With the end of the snow-shoe season and our dear Snow-Shoe Leader in Dubai/on his way home from Australia, snow had returned to the Jura with a vengeance. After the daffodil visit two weeks ago, here was the white stuff again..!
Time then to return to Mamac near La Cure for a trifon or three!
12 signed up for this. Richards Saynor and Wiley, Roberts O’Riordan and Pashley, Peters Strebel and Taylor (blogger), Larry, Andrew, Philip, Mark2ts, David, Mervyn. No dogs !
I had advised that snow-shoes would not be necessary, and perhaps in the end this was just the case, but it was close. At one point we almost lost RobP in a drift.
We set off at 10.30 am or so from La Givrine having set our Easypark Apps to pay the arm-and-a-leg at the parking (there were very few others). The initial direction was vaguely towards La Genolière but at the forest we set off up left towards the Pré du Four chalet.
At one point a cattle grid appeared in the road, with a little snow on the bars. Larry decided to show us how to perform a Canadian forward roll after trying to use his sticks in the middle of the grid as he tottered forward. Happily he rolled over onto the far side of the grid with only his pride hurt and a stick down in the grid. Larry “Cattle Grid” French he will be. Philip was about to try to repeat this feat but we managed to dissuade him.
We soon safely reached the Pré du Four (1395m and our high point) where we found a suitable sofa..
It was time for Apèros and Larry had brought a bottle from near Morges (not broken in the Canadian Roll), plus nuts ! And some rosé appeared. And RichardS was still hawking the Poire William of Daffodil hike fame.
As we were enjoying our libations a section of the chalet roof’s covering of snow and ice came loose and careered down on startled drinkers who managed to jump out of the way. Happily not much was spilt. Second safety incident survived.. phew!
Happily there was no rush to get to the restaurant as we had plenty of time, so we gradually reformed and set off downwards to Les Coppettes in thickening snow, that must have drifted.
As we descended the snow level reduced and it became quite pleasant. On the right we noticed some eery and snowy shapes, the subject of some conjecture.
Whatever they were, we were allowed safe passage and soon were down at Mamac.
Beers, wines and trifons duly arrived, with bread and boiled potatoes. A couple of our team went for the healthy option – sausage and lentils.
There was much discussion and banter, dictums and Keats, even Shakespeare quotations. Suffice to say that it will remain in confidence.
RobertO left early to catch a train, while the remnant 11 took coffee and then trundled out in still reasonably bright but cold conditions for the final trek back up to the cars. On the way nobody fell over, for a change.
Thanks to Mark for the final coffees !
A fine hike, repeating almost that of 1 February when the Snow-Shoe Team found only grass. 10.5km and 321m.
I must have missed essential events/discussion points/dictums etc. Would participants please add them in leaving their comments.
Wonderful walk, Peter. Brought me back to life after almost two month absence. Glad for the snow cushion when I took my nose dive after slipping on the cattle grid. And thanks for the great rosé apéritif. Springlike. Looking forward to the next one.
Larry