Seven optimistic stalwarts (David Colledge, Nathan Finkelstein, Philip Jenkins, Robert Pashley, Richard Saynor, Bill Westermeyer and Mark Warren) met on time at the Givrine for our first snowshoe outing of the 2022-3 season. It was raining and as anticipated very little snow so no need for snowshoes.
That didn’t dishearten us and as “Winter Wanderers” we set off, dreaming of those white Christmases of bygone years and in particular the exact same trail taken five years ago to the day. Dream on, because the Jura is still very sparsely covered.
Progress was swift and we soon passed the Genolière stopping for our usual liquid refreshment of coffee, etcetera. The coffee was excellent as always and Richard didn’t disappoint with the etcetera; although mixing the two together was not a success. At the same time the Vermeilley phoned to have confirmation that we were actually coming. They couldn’t believe that anyone would be “brave” (stupid?) enough to come out on a day like we had, and in truth we were the only ones out other than a few chamois and a nutcracker showing off its white tail tip as it vanished into the trees.
The Vermeilley even without snow is a lovely refuge; the table was laid for us and the log fire was roaring. A lovely homely feeling and the fondue was excellent. We toasted absent friends and reviewed the various excuses for acceptability. But it was the Christmas season of goodwill so we were generous, giving one out of ten for the need to stay at home to help prepare for a do!
And so back to the Givrine for a hot chocolate before returning home.
An outing to be repeated if and when we have snow.
Nine kms and 200 metres height difference.
Written by s/s leader Mark 2Rs.
Dreaming of a White Christmas (Vermeilley 22 December 2017)
And back to reality (22 December 2022)
