 Poster: A snowHead
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MIKE Pow .... interesting reading - thank you.
SORRY FOR NOT POSTING LAST NIGHT...... totally forgot
Maybe its the end of the season, maybe I was just tired.... who knows but I only realised I had not posted when I woke up this morning ..... woops.
However the good news is that our new chalet guests did not want their free lesson / resort tour this morning so BOTH CLARE AND I have the day off........ first time for about 6 months we can both say that. Its great - still in PJ's, Clare watching rubbish Sunday am TV, might pop out to buy myself a new ski jacket later on (the current zip has stopped working on my jacket)... going to have yummy roast dinner later...... its going to be a great day!
Anyway back to yesterday.
It was a fairly early start but the roads were lovely and quiet (more so than expected which was nice) and the weather down the valley was fine. We made it to Geneva in good time - a quick lunch stop and then I waited for our new guests to come through which took a lot longer than expected as their was baggage hold ups. Anyway the roads on the way back were all fine (perhaps I was earlier than normal) but we made it back to Val (even with a stop in Bourg at Super U) in virtually record time.
Clare made a nice meal last night and it was VERY nice to know that we could both have a lie in this morning. The weather today is once again misty, grey with a new snow floating about..... IT JUST KEEPS ON SNOWING.. If anyone is thinking of taking a late season ski holiday this year you will NOT be disappointed I can assure you!.
I forgot to say that Friday evening for Joes birthday was a lot of fun. We were in a Yurt over in Tignes les Boisses..... there was a LOT of alcohol flying around and a HUGE communal cheese fondue around the fire made it a fun night. I opted to be driver so it was funny watching everyone let their hair down!
The view of Val d'Isere when I got back from transfer yesterday and I can tell you it is a very similar picture out there this morning!
The main piece of local news is the sad story of a 21 year old French guy from Bourg-St-Maurice who took his own life by jumping from the dam wall in Tignes on Friday evening.... how very sad.... RIP
Apart from that the town is MUCH quieter now and pretty much everyone in TDC this week is working mornings only bar the odd afternoon lesson - we are emerging from the seasons tunnel!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Hi Steve Angus, thanks for your updates all season, it makes very interesting reading between trips. We are back out next Sunday for 5 days. Unless there is a record thaw I think we will have great skiing. But will everything still be open if the resort is quieting down. It seems a lot of cost to keep so many lifts running if there are not many skiers. I am not worried about the snow, but more about if all the lifts will be running
Cheers
Smag
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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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My pleasure Steve Angus.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Thanks for the updates all season. We arrived in resort yesterday after a quick and quiet drive from Geneva (minus our skis which arrived this morning). The resort and slopes are much quieter than our Feb trip and the sun was shining from around midday. Snow is great, probably the best in all our April trips.
Hope you and Clare enjoyed your day off.
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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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Steve - just to let you know that I have ejoyed your posts all season. I look forward to reading them and it keeps me feel connected to the snow - not to mention interesting and amusing! Many thanks, have a good rest, and look forward to next season's tales!
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MY PLEASURE FOLKS.... I aim to continue with the daily updates (for this season - ill be back once a month in the Summer - and then again next Winter of course) for another few weeks
smagsmith .... virtually everything will be open right to the end of the season - don't worry. Things like the two chairs up the Face may be closed whereas the Olympique will stay open so it doesn't affect things. But I very much doubt lift closures will be a problem / noticeable at all.
Anyway had a lovely day..... no jacket took my fancy but will look again sometime.
Yummy roast and watching sport on TV - it was a great day. We even stopped for a 'very French style' afternoon drink on the pavement outside Sur La Montagne - it was nice and sunny and warm.
Virtually nothing else to report yesterday..... it is rather grey this morning but hopefully the sun will come out. Clare and I are both teaching a full day today but it will probably be the last full day teaching of the Winter for the two of us - we shall see.
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A fairly grim day weather wise again!
Little Sam was not really feeling very well this morning (poor little lad also needed a break after skiing 8 days straight) - so I took his Mum for a lesson instead..... and she is a good skier too. So it was a good morning after all.
As you can see the view at lunchtime was fairly grim as it was a mix of snow and slushy rain falling for parts of the day coupled with poor vis and fairly warm temps!
The afternoon I had a really nice guy (originally from NZ but now living in London). A fashion photographer who had had a go at snowboarding several years ago but was essentially a beginner. Given the soft and slow snow (which was perfect for learning snowboarding in) he did amazingly well and by the end of the session he made it up to the top of the mountain and onto the Lac lift - BRAVO! I have another session with him on Wednesday.
Our weekly French lesson and then a trip to see 'Lincoln' at the cinema completed my Monday... tomorrow should only be a half day of lessons (as should the rest of the week - we shall see!).
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| Steve Angus wrote: |
| ....Given the soft and slow snow (which was perfect for learning snowboarding in) he did amazingly well and by the end of the session he made it up to the top of the mountain and onto the Lac lift - BRAVO!............. |
Yes, we had been learning to board on and off for a while but never 100% enjoyed it. However March last year we decided to have another crack one warm afternoon when the slopes had gone very soft. It was our nirvana moment. Learning to board on porridge or soft heavy soft is perfect. I said it at the time on the Les Arcs thread, if you don't like skiing in porridge, then don't bother, go have a boarding lesson. Its perfect for learning on.
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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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IS IT REALLY APRIL 9TH!
Even though I did not leave the nursery slopes today I hear there was a good 20cm plus fresh overnight AND it has been snowing hard all day long so I am expecting some 30-50cm of snow in places tomorrow BUT there is some strong wind around so it could be variable as to where there is fresh snow.... we shall see tomorrow.
So I worked just this morning, Sam on his snowboard (another kid who likes the thought of boarding but the reality of becoming a beginner again is too much hard work for them) for the first half and then his little brother (only 4 years old after that)..... all in all the usual 3 hour lesson. Anyway little Henry is by far and away the youngest person I have ever taught snowboarding too and it is definitely too young IMO..... 10000000% hands on.... they are barely strong enough to balance on their heel edge and not strong enough to balance on their toe edge and all they can really do is go in straight line ..... he was very good at that. A few metres in a straight line and the speed is picking up too much so you have to turn them to stop them...... anyway it was a VERY hands on lesson and he did well but I don't think he will be rushing to have another go...... stick with the skiing son!
It was very damp snow falling in the village and I was pretty tired and damp by the time 12 came around so I was glad to get home. Clare worked this afternoon as I enjoyed some down time.
We have just come back from a post ski cup of tea at a relative of Clare chalet where they are staying this week which was very nice..... so nice when friends and family are out as it is so social!
Anyway MORE FRESH SNOW IS FORECAST FOR TONIGHT with some settled weather and sunshine in the upcoming forecast (hopefully) - get yourselves out here now as the resort is dead quiet and there are some good deals to be had (including with our very own Fresh Chalets (sorry gratuitous plug there) www.freshchalets.co.uk)
[b]thefatcontroller[b] - glad it rings true with you..... NOT ideal conditions as a young beginner skier as the snowploughing is extra tough work on the legs though!
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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Next time I go to Val I am getting someone to take me down the Vallee Perdue! I can't beleive in 6 visits I've never done it. Also, I was there twice this season (Dec and March) and the GM cable car was shut BOTH times!
Ah well, just have to plan next year's trip 
Nice update Steve, Sam sounds like a sweetie! Hope Claire feels better soon x
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You know it makes sense.
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What an end to the season. Fresh tracks on piste!
Your going to have to give Claire some well deserved TLC especialy with a schedule like that and feeling so rough.
Get well soon.
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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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Please thank Clare for the lessons this week, VERY impressed with Katie's progress.
If Clare needs any more drugs let us know as we have half of Boots with us and can drop anything with her at 9am.
Looking forward to ski-ing tomorrow after the fresh snow this evening.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Wonderful photos, cannot believe the conditions are so amazing this late in the season.
Think it'll take a while for that lot to melt!
I was watching the webcams regularly on La Face last year to see how long it took the last snow patches to vanish (very depressing).
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Anyone in val this coming week? Flying out on Sunday and fingers crossed it stays good....
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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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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| Quote: |
My final stats for this season (don't think there will be many / any more lessons) are: 560 hours total taught since November of which 479.5 were on skis and 80.5 were on the board (85% v 15%). 181 adults and 34 juniors taught (I only count someone once ever so that means 181/34 'new' people taught this Winter). PHEW
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Careful, the tax man may be watching 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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^ awwwww CUTE! I'd love to see one.
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It was an enjoyable morning with a couple - he was trying skiing again after a several years break and she was regaining her confidence...... there was quite a split in ability initially but using 'the power' I got the two of them on the same page and before we knew it we were off up the mountain. It was boiling hot once again and the snow softened up quickly so by the time we got to the top of the mountain is was lovely conditions.
It turned out to be an enjoyable morning.
Clare is doing (as it stands at the moment) the last clinic of the season in the mornings this week.
In the afternoon it was work, work, work at home (as it will be on and off for the next few days / weeks) doing all the jobs that need doing.
All of the snow (well virtually all anyway) has now melted from out the front so it must mean time for a BBQ chez Angus soon!
Not much else to report folks.
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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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Well another scorcio day here in Val d'Isere although it could be the final day before the weather turns to some rain and snow at altitude and we can all put away the beach shorts!
I had the same lady this morning as yesterday and even more progress was made as we headed up the mountain and had some really great runs up there.... well done!
I am working through my accounts this afternoon but we are both looking forward to going to Gav and Lou's for some dinner this evening.
Not much else to report apart from to say that there is still some great snow up high especially on the glacier and many tour operators have availability next week so get on out here for a final fix before Summer!
P.S. I will be continuing with my daily blog for another week or so and then Clare and I will be packing up, heading to Chamonix for an end of season ski school ski together with the other TDC coaches before packing up the remaining few things and sorting a few things out and heading back to the UK right at the start of May. Like last Summer ill be doing a monthly update on all things Val d'Isere and the Espace Killy from the UK.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Steve Angus, thanks for a brilliant blog, Steve, such a good read as always. 
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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 all the info ... I'm out in Val next week, so all looking good for some quality late-season skiing! From the sound of the forecast, might need to include a base-layer or two, which isn't usually on my list for end of season ski packing
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You know it makes sense.
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Forecast for more snow looks good and the lower temps should be good too. Arrive tomorrow  I've been looking forward to this trip for so long.
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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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Steve Angus, thanks so much for sharing all the fun and info this season - brilliant blog that was the main reason we went to val d'isere this year - and its now mrsW's favourite resort.
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Poster: A snowHead
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WOW folks - thanks for so many nice things you have said
So glad people enjoy reading the blog and seeing what the go over here in Val is..... I shall continue - fear not!
Talking of 'the go' in Val d'Isere..... its raining!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our chalet guests left at crack of dawn this morning so I was up to see them off in their hire car.... back to bed for a few hours kip, then Clare went to work and the weather got more and more threatening and by mid morning it was drizzle and by late morning it was totally socked in. Clare told me when she got back at midday that she could not see the hand in front of her face at the top of the mountain the cloud / mist was so thick.
Anyway we decided to have lunch out (a luxury)..... so we went for a stroll and it was pretty chilly.
At one point it started raining hard so we decided that it was a good time to stop for lunch..... I went somewhere that I do not historically rate, the Pedrix Blanche. My not liking of the place goes back many years to well bellow par service and food that caused many an upset stomach on more than one occasion! Anyway Clare had been there a few weeks ago on a girls night out and had deemed it 'improved' so we gave it a go...... we had a LOVELY three course lunch - the food was pretty good and the service was not bad.... so it is improving perhaps! Anyway it was a nice couple of hours out.
The weather forecast is showing no signs of improvement - grey, little bit of wind, rain (snow at altitude) so I think it will be a few miserable days all in all coming up! Snow at altitude will be very welcome though and we may still yet get a couple of powder days in and if nothing else the slightly colder weather will improve not only the chances of but also the quality of any ski touring we can fit in.
With all the mild temperatures this week (as seen above) we have had avalanches covering the road just below Val on the main road.... but also the effects are seen lower down. Yesterday evening there was a large mud / rock slide into the village of Viclair which is one of the small villages you drive through between Bourg and where the road really starts to get windy.... in fact it is right below La Rosiere (several hundred metres lower of course). Anyway that slide caused disruption and problems on the road although there were no accidents as a result of the slide - thank goodness!
Not much else to report today apart from to say that I managed (after being on hold for what seemed like hours) to get 2 tickets to the one year anniversary of the Olympic Games athletics event in July...... yipppee - Usain Bolt here we come!
Right back to the accounts!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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SNOW ALERT
I REFUSE to let anyone tell me that the season in Val d'Isere and elsewhere is finished until May. Virtually every year we get a full 6 month 'Winter' skiing season here and this year is no exception.
I can hardly believe it - this is what the view from my front door is this morning:
There is a good 30cm of snow here in town and reports of 50cm on the hill AND it is supposed to continue hard all day. I have also just done the snowball test (at resort level just casually grab a hand full of snow and pick it up - if it has already made a sort of snowball = heavy snow on the hill; pick it up and it sort of sticks together but needs 'needing' with your hands to make a snowball = equals good piste snow and good off piste snow especially at altitude; pick it up and it needs pushing together comprehensively to make a snowball = light pow snow all the way) and it falls into the 'good piste / good powder higher up' category this morning - MORE WOWWWWS.
So was last week a glimpse of Spring or not? This snow is set to continue all day. Down here at resort level the ground is warm so i doubt it will 'stick' for more than a few days but we shall see!
There has been a slide on the road (car) by Tignes turn off but that has been cleared this morning - all vehicles need chains unless 4x4 with snow tyres AND it has snow all the way to Bourg!
They are blasting heavily this morning!
Im not venturing far outside today so will give a further update this evening - IF YOU WANT A LAST SHOT OF POW - COME NOW - RIGHT NOW!
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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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Eeeee!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Summer Skiing tuition? I have a couple renting our place in Tignes fro 2 weeks at the start of July. They are looking for some ski tuition (they are intermediate skiers they say). I beleive ESF can offer some tuition. Any one know any more user friendly folk around then?
Captain Snowy
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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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Captain Snowy - someone from the ESF will always be around to take a lesson.... try also contacting Ultimate Snowsports - the boys and girls from there are often around in the Summer months..... of course before you do that contact TDC in Tignes (tignes@tdcski.com) as James or Gav will almost certainly be around then too!
Not my photo (as I have been inside all day doing these blooming accounts)..... what a lovely photo it is. Yep you have guessed it the sun is back... in lesser amounts than the other day it is has to be said but it is back. Clare went for a ski and tells me that the snow is amazing up there.
The clouds and sun have been fighting for dominance for much of the day but I think this evening the clouds will win and we may have some snow again.... however not as much as the other day.
The resort is empty too - those who are here are having a wonderful time.
We are off round to the opening party for the Terrachu hotel / bar / restaurant in Tignes this evening which should be fun. My Tignes colleagues have taken over the lease on the property for the Summer and they open this evening so are throwing a party - should be fun. Clare has also just sent out an invite as we are having a BBQ on Thursday for her birthday.
Not much else to report.
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Had a lovely evening last night at the Terachu Opening - nice BBQ on the desk but when we came to drive home it was the thickest cloud / fog I have EVER seen..... I was not driving but Mike, who was found it tricky navigating the mountain roads when you really could not see more than 2 metres in front of the car - eek!
Anyway there was broken clouds this morning and the temperature was well above zero. Once again I was on accounts duty - getting there - and Clare had a nice relaxing day but has one lesson tomorrow.
The forecast for the next few days is for sun and a few clouds before possibly snowing again at the weekend!!!!!
Clare and I booked our hotel in Chamonix for Saturday night today and we will have a nice day out in Annecy on the way there on the Saturday before Sunday with the rest of TDC is going to be off piste fun and games!
P.S. The Adventure Film Festival opened today in Val - so may try and get along to a film or two in the next few days sometime - we shall see!
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Steve, many thanks for the many enjoyable minutes/hours of reading  hope will have a chance to meet you next season in person.
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mooney058 - thank you very much - you never know there is always another season!
Well it really felt like Spring again here today as the sun came out and the snow that fell the other day in town melted away. I have now pretty much completed the accounts for another year - YAY.
Looking forward to some good weather on Thursday now for the barbeque to celebrate Clares birthday and it should be good weather through til the weekend when more snow is forecast!
Clare is having an evening out with some old YSE girlfriends of hers (most of the ex-YSE staff seem to be out here this week) so I shall think it will be a late one for her..... im watching the football!
Not much else to report apart from to say that there are reports about an accident / incident on the road near Tignes this evening - not sure if that is affecting things much!
Anyway that's all folks.... think I mentioned the other day that I was going to continue to with daily updates through until at least this Friday BUT may do daily updates next week.... not sure - depends on our movements.
Take care folks.
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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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Well another day passes by - and I HAVE FINISHED MY ACCOUNTS - yippee.
So Clare and I went up to Cash 2000 the Val d'Isere cash and carry this morning to get supplies for our BBQ tomorrow.... its going to be fun.
Most of the rest of the day I finished the admin off and cleared the apartment ready for tomorrow..... at the same time Clare was busy making all sorts of foods (salads etc) for tomorrow.
The sun shone all day and it really felt as if the end of the season must be approaching on the pistes but I am told the snow is still very good up high!
Clare is out this evening for a meal with the other Bonne Sante physio staff (whom she has been doing some client massages for this season)..... I on the other hand am enjoying a couple of beers with my feet up.
Take care folks.
P.S. the 'accident' in Les Brevieries yesterday was nothing more than someone sliding into the crash barriers on their motorbike and coming off - no deaths or anything.
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Well what a day it was..... just about recovered now.
We had glorious weather and utilised the space outside the apartment with a barbeque..... we had about 40 people turn up in the end and most people stayed until late.
There was a lot of different punches, beers and wines on offer and I think everyone had a great time.
The only downside was having to go and meet our incoming (long weekend stayers) guests into the chalet at about 1am which meant I could not let my hair down totally - ohh well!
The weather today (and forecast for the next few days) has been the total opposite of what it has been the last couple of days.... RAIN and CLOUD non stop...... anyway Clare and I have just packed our bags ready to go on the road to Annecy and then onwards to Chamonix tomorrow ready for the TDC extravaganza on Sunday..... yippee.
So I should think the next update will be Monday and that shall probably be the last one for this season.... after that it will be the monthly ones.
Anyway folks we are off to the pub now.
Steve
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FAQ
