We reveled in springlike t-shirt weather the weekend before last. I spent most of that Saturday working in the huerto wondering whether the worst of winter had now passed. Sunday's paper reported that the average winter temperatures in the Santiago region had fallen to a 40 year low. I should have taken that as an omen.


We woke on Monday morning to find snow falling. No big deal, normally the snow soon turns to rain and disappears quickly. Cyndy headed off to Pucón for a few hours while I worked on the latest construction update. By the time she returned 3 hours later we had lost our electricity and we had to shovel snow away from the portón to get the car in the driveway. Here's a view of the rental casa at that time.


Snowy techo

Snow continued throughout the day. We started hearing the ominous sound of tree branches and trunks cracking from the weight of the snowfall.


Igloo or bush?

Cracked ramas

Later in the afternoon and all through the night the accumulated snow fell from the high pitched roof, thudding to the ground. Eventually, the gutters gave way from the continual pounding.


New gutter design

Twist and shout

Fear not, no other major damage, although we did have to go without electricity and running water for 3 days. No Directv, or computers, just candlelight, and card games. So there's my excuse for the long delay in adding the week 25 construction update. I guess winter isn't quite done yet. At least we had some really large snowflakes and some gorgeous views for a few days. Thank goodness for wood stoves.


Bent ramas