This had been billed as a 12km and 600m hike. However the forecast was for rain and the temperature had dropped, so after 6 of us plus dog met up at pte 971m in the Rte 7 above Bassins, we elected to change the hike to include the Refuge Les Pralets, which on the internet indicated to me that it would be open. That meant a changed start driving up to pte 1128m (by the i) on the same road. This would allow us to access Les Pralets for lunch.
So at 10.15am the team reassembled. Here was Stephen fresh from his ascent of the Barillette by bike in a snowstorm two days earlier (for which he is sure to win the GIN 2022 MOTY award), Andrew looking fit and fresh from Geneva, Mark2ts who had driven up alone as Lorna (Doone) had tested positive (he looked fresh), Mark2rs fresh from his Singapore sling adventure, RichardS not fresh from his London conference planning and me somewhat fresh back from Latvia with my faithful Cobberdog Kobie (from Coppet) looking forward to fresh air.
It was indeed fresh. With zero degrees at La Dôle and 7C at St Cergue, rain forecast and lowish cloud, no shorts were on display. Instead gloves, hats and warm clothing with rain gear was evident. We set off westerly and then NW along the green trail (shown) towards Les Pralets hoping it would be open as advertised. The rain had not yet started and spirits were reasonable.
In order to revivify the party Mark2ts established a coffee stop under a tree, light rain was starting and as always he generously emptied his flask into cups provided. Seizing the moment, RichardS extracted his dreaded re-usable plastic Johnny Walker whisky bottle with who-knows-really-whats-inside.
The label read Slivovitch, but in reality he admitted that there was a mixture of sorts inside. It certainly went down well with the black coffee (there being no Mervyn with us to provide us with milk).
Suitably fortified and with a sure belief that we would find a warm welcome at Les Pralets we continued on up the fairly easy trail through woods and across a field with some big hairy beasts that Kobie avoided.
Arriving at our targeted lunch spot before noon, we were sadly disappointed to find that Les Pralets was closed, locked with no-one in sight. With light rain falling but nobody around, there was nothing to stop us disobeying the “NO PICNIC” sign and using the tables under the eaves for our repas.
It was another very convivial affair with some seriously good looking sandwiches on display that swiftly disappeared, some almost into Kobie. The Oath (GOC) prohibits the recording here of any details of our lunch discussion but there were reports back of recent travels, a joke about a zebra going to heaven, and some banter about the “new” UK government’s stellar start, Liz and Kamikwaze and much other amusing chat such that there was no need for recourse to RS’s Johnny Walker bottle. We toasted with our wine, to absent friends and to Deborah’s memory.
Kobie scored reasonably on behaviour. Some initial jumping up to greet people (to be worked on). No sandwiches stolen, and no getting lost in the forest.
Light rain had come and gone as had a large herd of cattle (the normal Jura variety), and it was time to go. The rain came back so Kobie was kitted out in his winter waterproof jacket (heck it is still September!).
The route back followed the small tarmac road until a left turn could be made uphill to Le Planet (green trail on the map above). From this high point a pleasant trail leads down to an expansive viewpoint above a small escarpment.
Happily heavy rain held off and we were able to saunter back down and across to the cars after 10km and 310m. A fairly easy day in cold conditions made warmer by the company.
Apologies were received from several including Thatcher, Rob, Mervyn, Keith, Philip and David. We missed them; they missed a convivial Jura stroll in cool, dampish and fresh conditions.
What did I miss ?
Peter
PS. I shall be away for the next hike – so leave to to any and all to to plan a hike on 13 October.
On 27 October RichardS will be planning one of his infamous Tours of Lac de Joux.
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