The fun continues!

Being a west Australian, the concept of seasons is largely a novelty to me. I guess it gets a bit warmer, a bit cooler, a little wet or maybe less wet. Being in Chamonix during the inter season was something i have been quietly looking forward to. Yes it will be cold, it will be wet, the sky will grey and the days will shorten.

Yet in these seemingly negative things, lies variety and beauty

The heavy clouds swiftly floating down the valley, sombre and heavy, attach to peaks and drag out like turbulent grey fairy floss;  They are dramatic. The snow sitting light on the ground, contrasted by the few bright red leaves. They to have fallen from above to waste away on the soil; Sad but beautiful. When the sun finds a free path between the peaks and clouds, it feels warm and familiar on the skin. Its presence acting as a call to arms for the many fungi, growing their mushroom columns up and out of every part of the mountain.

"Jackie from the Jekyl" being a snow cone - first snows in town

The constant change from sun to cloud to rain to snow took some adjusting to. The secret is to have multiple itineraries ready.

Snow: ski tour
Rain: Mountain bike ( more fun when its messy!)
Sun/ wet ground: trail run
Sun/ dry ground: climb/ boulder

The Chamoniards are out and up, first chance they get, Les Gaillands

I work most days, and start at 15:30. If i stay organised and motivated, i can get out and about in one the the above ways, all of which have become real passions of mine.

Here is a short movie i shot recently, about my mornings in this hateful place:



Eagerly waiting for some serious snow now!