This was the first official Snowshoe outing of the season, but in fact the second, as a SS Tonic had been fitted in last week for a Fondu at La Genolière in fine weather.
The weather today was not of the same high standard as last week, but it had snowed overnight and although forecast to be cloudy, we were blessed by light snow and mild spindrift. In all it was just about worth carrying and then using our snowshoes.
8 racketeers turned out at 10 am at the parking at La Givrine by car, and an unracketed Gintleman turned up by train at 10.05am (the Scottish member).
Attending Mark2ts (driver), RichardS (driver), Mark2rs (SS Leader), Paul, Bill, Larry, Mervyn, Rob and me PeterT.
Rob arrived on time (it’s Switzerland) and off we went up the track. I was a little concerned that my damaged knee would hold out; I had a bandaged support, but in the end it turned out just fine. I had not brought Kobie, partly because of this and because of the likely 2+ hour lunch, but also because Jill had wanted to walk him on easier lower and warmer trails. So we were completely dog free!
Everyone else was in good form. It was good to reconnect with Bill, back from Colorado, and Larry from Canada. There were no other hikers out and about. The weather looked dark and foreboding and it snowed lightly most of the day.
It was a little odd that no-one else had been up the main track after the overnight snow, not even a tracked vehicle taking food to La Genolière. So we had virgin snow. We reached an apèro stop at La Gonolière in good time, with light snow falling, but at one point a half ray sun blessed us as we consumed whisky from RS’s multi-bottle, and red wine. We had not yet used our snowshoes and at this point a majority stopped to put them on.
The trail wandered on down and up through the trees that could have been seen in a Schilligers winter display. We chatted away as we went. I stayed near the back conserving my knee just in case; it was a chance to chat to Larry and Mark2rs.
Vermeilleys appeared in the snow as we exited the forest and excitement grew as we entered, our minds firmly on fondu. We had been the first out on the trail and the first guests to arrive – our table was laid out by the bar and the warm log fire. Beers swifly consumed we re-worked the seating plan to allow for three fondu pans to be properly accessed. And it was not long after the carafes of Fendant before three steaming pans of molten cheese arrived. A forestière, a morilles and a traditionelle. We were even given some boiled potatoes to use along with the bread.
The banter and conversation began to flow more freely. After toasting absent friends (especially PeterS who had wanted to come but was busy working, and Philip who has had some health concerns, Nathan having an Oldies lunch in Tannay, Drew tied up, and others away in Blighty and elsewhere).
Mark2rs writes ” In our corner of the table we got onto erudite matters like visions of intense light and after life (?) which gave Larry the opportunity to introduce his hero Yeats who believed in the after life and rebirth from antithetic to the form in the previous life. I think I’ll stay with Scottish Independence!”
Down at the window-end while watching the snow fall outside we discussed inter-alia the Scottish Issue, along with death, life, and the correct way round to hang a toilet roll. I was quietly surprised that we had a few “UNDERS” in our ranks. We also have a few tearaways amongst us. I have since concluded that this is not a major tissue.
After the religiueses had been scraped out we opted for our choice of dessert. Cake or apple pie; each dosed with digestif that our host had provided for us (or a potion from our whisky-flasked members).
It was all too soon that we called for the bill and settled our debt (nb.no credit cards as no internet connection at this lodge). Time to head out into the snow and fit on our snowshoes (all but Larry and Rob that is).
The was home is of course easier than the way up, as it is predominantly downhill. It also helped that we had a warm fondu inside us, together with a dose of medication. Hence the trail home seemed to pass swiftly.
Reaching the cars, Mark2ts produced his hot strong black coffee which revived us before the drive down. Mark2rs arrived appearing a little under the weather,but he tells me he is recovered (Friday) after some rest.
A great and memorable first non-Tonic SS outing for the season. Looking forward to many more, perhaps with sunshine ! Thanks to Mark2rs for organisising this, and to our drivers.
9.25km and 190m
Peter
PS The next day (Friday 14th) dawned bright and clear, and as I had missed the Tonic the week before, Kobie and I repeated it from Tancouex, in 2.5 hours and without snowshoes (for me), greatly helped by the tracks of a vehicle from close to Cabane Rochefort. Conditions were rather brilliant.. There were many more folk about.
