Ivrea, Bourge Solkan Ljubljana

We left Ivrea after a fantastic few days and headed through the St Bernard Pass from Italy to France to stay with our very good friends Aveena and Pascal and have some R and R. Their house is situated way up on the slopes above Aime just out of Bourge St Maurice. Fabulous views across the valley to the snow capped mountains. Had an adventure on the Wednesday going up to the exclusive ski resorts of Tigne and Val Desere. Although summer, both had skiing on glaciers which we were keen to do. Unfortunately they did not open until the following Saturday when Mike had a C grade race in Bourge.

The Soca River at Solkan. Both Mike and I had a kayak training session here. Mike was a little faster than me.

The kayak race at Bourge was unfortunately rained out. There was too much water in the dam above the course so only one qual run was allowed. This unfortunately put several of the top paddlers out including Mike. Ciaron went on the finish sixth overall.

Aveena and Pascal on race day. Although wet on the quals day, the weather was mint for the semis and finals. Pascal and I had a mammoth road bike ride the previous Tuesday, approx 2.5 hours. The ride from home to Aime and along the river, as advised, was easy. The ride back up the hill was hard, like 15 kms straight up. Did plan another ride but luckily it was raining

Mike, Aveena and Pascal at meal time. The cheeses and french wine lived up to expectations. Aveenas meals ,as always were delicious.

Our other French friend Pascal we visited while up at Val Desere. We went for a walk up the pass above their house to experience this wonderful scenery. If we had continued walking up this pass we would have ended up in Italy. The peak behind was 3500metres high.

The ski Resort of Tigne. Unfortunately closed until the following Saturday. Apparently at the peak of the ski season, apartments are rented at 1ooo Euro a night.

The entrance to the Tigne Ski Resort. This entrance leades to the funnicular transport up the mountain which takes you through a tunnel to the massive inter connected ski fields.

Mike at the top of the Col De Iseran Pass at 2750metres high. The Val Desere glacier ski field is of to the left.

Unfortunately all good things come to an end and we headed off to Ljubljana Slovena on Sunday afternoon after a very good Italian restaurant meal in Bourge with our hosts. We had a night at Solkan where I finally jumped on the water myself for a very flat water experience. Great fun.

Arrived in Ljubljana about mid day on the Monday with Mike fresh for an extensive few days training for the build up to the first World Cup.

Managed to score mint accommodation on the outskirts of the city, only 10 minutes from the course at a reasonable price with breakfast and internet included. Back to the Mexican Restuarant for dinner. Life is not half bad.

Here until next Monday when we head to Blavislava for a kayak training camp before the third world cup in Germany.