For most of yesterday and through the night it continued to snow, wrapped up warm within the walls of Sensone as the log fires burnt and the heated blankets warmed the bed, it wasn’t until the next morning when we opened the doors that we were transported to that other world.
The snow outside the front door was now over eight inches deep (more in places) and the first job of the day was clearing a pathway around the house and I had to check on the animals, the snow at the back of the house was much deeper. Somehow the chickens were left out all night (it was rather dark when I finally closed their door and I had just assumed that they were in) but here they were, cold but full of beans, I caught them and placed them safely within their house, the duck already stowed away in the warmth. Today I would keep them in as I wasn’t going to be around to keep an eye on them.
The snow was deep, it was hard work just walking around, slithers of ice falling over the top of my wellies reminding me of how cold it is, the wind at the back of the house was strong biting into my face the front sheltered by the house. Coco was under his shelter and as usual his breakfast was of utmost importance, nothing else mattered.
In a few moments the view had gone, the sun was shining but the house and terrace was afloat in a carpet of cloud, we were all alone, no birds sang, no noise just white silence.
Our guests needed to catch a train so we had to get down the valley, but as the cloud receded, the view reappeared and the whole world was brighter and lighter. We had to walk the “white mile”. The snow was heavy and wet; walking the strada was hard, even harder for our young guests who had large backpacks filled to the brim. I am sure for them it was as hard as any boot camp march.
Greg led the way, his youth and energy carving out the path for us all to follow although it didn’t make it that much easier, our breathing was heavy after the first corner and the views were breathtaking, the cold air nipping the backs of our throats with each laboured breath. Our guests taking regular rests to take more pictures didn’t notice the cold they too were transported to the wonderful, magical world of Narnia – well the “Narnia” like world of Sensone.
Renaio was a hive of industry, Massimo (“il capo”, although don’t let “il generali” hear you say this). He was directing the clearing of the road, shovels and brooms in hand, as the small digger laboriously working to clear the heavy snow moved huge piles with such ease. The boys were handed a spade as they had to dig the car out.
Francesco played in the snow an unexpected holiday from school. His childlike awe forgetting the coldness of the snow as he started a snowball fight and I too forgot the coldness of the snow and embarked in battle. It was a beautiful start to the day, Dorriano with his small tractor was clearing the road lower down so that those brave enough to visit the mountain would have refuge in the bar and he could drive his car out of his drive.
In the distance we could here the sheep bells and soft sweet music and a short while later the shepherdess’ in full song, harmoniously followed by a small herd of sheep, two shepherds and their dog appeared as if by magic, it was time for them to be taken lower down, the mountains in the winter were to perilous for them and they now had the 8 kilometre walk down the mountain ahead of them.
Everyone wrapped up warm, everyone happy and smiling knowing this is all part of living on the mountainside. Diana had the coffee on, a quick break as we entered our friend’s house, the warmth of the house making you aware of the cold outside, something that had been forgotten with the sun its beauty and the grace of the mountain and everyone working so hard together to clear the road. It truly is a beautiful place.
I think back to my time in England when the first snows brought terror, fear and the whole country to a standstill for days sometimes weeks, here its just gone nine thirty and the work is almost over, the roads are clear and we are all able to go about our days chores.
As we drive to the station we follow the snow, having to stop once to remove a fallen down branch, the weight of the heavy snow too much for the young tree. I’d heard at least two large trees fall within the forest this morning, a sound that is never pleasant, the deathly crack as the trunk breaks in two and the graceful whoosh as the tree fell gracefully to the ground. I like to think that God is doing his gardening and this is him pruning the trees.
As we reach Pegnana Bassa the snow has almost disappeared it looks like a lightly dusted sponge cake, and from here on down the roads were clear. At Latriana there had been no snow, and thankfully it was really mild for the horses, who greeted us unaware of the effort needed to bring their food.
That is the beauty of Sensone it is like living in another world, living so close to Mother Nature, the extremes, the sheer knowledge of living a challenging life. But we love Sensone we love this magic Kingdom and all it shares with us.
In total contrast we spent the afternoon and early evening helping our friend in Vagliano clear up the branches and waste from the felled trees and pruned branches we had made a few weeks earlier.
Knowing it would be better to let it dry a little and that a large fire was called for. We were now back in the “real” world, our hands blackened by the charcoal and mud, here it was twelve degrees and with the heat of the fire it was more like fifty degrees, they’d seen no snow. Progress was slow at first but we managed to clear it all away ready for our friend’s arrival today and as we sat and waited for the embers to burn down, we contemplated on the magic of the day. We know he will be pleased, another good job done and once again for us another wonderful day.
Their views were still spectacular but nothing can compare to Sensone. Now we were happy to return home, happy to wait and see what she had in store for us tomorrow.
Article by Sensone