Mark Watts – Page 2

GIN lunch, Ô château, Vesancy, November 23 2022

Stephen Long organized this lunch and chose a venue, new to most of the lunch group but already a favourite with the biking group. We all had the plat du jour of a mushroom starter, maigret de canard, and a tarte/cake dessert.

There were 19 of us; Alan Baker, Andrew Nievens, Bryan Clark, David Colledge, Gerry Swart, Harry Leefe, Mark Watts, Mervyn Powell, Mike Hempstead, Mike Price, Nathan Finkelstein, Norman Etough, Peter Taylor, Philip Jenkins, Ray Fiander, Reinier Tervooren, Rudi Pluss, Stephen Long, Trevor Davies. There would have been 22, a post Covid record, but for 2 late cancellations and one no show who will remain nameless – but we know who he is.

As expected the food and service were both excellent, the wine and the conversation flowed although it seemed to avoid the usual chestnuts of Scottish independence and the relative merits and expected longevity of Britain’s prime ministers. We did get a few who had trouble finding the venue and some organ recitals but no other complaints.

All in all a good lunch at €35 a head.

This was the last lunch of 2022. We are now planning for 2023 and need a “volunteer” for January, all other dates are already taken, see here.

GIN Sailing, May 24

This was the first outing of the season and we managed 2 boats for the very first time. Last year there were no GIN sailing outings so this was quite a change. From Crans we had Dave G, Rudi, Gary and Mark 2Ts, and from Founex: Mike H and Mervyn.

We met in the lake and it was obvious that the Founex boat was faster (or better helmed) until they tried to show off by flying their genniker and were left for dead. Then the wind, which could best be described as a zephyr, died altogether and we just about managed to approach each other to exchange some pleasantries while consuming vital fluids.

Eventually the zephyr returned and we drifted home.

Not the most exciting sail but a pleasant time together on the water.

Shame they left their starboard fenders down

Walk and Wine Tasting, May 5

A hardy band of 10 GIN walkers met in the rain at the car park in Tolochonaz, above Morges. We were not put off by a few drops of rain! The walk took us on agricultural roads through the fields to the impressive Chateau de Vufflens, and thence through vines to the village of Denens where one still sees the remains of the Scarecrows erected last year for the ScarecrowFestival.

By this time we were not only wet but thirsty. Here we headed for the Cave du Chateau de Denens where John Burley had organised a wine tasting and light meal with the owner Mr. de Buren. We tried 4 different wines which were much appreciated, especially the Chasselas (at 9 francs a bottle) and the Malbec. Then of course we had to walk back to the cars in Tolochenaz…….and it was still raining! But what an excellent outing we had, thanks to John.

John Burley(leader), Brian Allardyce (wrote the blog), Alan Baker, Wouter van Ginneken, Nicolas Ulmer, Bryan Clark, Paul Sochaczewski, Tim Goodyear, Mark Warren, Mark Watts. Plus (Ginjured) Richard Saynor for lunch.

Follow this link for other photos

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jKk2n9K42WxYTyzc9

Wine-Tasting

A convivial evening was held at the home of Martin Vaughan and his wife Fay at 7.30, February 24.

This was our opening gathering for 2022…….8 participants were able to sample and try to recognize 6 different red wines from two countries, Spain and Portugal. Highest score was 4 from Paul……very commendable …….

First annual GIN multiday ski trip

The accommodation could only have taken 4 but due to all the GINjuries and other commitments only Mervyn and Mark were able to make this outing. The venue was Tignes, a 3 hour drive away, and very empty at weekends, so we set off at 9 on Saturday morning and were skiing by 1. First off was up the Grande Motte and, since there were no queues, up the Telepherique to the glacier at 3458m. From there we skied over to Val d’Isère gaining no points for style as we negotiated the moguls of épaule which were scraped bare of soft snow. On our return to Tignes we both decided that the main problem was the lack of edges on our skis and nothing to do with our ability so we duly rectified that, but that took away our excuse!

Sunday was the end to end day. We were at the Aiguille Percée by 10 and at les Brévières, 1550m, lowest point of the whole resort, by 10:30. Then over to Val d’Isère and over the Leissières up and over lift to Col de l’Iseran. We missed out on the furthest extreme, mainly as a result of having eaten a good lunch too early.

Monday we had to correct the omission so we booked a late (14:00) lunch at the Eidelweiss restaurant, a favourite, and explored the remainder of Val d’Isère, including the Montets lift to the furthest point from Brévières. After a wonderful lunch we were even worried about connecting with the last lift back into Tignes.

Tuesday was planned as half a day so we revisited the Aiguille Percée then up the Grande Motte for a run down Leisse, coffee at the Panoramique (no lunch since we needed to drive) and a long descent down Génépi.

Restaurant at the Panoramique (we were sorely tempted)

We were home by 17:00 for tea and cakes at Mervyn’s.

Summary

Highest point – la Grande Motte (3458m)
Lowest point – les Brevières (1550m)
Furthest North – les Brevières
Other extreme – Montets
Plenty of snow but a little bit hard packed in places.
Clear blue skies every day, no sign of any clouds.
Fabulous 3 days, great snow, no crowds, good food and drink.

GIN hike, Marchairuz to St Cergue 2021-10-28

Our logistics were somewhat simpler, we needed to get six of us to Col du Marchairuz to start the walk and get us home from St Cergue. Busses only run to the Col on Saturday and Sunday.

We met in 2 different car parks at Givrins (somebody could not read the instructions) and drove in 2 cars up to Col du Marchairuz. At the end of the walk we all descended by the little red train from St Cergue to Givrins whereupon 2 kept on the train to Nyon (something about a bar serving good beers) and the rest was easy.

The valley was foggy and cold but once we got up to the Col we were above all the cloud with brilliant sunshine and wonderful fall colours.

Today’s hike was one section of Swiss National Trail #5 which runs for 16 sections and 320 km between Zurich and Geneva. As such it’s a good path and well marked essentially all the way.

We set off at a sprightly pace and soon reached Crêt de la Neuve where we stopped to top up our fluids and admire the view across to Mont Blanc.

About 1:30 we decided we were about half way so it must be lunch time. Peter supplied a good red wine and we all socially distanced ourselves (actually we each found convenient rocks for seats). Lunch was finished off with coffee and 2 types of whisk(e)y provided by Scot Rob and Irish Richard. There was naturally much discussion over the relative merits but all other than the Scotsman and Irishman thought they were both good.

Eventually we had to continue the hike and went past the ruins of Oujon with hardly a pause to admire them and on into St Cergue where we saw the 16:02 train just as we were crossing the tracks. There was mad scrambling with mobile phones as we all tried to buy our tickets and we were off down the mountain.

A great day out with excellent company and weather to match. Just under 17 km with 450 m ascent and 850 m descent.

Peters D&T, Richard W, Mike H, Rob P, Mark 2Ts.

Map of route, click to view/download

Bikers tour de France 2021-07-01

Peter D led and domestiques Mervyn, eThatcher, Mark supported, a ride almost entirely through France. In the absence of Peter T and Steve we did not have to go via Bonmont so we left Divonne and headed via Vésenex, La Rippe, Vesancy to Gex, then onto Echenevex and both Nazes: Dessus and Dessous where we stopped for lunch at the Maison Blanche. For the first time in recorded history we did not attack the golf club across the fields but rode in via the main entrance (must be without the hooligan members).

A great lunch, outside , by the 10th tee, watching some youngsters from an interclub (and international) competition. I’ve no idea how they even hit the ball, let alone make it sound so sweet.

Then into the saddle again and onto Cessy, then via the old railway line to Grilly and Divonne.

Forgot al about photos until the end

At the end, outside Charlie’s pub, firmly resisting the temptation for a final beer.

A great ride, about 40km. But missing the 2 sprinters.

Walkers explore the Versoix 2021-06-30

The Swiss metéo promised a relatively dry morning so 16 walkers gathered at the bridge at Sauverny on Wednesday morning for a walk along the Versoix river and back through the Versoix woods. We had heavy rain the day before so the path was expected to be muddy and did not disappoint, however nobody fell and nobody got hurt. The path down, which keeps a view of the Versoix on the right, was new to several of the walkers making this a journey of exploration.

Several sections of this walk follow Swiss National hike #3, Alpine Panorama Trail, which runs for 510 km from Rorschach beside Bodensee to Geneva. So these sections were well signposted. However the leader insisted on following smaller paths where possible with the result that we nearly lost part of the party.

After about an hour we came to a decision. The path straight ahead was know to contain a large boulder which would be difficult to scramble over, especially if wet, so several of us took a short cut, up a steep bank and through a field we later learnt was out of bounds and onto the main footpath through the woods. The other part of the group continued on beside the river to pont de Bossy and then caught us up.

We then returned along good paths through the woods, before joining our original path beside the river and returning to the parking. Overall about 6.5 km.

*The team after the walk, from left Wouter, John, Thatcher, Richard, Mark 2Rs, Dave,* Drew, Mike, Rob, Tim, Bryan, Alan, Paul, Bill, Gerry. Mark 2Ts behind the camera.

This was probably the largest GIN gathering since the start of the lockdown in March 2020. Long live the freedom!

Fourteen of us then went to the Vieux Bois in Divonne for a convivial, and unbelievably cheap, meal. An added bonus: this was the first day that France allowed more than 6 people at a table in a restaurant.

Four members volunteered to lead future walks as follows

July 14	Rob Mackenzie
July 28	John Burley
Aug 11	Mike Price
Aug 25	Gerry Swart

They should share their plans with Alan Baker, the walking group coordinator.

Participants: Alan Baker, Bill Westermeyer, Bryan Clark, David Gwilliam, Drew Meek, Gerry Swart, John Burley, Mark Warren, Mark Watts, Mike Price, Paul Sochaczewski, Richard Saynor, Rob Mackenzie, Thatcher Shellaby, Tim Goodyear, Wouter van Ginneken.

Click here for map of our route

Social bridge, June 22, 2021, “Yarborough”

Five of us played a very pleasant few hands at Dave’s house. We welcomed new member Jerry Swart who has just moved to Divonne from Florida. Ken celebrated returning from Portugal by receiving a yarborough which, the internet informs me, has an expected frequency of 1 in 1828 hands.

I had the misfortune to be partnering Ken and played 3 clubs which only went down by 1.

Participants Dave Gwilliam (host), Richard Wiley, Ken Forrester, Jerry Swart, Mark Watts.

Hiking group to Creux de Van, 2021-06-10

Following the walking group’s expedition to the Gorges de l’Areuse, Mark 2”r”s decided to take the hiking group to the same starting point but to head off in a different direction and visit the Creux de Van, Switzerland’s Grand Canyon. Mark had given careful thought to the location of a suitable restaurant for lunch and decided that we needed to leave Divonne at 08:00, a restaurant closer to the end of the walk would have entailed an earlier start and potential mutiny.

Accordingly 7 of us gathered in Divonne at 8 a.m. and decamped into 2 cars for the roughly 90 minute drive to Noiraigue railway station, alt 729m according to several GPSs and the signpost, where we had a coffee and ate the pains aux chocolate that Mark had kindly provided (hope no precedence was being set!). Then Captain Bligh announced that we were already 30 minutes behind schedule so we hurriedly donned boots and set off.

We had a reasonably gentle climb over the first couple of kilometres to les Oillons at 1015m.

Team at les Oillons: Rob, Mark, Richard, Mervyn, Philip, David. Other Mark behind camera.

Then the path started to get steeper and zig-zagged up through countless contours until we came out to the spectacular view at 1374m. There was much ooohing and aaahing and taking of photographs, including one of the whole team.

Our illustrious leader, aka Slartibartfast, surveying his handywork

The old railway station got in the way of a good photo so the team had to move it

Moved, that’s better, Philip directing and taking the photo.

So tame it almost appeared to be a model.

After the excitement of the rim and moving the railway station and the bouquetin it was time to move to the restaurant for lunch. This was the real excitement with Mark wondering if we should have turned left at the bouquetin and imagining the abuse he was going to get if we were late for lunch. However we arrived at the charming la Grand ‘Vy for well deserved beers and a great lunch. We were supposed to socially distance at 2 ends of a long table but somehow failed that test – maybe it was the absinthe.

Ice cream with a pool of absinthe, local speciality

Reluctantly we eventually continued with Mark encouraging us by announcing that it was all downhill from here on. True but much harder on old knees. We got back to the cars just after 4 for the drive home.

A great day out, thanks to t’other Mark for arranging the route, the weather and the pains aux chocolate. Click this link for a load of other photos, including a panoramic video taken at the rim.

14.2 km, 774m. Richard S, Mervyn, David C, Rob, Philip, 2 Marks.

More detailed map (can be used for future hike)Download