Day 5. White Forest

The day started slower than most - with another late night meaning another late morning.

The weather stared clearing and across the valley we could see snow on the hills. As time marched on it started clearing so it was only at about 13h00 after brunch that we headed out to training.

The Morning View from the front door
snow on the distant mountain slopes.

As we got closer and closer to the start - the snow got more prolific and this is us driving into the starting parking lot.

Nick decided not to go out on a run today claiming that he had already been orienteering in the snow and it wasn't that much fun. The Irish team were also returning from their training runs and they were saying that the going was very tough, and potentially dangerous as all the limestone gullies were now covered with snow and it was very slippery and treacherous, threatening injury that would ruin the rest of the weeks opportunities.

Jeremy however decided this was to be a run to remember - clothed in 3 layers of orienteering clothing and a balaclava buff. He first posed for some pictures before heading into the white forest.

Jeremy Running out of the forest well dressed.Not all forest is runnable - especially in the snow.

This it the white forest around the parking area.

and here, just for mike - is running through the forest
-not much opportunity to run fast.-

So that was the orienteering today. a quick 40 minutes in the snow.

Typical White Forest.

Jeremy with a big smile - that was fun.

It ended with Irish Team needing a lift as their key was no longer being recognized by their car.
It really was cold then... What made it more difficult was that it was freezing, now down to 2 degrees, and they were cold from orienteering in the snow and they couldn't warm up in the car cause it wouldn't start. But wait there is more - there was no cell phone reception there either so they couldn't phone the rental company for assistance.
We gave them a lift to Aix-Les-Bains where they had another car, and cell reception so they could make a plan. The irony is that the rental agency couldn't work out where the car was, yet kept insisting that they wait at the car, which they couldn't do. It could have been worse, it could have been us:-)

Here is some info on our chateau.
It is in the small village of Arith, right in the middle of all the training events - but far away from anything else. No shops to speak of, and the nearest petrol station is a 40 minute drive. But is it pieceful. we drove around the town trying to find the place and eventually stopped at another accomodation venue to ask. Even then we battled. It is the lower level of a three story house, where we have half of the lowest section. Every thing is raw pine and actually really nice - espicially at the price.

La Tour, Arith France

Most of our time is spent on our computers at the dining room table. Me trying to keep up with work and Nick getting his i tunes and i phone sorted out - it is incredible how long it can take when you have the time... and he never listens to the entire song. I have listened to every genre, artist and era, all in bite sized bits.

Nicks Usual pose.

Tomorrow: double session and more snow perhaps?