Author: Mark Watts

Nerdy type who enjoys mathematics, computer programming and web programming (including this site). Avid collector of degrees. Other interests are music, especially opera and choral, cryptic crosswords (only The Times Quick Cryptic, not the 15X15), sailing, skiing (cross country and downhill), hiking and biking. Used to also love running until poor knees let me down.

GIN sailing, September 13, 2018

Only Rob, Thatcher and Mark but a great afternoon’s sail.

It started out with no wind at all but we were clearly on the Southern edge of a little storm. Within a few minutes of hoisting the main we had to put a reef in and only unrolled half the genoa but still flew across to the other side of the lake, avoiding going North into the storm.

Once the wind eased a bit we practised our man overboard manoeuvre, including a “heave to” approach demonstrated by Rob.

 

Hove to with genny backed

Then genny fully out, shook out the reef and a calm sail and motor home.

Just avoided getting boarded by the local pirates

Hike Chaumont to Le Vuache

The first hike of the 2018 season.

Organised by David Colledge, included Jeremy & Mark

Jereremy’s Strava track

Met in Chavannes Centre car park at 07:30, drove to Chaumont, hiked to summit of Le Vuache (3.4km, 480m ascent) and back (slightly further).

Lunch in La Cave de la Ferme in nearby Frangy – highly recommended with 4 course lunch at €16.5.

Back home before 15:00.

A great day out, much thanks to David.

Jeremy and David at the summit
Now Mark and David
Surprisingly managed to get all 3 of us in in this selfie.

Skiing, Champery, Jan 17, 2018

First annual Dave Knewstubb ski outing

First downhill trip of the season. Not the best weather forecast so only Mervyn and Mark. Initialy looked like there may be no skiing but the lifts opened just after this photo.

Then interesting skiing with initially lousy visibility but gradually getting better. Great powder and a fabulous lunch. Then had to put chains on to get out of Champery.

The GIN ski group was first introduced to this area by Dave Knewstubb so we have named this event the first annual Dave Knewstubb ski outing. Already looking forward to the second.

Opportunity for Welsh members

Walking Morges, Dec 12, 2017

It had rained/snowed for 4 days without any respite. That did not stop 4 brave Walking Group members from tramping along the Morges lakefront on 12 December, observing local birdlife and absorbing Ian Cappin’s most interesting stories about some of the old and newer local properties facing Lac Leman. We may have influenced the weather, as the rain soon stopped. Thereafter, we repaired to the Morges Tennis Club Restaurant, were joined by 2 other group members and enjoyed an excellent plat du jour. Fortunately, we had pre-booked a table in this extremely popular location.

Several group members have already proposed a range of walks to be taken after this dreary winter has passed. Active group membership is open to anyone in GIN, so perhaps we may expect large groups to share in our basically “flat” walks and wide-ranging chats during the coming year.

Alan  Baker (Walking Group Coordinator).

Bike ride, Tuesday October 17, 2017

Fine weather saw Steve, Peter D and myself start from Arnex and wend our way up via Borex to Cheserex, Gingins, Givrins, Genolier, Bassins, Le Vaud, Burtigny and up and over to Gimel, returning back down the Routes des Vins : Tartegnin etc. with the essential lunch at Gilly (set menu chf 23) outside in the sunshine on the terrace. Returning via Signy. Wonderful colours, warm with a touch of damp on the higher shaded forest roads. Memorable.

Great ride and lunch. Steve did well, considering his lack of practice. Peter D was uncatchable out front.

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