With some members (including me) not at peak fitness, I decided it was not yet time to head to the Alps, and quite a few recalcitrant members were away and/or were providing apologies and a range of stories. So we stuck to the tried and tested Jura and the St Cergue train.
The dawn rose fine with some cloudiness over the hills, at least allowing for relief from previous very hot weather. Storms were forecast for later in the day – we had had a big one the night before – so it was essential to keep to an early finish, albeit this might require some chivying for the 13km and 940m denivellation. We started at Trelex forest parking, necessitating a hike across from the Givrins station to close.
Kobie was obviously so keen to join me that I reversed an earlier decision to leave him at home and along with Mervyn we arrived at 9.20am at the start at the 600m contour and where Marktt, Markrr, Stephen and RichardS were already getting booted up. Thus 6 and a dog set off on time up towards the start of the trail at Les Allévays. This is a straight-up trail with few zigzags and we have ascended it several times before. There are several distinct stages which get progressively steeper until the 1250m level.
We made good progress with an obedient dog and hiking team. Although the temperature was pleasant we did have a Putin stylist.
The forest changes continually – in time and elevation – and we were blessed with some wonderful greenery.
This team needed little encouragement to keep the momentum up and it was at 11.45am that we crested the terrace at the Barillette restaurant at 1432m. Heck – that works out at an ascent of 370m per hour average, including several rest stops for water. Not bad for a group with an average age of 7*+.. Some of us needed to change our shirts.
We toasted absent friends, especially Philip lying in intensive care in Geneva – may he be back with us very soon.
After an excellent mountain restaurant lunch, including home made tart, coffee and digestifs, washed down with fine conversation and banter, it was time to head down to catch a train.
We were very soon back in the trees and passing by Guinfard. Realising we had some time to spare in catching the 3.02pm at St Cergue, Mark2ts produced a flask of coffee, 6 cups, a flask of whisky and some Stanley cups, and we were fêted by a log pile.
Suitably fortified (merçi Mark!) we were soon into St Cergue and across to the station. The train was on time and a restful but amusing 23 minutes later (barking dog (not Kobie) and noisy children) found us spilling out at Givrins where it was hotter, but it was only another 25 minutes and we were back at the cars at 3.50pm.
We had missed the rain – it duly arrived at about 5 pm – and had had a brilliant day out. No Ginjuries, Kobie had behaved and I believe that we all enjoyed the exercise, lunch and company. And the Jura hills are wonderful at this time of year. Thanks to attendees for being so kind to Kobie.
Next hike July 7th, Stephen will lead a circuit at Morgins (on the opposite side of the valley to last year he tells me).
