Having made the decision to head south towards the coast our journey took us back into Germany where there was another Police Checkpoint, though again we were not stopped and then very shortly into Switzerland. The border crossing seemed a bit confusing to start with as of the 3 lanes of traffic 2 were for lorries one appearing to be diverted off before the crossing (this had massive queues and a series of traffic lights to regulate the flow) and the other again being regulated through border control. I followed the third lane which then was subdivided to allow those who already had the Swiss vignette straight through and those that didn’t had to stop and purchase one. I had already bought my annual vignette online (about £38 – 40 Swiss Francs) so sailed straight through – fortunately. I don’t know why but border crossings always make me a bit anxious – I guess it is driving into the unknown.

My journey through Switzerland was on the motorway network so not very scenic, though it did snow pretty much all the way through and the roads were much busier than I have been used to. I hadn’t planned any stops as I will return to Switzerland in May so we left Switzerland part way down and headed off into the Jura mountains (back in France) and were soon up above the snow line…

I stopped here to take this photo, thinking that I might not see any further snow – ha – little did I know as we continued to climb, passing closed ski resorts until we arrive at our Aire for the night – yes – another ski resort above the village of Metabief….

Rather a good covering of lovely snow! Fortunately I was able to reverse onto a partially cleared pitch (thanks to someone having left earlier in the day) as the rest were approximately a foot deep in snow and do I have a shovel? We were soon hooked up to the electric and getting the van nice and warm and spent a happy hour or so walking down to and around the village before it started snowing in earnest…

A little later the sky cleared and the sun came out to play for a while before setting behind the mountains…

Not at all what we were expecting but an absolute joy none the less. Let’s see what tomorrow brings though I am quietly encouraged by the fact that the perimeter road way around the Aire has been cleared, as indeed have the roads to and from.

Thoughts of the day:

• I do love a good bit of snow, so this has been a real joy and unexpected bonus – it is so pristine and crunchy – especially when you know you are able to get dry, warm and toasty inside!
• All the border crossings into Belgium and Luxemburg were completely unmarked – apart from a sign welcoming you and outlining the speed restrictions applicable. So facing Police Checkpoints each time on entering Germany and Switzerland was a bit of a shock, not that I have been requested to stop at any point.
• Another 3 country day for us – woke up in France, drove through Germany and Switzerland and back into France.

Today’s stats:

• Miles driven – 177
• Miles walked – 3
• O/N – £13.90