It is almost time for me to go home to Australia for a while. I am going back to sub tropical Brisbane, hot weather and beaches.
What could be a better send off than snow? When a friend and I heard that the first snow had fallen in Abetone we took off immediately to see it.
It was raining as we set off along the SS Brennero.
Soon the rain turned to snow.
The trees along the road became increasingly laden with snow.
Quite suddenly the road became very slippery and the car would not go any further. We reversed until we could find a place to put chains on the tyres. This may sound quite simple, but standing in heavily falling snow in puddles of icy water, reading instructions while trying to put on chains with freezing fingers is not easy.
It took a bit of trial and error and lots of laughs before the chains were in place and we were off again.
We were amazed at the amount of snow that had fallen overnight. Abetone was covered with a blanket of snow and it was still falling.
We found an open restaurant and dried off over lunch.
Soon it was back down the mountain.
Autumn is putting on a fine show in the mountains.
When I return next year I will be leaving hot summer for deep winter. Perhaps there will be snow in Bagni di Lucca and at Casa Debbio. I hope so.
Wow, snow already?? Give me Brisbane weather any day! 😉
By: amindfultravellerblog on November 8, 2017
at 5:33 am
I prefer winter to summer. I’m not sure I would want to live with months of snow, but a little bit is fun.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 5:38 am
👍🏼😊
By: amindfultravellerblog on November 8, 2017
at 11:02 am
It is looking beautiful in spite of having to wear chains..
By: Mulino Dominillo on November 8, 2017
at 5:37 am
It is amazing how much snow has fallen. We need it after last winter’s drought, a dry spring and summer,
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 5:39 am
Beautiful!
By: sunnydaysinseattle on November 8, 2017
at 5:54 am
Abetone looks stunning with its white blanket.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 6:30 am
Beautiful! Safe travels Debra 🙂
By: Andrea Waterhouse on November 8, 2017
at 6:06 am
Thank you!
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 6:30 am
Wow, these are awesome photos, Debra…And how wonderful to see the snow before you head back to Australia! Safe travels
By: Margie Miklas on November 8, 2017
at 6:08 am
Thank you Margie. I am always sad to leave, but I know I will be back soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 6:30 am
I never again want to go to Abetone, the fear of that road trip was not worth what was there! And that was in the summer, let alone in the snow. You are very brave..
By: Kirsi Säde on November 8, 2017
at 6:17 am
The road isn’t too bad when it isn’t slippery with snow.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 6:31 am
Oh Deb… it looks so beautiful.. hard to drag yourself away I bet!! Look forward to seeing you soon…Jxx
By: Jan Williams on November 8, 2017
at 7:13 am
It is very beautiful here right now. It will be difficult to leave, but I like home as well.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 5:52 pm
The snowy scenery is so magical and well done with the tyre chains.
By: Jan on November 8, 2017
at 7:47 am
We were not expecting quite as much snow as we found. It was great.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 5:52 pm
Buon viaggio, Debra!
Snow is not my favorite…can’t believe it how much it has fallen!
By: Paola Moschini on November 8, 2017
at 7:52 am
Thank you. I like snow, but I don’t have to live with it much.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 5:53 pm
It’s gotten cold here in Switzerland, too. Snow in the higher regions already.
Have a good trip back, Debra, and did you notice the eagle’s “tiny runny nose” in your photograph? I had to smile! I hope to see you soon in Bagni. Love, Sondra
By: Sondra on November 8, 2017
at 8:17 am
I did see the eagle dripping from his beak…a lucky shot. I hope winter is not too cold for you.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 5:54 pm
Amazing pics! Chains are never fun when it’s wet and cold. 🙁 Loved the tiny runny nose of the eagle! Safe travels.
By: Convivial Supper on November 8, 2017
at 1:51 pm
It was our first time with chains. They are not easy! Anyway, it ended well.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 5:54 pm
I love snow, well just for a little while. Have a safe journey back to Australia.
By: janetknight57 on November 8, 2017
at 5:33 pm
I like a bit of snow too. Thank you for your travel wishes.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 8, 2017
at 5:55 pm
Lovely. Pictures……hope this means primavera will come early next year……it has been a very mild fall here in Maine and our first frost is forecasted for tonight……my gardens are half put to bed now and hopefully will be all done by the weekend. Buon viaggio and see you in marzo
By: sealights99 on November 8, 2017
at 7:59 pm
We had a warm autumn in Vergemoli until now. The garden at Casa Debbio is pruned for the winter. I look forward to seeing it come back to life next year.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 9, 2017
at 4:52 am
How lucky you are to see such contrasting seasons each year. Beautiful photos.
By: Kerry & Jim on November 8, 2017
at 11:28 pm
This autumn has been gorgeous. I remember that we saw first snow together when you were here.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 9, 2017
at 4:52 am
The tire jewellery looks stunning.
By: tastetravel on November 11, 2017
at 7:50 am
Those chains are not easy to put on!
By: Debra Kolkka on November 11, 2017
at 8:40 am