Alsace region

We set the alarm for 4.30am but of course I woke up at 3am, as you do when you are worried about getting up in time! It had been snowing all night long and the snow ploughs were already out clearing the roads at that early hour. When we left and drove through the village at about 5.15am it was a hive of activity with all the roads being cleared by snow ploughs as it was still snowing heavily, so it was an ongoing task for them. We could never drive in conditions like that in the UK as the roads would not all be cleared in time, but of course in Switzerland they are used to such snowy conditions and have so many people clearing the roads and pavements.

Once we left the mountains the snow turned to rain and it rained the entire journey back through France to the U.K.  France is looking very wet and flooded in parts, many fields were under water so they looked like lakes rather than just fields. We had a few stops for coffee and fuel and of course to let Xena stretch her legs. 

We had an easy journey until we got to the Eurotunnel, there were long queues and it took an hour to get through the passport control. The French side was very friendly and more efficient than the English side! The staff said with schools going back on Monday (private schools) they were going to be facing long queues like that all weekend. The pet passport control is super efficient, you are in and out within minutes which is great to see. I saw many travellers with cats in baskets and wondered how do you let a cat out the car for a wee on a long journey? 

This photo was taken as we drove through the Alsace region of France, this town is called Soultz-les-Baines and it seems to be in the middle of a wine and foodie region. I have just checked and I posted exactly the same photo on our return journey last year!

We are now back home - Gavin had to rescue the heavy gas BBQ and garden furniture from the middle of the lawn where it had blown from our covered terrace - the weather has been wild in our absence! We have unpacked, are both very tired (I did help with the driving today) and have just ordered a take away dinner from our local Italian as there is no food in the house at all.