Several of our chums had sent apologies, including Peter at the 11th hour, but 4 intrepid musketeers met up at La Blonnière near Annecy on Thursday. David had chosen the longer but gentler route up through meadows filled with wildflowers and fragrant pine forests. As temperatures were rising, this proved to be the most sensible approach to the imposing limestone mountain that is Le Parmelan (1,856m). Coming out into the sunshine, the going got tougher up a rocky path and we witnessed Stephen forging ahead with his usual élan. The effort was certainly worth it as we attained the incredible lapiaz landscape and marvelled at the deep fissures, some of which still contained snow.
We stopped for lunch in a shady spot just before the summit and then enjoyed some welcome beers/shandies at the refuge. The 360 degree panorama afforded clear views of Lakes Annecy and Léman and many of our favourite mountains in the Alps and the Jura. On the way down, we had to make a choice and this time took the steeper but shorter Grand Montoir with its chains and ledges. Apart from the odd slip and trip, and a manageable case of cramp, we descended safely to the cars.
Unfortunately, the bars in Dingy-Saint-Clair were all closed, so whilst the Vaudois enjoyed cold beers in Mervyn’s garden, your scribe had a large aptly-named GIN and tonic in Ornex. Many thanks to David for organising this very enjoyable hike.
Present: David, Mervyn, Stephen and Richard
Looks to have been a superb day. Sorry my knee prevented me attending. But the denivellation would have been very challenging. I hope to recover soonest. Great job guys. P