 Poster: A snowHead
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Another sunny morning which led to the pistes below 2400m softening very quickly and then, again, a thin layer of cloud has appeared this afternoon, which is maybe a good thing or the home runs would have been a bigger slushfest. The Marmottes were the talk of the town this morning - by my book they are a week or 10 days early - a sign of the weather this year??
We spent the morning around Bellvarde and La Daille, the only thing of note was a pisteur closing Santons around 1020hrs this morning - quite a bit earlier than normal which reflected the warm overnight temperatures and the strong sun. Later we rode up Tichot with a pisteur, who had been busy with a serious accident in the Snowpark (15 mins unconscious) and his view that off piste after 1000 hrs was dangerous due to the chance of heat induced slips on steep sunny slopes, not a lot else to report really. The pistes are holding up well in terms of snow cover but you have to be prepared for hardpack through to wet slush depending on aspect and time - spring skiing in a nut shell.
Tomorrow will start with sunny spells but the air will soon start coming from the north-west so it will be a layer cooler tomorrow, perhaps 4 or 5 degs and this cooling will persidt through the day. A milky sky will develop in the afternoon and after the lifts shut the cloud will thicken and light snow will start late in the evening. Looks like it's going to be a bit cooler and so it will be snow down to Brev. the light snow will continue through a cloudy Saturday, it may stop now and again. The front has weakened dramatically in the latest forecast - so it's 5-10cm at best. The snow will stop after dark - hopefully it will be light enough not to settle in greta quantities on the roads - but it could still be tricky. It may also be windy - the forecasts are varying but teh isobars on the basic charts look close together to me! Sunday - sunny spells and warming up a bit, probably!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well the cloud was a bit late arriving bit its here now - the top of Chardo has just disappeared in cloud. The pistes were hard first thing and softened up quite quickly. We had a disparate group - the aim was to get to the Oeilette on Solaise - I've not been seen it was demolished and gentrified. To blow the cobwebs away after a great night at La Bodega last night in Lavachet I had a run round Aiguille Percee and then we set off - some of us went down Face which was not too bad, another half hour and it would have been very soft. After a trip down a very firm Arcelle (at 11) we ending up at the destination - proper Val prices now and much more orientated towards the posh diner with 2 separate restos (couldn't even check the menu for upstairs!). The deck for drinking coffee and chilling out is much smaller now, so it will no longer be a regular haunt. For a laugh we did Germain Matisse on the way home (still well covered and firm at 1230) and the the 'Travesty du Laisinant" which was OK - not too much pushing to get to the centre and avoids the bus. Home via JC which was still firm at 1330 and not a rock in sight.
The cloud will continue to thicken this evening and light snow will begin sometime after dark and this will continue on and off through tomorrow - though the quantities vary between forecasts. But grey and probably windy - strangely MF are not forcasting much wind but the airport forecasts are - we'll see. If you are out dress for cooler weather. Sunday will see sunny spells but back warmer again> Monday - probably sunny with a gusty wind, again opinions vary.
For the travellers - it's going to be a quiet week. The published occupancy rate is down to about 53% in Tignes from 69% this week - so blissfully quiet. This is reflected in the vehicle forecasts: 24k vehicles are going downhill so minor queues at Aime mid - morning and only 20k heading up so I would be surprised if there were any holdups at all.
For the fliers - no real problems - maybe a shower or two north of the M62. Over here it will be a bumpy arrival with the wind, especially in the afternoon. As it will be a northerly it will be the rather dramatic approach at Chambery when the bloke at the front flies down the lake heading south as normal and then veers off to circle the town to land into the wind. A bit unusual but safe.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@chocksaway, great detail there.
How's the piste holding up in general?
What's the expert view on how things will be skiing through next week? Best to stay high high?
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@sean1967, In general the pistes are holding up well, stay high ish and be very aware of aspect, move round with the sun.
It was grotty with very light snow this morning which stopped in the afternoon, nothing to get excited about I'm afraid. So I have now got clean windows, clean washing and a host of other close to end of season triv done! A cheeky breeze blew up this afternoon, the sun came out. but has now disappeared in mist.
Late this afternoon, we have had someone heloed off the fillet of off piste between the bottom of Trolles and the Rosset nursery slope, hope all's well eventually.
The skies will clear tonight and Sunday should be mainly sunny although there are varying opinions on the amount of cloud on the peaks, look out of the window! It will feel a bit warmer and the breezes will drop off. Monday will be sunny warm and potentially very windy at altitude - closing some of the top lifts I should think. Tuesday is a complete conundrum, a high pressure system is moving north east over us - some models are showing this bringing a weather system in from the northeast which will mimic the effects of a retour d'est. Le Fornet could get really a quiet snowy day. Other models are showing it miss us all together, meaning it would be sunny.
As for the travellers, firstly sorry to those at Chambery who were disrupted by Extinction Rebellion between 9 and 11 this morning. I have seen the photos of folks dragging cases down the roads. It looks like the delays weren't too bad though with stuff back to normal after lunch. Tomorrow, looks like a good day for flying, again a northerly wind at Chambery so the interesting arrivals procedure.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@chocksaway, It was significant enough to trigger alerts on the Nest cameras in our place.
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Coming out on Wed/Thursday, What to pack for Earthquake?
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@Thick As, A tin hat and a transceiver just in case it shifts the snow of the roofs on top of you on the way back from Happy Hour!
A frustrating morning - we had planned a tour going quite high but we awoke to fog banks drifting up the valley obscuring where we wanted to go. The Grande Motte was looking resplendent in the sunshine and was shining on the cliffs above where we had planned to go so a delay was not really on the cards. So I opted to go up Palafour on skins and back down to the Jam Bar for an English Breakfast Brochetta. Mmmm.
Tomorrow should be mostly sunny with a stiff wind which could develop into a wind, again there might be a few clouds on the peaks. It will be warm on the terraces out of the wind. Tuesday looks like being 5 or 6 degs cooler with a strong gusty wind particularly in the afternoon. Clouds may develop in the afternoon depending on how this weather system develops. Some have light snow in the early evening, some have it in the small hours. It looks like there will be more snow to the eastern side as with a retour d'est. Some models have Wednesday as a snowy windy day - others have sunny spells. Its an unusual weather pattern so the computers can't make up their mind!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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A few clouds this morning that disappeared quite quickly to leave a sunny day. It was windy in the morning preventing the Cable Car from opening, but it abated after lunch and normal service was resumed. I have a ski bud arriving tomorrow so it was down to Bourg and then cleaning.
In other News - La Scara starts tomorrow - regarded as the World Cup for 12-15 year olds. So OK Orange will be shut all week (it may vary whereabouts.) The main issue will be teenagers shrink wrapped in Lycra hurtling around with little or no regard for recreational skiers. Watch out - especially near the Marmottes lift.
Tomorrow will start sunny ad mild - but a gusty wind will develop especially down the valley - so keep an eye on the links in the afternoon. A bit of cloud will appear before dark and then there may be some light snow late in the evening. As for Wednesday there's a split as to where this unusual system is going to drop its snow. The French are going for fast moving sunny periods, The Swiss, Norwegians and Americans are going for cloud and snow. Toss a coin. Thursday we seem to have a consensus for sunny spells in the morning with the clouds clearing to leave a balmy afternoon. Friday - pretty similar.
Beware the Poisson
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Out a week on Saturday. I don't really pay much attention to the weather forecast as over the years I've found its better just to adopt a 'it will be what it's going to be' approach.
Have you been down to the Les Brévières station recently @Chocksaway? Just wondering if the link is open and ski able? Ive been all over so having to download in a gondola at the end of the ski day isn't new to me while the rest on the trip the concert is a bit aline 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Grizwald wrote: |
Out a week on Saturday. I don't really pay much attention to the weather forecast as over the years I've found its better just to adopt a 'it will be what it's going to be' approach.
Have you been down to the Les Brévières station recently @Chocksaway? Just wondering if the link is open and ski able? Ive been all over so having to download in a gondola at the end of the ski day in certain areas isn't new to me while the rest on the trip the concept is a bit alien |
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Any suggestions on Bars / Restaurants in Val C that are worth a look ? I am aware of Cocos for apres beers and live music. In fact anywhere that youd recommend please in VC, Le Lac, Lav . Thank you
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Is there a way to get discounted ski passes by paying in advance? Or is that only something some accommodation providers can do? Going there for mid April for a week. Excited!
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You know it makes sense.
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| Charlie333 wrote: |
| Any suggestions on Bars / Restaurants in Val C that are worth a look ? I am aware of Cocos for apres beers and live music. In fact anywhere that youd recommend please in VC, Le Lac, Lav . Thank you |
Cocos for stolen skis, too. Lock them up if you go there (or anywhere else, for safety).
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Ski passes from Tignes LP office reduce for the last week of the season. Not aware of a reduction if you buy in advance. Some accom providers get discounts and pass those onto you if you book accom and buy LP from them ie tignes.co.uk. A Tignes / VD LP for 6 days i think is 460e. Remember a 6 day pass is valid for 7 days, 7 day pass for 8 days etc
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Kenzie- thanks. Is there a problem with getting skis nicked ? I thought that wasnt an issue these days (we use hire skis and they are never top end)
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Prices through SunWeb are very keen. Weeks accommodation AI for £570 inc a pass.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Hello Snowheads. Does anyone know anywhere in Val Claret to get an early dinner? We have toddlers with us so looking to eat around 5 but finding places don't tend to open for food until 18.30 or 19.00.
Thanks!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@kemzie has got me thinking about ski locks. Does anyone use them and is there any you would recommend ? Im coming out in 2 weeks and will be cocoricoing at some point and dont wish to loose skis even if they are hire skis
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Skicatski, The Armoise opens at 6 - but book early as its popular and good value.
@Charlie333, Other than above - sorry not been out in Val Claret this season.
Skis going missing is a regular occurrence both here and in Val D'Isere - part theft for cash part drunken stupidity.
Only ski pass deals until the last week will be through package deals with accommodations providers.
@Grizwald, Not been to Brev for a week, may do soon as I have a mate coming out and we may do the '4 corners'.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Grizwald, it was skiable last Thursday, if a bit sloppy in the afternoon. To be fair most people seemed to be downloading. Le Sache looked a bit grim and brown at the bottom, at least when looking at it from the bus when we left (temporarily) on Friday.
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Thanks @Thick As. Looks good. Need to tie to to something but Im sure theres metal railings o/s cocos. Thank you
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@chocksaway - thanks - any suggestions for Le Lac or Lav for beer/ food/ music ? Appreciate yr input
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I must have done this a few times through the pages:
Lac: Niuro Steakhouse- don’t go if you don’t like steak!
Lavachet:
Queue de Cochon for innovative French style food
Mendikoa for French style French food
Kodo for Asian fusion
Brasero for pizza
La Bodega for Mexican
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Based on previous experience don’t rely upon splitting skis acting as a deterrent.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Thanks for the reports on the Les Brévières conditions. We'll play it by ear.
On locks, I've one similar to the one in the link above. I guess at best they're are deterants, with the right cutters it would be like a knife through butter with one of those cable tie locks. There's also a compromise that personally I wouldn't like anything much heavier duty as you have to carry it and I don't like skiing with a bag if I'm just on piste, and to a lesser extent don't want to risk a fall and have something rigid in a pocket.
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@Charlie333, Bought one of these this season and recommend - Loqski - https://www.loqski.com/
Very compact in your pocket / quick and easy to use / also secures both poles . . .I bought the cable as well but have never needed to use it (ski Austria not France!)
Previous lock was a two piece Agent Ski lock - https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Agent-Lock-Classic-Keys-Colour/dp/B000KKDBMY?th=1&tag=amz07b-21
Also good but bulkier and more of a faff to carry and use, plus it didn't secure expensive carbon poles!
Combination locks are easy to open (just rotate and 'feel' for the loosest number position) and the thin integrated wires easy to cut in seconds . . .
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You know it makes sense.
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Apologies in advance for yet another parking question but I can’t see anyone has asked/mentioned this yet & I can’t find the answer on indigo - if we pre book parking in Golf (that is hopefully *not* a measly 1.9m height or we’ll get stuck!) are we able to leave and come back or is it once we’re in we’re in for the week?
Cheers
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| negativeyardage wrote: |
| Is there a way to get discounted ski passes by paying in advance? Or is that only something some accommodation providers can do? Going there for mid April for a week. Excited! |
Just bought 4 passes for next week on the Tignes website. There was a 200euro discount applied for pre-booking.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@rustycrankles, Was that for 2 adults and 2 x 8-18 year olds? If so its a Trib Pass - thats been available all season.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Guessing it's a bit icy in the mornings? Our ski school have just told us they need to move our daughters snowboard sessions to the afternoon next week, as they're not taking any beginners out in the mornings...
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| chocksaway wrote: |
I must have done this a few times through the pages:
Lac: Niuro Steakhouse- don’t go if you don’t like steak!
Lavachet:
Queue de Cochon for innovative French style food
Mendikoa for French style French food
Kodo for Asian fusion
Brasero for pizza
La Bodega for Mexican |
This prompted me to look at the webcams to see if the Arbina had re-opened. It's clearly not, any ideas what's happening to it, I seem to remember the business owning it went bust?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| BornAgainSkier wrote: |
| Guessing it's a bit icy in the mornings? Our ski school have just told us they need to move our daughters snowboard sessions to the afternoon next week, as they're not taking any beginners out in the mornings... |
Interesting, I'm not on the ground, but at this time of year you'd generally expect freeze/thaw conditions. Where are the lessons out of assume most are out of Le Lac and there's a magic carpet there so maybe the beginners area they use is boiler plate in the morning or something else is on. I'll be having some lessons when we head out on the 12th but assuming regardless of what happens with the weather between now and then getting up high will offer good conditions still.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@BornAgainSkier, I wouldn’t say icy, but very firm hard pack out of the sun. There were lots of early intermediate kids sliding all ways.
@stevew, It’s complicated and subject to plenty of mountain gossip. But the ultimate owners Whitegold Hospitality had been move from ‘judicial administration’ to “plan du cession” which I think is a procedure of selling assets to try and ensure the survival of s business. But that was then stopped by a subsequent tribunal.
I am told that the Arbina is sold, but it’s a complex web of companies so who really knows?
If anybody understands French business, please correct me if I’m wrong!
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| ScarlettInSpace wrote: |
Apologies in advance for yet another parking question but I can’t see anyone has asked/mentioned this yet & I can’t find the answer on indigo - if we pre book parking in Golf (that is hopefully *not* a measly 1.9m height or we’ll get stuck!) are we able to leave and come back or is it once we’re in we’re in for the week?
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If you pre-book then yes, you can come and go as you please. Golf still has 2.35m headroom and hasn't shrunk or been unduly affected by the Folie earthquake.
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Grand morning - but the weather changed!
Blue skies this morning and the mercury was below zero over porridge - so colder than the last few days by a good margin. So I went for a solo charge round and the pistes were very hard at 9 on Palafour. I stopped for a couple of selfies with the Marmottes near Bec Rouge - great to watch them boxing - not sure if thats a mating thing or a reaction to being on the same burrow for 6 months. Over to La Daille where the pistes were just about right at 1030. Coffee then up the Motte - again the pistes were great all the way down to Val Claret, the off piste very variable, the direct route from Lanches to Vanoise was nice chalky snow, but some of the moguls are viciously steep sided now. Round the Palet bowl - the last part of Palafour was beginning to chop up just before one. Through the morning I could see the clouds encroaching over Le Fornet from the East and wondered how far they could get. I was head down in the apt doing some accounts when it suddenly went darker and started snowing - so it looks like the American forecasting system was right, it a little out on timings.
The current snow will ease off but then should return later this evening, not huge amounts, but every little helps. Tomorrow will be a case of looking out of the window, there's an odd kink in the isobars which is messing with the forecasts, but most likely light snow on and off through the day, stopping just before lift closure. The American system is going for more snow than the rest - wait and see. However, it will be windy, so another layer perhaps. Thursday and Friday look much warmer with sunny spells and variable amounts of cloud. The breezes will be gentle. It will be warmer overnight from tomorrow night so the pistes will soften more quickly. Saturday looks nice and then it cools down a bit - phew.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Charlie333 wrote: |
| Any suggestions on Bars / Restaurants in Val C that are worth a look ? I am aware of Cocos for apres beers and live music. In fact anywhere that youd recommend please in VC, Le Lac, Lav . Thank you |
Grizzly’s is good fun, best if some one else is buying te beers though, staff at Mark Warner like Ranga’s but did not get there so can’t confirm.
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@Grizwald,
Evolution 2 in VC - sounds as though the complete beginner snowboarders have been struggling in the mornings, makes sense as learning to board on ice/hard pack isn't much fun! I think skiers and boarders who aren't complete beginners would be fine, but my daughter is switching to boarding for the first time this year. She'll just have to ski with us in the morning then have her boarding lessons after lunch
@chocksaway,
Thanks for the info
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