Wild

Since the snow last week, the weather has been inclement with just a couple of brief spells of dry, clear weather. The temperatures rose and the snow turned to mush within a matter of days. Last night was wild, as we were buffeted by increasingly strong winds and driving rain. But today, regardless, Andy and I were set on getting out for a bit of a run. We didn't want tarmac and we didn't want muddy footpaths so the obvious option was the zig zag track which leads up to the Cabane du Col des Roses. With a bit of luck, the snow would have retreated and we could attempt to run the steady incline right to the top, which would be a good work out. We managed to get out in a brief weather window when the driving rain was taking a breather and the winds had died down. We managed approx 2kms of steady running before it became apparent that the slush was going to be too big a hindrance to proceed any higher. So we turned tail and ran back down. However, rather than give up and head home, we turned round and headed back up the track, running as hard as we could back up to the corner where the slush prevented any further progress. We then turned round and ran hard back down to the road. It had been just a brief workout, but better than sitting on our bums back home!

The swollen streams and rivers were impressive today with the swirling brown meltwater from the tops further supercharged by the large quantity of rain that has fallen over the last 24 hours. But the farmers will be somewhat relieved as the yellow pastures turn green and life returns to the parched ground. Hopefully the water 'bassins' which feed the hamlets and villages will also have been replenished, thereby lessening the risk of drought this summer. High pressure is due to return to the area towards the weekend, bringing with it more settled weather. Hopefully then we will be able to get back on the roadies and pick up the weekly mileage in preparation for the Sportive at the end of June.