GIN Hike at the Lac de Joux 23 November 2023

Finally, a sunny break in the weather allowed us to undertake our annual hike by the Lac de Joux, our previous attempt a fortnight ago having been aborted.  Eleven GINhikers had signed up with six indicating that they would meet us at the parking spot at the Southern end of the lake and five of us meeting in Divonne.  Whilst the former group, mostly driving directly from Vaud, had no difficulties in reaching the lake at the appointed time, the knock-on effects of an accident on the autoroute led to Divonne being paralysed by traffic.  Access to the autoroute was impossible and attempts to pass through Crassier were thwarted by long queues.  No alternative but for our noble driver Ralph to do a u-turn and double back via Gex and the Faucille.  Needless to say, our arrival was predicted to be delayed by half an hour, so team A with three impatient doggies sensibly set off around the lake to Le Rocheray where they enjoyed a coffee in the bright sunshine.  Team B arrived and although thoroughly caffeine-starved, elected to press on to try to keep to our schedule.  

The water level in the lake, like many others in the region, was high but with no wind and blue skies, the surface was smooth and afforded wonderful reflections of the opposite bank.  

Photo stops were made on much-reduced spits of shingle and the path close to the lakeside was much appreciated.  

After the only significant climb of the hike, a brief pit stop was made where alcoholic refreshment was made available, outer garments were discarded and telephone calls made.  Shortly after setting off again past the town of Le Lieu, we entered the forest and immediately, to the delight of our four-legged companions, we met a 16-strong herd of chamois. 

 A respectful distance was maintained on both sides and the wild bunch made their exits down a steep bank.  The dogs were once again let free to roam until we were accosted by an irate amateur photographer who insisted that they be leashed as we were on a reserve, despite a complete lack of warning signs.  Kobie, Rocco and Onyx were duly tethered and we continued through the forest.  Twenty minutes later, we espied another smaller group of chamois, with almost as many photographers equipped with massive telephoto lenses.  These were probably unnecessary as the animals were quite unperturbed by human presence and could be approached quite closely.

We dropped down some steep rocky paths until the picturesque sight of Le Pont lay before us at the end of the lake.  

A brisk stroll along the promenade led us to our lunch stop, the Brasserie des Combières, who had been pre-warned of our delayed arrival.  Unfortunately, Nathan had to avail himself of the train at 13.00 back to his car as he had an appointment to maintain in Geneva, but the remaining ten were seated at a very (almost too) sunny inside table.  After what seemed like an age, thirsts were quenched by large jugs of beer and other beverages.  Conversations reached their usual heady intellectual heights and covered a wide range of subjects, with the mandatory nod to Scottish Independence.  Plats de jour, pizzas and hamburgers were dutifully devoured, coffee was consumed and then a decision had to be made about our return.  

A gap in the bus timetable at that time of the day restricted our choices to either continuing around the lake for 10 kms or so, taking two hours or more, or returning to the train station.  Our gastronomic appetites had been sated, but our physical appetites weren’t so strong as to persuade us to complete the Full Monty, so we trudged back through Le Pont and awaited the little red and white train back to Le Solliat.  Tickets were purchased and on the otherwise pleasant 15 minute trip, we were “entertained” by some extremely rowdy and chanting students and led someone to suggest that they were Millwall (sorry) fans!

A fifteen-minute stroll from the train stop brought us back to cars and we left for our various destinations.   We had hiked about 15 kms and climbed 200 metres.

The big question is, can Peter relax now and hand over the reins to Mark for snowshoeing in 2 week’s time?

Participants:  Peter T, Nicholas, Mark 2tts, Peter S, Nathan, Mervyn, David C, Andrew, Ralph, Mike H, Richard S.  

Thanks to Peters S and T and Ralph for contributing photos.