Last time I drove across France, autumn was leaving (excuse the pun) and winter arriving. The time before autumn was in full swing. The colours, green, brown, yellow and red are not only seen in Maine, but are as beautiful at that time of year in France also. This time central France is white with miles and miles of snow covered fields, punctuated by small forests offering some green from the pine trees, in this white wonderland. A few 4x4's parked on the edge of the woods suggest hunters looking for wild boar. Winter has arrived. This part of my journey was a welcome respite from the ferry crossing and the drive through Pays de Calais and Picardie.
The ferry was delayed for an hour, no reason given. Once on land, I won't use the cliché “dry land” because it wasn't, the weather was atrocious. They say the French look after their roads in winter, well they do, just!! The snow ploughs move along in pairs and remove snow from one lane and dump it on another, they use a massive amount of grit that seems to be mainly sand. So driving is in one lane and in three inches of slush. Average speed was about 20kph and less if you happen to be behind the ploughs. It took hours.
The last third of the trip can only be described as exciting. I was very tired by this stage, 6 hours behind the wheel plus another four since I had left my bed. The adrenalin kept me going for the last three hours, stunning scenery even in the twilight period. The steady ascent through tunnels and over viaducts west of Geneva was sensational. Turning off the main roads to start the climb up the mountain was fine. I thought I would be in for a challenge and was nervous. The narrow Route de Grandes Alps was busy and the road was perfectly clear of snow and slush. It had been done so well compared to Northern France; the snow was piled 2 to 3 feet on each side and there was no residue on the road whatsoever.
Finally arrived at my new home for the next 5 months. Had to wait for the landlady, she was in the local pub, can't really moan about that, now can I? Anyway she eventually pitched up and showed me around, tried to teach me how to get in and out of the driveway, much practice needed. The chalet is fantastic, fire in the kitchen and lounge, all wood panels, massive tv and sky! (No sky sports though).....
View from kitchen window!
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