Departure Day

Morning delivered a warmer day - the snow was wet as it had rained for half the night, and quickly turned to slush as we walked on it. Above the sky was covered with low cloud and it continued to rain at our height level.

Steph and I carried our stuff up to the car in the lay-by with several trips. By he time we had it all packed away the path was very slushy.

Katie and Lloyd planned to go skiing at Les Saisies, to try out the powder, but the cannons going off all around reinforced our decision was right. This was further backed up by the news that an avalanche fatality had occurred later at Le Planay. The avalanche warning level was 4 but I suspect with all the bangs going off it may have been even higher!

We drove down to Beaufort without the need for chains due to the slush. On our journey across France we left the snow behind after the tunnels through the Jura. then as we got closer to the Channel the rain and wind grew heavier.
At Dunkirque the ferry was delayed by and hour due to the crossing conditions, but we were able to change the booking.
Back home for 2am and a sleep. Next day Sue went into hospital with suspected pneumonia and a telling off about not visiting a doctor sooner!