The Slow Way Up At Least On Weekdays

Before Christmas when the lift was shut in Grimentz, it was the only way to get some skiing in locally. In earlier years nearby Zinal has opened during the week, and I've caught the bus over there, but for some reason this year they decided to shut. With Grimentz only open at the weekends, ascent on skins was where it was at.

I'd wanted to try out my new Fritschi Crampons, and my Salomon boots for ascent anyway, and both worked really well, though I did initially have a small problem getting the crampon off my binding rail due to ice, but I hammered it with a ski pole handle until it gave up!

I quite enjoy skinning up occasionally, as it's nice to hear the sounds of nature all around. I think I see so much more at a slower pace too.
The weekend arrived, the lifts started and there was powder to be had. I was a little late on the scene, but there seemed to be plenty to go around. I did end up falling into a Bisse at one point, but managed to dig myself out without too much trouble.

With the prospect of the lifts closed for 5 whole days, I packed a bag and headed for Zermatt!

Irony

Today I learned the meaning of situational irony. I drove to see my ski bootfitter, to so he could adjust the fit on my wonderful new ski boots. I'd been experiencing some heel pain, and he was aiming to adjust the shells to remove a pressure point.

By the end of my appointment my Zipfit liners were being refunded, and I was back in the manufacturers stock liners. I was upset, so was my fitter, but hey, it's a really bad month for bills and I was now £190 up on expectations.

15 minutes later, as I'm driving home down a particularly busy dual carriageway, my battery warning light comes, on, and that is closely followed by engine failure. My car just stopped running. I managed to coast onto a slip road up ramp, then made the necessary phone calls to my assistance company, partner etc.

Recovery was fairly swift, we went straight to my local garage to drop off my car, and then I'm dropped off at home by the lorry.

The garage phone me, I need a new Alternator, and a Battery. I get a choice of Alternators, priced from £150-£700. I'm thinking £150 plus VAT sounds perfectly reasonable. I should get my car back in a couple of days.

C'est la vie.......