After lunch at the Hotel Montesano skiing equipment was obtained at Datwyler Sport where the proprietor's son was a 1968 Olympic skiing medallist. On the very first afternoon of our arrival novices were gingerly venturing forth on the slopes in perfect weather conditions and more experienced members of the group sought to regain last year's flexibility and skill. On the Monday the party was divided according to experience into groups of about 7 or 8 for lessons given by instructors of the Ecole Suisse de Ski. The beginners remained on nursery slopes close to Villars whilst the rest took the rack-railway to the mountain station at the Col de Bretaye (1,850 m.). From here "teleskis" transport skiers to the summit of the Chaux Ronde (2,027 m.) and the Chamossaire (2,200 m.). The panorama of alpine peaks was most impressive with giants such as the Dents du Midi, the Diablerets and, over 40 miles to the south, Mont Blanc, standing out clearly against the blue sky. Unfortunately the weather became changeable and during the week we had heavy snow falls followed by two more crisp, clear days. Towards the end of our stay the Fohn wind softened the snow which turned to ice on the last day owing to a rapid drop in temperature. However, skiing was possible every day and all members of the party benefited from the experience of skiing under different conditions. Mishaps were few—a cut eye, a cut leg, a slightly wrenched knee— and skiing progress good for all concerned. Our evenings were usually spent in the hotel where there was music and dancing, table-tennis, billiards and, for those who needed it, quiet relaxation in the comfortable lounge. The other attractions of Villars were sampled by some members, and ice-skating, bowling and curling proved popular. The staff of the Hotel Montesano (we lost track of all the different nationalities, but can remember Greek, Spanish, Norwegian and Scottish) welcomed the party warmly and took considerable pains to make our stay a happy one. Dinner on Tuesday evening ended with birthday celebrations for one Peterite when the chef (an Englishman!) provided a special dessert complete with firework display. On our last evening we were regaled with the Swiss speciality of "fondue". The party presented gifts to the proprietor and his wife and also to Mr. and Mrs. Hirst and Mr. Maw in the form of a hand-carved cuckoo clock and an enormous box of liqueur chocolates. All too soon there was the little, red train pulling up outside the hotel. The arrangement of reservations and timing of connections had once more been a masterpiece of co-operation between Mr. Maw and the Swiss Railways. Our 10 day holiday had been marked by the cheerfulness and responsible attitude of the group which enabled everyone to enjoy the stay. Many of us are already looking forward to Villars, 1971. J.A.G .C. PETERITES ABROAD
`Minitrek' Expedition to Turkey and Greece, Summer, 1969. Living in close proximity in a group of twelve for a month was a humbling experience, producing some friction, a little discussion, and a lot of humour. The long haul to Istanbul was a grind, except for Salz27
