The Allgäu

It's funny how we are still having some Covid do overs.  Two years ago we had planned a ski vacation down in the southern region of Germany, called the Allgäu.  Two years ago Josie went on her 9th grade ski trip.  Every year the school takes the 8th graders on a two week skiing trip to Austria. 

Students, obviously, REALLY look forward to this once in a lifetime opportunity.  Sadly for Josie, her 8th grade trip was in the middle of the worst of Covid.  But the school did the best that they could and gave them a one week ski trip during their 9th grade year.  So.. two years ago, before Josie was meant to go on her ski trip, we wanted to at least get her up on skis.  We booked a great place and were going to go with friends and shortly before the trip me, Ben and Marty all got Covid for the first time.  Needless to say, we had to cancel our ski vacation.  Josie ended up going on her 9th grade ski trip and had a ball. 

So fast forward two years and Ben is set to go on his two week 8th grade ski trip in March.  We had the same motivation as we did with Josie.  Just to get him up on skis for a few days so at least it isn't all brand new.  

We were able to convince one of the families who were meant to go with us two years ago to join us this time.  We booked a fun little place with multiple rooms and decided to bring Mogli along because some of the rooms had access to the outside.  

We rented an electric car which was great even though we need to stop much more frequently to charge.  It is funny how we have become so accustomed to not have a car that it felt like such a luxury to have one for a week.  The drive down was LONG (distance nearly the same as from Vancouver BC to Bend, Oregon without a mountain pass to cross.  The roads and conditions are really good but it was a LONG time to be stuck in the car.  Mogli did great and the kids were happy with the plethora of road trip snacks.    

The weather was FANTASTIC but the snow was really crappy and most of it was sadly artificial.  Ben did great for his first time up.  He picked up the skiing super quickly and seems to have a natural ability for skiing. We suspect part of his ease is that he is lazy and openly admitted that turning was "too much work" so he just decided to blaze down the mountain.  Fortunately, he could stop when we wanted to.. he just didn't want to much.  

I couldn't ski because I have a hip injury so Marty had to tackle the mountain with an absolute beginner and a one notch above an absolute beginner.  Mogli and I had a VERY nice time going on daily hikes and walking around the quaint little town.  I sat out in the sun and read my book several times. HEAVEN!!