A “Tonic” outing on an “unofficial” GIN snowshoe day
To the minds of many, there is nothing like a gin and tonic with a good amount of ice. However, when the person who chooses the best gin is absent we have to at least enjoy a good tonic with ice. On this occasion, our usual leader Mark2Rs was not available and PeterT, who had suggested the outing, had fallen on the ice earlier in the week and damaged his knee. Happily, Rob stepped into the vacant leadership role to save the day and ensure this “tonic” snowshoe outing.
Eleven participants had signed up for the day…..a remarkable number given the weather earlier in the week. But Metéo Suisse promised better for this Thursday and, knowing that there would be new snow on the Jura, we were keen to dust off the snow shoes and start the season. In the event, we were a round 10 in number as our newest recruit, Stephen Langton, a friend of Mervyn’s, wasn’t able to come. He had kindly offered to host drinks in St. Cergue after the outing. Maybe, he hadn’t realised the numbers or maybe had heard of the insatiable thirst of the GIN members, but at the last moment had to pull out. Unfortunately, for him it was another GINjury: he as well had slipped on the ice, damaged his knee and was not up to the outing. So in the end Rob, Mervyn, Andrew, PeterS, MikeM, David, Nathan, Drew, Richard and Stephen met up at the now toll-free parking at Tancouex, St. Cergue. Drew was particularly visible in bright orange trousers….a practical advantage for anyone not wishing to be left behind.
Can anyone find Drew?
We all donned our snow shoes and headed off in the direction remembered from an earlier hike. It was a little overcast and certainly chilly. As we climbed, more blue appeared in the sky and more red in our cheeks. Despite some early uncertainty, Rob soon got into his stride and led us unerringly toward the Fruitières de Nyon, our first high point. Here we stopped to admire the splendid view of Mont Blanc and the Alps, across snow fields sparkling in the sunshine, and allowed a moment to catch our breath and for some of us to refresh ourselves with a little nip from Richard’s bottomless (and unfathomable), multi-labelled flask. There was some discussion as to the name of this vantage point but the signpost had the deciding vote: “Chalet Devant”.
The fantastic view from Chalet Devant, Fruitières de Nyon
From here, we walked down and then up, through untrodden snow past the refuge and towards Genolière. Stephen was encouraged to take the lead as the short steps of our vertically-challenged leader didn’t satisfy the needs of all the snowshoers in terms of providing broken snow at the correct frequency. (The same was said of Stephen, but in the other sense of frequency). As we emerged from the trees we had a beautiful scene of virgin snow and white, laden trees in glorious sunshine. Such was the euphoria, that at one stage Rob was seen running through the deep snow in his snow shoes…..he didn’t maintain that for long! Once on the main track, a short walk allowed us to reach our luncheon destination but not without a final surge by Richard through unbroken snow, seemingly a short cut but in reality a lot harder work for the front runners.
The hard climb up through new snow was well worth the effort.
All downhill from here
The Genolière was ready and waiting for our custom. A short discussion resulted in us deciding to eat inside, our years of experience suggesting that the deceptive outside warmth of the sun would soon dissipate once we were sat and stationary. Mervyn gave proof of the cooling down as he steamed in the draught of the open door.
Mervyn cooling off and in need of a beer
Beers were ordered and consumed. Stephen hoarded the empty re-closable ceramic topped bottled as a useful addition to his home brew beer storage. Charcuterie was ordered by Rob whilst 90% of us waited for fondue to be made (Nathan, the other 10%, opting for a rösti dish). The charcuterie took a time in arriving at which stage we could confirm that Rob hadn’t ordered the charcuterie when the waitress asked if we wanted some. A classic example of how a Scotsman can say “no” when he thinks he says “yes”……no wonder the confusion over Scottish independence.
Simple food in good company
As wine replaced beer (being the preferred accompaniment to cheese fondue) and was eventually replaced by spiritual offerings from Rob and Drew, we sank into a happy contentment and the usual diverse banter. Absent friends were duly remembered. We eventually realised that we would have to leave, as all other clients had vacated the premises, and a proposal was accepted by the majority to take the direct route back to the car park, across unchartered territory, as opposed to the easier walk to La Givrine and the train back to St.Cergue. A couple of wise renegades (Drew and Mike) preferred the Givrine option and headed off at speed in order to catch the hourly train. The peloton searched in vain for a path back down to Tancouex and so ended up following the leaders, at an even greater speed, in order not to miss the train. Happily, we all made it with minutes to spare, and agreed that this was the best option and that we must have been unduly influenced by the good food, wine and company into thinking of any other route.
Happy in the false believe that they could find a short cut down
A short walk, with snow shoes no longer needed, from the train station back to the car park, allowed time to reflect on the good fortune we have in being able to enjoy such a day with excellent companions. On this occasion, the “tonic” was epic, the snowy ice was plentiful and the official “GIN” nomenclature was not missed! The participants enjoyed a memorable first snowshoe of the season and could only feel sorry for those who were unable to join us.
Indeed it looks a classic outing was had by all. Sad my knee prevented me coming. I’ve done this walk several times already this winter, but clearly you had perfect conditions. Well done Rob and everyone!!