25 March 2021
A bright day dawned again as promised as a team of 7 plus one very junior and furry non-member arrived at the empty parking Col at Givrine at 10 am for a circuit into the Jura. Captain Mark Warren inspected the conditions near the start and declared that snow shoes were not essential nor even recommended and so we all left them behind and set off into the unknown heading up past the Fruitière de Nyon and up to the Rochefort CAS Cabane. Kobie the Cobberdog was attending his first GIN outing, and for it not to be the last, Peter was keen that his copy-book would not be blotted such that the (rather untrained) hound might not be banned from future outings. Still ungroomed at 9 months, he rather resembled a small, or perhaps large, furry yeti. Used as therapy dogs, Peter hoped that his happy countenance would fit in with the fun spirit of the members.
After an hour or so of steady progress with the yeti seemingly under control we reached a hut on the Route de Combe Grasse with a sunny facade and some useful logs for stools. A coffee stop was declared and curtesy of Mervyn’s thoughtful generosity some good hot dark strong stuff was passed around with fresh croissants. It was going to be a challenge to keep the yeti from whipping our pastries, especially for Rob to whom Kobie was particularly attracted and who had an elevation challenge. In the event Kobie played the coffee cup game to keep us amused.
My recollection of the discussions on the hike remain clouded by doggy thoughts, but I believe we recovered the usual ground of Scottish (in)dependance, whisky subtleties, vaccination politics, French and Swiss mismanagement, Trumpism and world struggles. I recall one member saying that in order to ensure he got a high place in the queue for vaccination he might claim obesity and “stick his stomach out at the doctor”. Another member commented “you don’t need to bother doing that”.
The trail led us on up to Cabane Rochefort and we spotted two chamois scampering across the slope ahead. Kobie was sinking into the heavy snow off the trail and even if interested had no chance. At the CAS hut we sprawled out on the outside picnic benches in warm sun and in shelter with hazy views out over Lac Leman. Perhaps the level of dog control could be improved at lunches in future and I apologise here to attendees for any inconvenience or nibbled turnovers. This time convivialities started with Stephen’s Prosecco and moved on to white wines before grappa and some of Rob’s flask contents. A very pleasant picnic indeed.
All too soon we had to part and the hound led us out toward the Chalet du Haut Mont and the Chalet de la Genolière. In places snow shoes might have been useful but we managed successfully, finding the coffee stop (thanks Stephen) at CdlG most welcome, as did Kobie who frolicked merrily with the resident terrier.
We were soon back at Givrine after a very pleasant 10km and 300m hike on snow without raquettes. The verdict on Kobie seemed potentially positive…
In attendance:- David, Marks Wn, Mervyn, Peter, Richard, Rob, Stephen, Kobie.
PS : The next day Kobie was exhausted and we started to groom him. Training awaits too.
Onwards to the Hiking season proper.
