly another half an hour to get to where the piste stops and you can look down at la Casse Deserte. If I hadn't been downhill skiing first I would have had more time and more energy. But it was most enjoyable. Perhaps when my new cross country skis arrive I'll try them out on this route.

Next time I'll run the Viewranger to keep track of where I've got to - the signs weren't much help - they all said 5 kms!

{Signpost - repeated all the way up the piste}

A good day to practice.......

The weather forecast for today was for rain or even snow, so I was surprised to see only clouds when I finally got up this morning. These clouds were sitting quite low on the mountain tops but this side of the valley, above the house, there was a hint of some blue sky.

I've been waiting for the opportunity to get my snowshoes on and go out for a little stomp. With the sore shoulder/arm last winter I didn't do very much - using the sticks was rather painful. There are a couple of interesting looking 'intineraires' in the Queyras that I fancy exploring so a couple of hours practice was called for - this could be the day for it.

It didn't take long to get organised once I'd made up my mind and I was soon marching purposefully up the road behind the house. My plan was to work my way up through the forest until I reached the church at Reotier. The snow pack was quite hard but not icy and there were patches where the sun had melted most of it away but not too many. It never really became a sunny day but it didn't rain and there was no wind.

{Just enough snow on the path}

{Ooops! Turning round and following my own prints.}

Following my usual pattern I turned too early and then had to retrace my footprints to arrive high enough up the hillside to reach the church above the village of Reotier. There are about thirteen small hamlets that make up the village - we live in one of them slightly round the side of the hill away from the main settlements.

In summertime it's possible to climb a steep zig-zag path through the trees but I find it easier in the snow to take a longer route. There are several paths which look surprisingly similar until you round the bend and discover a dead end - which I did today but fortunately only once.

{Finally the right way}

I had also forgotten how narrow the path is in places and with the thick snow I had a few wobbly moments thinking about possible snow slides or avalanches. However, I discovered I can climb quite quickly in snowshoes when the adrenaline kicks in and I was soon out of 'danger' and onto the wider path.

{The end of the snow - looking towards the lunch spot}

I reached the junction and descended towards the church. Along this path the snow finally ran out and I carried the snowshoes to the bench above the valley where I planned to eat my lunch. The sun was quite warm when it did shine on me for brief moments, so I arrived carrying my gloves, hat, buff and jacket in my rucksack.

{Brilliant view over the Durance valley for lunch time stop}

{A new board beside the bench}

The original plan was to retrace my route back home but I decided to continue on through the village, mostly walking on the roads and make a circular day of it. There was still no rain.

The small village roads wind down the hillside - passing old and new houses and eventually deposited me on the 'main' road. It's been a while since I walked this way. Some of the roads are too narrow for today's traffic but easily wandered down on foot.

{View over Reotier from the high road}

{Fascinating example of the old architecture}

I arrived back at the house after being out for nearly four hours. This was much longer than I had originally planned but very enjoyable.

It was the first time I'd used the Keen winter boots in my snowshoes and  I was very impressed. They're comfortable to walk in and I know they're waterproof as well as warm in the snow.

All in the mix.........

The weather here is mixed - much like it is in the UK at the moment. It's been warmer than usual for January although plenty of snow in the mountains its high water content has led to some high avalanche warnings for the whole area of the Alps.

{Storm bound}

{Last week - skies are blue and the snow perfect}

I've begun to settle into a regular programme. Downhill skiing on Friday and over the weekend when John is here and cross country efforts for some of the other days of the week. Wednesdays are reserved for cross country expeditions with my neighbour Christiane.

{Christane - first across the road at Pelvoux}

The downhill is going well - the pistes are well looked after and my new skis seem to make turns all on their own!

The cross country has been mixed too. As most of the prepared trails are in the valleys the snow has been a bit icy and sometimes soft and sticky. There has been some falling over and one such tumble resulted in a nicely bruised knee!

{Heavy clouds moving away}

Yesterday the sun eventually came through the clouds which were left over after a stormy night. Skiing seemed a step too far so I decided to walk along the river Durance. John had told me there was a new trail, signposted for bikes, towards St. Crepin.

I had lunch first and lazily drove down to the car park at the bottom of the hill.

Much of the night's snow was melting or melted and the path was muddy, icy, and slushy in places, but pleasant beside the river.

{Photo taken on the way back - shows typical condition of the path!}

I was searching for a new bridge which John said was after the camp site. The path continued but I couldn't see a bridge. The sun having dropped behind the mountain by then, I turned back and retraced my steps.

{Passing through the Municipal camp site}

{No sign of a bridge here!}

My Sorel snow boots have developed a problem with the zips. I have had them for about 10 years so I've replaced them with some winter Keen boots called Revels. These have an insulated sole. I'm finding them extremely useful and comfortable. They're great for general use in winter weather and for walking in snow. When I get round to it they'll be good for snowshoeing too! They have a hook at the front to attach gaiters - very practical. I used them yesterday for the walk along the riverside. Despite plunging my feet into deep slushy snow and puddles they didn't leak.

{The fishing ponds at the car park- closed for winter}

{Best view of the day - looking back towards the car park}

Playing catch-up.....

Oh dear, it's been a while since I sat down to write anything here. Not deliberate, but I have been busy doing things. Plenty of walks in December, by myself, with Louise and with the Friday walking group. Some decisions were made about what to take on the Challenge in May - although I constantly keep changing my mind (well, I am a Libran) so I won't write about it until I've properly decided.

Christmas was spent in the Alps. It was really dreich weather and so the skiing didn't get going until after that. The snow is a bit wet at the moment and the avalanche warnings have been somewhere between 3 and 4 for the past two weeks. There's enough to downhill ski on and there have been some good days in the limited sunshine of early January.

I have shelled out for a season pass for the x-c skiing too. It's a good way to make me go and do it! Had a second day out yesterday even though the snow was a bit hard and icy. I have been looking to buy some more cross country skis, the ones I'm using are probably 20 years old, and I find them rather long. I know they're supposed to be long but there are some available now that are slightly wider so it's possible to use a shorter length. Keeping a snow plough with the longer skis puts a strain on my knees that I can do without!

After the last post I wrote about the Inov-8 shoes I reconsidered the wear and tear and decided to contact Inov-8 to find out if this was a problem they know about. In response, they sent me a leaflet about lacing shoes properly. However, an arrangement was made with the retailer (outside.co.uk) and I sent off my shoes for Inov-8 to look at. I then got a full refund as they said they were 'faulty' but unfortunately they didn't answer my question about the shoes. I still have the second pair I bought more recently and I'm pondering whether to wear them for the Challenge or not. If I can keep my pack weight down, even try to lose a few pounds from my body weight (!), then they may be ok.

One of various problems I'm having with my computer is that most of the time it won't read my camera's SD card so there are no photos for the moment. If I can get it all to work without the gremlins I'll post them up later......... That's the photos not the gremlins......

In the meantime - Happy 2014 to everyone.......

Of many parts..........

Missing so many opportunities to write this blog has created a huge backlog of possible stories. And I have no idea where to start.......all of which indecision only adds to my 'blogger's block'.

A few unkind comments about my writing had left me wounded and then more than three weeks in the Summer without proper Internet or even a mobile phone signal just added insult to injury. Those three weeks were spent in Northern France as co-carer (with the other Granny) for two grandchildren holidaying away from the heat and pollution of Shanghai, without their parents. There was plenty of swimming, playing in the garden, dancing and dressing-up, even some road biking but, sadly, not much walking.

After a week back in Pitlochry where we celebrated a little girl's third birthday, had picnics by the Loch, and enjoyed a surprise visit from a certain person who lives in Canada, it all went quiet..............

There have been some great walks since then. A long planned trip up Creag nam Ban, an exploration of the old railway line in Glenlochsie, Friday walks with the local group and some joint ventures with Louise, usually involving tea and cakes of course, have filled my time.

Last week I used my bus pass and my backpacking tent to join the Scottish Borders Walking Festival.

So there is plenty to write about........I just have to get started.................

{Walking the new trail from Peebles to Innerleithen}

Last week of the Season....

Today is the last day of skiing in the resorts of the Queyras. The weather this week has been mixed, several days of snow, sleet then rain, along with a few of the best day's skiing this season....

{View from St Veran}

We tried a picnic with some skiing......

{Favourite picnic bench}

Then some skiing with a picnic......

{As high as you can get skiing in the Queyras}

The skis are packed away now and the ferry is booked........

{Over St Veran}

I'm bringing the snowshoes home - I believe I might be needing them......

Oooops!......

I was preparing a post to herald the arrival of Spring........a foolish thought, as it transpired! I'd been listing (in my head) the various signs; the fisherman, the lycra-clad cyclists, the bush burning, the crocuses, the birds in brighter colours, and so on.....

For forty-eight hours we were treated to temperatures which never rose above freezing, a strong gusty wind, and heavy, heavy, persistent snowfall. Just before the weekend we had been skiing happily on really good snow and at home, watching the crocuses popping their heads up into the increasingly warm sunshine......

{The view from the window....}

{Driving might be difficult - that's the road....}

On Tuesday morning we emerged, dug our way out of the house, freed up the van and drove off to sample some new snow - more than 80 centimetres had fallen! The problem with new snow is that once the sun touches it, it turns rather soft and heavy making it harder work to ski.  We only managed a few runs and a coffee before heading back home.

{More digging required...}

{Finally - blue sky, sunshine and gorgeous fresh snow....}

We weren't the only ones confused by the sudden reversion to Winter. On our way home from the afternoon's skiing we came across a badger on the road. He'd either been hit by a vehicle or was just terrified and half asleep but he didn't move very far from me. Eventually we thought it best to leave him. 

{A confused badger...}

Catching up.....

More than two weeks of mayhem with the family has landed us neatly into French School Holiday time. Last week's  invasion from Marseille was just the start of it........

{From the cafe at Molines - chairlift full, and proper queues...}

If you're used to skiing in the larger resorts then this probably looks quite quiet but I can assure you that normally there are no queues here.

The bizarre thing is that even the retired or those without children at school still choose to take their holidays during this month of madness. At Ceillac a couple of days ago we chatted to a French couple with a holiday apartment in the village. They had come from Valence where they lived after retiring. They were very knowledgeable about Scotland as they had a daughter who had worked in Aberdeen. They weren't skiers but had been walking. I did ask myself why they had chosen to come during such a busy time.

Of course, during this month everything operates at full throttle - supermarkets are open longer, restaurants spring up everywhere, there are plenty of non-skiing activities to try. On the down side, the roads are busy, the shops are crowded and the prices go up!

{Waiting patiently behind the wheel.......}

Our skiing days are now confined to arriving at the car park around mid-day - when quite a few leave for lunch. The pistes are emptier until just after 2 p.m. when the hordes return. We stop for our picnic lunch while they get themselves organised on the chair-lift, in ski classes or go up the drag lifts. After that we join them on the slopes, trying to avoid any crowded parts. It's amazing how used you get to skiing on more or less empty pistes!

{At Ceillac, finding a good view at lunchtime}

There are loads of cleaning and tidying jobs to do around the house after our visitors from Shanghai have gone. Both children loved the skiing and their parents had time to relax. They all enjoyed the fresh air and lack of pollution in the Alps. I haven't downloaded all the photos yet but here's a sample......

{Playing in the Igloo at Abries....}

{Brodie confidently on the tow...}

{Maree trying to beat Mum down the hill....}

Time to load the washing machine....again!