Genolier to Chalet Basseruche and beyond
What a difference a day makes. Friday, June 10th was a glorious sunny clear day….just perfect for a hike on the Jura. The forecast for Thursday, June 9th was overcast with some possible rain. In the event, the intrepid six of Stephen, David, Richard, Mark2Rs, Bill and new recruit Rodney met at the Colonie parking in Genolier in the pouring rain. It was quite an initiation for Rodney’s first venture out with the GIN Group, Richard’s first back hiking after his injury and for Bill back in Europe for the season. Mervyn had the sense to nurse his cold/flu in protective warmth, whilst PeterT was sweltering in Corfu, Mark2Ts was still in pork pie land (gaining insight on Scottish devolution?) and Rob was chancing his luck with the weather in Lenk. Others also found suitable excuses not to test their wet weather gear.
However, spirits were not dampened and we set off up the official yellow-signed path towards St-Cergue. This being notable only due to the fact that recent hikes on the Jura seem to have avoided official tracks and, on occasion, any track at all. Stephen had stepped in for the usual leadership of PeterT and his hound and, not-knowing the paths so well, kept the group on those that are well-trodden. Consequently, good progress was made and frequent stops permitted in the rain without jeopardising the arrival time at the restaurant.
Rodney, a frequent trekker in this area, led us on the only detour of the day…..around the back of some houses in St-Cergue and up to the Basseruche.
On entering the restaurant we realised:
- How wet and cold we were. Richard’s son (a local to St-Cergue) was summoned to bring dry clothing (just for Richard!),
- How unnecessary the reservation was since we were the only table occupied,
- How many bells Swiss cows seem to need.
There was a unanimous vote for fondue to help with inner warming. This was preceded by beers and a meat platter. White wine was prescribed to help digestion and the meal was rounded off with further digestive aids and a toast to absent friends. There is something about a fondue that encourages conviviality and we certainly confirmed this again. We left the restaurant with spirits renewed (in all senses) and all political discussions unresolved.
Richard wisely decided that he had done more than enough on his first outing since injury to take the short route home via the St-Cergue train. After a short deliberation, the rest of us rejected the downhill route on slippery paths and opted instead for a further climb up to La Givrine and catching the train back to Genolier from there.
Overall about 11km of walking and 700m elevation gain.