18 April 2026
This year, March was exceptionally warm, and spring advanced at a remarkable pace. So I went to pick up the Alpine from its winter storage unusually early.
The pickup trip took place on the last Saturday of March, 28 March 2026. That morning I hopped on a bus in Lahti and arrived in the afternoon in my hometown. The bus stops at the local petrol station along highway, from where I had planned to walk the 8 km to my home place. Fortunately, an old friend and neighbour happened to be at the petrol station, and I conveniently got a ride home with him. Handy!
The Alpine had been on a CTEK maintenance charger this winter as well, and once again it started up without any issues. There was no snow at all at my home place, so it was easy to drive the Alpine out of the garage and head out on the road.
The driving conditions were excellent, but it turned into a long day, as I arrived back home in Hollola after nine in the evening, having been on the move for more than a full twelve hours.
The next major event for the Alpine will, as usual, be the spring road trip in Europe. This time the journey will take me to the Pyrenees, on the border between France and Spain. A full report will follow after the trip.