GIN Hikers – August 3rd 2023

Morgins, Portes du Soleil

There was a lot of rain in July and August but the forecast for August 3rd was promised as dry and sunny. Stephen was in Morgins for the week and suggested a hike in his favourite territory, which Rob had volunteered to co-ordinate. 7 willing hikers appeared on the day, coming from various starting points. The early-risers of Rob, Nathan, Mervyn car-pooled from somewhere near Divonne, Mike gave his Renault Alpine an outing, David hopped across the valley from Villars and Nicolas, the closest, traversed the mountain from Champery. Detailed instructions had been given so that no-one would get lost on the way to the parking nearest Stephen’s chalet. Not surprisingly, the sporty vehicle arrived first, so far ahead of schedule that Mike was able to enjoy a coffee in Morgins before heading to the meeting place. David was next, 10 minutes ahead of schedule (yes, David!!). The car-poolers arrived also just ahead of 10h. No sign of Nicolas at 10h05, 10h10, 10h20….a search party of Mervyn and Mike went in search and waited by the main road. 10h30 came and went…..telephone contact had been made with Nicolas but still no sign. At 10h40 up rolled Nicolas from the direction the search party had headed, having done a full tour of Route de la Cergnat, passing Mervyn and Mike and generously allowing them to walk back up the hill as a warm up.

The walk itself started with a pleasant detour from the initially conceived route, to avoid the construction works for the new ski cabine in Morgins, up the path in the woods by the side of the Vièze stream in the direction of the restaurant at They. Normally, this would have been a suitable refreshment point but due to the late start (and, maybe more importantly, the fact the restaurant was closed for extensive renovation) the leader encourage pressing on up the hill. Quite some encouragement was needed as this ascent was indeed steep and longer than most of the participants had expected. “Not much further” lost impact on multiple use. However, we all emerged intact, if somewhat fatigued onto the grassy slopes of what is the famous Defago piste during ski season. Stephen was pleased that his repairing tendon had passed the test.

Emerging after the steep climb. Mervyn seems happy to see a ski piste, even without snow. More a sign of relief on the faces of Rob and David.

The gentler ascent from here was much appreciated with views down the valley until we reached the col at Bonavau when the whole vista opened before us, including the first sighting of the lunchtime restaurant. Such was the keenness of some of the group to be first with a beer that they speed down the slope . Unfortunately, they headed for the wrong restaurant. More haste and less speed comes to mind…….

A rest at the Col de Bonavau, 1759m

….and now to lunch, we know the way!

Stephen had realised that lunch might be delayed so rang ahead to warn the restaurant that we would be arriving late and our table was duly waiting for us. Beers were ordered and consumed and kindly paid for by Nicolas in penance for the late start. Food orders were considered and memories of the previous year’s feast at the La Chaux Alpage resulted in agreement to share platters of spare ribs and rösti as well as other selections. In the event, the food quantity did not live up to expectations even though the quality remained good. Obviously, austerity is present in Switzerland.

With the lift back down to Morgins out of action due to its replacement, we had to walk down back to the village. I say walk down, but the first part involved walking up again, over the col above Mazde. No so easy after lunch. Once there, the group were given the choice of a direct steep descent, through the woods or a longer, gentler and indeed more scenic route around the mountain. The latter was unanimously selected. More great views of the Dents du Midi and down to Lac Leman.

Eventually back at the cars, David had to leave but the rest of the group enjoyed a rest and some home brew beer on the Long’s terrace before heading back home. Another great day in the Portes du Soleil.

Overall, ca. 15km, 625m climb and a walking time of 4h30.

Note: Due to the happy addition to the Pashley family (and certainly someone who will no doubt in the years ahead be showing a lot of Scottish independence…at least with her family) Rob has been distracted and the writing of this blog put on hold. I have stepped in with my memories of the day. I leave it to the webmaster to sort out the order of the blog to be chronologically correct. SL