Rob’s kingdom lies North of the Col de Marchairuz, while MikeH claims the South. Rob’s note went out :-
“For the upcoming hike I propose that we hike from Col Du Marchairuz to the Alpage Du Mont Tendre. The plan is we start at the Col at 9:30 am and take an alternative route up to the Alpage, with a return by the usual route.
- The Col to Alpage route is 10.4 km, 465m denivelation and takes approx. 3hrs
- Return to Col is 8.3km, with 300m denivelation and will take approx. 2hrs 30min mostly downhill.
- I will arrange a booking at the Buvette for lunch.
The proposed mapped routes are attached.”
There were quite a number of apologies, some of which were apparently accepted. In the end seven and a dog arrived at the Col du Marchairuz at 9.30am on a cool and breezy morning. I entered the restaurant with Kobie who grew immediately very excited at seeing Rob, RichardS, Ralph, Rudi, Nathan and David, quietly enjoying a coffee. So excited that I had to take him out straight away without even checking to see if a new parrot had been installed.
Luckily I had an iced coffee in my car, so we were all soon caffeined-up and ready to go for this mammoth outing.
Rob last led this hike on 25 May 2023 when the following attended : – Peter D, Mervyn P, Andrew N, David C, Mike M, Mark Warren, Richard S, Richard W, Ralph and Robert P.
Re-reading Rob’s blog of that outing it seemed that he found it a bit difficult to keep the team together. There was to be no such replay today, well almost.
As can be seen from the first map above, the outrun involved one of Rob’s long shortcuts. Sadly loggers were in place so we had to slighly shorten the shortcut, but only by a bit.
Happily the wind was behind us and we sailed along in intermittent sunshine.
It was not long before we attracted some doggerel companions.
Just before Cunay, Nathan decided on a shorter shortcut and we found ourselves on very steep ground attempting to reach the main ridge.
By this time it was becoming clear that we were entering the cloud base, with some moisture and a chilling breeze.
We finally knocked the 1679m b—–rd off so it was time for some summit apèro – Chilean Cabernet Blend, el Parron, with some healthy nibbles.
We were soon ensconced inside the Alpage at a reserved table, with room for Kobie by the door, beers were ordered and very welcome Old Boxer arrived.
A very enjoyable lunch with much banter. Some politics, not much about Scotland. We solved a few of the world’s problems though. And Kobie at least had behaved acceptably well (I believe).
Time to face the wind, but happily the sun had come out and the wind seemed less cold.
The way back is “mostly downhill” according to Rob (see above). It does not always feel that way, still another 300m up to go. But we were well fortified and somehow I had avoided the Saynor potion bottle. And the sun was nice.
For those of you who have done this it is indeed a long way back and we strode on with fortitude.
The trail goes on and on, but after 8.3km we finally made it.
I think we were too tired for final refreshments at Marchairuz, so we simply said our farewells and left.
Before finishing I promised an insight into Rob’s thermal protection, allowing him comfortably to wear shorts in cold and windy weather.
A super day out 18.5km and 750m. A fine lunch and great company. One of our longer and more challenging outings. Well done to those who made it. Sorry for those who were not able to come.
Thanks Rob for leading us again through your kingdom.
