Being at home this week has not been without its difficulties. Home is more than your house, it’s going to chat with the neighbours, visiting friends, popping into the local boulangerie for a fresh, warm croissant..
So adjusting to this new reality – accepting that it’s OK not to do things, or see people has definitely taken time… But it has also brought with it a new sense of “freedom”. The freedom of accepting that it’s OK not to know exactly what is going to happen. The freedom of giving in to the #lockdown and not being able to achieve all the things we normally would. And instead, being able to really, truly, take time over the small things.
I am more “connected” to my family and friends than I have been for years! I have allowed myself to be supported by people who care for me and have been more supportive of them….
And I have done more with my children these last 2 weeks than I have in the last 6 months at least. I know them again as individuals – not “the kids”. I can see how much they have grown and changed since I last had time to play with them… However difficult it is to occupy, teach, feed and care for my family - I also keep thinking about the fact that we will never in our lives get this time together again.
The weather has been kind to us; although the temperatures have ranged from +18 to -5 degrees, we have had plenty of sun and no rain over the past 2 weeks. This has really brought the mountains into life. The valley floors are coated in spring flowers and the snowline is slowly receding. One particularly cold night, however, brought snow - so the tops of the mountains are still dressed in white like the icing on a splendid cake.
There is a great sense of community in our village and plenty of groups have been set up to give aid to anyone who needs it. We are also clapping at 8pm on our balconies and although the sounds of other people may be distant, it’s strangely comforting to know we are all outside, showing our gratitude to the key workers who are really taking the strain at the moment.
We are allowed to hike alone, but only a short distance from our house. Hiking has certainly helped me keep a sense of perspective and the bountiful fresh air has been welcome during moments of uncertainty. I hope that these photos help everyone to find some peace…
This is uncharted territory. It may not be what we want, but we are in this together, supporting each other and we just might be able to gain many things we really need….
With love from the Chamonix Valley
Jane, Mont Blanc Treks