Well the temperature got to -3′ overnight and snowed but the apartment is very warm and the doonas are feather so lovely and warm. It was still 0′ when we started out for our walk. Our plans were foiled again as the lifts weren’t working today. We were not sure if it was because the summer season was over and one had a sign it didn’t re-open till 3.12.2016 for winter or because it was Sunday. But the walk DB had planned used 2 lifts to get us 1/2 way up to where we were going to hike today. Oh well, back to the drawing board. Half an hour later we decided on an easy loop walk from San Cristina which was about 10 minutes down the road. As we had been for a walk and the roads weren’t icy we drove to the start. It was to be about a 3hr hike with elevation of about 500m.

As we got out of the car we saw our first snow flake for the day. As it was quite light and snow wasn’t forecast until about 3pm we decided to make a start. If it got too bad we could always turn around and come back. The walk started at 1700m above sea level with a downhill trek for about 5 minutes and then it was a constant steep climb for the next 2 hours — DB still wasn’t well and we are not sure if he may be suffering with a little altitude sickness from our previous climb and also our apartment is at 1500m — which DB found a little tough. But he soldiered on. We passed a little cafe with an amazing view after about 1 hour but decided as we were only about 1/4 of the way we would not have a stop at this one. We kept climbing up and up and up. During the second hour of our climb the snow became quite heavy but it was quite pleasant walking still so we decided to keep going. It was a single file track most of the way and still quite steep and a little slippery from the snow. The views along the way were quite good but unfortunately once the snow got heavier the views disappeared and the mist rolled in again. By the time we reached the top of Mount Pic at an elevation of 2363m there was no view again. We met a couple from Glasgow at the top who told us they caught a lift to a spot a short way from the summit but it was it’s last day of operation today and that there was only one other lift still working. We will have to do loop tracks instead of utilising the many lifts that are here which is a shame. We sat at the top waiting for the fog to lift but it was quite cold, still 0′, so we decide to head down as we still had about 6km to walk. We started the descent which was also quite steep and tricky because of the wet ground from the snow. After about 15 mins the slope became more gradual and was a pleasant walk back to the car, it still took about an hour and a half. But believe it or not, we reached the car by about 4.30pm, in daylight. Woohoo!!

We then headed home for a much deserved rest. A lazy afternoon reading and resting was enjoyed by both David and I. Probably the 2nd time I have picked up my book since we got off the plane, the first being last night. DB is still not well so we will see how he feels tomorrow as to whether we get out again. It is forecast to snow from 6pm tonight and most of tomorrow, but only time will tell.