Divonne- Mont Mourex-L’Accord Parfait- Divonne
As the leader for the day pointed out, snowshoes were not needed for this hike on Mont Mourex and Mont Mussy. The spring-like weather of the week before had reduced snow levels on the Jura and, despite some new coverage, the decision was taken to reduce altitude level to try and stay on relative firm ground. As it turned out the weather forecast for the day was unsettled and as we gathered in the car park next to the old station in Divonne it was indeed trying to rain as well as blowing a cold wind.
Eight intrepid GIN Snowshoers turned up on time (well almost) with two canine friends (Kobi and Rocco) happy to see each other and join in the circuit. Stephen (leader for the day) Mike H, Nathan, Richard S, Mark 2Ts, Peter T, Peter S and Ross made up the starting group. We set off through the Divonne housing in the direction of Les Crottes and onto the Chemin de Tir where the road melted into a track leading along the base of Mont Mussy to Mourex. Helpful “Deviation” signs showed us the way….intended for traffic but somehow seemed suitable for this group. Happily, any deviating individual had been properly admonished on the last snowshoe outing, consequently solidarity with the leader’s directions was unflinching.
Along the way, we experienced some unexpected hail and an attempt at snow but also some sunshine. Arriving at the road leading up through Mourex, several of the group, who are also members of the Biking Group, recalled the hard slog in the saddle up this hill from the old train track below. This forms part of the famous 3 hills circuit pioneered by Peter D. We followed the road up through the village until we reached the parking for Mont Mourex. At this point, our canine presence was swollen by a dog walking group of at least 8 dogs of various sizes and breeds. Extracting Kobi and Rocco took a little time.
We completed the hike up to the highest point (755m) where the vantage point and circular tableau offered not only a superb view but also a useful bar and table, albeit a little wet and slippery. The cold wind didn’t allow the Puglian Primativo to be enjoyed at it’s best and even the spirit bottle of many names was untouched in favour of Mark’s warm coffee. (That could also be due to the fact that it’s contents were unchanged from the previous outing and our memories of that tasting experience are still fresh). However, the increasing number of snacks that appear on these outings were happily consumed in an attempt to provide insulating fat and ballast.
Highest point – Mont Mourex
The “bar” in action
A happier Mike………amazing what abstinence can do
At this point the leader suggested retracing our steps to the car park to enable joining the track leading around the far side of the hill. Despite seasoned voices suggesting that there was indeed an alternative route to achieving this aim, not requiring backtracking, solidarity and compliance with the leader’s pre-determined route prevailed. As it transpired, this allowed a second encounter with the dog walkers and their canine posse, much to the delight of our two dogs.
With only occasional stops to ensure that we were taking the correct forks in the track, we arrived at the parking by the Ferme de Mussy. At this point Peter T, Ross and Peter S took the direct route back to the cars, foregoing the pleasures of L’Accord Parfait. In Peter T’s case this was probably due to concern that Kobi would ensure that he didn’t need a doggy bag as he would have benefitted from a tour of the restaurant and kitchen, sampling from any plate left unattended.
The five lunch-goers took the small meandering path to the back of the restaurant and arrived after a Tayloresque off-piste steep descent. Why there is no formal path down is a mystery. We joined Mark 2Rs who had arrived separately, recovering from a flu/fever but well enough to have ordered and consumed a kir prior to our appearance.
Beers were ordered and a bottle of Argentinian Malbec (at the correct temperature). All but Richard and Stephen opted for the menu du jour. This comprised of a salad and meat croute starter, sausage and mash, and an ice-cream dessert all for an amazing 19Euro. Richard and Stephen went for the more modest coquelet with fries, “modest” being relative only to the set menu lunch as Richard took half of his lunch away with him for later and Mike managed to find room for excess fries. Rocco behaved almost impeccably under the table apart from his penchant for destroying serviettes. He won over the waitress who ensured that he had adequate water. Conversation was varied and interesting, as usual, but don’t expect me to remember the details…..I was struggling with eating all that chicken meat.
Contemplation of the sizeable main course of the menu du jour…..the coquelet is arriving in the background
Lunch and dinner for one
The walk from the restaurant back to the parking by the old station was uneventful. It was a shame that the first part had to be along the main road but there was no appetite for a rescaling of the off-piste to the woodland path. Mark 2Rs took us on a shortcut alongside the chateau to enable not only seeing property in an unknown part of Divonne but also ensuring that siestas were not delayed further.
Consensus was that we covered ca. 12kms and climbed 365m.