Mark Warren – GIN Club

Au revoir Alan Baker – walk and lunch – 3 May 2024

It is always sad saying goodbye to good friends, and this time it was to say au revoir to our good walking buddy and organiser Alan Baker. Unsurprisingly, many members of GIN, and not only those in the walking group, showed a wish to join in all or part of the day’s activities and others sent their regrets.
The planned walk took place in Versonnex, France and consisted of about three kilometres around the “mighty” Oudar, a tributary of the Versoix. In view of the limited parking in Versonnex, most walkers met in Divonne for car sharing to the parking by the church in Versonnex where they joined the others, and in all 23 walkers set off at 10h40.

The beginning (and end) of the walk was on level tarmac and with a relatively rapid early pace, people remarked that we would be at the restaurant well before noon. A herd of bullocks (?) came trotting out to look at us before we turned in through the woods on an earth path by the side of La Lillette, a tributary of the Oudar.

Those with a good sense of smell noted an abundance of wild garlic before we crossed a bridge over La Lillette and into the sunshine with fields on either side of the path. It was the turn for horses to be entertained by our passing with at least one rolling about on his back, no doubt trying to get to that itchy spot that he couldn’t otherwise reach. In noting a wild animal in a field in the distance, there was a short discussion as to whether it was a deer or a hare; in the end we decided that cataract operations were a good thing as we could at least see there was a wild animal in the distance. After walking by some farm buildings, with woods on the left where La Lillette merged with the now “mightier” Oudar, we reached a small clearing by the river for photographs.

The return walk was on level pavement and only had one small incident that required a car to collect one of our number who had an issue with one of his toes that hindered his walking.

All walkers except Richard S, photographer

The lunch at Sur l’Ardoise went extremely well and they catered for the now 27 people most professionally. We were in a partitioned section of the restaurant on three tables. Also, the acoustics enabled us to have conversations easily. Thank you, Richard, for setting this up. It is certainly a restaurant to be considered for future GIN lunches.

We all said our fond farewells to Alan, with our thanks for his having organised the walks over so many years. Good luck to Tim Goodyear, his worthy successor (we hope, not yet confirmed).

Present: Alan Baker, Peter Taylor, Mervyn Powell, Tim Goodyear, Larry French, Gerry Swart, David Gwilliam, Ken Forrester, Ray Fiander, Trevor Davies, Robert O Riordan, Ian Cappin, Paul Sochaczewski, Steve Long, Mark Watts, Mike Price, Wouter van Ginneken, David Colledge, Alan Peters, Philip Jenkins, Rob MacKenzie, Norman Eatough, Hubert Pettingell, Bryan Clark, Ralph Wares, Richard Saynor and Mark Warren.

Winter wander outing 29 February 2024

Having used every trick in the book to maintain snowshoe outings this winter, your snowshoe organiser has finally given up, and even accepted apologies from skiers taking our snowshoe day for skiing as acceptable and even a good excuse for not coming with us! Such has global warming affected us.

So, this outing on leap year day did not even pretend that we might need snowshoes as we (Richard S, Peters S and T plus Kobie, Marks 2T and 2R, Paul, Larry, Nathan, Drew and Philip) assembled at the parking of the old Divonne railway station at 9h45 for a winter wander around the Mont Mussy.

The circuit, well known by several of us, of 11km and 300m height difference started on the old railway line before going uphill onto the delightfully named rue du Comte de Permission (Bernard Bluet, who was born in Arbère, became jester to Henri IV and was given this name). Philip left us here to continue his recovery programme, joining us later for lunch. A left turn at the top of the hill took us to a long path starting on tarmac before going into the woods to Grilly. This lovely easy trail would, on a good day, have fantastic views of the alps, but not today. We did however note the greatly improved and now excellent signage.

Philip still with us on the railway track

The planned stop at the table d’orientation for coffee plus at the top of the Mont Mussy enabled us to appreciate the various offerings generously given by co-wanderers – coffee, white wine (chilled too – Merçi Larry) and Richard’s concoction from his iconic bottle, called ouzo this time. Thanks to you all.

Continuing over the heights, we then descended through the woods to the Ferme de Mont Mussy listening to the birds (including, Peter S, a song thrush) who already thought it was spring. Here we said good bye to the two Peters and Kobie who took the direct path back avoiding lunch; but the rest of us descended to the Accord Parfait where Philip was waiting.

We had thought there would be nothing more to report but what a lunch. There was another table of vociferous English speakers, one of whom – a Dutchman called Erik – not only very kindly took a photo of us but also, switching to Danish, enabled Richard to show his linguistic skills in that language. But the real surprise of the meal was its great value and its incredible portions, especially Paul who was dumbstruck by the size of his “porcelet” – thankfully the restaurant was happy to give him a “piggy” bag.

Taking the direct route via the “grandes sources” back to our cars, we separated happily having forgotten we should have been snowshoeing.

The Grand Source (2 hours after Kobie paddled in it)

Snowshoe Outing Friday 19 January 2024

The vagaries of weather are making the challenges of snowshoe outings more and more difficult. The rain on Wednesday and Thursday, which confirmed the forecast and the rightness of changing our planned Thursday date to Friday, washed away much of the snow but then snow on the Thursday gave some hope for a good outing on Friday.

The participants were sent an email outlining three plans, summarised as:

Plan A – Ski lift from Crozet and hike/snowshoe to La Loge for lunch and return.

Plan B – Ski lift from Lelex and hike/snowshoe the long way to La Loge for lunch and direct return.

Plan C – If the ski lifts are not operational, a hike Divonne way with a lunch or call the whole thing off.

In the event, the decision was taken for us as the lifts started an hour late which precluded Plan A so Plan B it was. But waiting for clarification, gave Mike H time to reflect on what he should be doing at home which left five of us Peters T (plus Kobie) and S, Richard S, Nathan and Mark2R to drive to Lelex, with particular care from the Col de la Faucille down to Mijoux as it had snowed overnight.

We all bundled into the bubble lift. The temperature at the top was minus 9°C which must have been another five degrees colder with the high wind, so we shoed up and headed straight for the trail out of the wind through the woods. The trail was well marked but we were the first that day so Richard up front was breaking the fresh snow. But with this fresh snow and blue sky, we were in heaven as the photos show better than any written description.

Starting out from the lifet station, the wind behind us

Franck and Katy were there to welcome us at la Loge where we had their usual fare of croute de fromage, tarte aux myrtilles and suitable liquid refreshment, with which we drank to absent friends.

And so back to the ski lift and home – thank you the drivers.

So, what started as a doubtful outing was an incredible one. A return to la Loge will be planned later in the season, weather permitting.

Participants: Richard S, Peter T and Kobie, Peter S, Nathan and Mark2R.

Distance 3.5km, height difference 100m. (Est.)

Hike Creux du Van 8 June 2023

Author and Leader : Mark Warren

Impeccable logistical cooperation enabled today’s nine hikers (Peter Taylor, Mervyn Powell, Larry French, David Colledge, Richard Saynor, Bill Westermeier, Peter Strebel (new member – welcome Peter!), Ralph Wares and Mark Warren) to leave the rendezvous point at the Gare de Noiraigue on time. The day was sunny, sun hats made their appearance and the forecast (not the one I read – Ed. PT) was good to the extent that some of our party didn’t see the necessity to bring any wet weather gear.

Hardly a cloud in the sky – first sight of the CdV

The trail up to the Creux de Van is straight forward and not particularly difficult, but it does go up some 750 metres which is a challenge in itself.

All shorts the start line – David, Richard,Bill, Ralph,Mervyn,Mark (Leader), Larry, Peter Strebel

After leaving the village, there is a steady incline for longer than one thinks, even for those who know this trail well, before a left turn at the start of the famous “sentier des 14 contours”. This path meanders up the slope in serpentines with frequent great views of the rock basin; trees at each turn are numbered and after number 14, we found ourselves at the top with its magnificent view over the cliffs of the Creux de Van, including a recent rockfall, and a welcome glass of champagne in celebration of Richard’s birthday.

The heart of the Creux, or the Crux of the matter, as we supped champagne

We then started to hear thunder in the distance and feel the odd drop of rain. The prudent hikers with rain gear put it on while the others accelerated for the 45 minutes’ walk to the restaurant, La Grand Vy – yes, La Grand Vy and not La Grande Vy! No one could explain that grammatical oddity.

Those suitably protected hikers took time to saunter round the ridge, looking at the views, watching a passing ibex and noticing others hikers sheltering under trees, some with picnics. Some told us in a despairing tone that the restaurants were full, so it was just as well that we had a reservation.

Reading the menus by phone in the half light

Really excellent fromage en croute with egg, after a very good salad

The restaurant was cosy and had good local mountain fare which was washed down with the odd beer or glass of wine. Several took the pudding option of an ice cream flavoured with the local eau de vie – absinthe. Richard’s famous bottle contained an excellent Armenian cognac. We toasted absent friends, especially the GINjured.

Bill and PeterS on the White table as the rain fell outside

The unjust Red table ordered Absinthe desserts

Hiding from Richard’s Armenian Cognac behind a local

The rain was falling quite heavily after lunch, but there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. Which was exactly the problem for some of our party who had over relied on the weather forecast (or read the wrong one) as some three or four did not have rain gear. Our experienced hiking group organiser came to the rescue for two as he had three sets of rain gear with him. As a result, he himself wore a bright green poncho, which earned him the nickname of the Jolly Green Giant.

Even though the trail back to the Gare was easier and shorter than the one up, there were some slippery parts that challenged some of our group who realised their age a little bit as young children overtook them hopping, skipping and jumping. As we approached Noiraigue, the rain stopped.

A lovely hike, already a favourite for some and newly discovered for others.

Distance 14 kms; height difference 750m.

Walk Wednesday 19 October 2022 at Russin in the Canton of Geneva

Fifteen Ginners and guests plus an adorable black Labrador, Onyx, met in the centre of Russin with even the latecomers arriving two minutes early. We consequently set off punctually at 10am with three “leaders” who had recently done the walk as well as emeritus leaders who knew it well. The steep walk down to the station and over the railway line went well but then an emeritus leader asked which way to go in view of a choice of at least three options. The group agreed to split and to meet at the first hide which was achieved without incident. Indeed, it would have been extremely difficult to get lost as all roads led to the Rhone.

The Rhone was flowing fast with little bird life but there were several ponds off the right bank – the étang des Bouvières for fishing – and three (Paul Géroudet, Jacques Burnier and Maurice Blanchet) collectively known as the Teppes du Verbois for their birds and nature, each with its own hide. Many pairs of binoculars were brought out and many minutes taken looking at the various birds, including swans, red-crested pochards, great crested grebes, coots as well as a grey heron and a great white egret. The light and the reflections against the water were glorious.

We continued towards the confluence of the Allondon with the Rhone where kingfishers were spotted and then up the surprisingly challenging slope to the Vignoble Doré for an excellent lunch. Conversation ranged from how long it would be before Liz Truss resigned (end of the week), leaders who some would like to see out of power or prospects of such before the year’s end (leading contenders were Putin, Bolsinaro, Trump and Khamenei), the benefits of the House of Lords for the man in the street…

More seriously, would volunteers for leading future walks please contact Alan Baker.

A good walk as underscored by a participant who said he would come back with his wife. Another said so would he, before correcting himself to say he meant his own wife.

Participants:

Brian Allardyce, Alan Baker, Mike Clayton, Bryan Clark, Norman Eatough, Tim Goodyear (not lunch), Philip Jenkins, Hubert Pettingell, Mike Price, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, Nicolas Ulmer and Mark Warren

Guests:

Hugh Pettingell, Eric Williamson and Onyx.

Snowshoe outing 9 December

It was grey when eight stalwarts (Richard S, Paul S, Mervyn P, Drew M, Philip J, Bill W and the two Marks) plus new boy (Nicolas Ulmer) set out in falling snow from the Givrine railway station on the well-marked, and familiar to most, trail to the Vermeilley Refuge. But that wasn’t how it started. It was sunny on the way up to St Cergue with the trees covered with the previous night’s fall of snow but soon after, into the clouds we went. There were hardly any other people, the fields were covered in smooth and untrammelled snow and even the path was free of the usual hundreds of footprints indicative of its popularity. Our leisurely ascent was disturbed by two motorised sledges carrying supplies to the refuges – the first, the Genolier, was closed but no doubt preparing for a weekend opening. Kobe’s friend from last year was running around happily. So, on we trudged leisurely to the Vermeilley which, as we knew, was open. Here Richard left us to return to meet his son for lunch in St Cergue (this was less leisurely as it only took him 50 minutes).

It was lovely being back in this Refuge; in fact, it was almost like being back home since we had it to ourselves until one and then a second individual arrived. The beers flowed, then the charcuterie, fondue (what else!) and apple tart. In the absence of Rob, Drew kindly offered the Scottish fluid.

The return was too easy for some, with one Gent doing the “angel” in the snow requiring help to get up which had his helper sprawling in the snow in his turn.

Walking, Grilly, October 1

There were 14 of us (Alan B, Brian A, Bryan C, Trevor D, David S, Tim G, John B, Mike C, Mike P, Paul S, Phillip J, Richard S, Tom B and MarkLW) and a dog who set off down the Grand Rue towards the Pont de Grilly/Pont Bugnon). Grilly has a history going back to at least Roman times and was famous in the 13^th century for a certain Jean de Grilly or Grailly who effectively ran Aquitaine for Edward I of England. Its actual bridge which dates from the 17^th century was the principal crossing from the Mont Mussy to Coppet until the development of Divonne; it spans the River Versoix (the boundary between France and Switzerland) and there is still an albeit unmanned customs post. Mme de Stael famously escaped from France to Coppet over it.

Our walk continued along the riverside towards the Moulin de Grilly. This Moulin is privately owned but there is an interesting explanation of the use of watermills in the Pays de Gex – including wood cutting, diamonds for the watch trade, generating electricity and of course food. At this time, we had beautiful views over both the alps and the Jura and could see woods and fields with little evidence of human construction. A grey heron, a great white egret as well as crows gave a safari aspect with horses making the loudest noise.

After a loop of five kilometres, we were back at our starting place by the Auberge de Grilly where ten of us concluded the morning with an excellent lunch.

A lovely morning which was further improved by only having the rain when we came out from lunch.

First snowshoe of season, Dec 10

The gods were kind to the four (Richard, Phillip, Mervyn and Mark Warren) on the first snowshoeing outing of the season on Tuesday 10 December, since after a drenched Monday there was sufficient fresh snow and abundant sunshine for a delightful hike to the Vermeilley refuge, some 4.5 kms from our start at the Givrine station. Unusually for that part of the world, the path had not been cleared and few people had even trampled the path after the Genollier. The fondue at the Vermeilley was its usual high standard and that and the wine made the afternoon return seem easier than the going.

As Mervyn wrote:

“What an ideal way to start off the 2019/20 snow-shoeing season!

Perfect snow conditions underfoot and cloudless blue skies above.

I could get used to that.

Many thanks for your company, good humour and organisation and especially to Richard for his driving and kiwis.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and looking forward to more mountain adventures in the New Year”.

And so say all of us.

Mark