A Brief Encounter

Hi everyone, and welcome to the latest post. Now then, is it me or does it feel as though winter is just around the corner? Summer has definitely gone and autumn is in full flow. The clocks have changed and the days are getting shorter. And bizarrely the first World Cup Ski races went ahead in Austria last weekend (on a glacier) for both the men and women. I'm receiving post and emails from the ski school asking for pre-season information including bookings over the busy holidays. Along with various magazines including the French "Ski Chrono" and "Traces". Yep, winter is on the way.

Having said that, I absolutely adore autumn. I love the cooler weather, and I especially love watching the autumn colours evolve over the weeks. It's a very pretty season. Quite often Harriet and I will book a short trip during this time of year. This is quite important to bag a break now, because as soon as the ski season starts, it's full steam ahead for five months. Don't get me wrong I'm not moaning, I love being in the Alps in the winter, but five months is a long slog.

This year has been a little bit trickier to plan a break however. There's been quite a lot going on. For example we are in the process selling our house here in Leamington Spa, and are now in a chain waiting to see what happens with buying our new place. Having said that, we made a last minute booking for a three night stay in Keswick recently, in the glorious Lake District.

Annoyingly, I had a slow burning cold leading up to the trip. And as soon as we arrived, the cold developed into full blown Man Flu. It was just one of those things that couldn't be controlled. However I did manage to drag myself out for two mornings of dawn photography. I went down to the classic Crow Park position at Derwentwater, looking across to Derwent Isle with Cat Bells behind. It is an iconic view, and one I strongly recommend if you are in the Keswick or north Lakes area. The light enhances the view either end of the day, however my favourite is in the morning. Many of you will know how inclement the weather can be in the Lake District, so I was very grateful for two dry mornings even though I was feeling like an absolute pile of pants!?!

I really loved being back in the Lake District again, despite the fact it was just a brief encounter with the mountains. However, I'm about to book a Shuttle train crossing, and overnight hotel, for the big drive back down to Méribel this winter. This will be in less than four weeks, doesn't time fly? Before that we will be hosting a large party to celebrate a big birthday for Harriet, and our twentieth wedding anniversary. As for the situation with moving house between now and then, who knows? You've just got to go with the flow. Note to self, write an actual skiing blog post soon. That'll do for now, do come back soon for promised ski-themed blog. As ever, don't forget to Live With Passion. Martin.