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This morning we had an appointment at the bank, and this afternoon we need to see our insurance agent. We have to travel to a place called Uetendorf to see her, which involves the very scenic train ride along Lake Thun.

We sorted out our insurance and walked back to the station. We pass the factory where chairlifts and cable cars are made.

On the way home we stopped off at Thun for an ice cream. Surfing on the river is popular here.

So that’s all our financial stuff sorted out. Tomorrow we have to go to the council office again about our residence permits. It’s not all fun here in the mountains – we have to do the boring stuff too.

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The search for a winter coat continued today, and I found just the thing at Central Sport. What’s more, with the discount that we get, it was actually cheaper than buying it online. We called in at the station and bought our ski passes for the winter.

There was more snow up high last night. The glaciers have lost their summer blue and grey colours now, and are wearing their winter white.

We have guests for dinner tonight, so I’d better make a start on my prep.

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We popped over to Grindelwald for lunch, and I need to find a new winter coat. We had a look around at Scheidegg on the way. It’s looking a bit sorry for itself. Here’s Val, standing where the tipi used to be.

The tipi was iconic – a symbol of Scheidegg. It was Val’s ski school meeting place, and offered shelter from bad weather without the need to buy a drink. Across the tracks, the parasol bar has also gone.

This was another cheap place to grab some shelter and a hot chocolate on a cold day. Shame. No luck finding a jacket in Grindelwald either. I’ll keep looking.

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We’ve been rubbish at the quiz this summer, we seem to have developed a habit of always coming second. Last night we managed to go one better however, and we walked away with the wine.

Today was grey, gloomy and cold, but we had a few things to do so it wasn’t wasted.

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Most of the snow in the village has melted, and the weather’s a lot nicer. It’s still really windy up high though.

We make the most of a bright spell with a walk to Innerwengen. A stream babbles through the forest.

The flowers are mostly past their best now, but somehow the owners of this house manage to keep this magnificent display going.

Quiz night in Rocks later.

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This morning we awoke to find ourselves in the middle of a snowstorm.

The forecast said it might brighten up after lunch, and Emily suggested that we pop up to Männlichen to take a look up there. It’s like winter.

There’s a lot of snow up here.

We had a walk across towards the restaurant. It’s a bit cold but quite pleasant if you’re dressed properly.

People are skiing. Apparently you can just about get to the middle station at Holenstein if you don’t mind getting a few scratches on your skis.

Posing in the sunshine.

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We had a dash around the shops today as there’s a big storm on the way. The huge mass of dark clouds over the mountains is a sure sign.

The rain arrived this afternoon, and it’s getting very windy. I stack all the balcony furniture where it won’t get blown away, and hope for the best.