In what will be perhaps a shock decision to some, maybe even many, of you, Jude and I have decided to move back to the UK. We have spent 15 happy years here in Switzerland, the past 10 of them in our chalet in Evolène, in the Val d’Hérens.
We have been thinking about moving back ‘at some point’ but the arrival of little Raymond (my new grandson) has accelerated our thinking, to be back nearer to our families. While we were back in June, staying in N. Wales, we were lucky enough to hear about a cottage that was coming up for rent. We had a look around and it seemed perfect for our needs and we were fortunate enough to get it. (I rather cheekily included a picture of the property in my post here – the cottage is just off to the left of pic no. 10 and is shown in pic 15).
So once back home we put our chalet up for sale and within a week of it being advertised we’d had an offer and the deposit has already been lodged with the notaire (solicitor) who draws up the sale documents. It’s all been a bit of a whilrwind as you can imagine and hence why I’ve not been posting much recently. (Though I have some pics waiting in the wings to post so do not worry, this is not the end… Indeed, my blog will continue, but with somewhat smaller mountains in N. Wales!)
I’ve posted pics of the chalet or the views before, but here are a few of the outside taken recently together with some old ones during the winter. We will certainly miss it. 😥
Alittlebitoutoffocus 
Wow well that’s a surprise, leaving snowy Switzerland for wet Wales. Hope all goes well Mike.
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Yes, indeed. Thanks Brian. I always said that I’d prefer to live on the east side of the UK as it’s much drier on that/your side…. (and the owner of the rental property did try to emphasise how wet AND WINDY it was, especially in the winter…) But then, it may not be our permanent residence. Try before you buy springs to mind! 😊
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P.S. I’m now trying my best to capture as many butterflies as possible before we leave, but I now have so many pictures I haven’t got time to identify them all!!
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Yes get them in, you won’t be seeing too many in Wales!
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I think I may miss the huge number of butterflies (& variety) more than anything. 😌 I have one picture to post of a group puddling where there must have been over 200 – though almost entirely Small Blues.
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Is was realy surprices to hear this Mike. What a big change ! For me it would be very hard to leave a place like the one you live in now. Not only the chalet but also the mountain region… I hope that you manage to settle in your new home in Wales. Don’t you think you wil miss your wonderful mountain hikes in the Swis Alps ?
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Yes, I’m sure I will miss the big mountain hikes (especially in the nice weather). The Snowdonia National Park is very close by to where we will be, with several mountains to climb, though nowhere near as high as the Swiss alps of course. So I expect to find a few good routes to post in the not too distant future.
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Congratulations, Mike! I’m not too shocked (maybe a little, ha) but I know the connection we feel to grandchildren once they arrive. I am super missing mine right now. 🙂 I have enjoyed seeing your chalet in your posts, I truly felt connected with you and Switzerland! I will miss Switzerland through you, but I’m excited for yours and Jude’s new chapter and adventures! All the best to you!
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Thank you Donna. We will certainly miss Switzerland, but the draw of grandchildren is too much as you say. Hopefully I’ll introduce you and many other to the joys of Wales. 😊
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Looking forward to it 😊
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Me too! 😊
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Congratulation on that decision, Mike!! It’s great that things are falling into place for you 🎁😊
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Yes, thanks Hanna. We’re just hoping the move goes smoothly i.e. in terms of the transfer of all of our stuff. (UK COVID restrictions are a nightmare at the moment, but we hope that will change soon). 🤞🤞
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I really wish you good luck Mike!! We are almost “in the same boat” although we have already moved and rent, as you know, a house by the sea in Cyprus. It’s both exciting and fun, but we have a heat wave here right now so there’s not much more to do than swim in the sea or sit indoors with a/c on. 😁
I’ll miss your amazing posts from Switzerland but look forward to follow your new adventures. Take Care and Greetings from Cyprus 40+ 😎
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Thanks Anita. Good luck to you too. Gosh, that is hot! Can you send some of that sunshine and heat this way please?
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Although it would seem hard to leave a place like Switzerland, I also understand that everything has its time. I have really enjoyed your landscape, flora and fauna photographs from the Alps. they have been so, so colourful and dramatic! Big welcome to Wales where it is indeed wet and windy on the west coast. But this is why it is so beautiful here too. Enjoy the journey… 🙂
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Thank you for your very kind comments. We will definitely miss Switzerland but we’re also looking forward to getting to know Wales. 😊
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I look forward to hearing more about your life in Wales!
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Thanks Anne. We’re now there, having arrived late on Friday, but with packing and travelling and unpacking (still ongoing) it’ll be a while before I catch up on my posts… But then they say that all good things are worth waiting for… 🤔
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Wowza! This place was a gem, I know you’ll miss it, but hopefully that grand baby will make it with it. Congratulations!!
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Thank you! It’s certainly a new phase in my (& of course my daughter’s) life. 😊
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Oh my goodness! That chalet is the pic you dream of when you dream of Swiss chalets!
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We were very lucky to find it and had 10 and a bit very happy years there. But life moves on…
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