I'm not gonna' lie....

I'm not gonna' lie, the first fortnight has not been a bed of roses and has been a baptism of fire!

Firstly the weather.  Upon arrival it was very wet, then we had mountains of snow, which was very welcome, and then some very, very cold weather indeed! This presented several problems including a cold engine that refused to start after being left idle for a week.  The local specialist was called in and €125 later Homer spluttered to life.   The mechanic was great actually and gave us several tips on how to prevent this happening again.  Eh voila!

                                            

On the mountain, whilst skiing we have experienced temperatures of -14*C with a biting easterly wind as well as heavy snow fall.  No amount of layers could keep us warm in this and at times I thought what the hell am I doing!! I don't think I could imagine how cold I was going to get, I don't have enough thermal layers with me and my ski gloves are definitely not fit for purpose in these temperatures! 😳 We reckon our hands get frozen at least 10 times a day 😣

Grey water tap open to prevent it from freezing.
Then just getting used to daily life in the motorhome in the winter.  This is quite different to when we went to France in the summer.  Due to cold conditions, there are several jobs we must do every day to keep the motorhome supplied with water and ensuring the waste and water tanks don't freeze.  Plus, snow must be swept from the roof to prevent it turning to ice and to keep the solar panel clear.  As important is to clear the roof before you drive as you can face a fine if snow or ice fly off your roof when driving along!


 
Defrosting the window

Chris clearing snow off the roof.

Getting dressed in outdoor gear every time we step out of the van takes time and effort.  Need the loo?  Want a shower?  Need to take the rubbish?  Need to collect water?  Nip to the bakers?  Put your hat and scarf on.  Put your big coat on.  Put your snow boots on.  Put your gloves on.  Get to the loo.  take your coat, hat, gloves off.  Then put it all back on again to return!! 😰. 

Is it worth it?  Hell yes! The stunning scenery for a start, it's like we're in winter wonderland or a movie set or the scene from a postcard. Living in the motorhome brings us closer to nature, it's here on our very doorstep and to look out onto the mountain every day fills your heart to the core.  To be out in bare nature, feeling the cold, hearing the silence gives the feeling of serenity.




 


Coffee, croissant and pain! 🥖🥐☕  Of course, we are enjoying a daily coffee and croissant on our way to the ski lift, soft, tasty and crispy, hmmm.  And there are so many artisan breads to choose from, many made with rye flour or sourdough which are a little kinder on the belly than the ordinary pain!





Meeting new people.  Almost everyone we've met has been very friendly, other motorhomers offering advice, inviting us for drinks, chatter on the gondolas and chairlifts and the people from the campsite being helpful and patient with our attempts to speak French! Thank you Sameons - we're loving it!!!

Melle 💖


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