Leader Rob. Attending Richard, Mark Wn, Peter.
Brought forward to Monday in view of an impending snow storm Tuesday, Steve had to miss out because it was his last day of quarantine. Philip was recuperating and Mark Wts had a heating problem, so only four of us assembled in frigid temperatures (it was -11.5C at Marchairuz col) at the EauFroide (only -7C) parking at the start of the ski trail back to Givrine. It was bitterly cold, but there was not a cloud in the sky so we knew we would get the sun to warm us eventually. Crystals of snow glistened in the advancing light as we threaded through a powder maze of christmas trees trying to keep fingers and vital parts warm. The powder was impeccable and after the start we saw no others on snow shoes all day.
Lunch was taken on a small hill in the sunshine, along with some odd liquids including a cold alcoholic version of coffee, Scottish fluid and something Norwegian. This is as good as it gets! The return route included further denivellation and good trails through fine forest. The icing on the cake back at the cars was provided by Mark who poured us champagne taken with galette celebrating the start of the snow shoe season.
A memorable start to 2021. Looking forward to more of the same and a better year than last.
Starting back
