Snails, sun, snow drops, snow at St. Cergue

“I think the picnic is still worth it,” my writer friend said. She is the mother of my two favourite little girls ages three and five. I agreed despite the peek-a-boo sun and she picked me up shortly after.

The drive up the mountain to St. Cergue is twisty. We were surprised that patches of snow still existed and even more surprised that in between them snow drops both purple and white bloomed. (http://www.st-cergue.ch/photos.htm only take away about 85% of the snow and put in grass and flowers). The temperature left us comfortable with jackets, although both little girls operating on a more powerful heating system shed theirs.

We crossed a stone wall that would have done Robert Frost proud and settled on our blue quilted blanket for our chicken in tortilla sandwiches. There was lots of healthy cheese, tomatoes, juice and cukes, but a less healthy chocolate Easter bunny saw his last moments.

The area was deserted with clumps of pine and we walked along the wall to find all kinds of treasures from walking sticks to snail shells and even an earring in the shape of a violet was put into a pocket to be taken home for washing. They discovered things I would never have and their enjoyment was boundless and contagious.