2 Nov 21
A new activity started today. Dogging. Or walking with dogs. Four fellows with 5 dogs turned up for our inaugural outing. Rob, Mike, PeterT and Ed Giradet – potential new GINclub member. With dogs Syrah, Rocco, Kobie, Tess and Hope.
We set off in squally rain from the Genolier parking carrying flasks of coffee, croissants (thanks Rob), dog treats and with much barking from one of our members (happily scaring all fauna away). Once past the train-line we let slip the dogs and were off up Rob’s trail by the ruisseau in paw weather/heavy rain. We all seemed to get on well and the dogs did too, with much cavorting and with Rocco doing his usual thing.
It was good to hear of Ed’s activities, in particular in the Med with an old boat and young folk studying the changes there to the environment and culture over the years. (website link). There was time for some dog talk too. At times though we were at risk of being bowled over by rampant playing dogs, not something I am used to.
Much romping later, and after the long gully up, the rain stopped and the sun came out. We reached a clearing in the sun for our coffee stop with our canine chums making their presence felt in the treat-request department. There were some fine but limited views out over the Lac, and the fall colours were good but perhaps just past their best.
We wound our way doggedly back down on the wide tracks in the sun, solving the world’s problems (except Scotland’s), with our charges happily frolicking about and slightly older Tess remaining above the fray and deploying an overview position in the rear. Leashes were on well before the train-line. An enjoyable inaugural outing for all, with (some) good canine control (and no straying or lost animals). 270m and 5 or 6 km. 2 hours.
Dogs : Tess, Syrah and Rocco – Spaniels; Hope – Golden Retriever; Kobie – Australian Cobberdog.
