Val d'Isere Winter 2009/10

After a long drive through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France again we arrive in Val d'Isere and pick up the keys to our apartment for the winter. Tired but very excited we unpack and marvel at the traditional little cabin that we will be calling home for the next 5 months. Our timing has been perfect as this is the best conditions to the start of a season for over a decade. The village of Val is white and the sky blue with the sun christening the slopes with an early morning sparkle. Slopes still empty apart from the occasional seasonaire on a day off !! Kate and I will try to do some work out here but i will keep my blog to the freeride experiences and monster tumbles that will define my winter. couldn't fit another sock into the jeep.

Update on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 06:11AM by Mark Bender

My first day on the slopes. Lucy and I ski hard and fast for most of the day. Up the funival and then race the Womens Downhill before ending the day with a few runs down Solaise. My legs ache and I vow a monastic abstinence from red wine and cheese until i am ski fit.

Update on Monday, December 7, 2009 at 06:15AM by Mark Bender

This evening Kate and I decorated our Norwegian Fir Xmas Tree with baubles, angels, chocolates, tinsle and lights. The magic continues as it snows heavily all night and the local chapel in le fornet, built in 1630, turns on its christmas tree lights too. Several chalets are well lit. We are in the middle of a winter wonderland.

on the seventh day of xmas...blue skies, empty slopes and lush snow conditions :) :)

Loungelover

Back in the UK for one week. A quick trip to Cornwall, a visit to the Registrar and formalities regarding july 2010, tying up loose ends in London for the last two days before heading to France. The long awaited dinner with Michelle and Matt in a very wet Shoreditch after taking in the view from the balcony of the new flat. BYEBYE London xxx

cocktails anyone?

Kate's Big Cats

Our last day in South Africa and Lindy drives us to a small Lion Sanctuary on the outskirts of P.E. where the breeding programme has succeeded in improving the stock and bloodlines in safari parks and world zoos. Kate was a bit sketchy with the 6 month cubs. I didn't even enter the enclosure !

puurrrrrrrrrr

Deep in the African Bush

Today Kate and I arrived in Port Elizabeth, the reason for our trek here is to rendezvous with Lindy and Chris. Kate worked with Lindy at Wexham Park Hospital, her first Physio job. Chris has just completed an MBA and now is heading up an Oncology Clinic in P.E. They are expecting their first child in February. Great for us to get an early introduction to Oliver! He kicks! Lindy and Chris take some time off work to guide us deep into the National Park bush. Very hot and dry. We walk the hills and swim in the river, see Tortoises meandering and Buck bucking then BRAAI in the evenings. Another great African adventure.

Franschhoek the Chardonnay Capital of S.A.

Remember i told you about that morning excursion up the cable car to a peasoup fog atop Table Mountain? It lead to coffee and a random copy of S.A. Country LIfe magazine. The classifieds. A spot to stop in Franschhoek. Little Willow Brook Cottage and after a leisurely drive through the roadworks we turn the key on a cottage a deux. Plunge pool overlooking the brook. Period fireplace and a lavender pot pourri on the bed. Very quaint yet just what we needed. The chess set out in front of the open fire. A glass of Buller’s fine port with cheese and fig jam.

Update on Monday, November 16, 2009 at 06:44AM by Mark Bender

Joey and Melissa were married nearby at the Vere und Lust Vineyard. Kate and I wake early and hire 2 bicycles. We have the mother of all winds blowing us along. Dont even need to pedal the flat bits. The most picturesque valley, with Cape Dutch buildings, vines growing well up the mountainsides and extraordinary modern architecture in some of the vineyards. We stop at Graham Beck and taste a flight of champagne style sparkling wine made from the local vines. Very classy. The Brut was served at Nelson Mandela’s Presidential celebrations and also at Barrack Obama’s inaugeration. We see bottling of the current vintage through the steel and glass cellar direct from the tasting room. Back on the bikes to finally arrive at Vreere und Lust for lunch. The 22km cycle back was directly into a 70kph head wind. The least said the better, but nearly ended in tears.

Update on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 06:46AM by Mark Bender

Le Motte, Moreson and Haut Cabriere. By car today. Still recovering from 7 hours of cycling yesterday. All exceptional wines with the classy Chardonnay as French in style as any blind Burgundian could tell. Lunch in the cellar restaurant overlooking the valley below.

Kate leaves her handbag next to the table as we depart the garden route for a 4 hour drive  to Wilderness.