Londoner, now also Swiss lives in Coppet with Jill and Kobie the Cobberdog. Ex DuPont and Conoco. Also TMcL (before then KPMG London, Manchester and Bristol). FCA and ATII. BSC Physics - Bristol 1973. Ex-President of NGO Norlha (closed down). Likes dogs, mountains, prog rock, bikes, hikes, climbs, swims, skis (x-country - down and uphill), raquetttes. But joints are getting creaky.
The forecast was for sun and 15C at least. More in hope than anything I invited the team to partake of the first GIN bike ride of 2026. This was my first outing in over 4 months but Paul S had been out many times. He and Philip even turned out in shorts! (both on their E-bikes). Rounding it out to make a fab 4 was PeterSo (like me non-E), and we all appeared at Everness at 10 am in bright sun, not a cloud, it had been like this for 3 days after a February of rain and gloom with heavy snow high up.
Keen riders, notice the shorts !
That good snow high-up had kept other regulars including our BLeader and Mervyn out on their planks. A few other apologies came, including from Mark2ts and PeterD. Bill in the USA was amazed that we were biking so early. In fact in 2023 we had a GIN bike ride on 23 Feb, but more it is usual that our rides start in March.
Indeed the weather was stunning and those in shorts almost had an advantage. My plan was to head for Gilly lunch by 1pm, with a coffee stop perhaps on the way. As this was the first ride of the season we could sensibly skip Bonmont and other climbs and head across in comfort. We tracked across to God’s crossing then up to Crassier turning up right afterwards alongside the ruisseau, Le Boiron de Nyon. A left turn and up past Tranchepied to a water break just below the forest. From the Cheserex golf course we passed above Gingins and arrived at our favourite coffee stop at Givrins where Paul treated us to tarts and caffeine in the sun.
Coffee stop colleagues, Philip and Peter SolomonA great place to drink a latte, Paul and PeterT
We met a man Edouard with his young son who worked in the golf business. At least he ran an app with software for folk to access a professional lesson anywhere in Europe, and also pay for green fees. There continued much golf talk, including about France and Italy.
Although we had plenty of time, I decided to stick with the horizontal approach to Gilly and we were soon through Genolier, Vich, Luins, Vinzel and Bursins arriving just after midday to a table in the sun, with beers coming quickly. The menu was Chf 25 for those on AVS, very good value, soup or salad, main course, dessert and a deci of chasselas. Sadly PeterSo was too young to qualify and he put on a brave face especially after Paul gave him his wine.
While we were waiting, Paul tried out his memory game on us. Every 5 seconds he showed us one of ten cards on which a french word was written. Could we remember these (in any order) ? Well, er, yes some of us could. Gateaux, divan, ceinture, crayon, nuages, sapin, moulin, voiture, billet, pelouse. I think… I built up a mental image of swimming in a cake by a dirty sofa in a “billet” with a garden.
The cabilloud was good, as was the bread, wine, salads and dessert and coffee.
What a tough ride !
Cabillaud and chasselas
The mood was spirited as was the conversation. It was all too soon time to leave (we had been there over 100 minutes), and for our return my plan was – keep it flat and simple. At Luins we turned left and passing Movenpick Wines we headed right onto the lake road at Dully for some faster rolling into the sun. Paul peeled off at Nyon for the train and Philip and I tracked up at Founex where I helped him get back into the fields below the Everness for his car there. I was home in an hour. I believe PeterSo may have made it home in time for his 3pm call.
A good first ride, leaving me with lots of energy for more gardening and the dechetterie run, followed by a walk with Kobie. I clocked 55km and 466m door to door.
Peter Strebel called us for a snow-shoe outing in a snow-storm. This was no country for (old) wimps, a reference to a previous week’s outing where one member turned up because he did not want to be seen as one.
I am writing this Blog for Peter while he prepares for his Australian trip, but to him goes the credit for sounding us out and choosing a route which minimised driving and gave us sufficient exercise prior to eating hot cheese. One of his earlier options involved a picnic in a gale causing a strongly negative response. One member in particular did not want to “live his life like a sandwich in the wind”.
The forecast was indeed for continuous falling snow and many realised that this is indeed when the Jura comes alive in winter, the trees are bedecked like a Schilliger’s Christmas display, the wind howls and the fondus feel so much tastier. Our route started at La Givrine tracking up across a field to the woods in a NW direction before turning to head NE towards the Pré du Four Chalet. From there we were to steer towards La Genolière a favourite eatery in a storm, followed by the easy track down back to the parking afterwards.
Turning out at Divonne parking were 7 deranged folk, but non-wimps: Peters Strebel, Solomon and Taylor, Nathan, Mervyn, RichardS and Chris Newton, not to forget Kobie. The road was clear of snow up to La Givrine, but fine snow was in the air and the parking was slushily covered.
Kobie rolling in the slush at the parking lot (at 1205m), lots of kiddies out with their sleds too
The EasyPark was not working for me (lack of internet) but the machine worked and we were soon off guided by staff along the sides of the crosscountry ski trail. No cross country skiers were out that day. Tracking in single file (especially for Kobie who could not move in the deep powder) up the initial slope, the snow was soft and deep and the going hard and hot. My knees (PT) were not going to thank me for today. PeterSt took over the lead as we approached the forest.
Line management on the ski trail as we entered the forest
Now that we were on the ski trail we ignored orders to keep to one side, nobody was skiing, the going became much easier as we chatted until we came in sight of Les Coppettes Chalet at 1300m.
Winter wonderland and easy going on the ski trail (raod in summer)
We turned off the track and headed up again into the deep powder this time with PeterSo in the lead and it was not long before we heaved into the covered shelter of Pré du Four (1395m). Time for apèros.
Just room behind the huge mound of snow for shelter and apèrosA starling mound of snow had slipped off the roof, we were wary about what was still up there..Choice of liquor from the Bottle, and some Austrian white, to accompany nibbles Brilliant conditions for being up and about
I don’t think that any of us had seen this much snow in the Jura before. While the Alps were showing code red avalanche warnings, the Jura had a code orange moderate. It looked like the most serious danger might come from chalet roofs..
PeterSt telephoned ahead to La Genolière to advise them that we would be slightly late for our 12.30 reservation, we had been moving slowly in the deep white landscape. We packed up and exited from the far end (to avoid the roof danger) and headed off in single file up the remaining 35m or so of ascent before starting down past the Grutli Chalet, PeterSt and PeterSo breaking trail heroically. The wind was blowing strongly from our right and it had not stopped snowing and the scenery was of the Jura’s very best.
Out there in the storm, passing Grutli. Look at the snow depth!
We passed down through the very beautiful forest that contains the lower trail up to Cabane Carroz.
Sublime winter forest, PeterSo looking happySame view but from the rearChris and Nathan loving itAs were me and Mervyn at the back
We made it down all too soon onto the main trail and turned left and up to be met by Moos at La Genolière. We had reserved a table, and I was little surprised that there were 3 other parties there, but all were couples. After hanging up our wet kit we sat down near the log fire to some initial beers with Kobie his chews on a carpet that I had carried for him. Cheese and other dishes were ordered, some fondu, some rösti, some croutes and soup, was down with some excellent white wine. We had earned it!
My Cheese Croute was outstanding looking down to the fondu end.
Classic cheese eating Gintlemen
There was much discussion at the table about many subjects, including winter avalanche deaths (too many), absent friends (too many to name), dogs, politics, rugby, golf (sic), future events, the arrest of Andrew and even Scottish independence. I may have missed many other topics – it was just nice to feel warm and well fed and watered and back in the company of our chums, while all along the snow fell outside.
Proving that Kobie does indeed rest on his carpet as ordered (after a while admittedly)
All too soon it was time to pay (cash only) and tog up for the exit outside into the snow again. It was still snowing but only very lightly. We all donned our snow shoes, although it was perfectly feasible to walk back in boots as others were doing.
Heading back down the main trail to La Givrine.
We were soon back at the cars where the tarmac was mostly cleared of snow. The temperature there was perhaps just above freezing, it was not cold enough for ice. We could even see sun at the very end, dimly admittedly.
Saying our goodbyes – notice the lack of snow, cleared by the authorities and the warmer temperature
Another great day out that will linger in the memory on forthcoming hot summer days. I made it 9.7km and 405m (although that does seem a tad over the top – it was on my watch so it goes into the spreadsheet). Thanks again to PeterSt for organising and breaking trail, PeterSo too. May there be many more.
This was the third post COVID winter lunch for GIN Hikers and our better halves, if any, and 26 attended at the Auberge de Founex on a cold and foggy Wednesday lunchtime. I chose winter because it is cold and foggy and therefore many are keen to get out and enjoy warm company and a good lunch. Maybe we should have a picnic outside in the summer where we could enjoy some Luins or Primitivo with our hounds too.
This bi-annual (so far) lunch is a great chance to meet the many partners of whom we hear so much out on the trails. Of course they hear and read quite a bit about us.
The previous lunches were held at the Founex Tennis Club, and the change of venue for 2026 did catch out at least one member.
The attendance list and some of the apologists appeared as follows, thank you all for coming.
It was sad that we heard that Andrew has pneumonia. Also we missed several partners in particular Caroline Hempstead, Vibeke Pluss, Rose College and Heather Pashley. I think I got most of the other apologists right, apologies if this is not so. Also of particular note – Larry is still in Canada and Drew has returned to Australia (donating some of his whisky to Rob) – we shall miss them.
We were given a set menu of salad, filets de perche and tiramisu with red fruits for CHF 35, which we sluiced down with beers and (good) wines from the locality, followed by coffee. It was all tasty and well appreciated (I believe). Sadly the auberge had prepared only 25 plats du jour, telling us/me that we had only ordered 25. Clearly this was not the case as they had set 26 place settings and we had already consumed 26 salads. The upshot was that Stephen was the first to be served a salad and the last (by far) to get his main course. In his usual courteous way he did not complain, too loudly.
PeterT gave a short address, too long for some perhaps, and I’m not sure everyone had their hearing aids in properly or I may have been too softly spoken for others as I was later advised by my strongest critic. For this my apologies. I do not recall hecklers which was a pleasant plus.
I had handed around a paper copy of the hiking stats for the past two years (as above). If any who did not attend wish to get a copy please let me know and I will send you one. It’s great to see that we keep active and have a solid base of members willing to lead/organise hikes and snow shoe outings.
A separate summary of the 5 year totals was not provided although I did mention the averages we recorded:-
(Errors and omissions accepted)
A welcome for new members, Peter Solomon and Chris Newton, was made real in that they are really welcome as they are not only fun gintlemen but also they bring down the average age of members considerably.
I recounted some highlights of the year, the best of course was the two day hike up from Champéry with some memorable scenery food and beverage, and the dog room was fun too.
Formal awards are not necessary but I felt it important to register Mark2ts for his black strong coffee, Mervyn for his milks, and Richard for the ubiqitous and famous Bottle (see separate Blog), Rob for his Scottish fluids and Mark for the Website (reminder – would members ensure that you pay him the chf10 he has requested to keep the site up and running).
I gave a short Safety Contact (merçi DuPont) showing my LifeVac device designed to prevent people dying from choking (as I have nearly done 4 times recently). It is to be used after heimlick and other back slapping manoeuvres have failed.
General view.
All in all it seemed to go well. We are fortunate to have a great club with enduring friendships, be (mostly) healthy, live in safe and wonderful place with fabulous hiking on our doorsteps, have partners who put up with us disappearing on alternate Thursdays, and have members who volunteer (and who also seem to put up with Rocco and Kobie). May we continue to enjoy the physical, emotional and spiritual (sic) rewards for many years to come. If we use it we won’t lose it and those who keep active seem to live longer.
This “snow shoe” outing was last attempted in Feb 2025. At that time I wrote in the Blog :-
“At least one intending snow shoer enquired as to whether this hike could be moved from Thursday to Wednesday in view of the poor weather forecast for Thursday, but following the addage that there is no such thing as wrong weather, only wrong gear, we ploughed ahead.”
Feb 2025 Couvaloup Crowd, this year four of the eleven plus hound returned
The conditions seemed to be nearly the same this year, and although we had one late “poor weather” cancellation no one suggested another day and 6 of us turned out at Le Coutzet parking, aka Le Refuge de la Barillette, aka L’Archette (1160m) just after 10am.
Attending : Mark2ts, Mervyn, Nathan, PeterS, Ross and PeterT with Kobie.
The weather forecast seemed not unreasonable up until 3pm, by which time we should be, with luck and a following wind, in the vicinty of the vehicles. In view of this threat I half-offered a simpler low-level routing to the Couvaloup restaurant avoiding the infamous Col altogther but this was roundly rejected and a “let’s go for it” spirit prevailed.
Girding, and already on the white stuff. (Ross Photo)
There was a brief discussion as to whether to carry snow shoes, there being much snow about, but the consensus was that it was not deep enough to justify the extra hassle and weight. Possibly our first mistake.
Team at the start, looking positive. Me, Kobie, Ross, PeterS, Mervyn, Nathan, Mark2ts
Off we went up the unconsolidated snowy slopes up into the combe between the Pte de Fin Château and La Barillette. It began to appear the Kobie was going to get his legs and paws clogged up so I got out his orange boots and put them on. On about ten occasions one of them or another had to be refixed, this caused me to become rather tired bending down etc, I don’t know how Kobie felt but in general they worked and he got used to them.
Kobie in his new boots – he had never worn them before for any length of timeOne man one dog six bootsOnwards upwards – not snow shoeing though – it was tough going
It got steeper as we struggled on. Somehow this seemed much harder than last year. My watch record told me afterwards that the effort had been “HARD”, with my heart rate recording nearly 18 minutes at over 135 bpm, quite a lot for me.
Passing the wall just above the bent tree (Ross photo)
We circled below the Chalet des Apprentis and headed towards the Col de Porte, getting hotter – was it my thermobaric long johns? PeterS led ahead as we approached the col. A little before we arrived, a large herd of chamois appeared just below us on our hillside and they ran off as Kobie went across to inspect. I whistled and Kobie returned fairly quickly sans a snow boot. Nothing for it but to traverse out across the slope in search of it. Happily it was not far out as K had given up the chase in his lumbering boots. The chamois traversed across to their nursery on the steep cliffs below la Dôle, well captured in PeterS’s photo.
I count almost 2 dozen chamois in PeterS’s classic photo
We were soon at the Col de Porte (1557m) where it has been our habit to take an apèro or two before descending, but our struggle up in the snow had taken its toll of the time (and of our energy) in view of the need to get back before the bad weather. At least two bottles of Luins best white wine remained unopened (and a flask of strong black coffee).
Col de Porte 1 – cold but not actually precipatating Col de Porte with all attending Gin Members
So, instead of apèros it was down, down the slippery snow slopes, unconsolidated white cream on which we slipped and stumbled with rocks and grass lurking beneath. My knees did not enjoy the descent.
Looking back up – is that one member on the deck ?Looking down – at least it was not snowing this timeThe Jura at its prettiest
We were soon down past the Poêle Chaud chalet and then had to track across and up to the blue ski run, which had not been pisted.
Kobie with only 3 boots on checks Ross in up the last riseOn the blue run with wrong gear
We were soon cruising down to the Restaurant Couvaloup de Crans, 1289m, entering the large salle at 12.45 pm to a warm fire and with only one table of three as paying occupants, plus the resident pit-bull by the fire. It was good that I’d booked, reconfirmed, and then confirmed again that we were going to be a little late…..
PeterS, Mark2ts and Ross
The friendly hostess soon had us fixed up with beer (the excellent Dr Gabs), Kobie had his mat and chews, and the fire kept us nice and warm, as did the top-class croutes and röstis.
Nathan got the hot seat he deservedKobie got his well deserved chews – and I soon took his boots off. I gave them a 75% score
We drank to absent friends, some recovering, some away, some just keeping warm. All in all the Couvaloup lived up to its excellent reputation, another fine meal in the hills, washed down with something from Mervyn’s flask (the Bottle not being present).
All too soon it was time (in view of the impending forecasted bad weather) to pay up and leave. Outside it was slightly precipitating but it got to be more sleety rain than rainy sleet. We opted for the quick way back down the Route des Couvaloups (the tarmacked car road in summer but now covered in snow) towards Couvaloup de St-Cergue and then on a path to La St-Cergue (there seems to be a lack of imagination in place names in this area!), finally heading up chemin des Gentianes.
Readying to leave, Kobie now without boots but with his winter coat.One km to go to the cars
As we got back closer to the cars it became clear that the weather was warming and we were quite damp on the outside. All that worry about a storm was unnecessary.
All in all another memorable hike with great company and a fine lunch. We did not really need snow shoes, they would have been necessary if the snow was harder and had there been any ice. Kobie’s boots were a success but I need more practice to fix them on him more securely. Thanks everyone for the great company. Til the next time.
A journey through a winter wonderland. La Givrine to Cabane Rochefort and La Genolière. 10Km and 300m denivellation.
Billed as a hike it became clear that this was going to be a snow-shoe affair, filling the first of Rob’s calendar for the 25/26 winter season.
Rob had still not recovered so I ended the hiking season with this fairly easy snow-shoe. It looked like the weather was going to be good and perhaps the snow too, but we were (at least I was) astonished at the 35cm or more of powder lying on the Jura top, while our gardens were still green. Ross had been pounding the powder for the past few days and posting photos so he knew about it.
Apologies were received from several, simply to record that they were missed, and they missed a good one. It was uplifting to hear from Larry but we were sorry to read that he is still in Canada struggling with some health issues. Get well soon Larry!
In the event 9 and a dog turned out at La Givrine (1207m). Nathan, Mervyn, PeterS, Mark, Mark, Stephen, David, Ross and me with Kobie. Conditions looked perfect with bright sun, cold, and no wind. I had booked a table at La Genolière for 12.30pm, but had to revise this by phone with a delay to 1.30pm – we were slowed by raquettes, age and deep snow and by the apèro stop.
Mervyn and Kobie – who found the snow depth troubling at times The author, David, Mark2rs, Nathan starting out Into the woods
We set off on the ski du fond piste but branched off on the snow-shoe trail to Les Pralies, followed by the Route de Combe Grasse
David enjoying the conditions, and his condition was good tooThe trees were loaded with snow – perhaps better than at Schilligers
This route was straightforward as a vehicle had passed by earlier. Stephen set a steady pace through Combe Grasse with Kobie following in his wake. Ross was pleased – this was a new route for him – and he seemed surprised as if he thought that he had traversed all the trails above La Givrine.
At 1271m exiting the forest into Combe Grasse.
The Combe itself is a depression which acts as a fridge, cold misty air hung in its bowl as we ploughed through the deep powder, aided only by a trail laid by four snow-shoers we could see ahead. I was lost in my thoughts, amazed to be out in such conditions – albeit we have been here before in similar…
Through the Frigid CombeCrystal fields on either side – magical conditionsMervyn pulling up from Combe GrasseStephen up ahead – he was trying to lose the 5 kg that he put on during his Antartic cruise.Looking back, Kobie right behind me
We turned sharp left at 1316m just before the right turn to Chalet Devant at the Fruitières de Nyon and then sharp right on up to the Cabane Rochefort 1385m.
Looking back towards the Barillette on the way up to Cabane RochefortBig views to Mt Blanc and the whole alpine chain
It was time to reward ourselves with some apèro at Cabane Rochefort where we found the seating in the shade still and cover in 30 cm of powder.
Stacks of snow at C RochefortA fine spot despite minimal seatingMervyn supplied a welcome bottle of chilled white wine. While we took in the view, over the F de Nyon, Lac Leman and the big alpsThere was a lot to smile about
Just as Mark2ts was about to offer us all some black coffee the leader (me) decided that we had better press on; we were now trying to keep to a 1.30 lunch schedule. My offer of a straightforward route or scenic route was met with short shrift, and the easier route was decided.
Descending into the Grande Combe towards the ski trail and SS routeKobie revelling in the powder and forging the trail ahead
It was not long before we were ensconced outside at our reserved table(s) and drinking some excellent beer – I thought I had reserved inside but we were all happy to be in the sun.
Mark’s panachet was a beer and a bottle of lemonadeRoss reckoned this was one of his better photos, so I have included it…
Ross had decided to eat his own provisions and it was not a problem for him to sit with us.
There were quite a number of other visitors, luckily not annoyed by KobieAnd many other dogs too, including MoosThe dog in the suit was Una (see story) with Moos
A nice lady introduced herself to me and said that she had met me and Kobie in Divonne in 2022. She so much liked Kobie, and the Cobberdog breed that she and her partner got one from Denmark in 2023. Una sported a full length-legging suit. They were very pleased with their choice, so seemed Una!
Enough dog talk. A rather good fondu for 4 was ordered as were röestis and croutes, helped down with a bottle of house white. We drank to absent friends, Larry in particular, also our leader Rob, but also Richard who was missed for his bottle.. Surplus to requirements, I donated my bottle of Chilean Cab Sauvignon to Maria, the proprietress and Moos owner.
Over lunch Mark2rs and I reflected on the fact that this is perhaps as good as it gets. Perfect snow conditions, no wind, sun, fine views to the alps (we could see Mt Blanc), hot cheese, cold wine, great company and only downhill to come (in life perhaps too, even if not always with our ski leader). Given that we were still only on 27 November when rain and wind is more the norm, we were very thankful for our luck.
We finished with apple and cream tarts and coffees.
Girding to go.
We donned snow shoes again for the easy stroll back down to La Givrine and the cars.
Follow the sun downRarely this good snow in November
I reckoned 10km and 304m denivellation. A truly magical walk in the Jura at its very best. Thanks for the company everyone. Kobie slept well that night.
We had hiked last week but as I had planned to be absent on 13 Nov, I chose to organise an impromptu (tonic) hike up the two peaks north of La Dôle.
A large number of excuses and apologies with varying levels of credibility were proferred, all were accepted – I’m a generous soul (I think). Six of us turned out, eventually at the starting point.
This is not a place for a dispute as to the location of the start of this hike. I will simply relate the following.
My Flyer stated :-
“Meet just after 10 at the parking above St Cergue at Couvaloup de St Cergue (W3W ///piglets.decency.duke), for an ascent of the Pointe de Fin Chateau and the Poêle Chaud.
Ross has done this with me earlier this year but I believe no one else has ever been up the path which goes directly up to the P de Fin Chateau. It’s not much above 400m of up but as it is steep I would rate it as moderate-hard.”
In the event one of our vehicles struggled a little to find the parking – and first tried the “Couvaloup de Crans” – a totally different place. We were indeed starting at W3w ///piglets.decency.duke (Michael found that piglet.decency.duke is in a Moscow suburb).
Why I also referred to the start as CoutzetAnd not L’Archette which is up a track.
The parking is actually at 1151m at the “Refuge de la Barillette” the large black building in the photo above. I would own that there is a board at the parking which indicates that one is at L’Archette, but that does not tie with the maps, L’Archette is up the hill.
We finally got sorted though. Michael Mathews came on his e-bike, and by car came Nathan, Mervyn, Peter Strebel, new initiate Chris Newton, and me and Kobie.
Mervyn, PeterSt, Nathan, Chris, Michael with Kobie and keen for the trail
We were swiftly underway, the vibe was good, the weather set fair with a bit of high cloud and intermittent sun expected later, temperature reasonable, little wind. The team were guided onto path Code-Red. Large splodges of red paint signalled the narrow path upward through pine and deciduous forest at a persistently steepening angle. We stopped a couple of times for short breathers but the trail relentlessly led upwards until finally one emerges into the open pretty much at the top of the Pointe de Fin-Château, 1556m. We had made the 400m in not much over an hour.
Arriving at the PdFC 1556m Time for some revitallisationKobie welcomes Nathan, view to the NW. Time for rest and recoveryVIew to the SW with the Poêle Chaud and La Dôle in the backgroundFabulous views across to the Alps, and we could also see far into France profondeIt was good to be up on the heights again
Once we all had recovered our breaths and rested it was time to leave, wandering down then on up the grassy ridge in still air to the Pointe de Poêle Chaud 1629m.
Lunch spot on the summit of the PdPCThe Leader with his owner – you choose (see previous photo too)
We enjoyed a very pleasant 45 minutes or so, sheltered from the slight breeze below a summit mound. Côtes du Rhone oiled the sluices and I did not have a choking incident. We drank to absent friends, one very far away, one with health issues. I was pleased that newly-retired Chris fitted in so well with our hike culture of reasonable effort and Last of the Summer Wine. I was also pleased that Kobie did not succeed in nicking anyone’s lunch. It seemed a very convivial affair, as are nearly all of our mountain picnic lunches.
PeterSt admires the spectacular view
It was all too soon time to pack up and return to the parcours. A unanimous decision was taken not to hike up La Dôle, we have all been there many times this year.
Michael trying out his new iPhone17 on an artistic log/dog.Starting the descent of the Col de Porte
Descending to the Col de Porte (1557m) we headed down the trail towards the Chalet des Apprentis. All of a sudden a large herd of chamois appeared ahead up the slope to our left. Kobie decided to make their acquaintance and he scootered off up the hill in pursuit. The herd tracked back across our PdPC skyline and they dislodged a large rock which came tumbling down above me. Happily I could judge that it would miss me by a few metres and I watched it bash noisily into an old tree stump. We watched fascinated as the bulk of the herd traversed the Col de Porte and danced swiftly across the steep ledges underneath La Dôle seeking escape from their lumbering golden pursuer. Kobie soon could be seen returning down the path we were on, sensible lad. He needed a lot of water to quench his chase.
The Leader had decided that the more interesting return leg would be over La Barillette (1528m), albeit one of our party decided on the more direct route to return to the cars – perhaps for a sleep (etc). We were soon there having taken the skirting path to the right avoiding the steep ascent from the Bent Tree.
Barillette – more great views to the AlpsAlways a privilege when we get such conditions Chris and Peter at the Tower of PowerGin Kingdom
From the tower the route tracks down the road to the Barillette restaurant (closed – much to the chagrin of an old couple who had just driven there- they said that the internet indicated that it was open…).
During the descent one gets a view of the morning’s ascent.
We were soon back at the cars, rejoining the member who had taken the easier descent option for a snooze. We were back before 3pm and siestas were the order of the day at home.
I really enjoy this parcours and it was made infinitley better by fine company and really nice November weather. The views were stunning and the whole day will linger in the memory into the dark depths of winter. I think Chris enjoyed himself too, new and younger life for our club.
I had recorded 9.1km and 559m – my watch/iPhone Session said – “Moderate”, albeit I had had 31 minutes above Zone 1 heart rate (112bbm).
Thanks to you all for the company and for putting up with me and my hound. Kobie slept well that night, no doubt with vivid dreams of chasing chamois to no avail.
The hike last week was cancelled owing to persistent rain. So this Thursday with the BLeader being in the South Atlantic no biking was arranged and instead a delayed hike was organised. Following Mrs Pashley finding the excellent, recommended and newly made “3 villages path” (above Bassins, Le Vaud and Marchissy) recently, Jill and I hiked it and I spotted a possible new section of forest to explore upward of this. Hence 6 of us with 2 hounds assembled at Marchissy (883m) at 10.15 am ready for an ascent to Cret de La Neuve (1494m). I had reckoned on 611m of up (simple math really).
Attending : 6 :- Peters Strebel, Solomon and Taylor; MikeH; Ross; RichardS; with dogs Kobie and Rocco. I had apologies from many, some ill, some away, some busy, some just chilling.
Our leader (me) selecting the route
Happily the paths above Marchissy are now well mapped and signposted and it seemed that my target of Cret de la Neuve was reached simply by following the Sentier du Coq, then heading NW up the ridge.
The trail up – gently up in most places with a bit of tarmacSome initial sun somehow evaporated
The forecast was good, and so it was a little disconcerting to be starting in the mist, the cloud had yet to lift. We set off in good cheer though following the wooden Coq signs, gently upward through the autumn forest colours.
Traversing an open stretchDogs lead the wayEventually we rose high enough that the sun reappeared
At one point we had to leave the Coq path and take to tarmac as loggers with noisy chain saws had closed the trail. It took about 2 hours to reach the top of the Jura ridge at the Perroude de Marchissy hut, with tell-tale (and very small) signs of the snow that had fallen recently. We turned right and wandered up the sunny slope to our old favourite lunch spot at the Cret de la Neuve.
Arriving in the sun – let’s have lunch !Ross and PeterSl with the sign of the crossDogs were given chews but soon tried to explore our sacksRichard in his element. Note – we were just above the cloud levelView to the Alps, sometimes obscured a little, but mostly magnificentHike Leader with his hound (nice pic Richard!)This is a really convivial spot for a glass of vino and a sandwich
A bottle of Bordeaux helped to relax the party and stopped me from choking on my sandwich. One hound perhaps ate too many of my chews too quickly and made an offering to Richard, which he then consumed (again). We met a courageous young lady (from Paris) there who was cooking up her lunch on a stove. Her pack included a tent and she was solo en route from Marchairuz to St Cergue.
Topics at lunch were many and varied. We toasted absent friends and one member told his favourite Margaret Thatcher joke – when visiting a care home she asked an old lady in a wheelchair – “do you know who I am?”. The old lady replied “I don’t know love, but if you ask at that desk over there they will tell you”.
Richard dug out his famous bottle and several of us benefitted from some Russian vodka.
The cloud rose as we moved to go and it suddenly got chilly.
Starting to leaveBeginning to leave under a hazy sun. Notice the Swiss flag.Typical of the way down
The descent, after a first steep section, was long and uneventful, easy angled with much walking on wide trails and some tarmac and the sun came back. At least this enabled plenty of chatting, and we were soon back at the cars, well before 3pm.
Fabulous views at the car park looking over MarchissyA fine view of Mt Blanc courtesey of Peter Strebel
I think we all enjoyed this one, visting an old haunt (for some of us) from a new angle, moderate hiking, in fine autumnal weather. My measurement today was 616m denivellation and 14km. Thanks to attendees and to those supplying photos.
The outline of our parlours with red bits showing higher heart rate. The highest (red) point left is the Cret lunch spot
Rob’s kingdom lies North of the Col de Marchairuz, while MikeH claims the South. Rob’s note went out :-
“For the upcoming hike I propose that we hike from Col Du Marchairuz to the Alpage Du Mont Tendre. The plan is we start at the Col at 9:30 am and take an alternative route up to the Alpage, with a return by the usual route.
The Col to Alpage route is 10.4 km, 465m denivelation and takes approx. 3hrs
Return to Col is 8.3km, with 300m denivelation and will take approx. 2hrs 30min mostly downhill.
I will arrange a booking at the Buvette for lunch.
The proposed mapped routes are attached.”
Outward RouteReturn Route
There were quite a number of apologies, some of which were apparently accepted. In the end seven and a dog arrived at the Col du Marchairuz at 9.30am on a cool and breezy morning. I entered the restaurant with Kobie who grew immediately very excited at seeing Rob, RichardS, Ralph, Rudi, Nathan and David, quietly enjoying a coffee. So excited that I had to take him out straight away without even checking to see if a new parrot had been installed.
Luckily I had an iced coffee in my car, so we were all soon caffeined-up and ready to go for this mammoth outing.
Rob last led this hike on 25 May 2023 when the following attended : – Peter D, Mervyn P, Andrew N, David C, Mike M, Mark Warren, Richard S, Richard W, Ralph and Robert P.
Lunch 25 May 2023
Re-reading Rob’s blog of that outing it seemed that he found it a bit difficult to keep the team together. There was to be no such replay today, well almost.
As can be seen from the first map above, the outrun involved one of Rob’s long shortcuts. Sadly loggers were in place so we had to slighly shorten the shortcut, but only by a bit.
The team, kitted out for the cool breeze. See below for an explanation of Rob’s thermal gear.
Happily the wind was behind us and we sailed along in intermittent sunshine.
Spring (well almost) in the air and in our steps
It was not long before we attracted some doggerel companions.
Kobie found 3 chums; it took some effort to discourage them from joining us
Just before Cunay, Nathan decided on a shorter shortcut and we found ourselves on very steep ground attempting to reach the main ridge.
Steeply up to regain the trail
By this time it was becoming clear that we were entering the cloud base, with some moisture and a chilling breeze.
At least the wind was in our sailsRob leads on, happy to be on the right track againLooking back as we approached Mt TendreLooking back into the wind from Mt Tendre summit. See below for how this view changed
We finally knocked the 1679m b—–rd off so it was time for some summit apèro – Chilean Cabernet Blend, el Parron, with some healthy nibbles.
Summit pre-loadingTime for lunch – off down to the Alpage
We were soon ensconced inside the Alpage at a reserved table, with room for Kobie by the door, beers were ordered and very welcome Old Boxer arrived.
King Rob holds courtAwaiting BoxerWhich soon arrived – and it was good
The croute was of the best
A very enjoyable lunch with much banter. Some politics, not much about Scotland. We solved a few of the world’s problems though. And Kobie at least had behaved acceptably well (I believe).
On exiting we found that the weather had changed – for the better
Time to face the wind, but happily the sun had come out and the wind seemed less cold.
Summit on the return. Kobie seeks and gets attention from admirersA much improved prospect from the summit
The way back is “mostly downhill” according to Rob (see above). It does not always feel that way, still another 300m up to go. But we were well fortified and somehow I had avoided the Saynor potion bottle. And the sun was nice.
Full team on summit
For those of you who have done this it is indeed a long way back and we strode on with fortitude.
Very pleasant strolling home. Its a long way though.Therapy dog given therapy at a rest stopMe and imLooking back down an up bit – but only 20m
The trail goes on and on, but after 8.3km we finally made it.
Finally at the cars
I think we were too tired for final refreshments at Marchairuz, so we simply said our farewells and left.
Before finishing I promised an insight into Rob’s thermal protection, allowing him comfortably to wear shorts in cold and windy weather.
Natural Scottish protection for Kilt wearers
A super day out 18.5km and 750m. A fine lunch and great company. One of our longer and more challenging outings. Well done to those who made it. Sorry for those who were not able to come.
Thanks Rob for leading us again through your kingdom.
It was time to re-attempt the Parmelan, known to some as the Parmaham, others as the Parmesan. Here was the flyer :-
Dear GinHikers, For this upcoming Thursday 17 July I am proposing to visit David’s old favourite, not the hard cheese normally grated, but – The Parmelan. The weather forecast looks to be dry.
Parmelan is one of the must-sees of Haute-Savoie. Visible from the surroundings of Annecy, its imposing cliffs dominate and make it a panoramic viewpoint that will amaze any hiker. The ascent by the Grand Montoir is delicate, with passages exposed to heights on a narrow and steep path. Although entirely secured by chains and ramps, the passage can scare people with a fear of heights; I thus advise the use of a rope.
The route I propose describes a loop which starts at the Bois Brûlé parking lot and descends smoothly through the Petit Montoir. The plateau of Parmelan is very sculpted by erosion as chasms and fissures form the lapiaz.
On the right of the parking lot, the path gets into the forest and becomes quite steep very quickly. Follow the direction of Chalet Chappuis reached in 20 minutes and already offering a beautiful view of Lake Annecy and Dents de Lanfon. Turn left to reach the junction with the road coming from La Blonnière, and continue again to the left. After a good walk, the trail gives the right to admire Parmelan’s cliffs and runs down to the bifurcation of the Petit Montoir where you take a right towards the Grand Montoir. By entering the Grand Montoir, vigilance is in order: the pathway, although secure, is still difficult.
Indeed the weather was set fair with early clouds forecast to disperse leaving a clear and sparkling day.
Richard had some fore-knowldege of a buvette on the top, which might have attracted more punters, but after receiving many apologies and excuses, some tendentious, some robust, five of us and a dog turned up at the Divonne parking at 9.10am, with Richard joining us later at the start. At the last minute MikeH pulled out for medical check reasons.
Attending : Mervyn, Nathan, Ralph, Steven (Ralph’s brother – a photographer from Blighty and who has been on previous hikes (Incl Le Salève)), me and Kobie with Richard meeting at the Parmelan parking.
As we approach the mountain a herd of cows gave an opportunity to take this shot from the car:-
The Lost World in sight behind the milk train
As we drove up the zig zag mountain road, cars in front and behind foretold that there would already be a number there and indeed it was a pretty crammed parking lot (at 1167m) as we arrived, but there was room for us all. Clearly the Parmelan was going to be busy today, but I saw this as a good sign in that here is a hike really well worth doing.
Richard arrived shortly after us and we assembled for the task ahead, 700m of up, steady at first but getting steeper and a little tricky in the Grand Montoir. The weather was perfect and the team were in high spirits, including Kobie who was pleased to be back in the peloton.
Kobie arriving at the first view point at Chalet Chappuis 1251m. Les Bauges in the distance.Initial views over AnnecyAnd beyond
At Chalet Chappuis the views are expansive and give only a hint of what is to come. We continued steadily up stopping for a drink at the 1500m level before the path bifurcates, Grand Montoir to the right, Petit Montoir (and our descent route) to the left.
Initial drink stop
There are notices here that the paths are dangerous in winter when the gulleys are snowed up, as when twenty five years ago or more I recall they were badly verglassed and Jill and I retreated.
Peter carrying two pairs of sunspecs, one being Ralph’s he had left on a rock
And so to the crux section of the Grand Montoir and I fixed Kobie on his leash. There were a number of parties ahead of us, but all moved steadily up in good humour.
The tricky section commences – Steven and Kobie (cleaned up pic)Be a Wares of what lies ahead! Two Wares looking wary, and Kobie bemused at followersNathan making steady progress with Richard behind
The path steepened and some exposure began to be felt. A stout wire was available for pulling on or just for balance.
Perhaps the crux move with the wire being usefulSame move from belowMervyn using the key foothold, a metal peg (that Kobie didn’t use.. and possibly Ralph too)Onwards upwardsKobie leading me up. The kind lady in blue ahead gave us some water for Kobie later in the day
We zig zagged up the steep trail, passing some, allowing others past us.
Ralph enjoying the climb
We all regrouped after the main section and took the final steep section at leisure – well almost. Soon at the col, Kobie looked for shade while we regrouped again.
A notice stated that dogs should be on a lead as the chickens thereabouts are aggressive, so I retained him on the leash. The team all looked in good shape and I think had enjoyed the mild excitement of the steep path cut in rock. So we tootled up the remaining 80m to the hut at the top – the Chalet Hôtel C.Dunant, next to the Croix de Blondet.
Richard passes the Savoie Flag near the summit hut, high mountains behind. Steven’s Flag shotCrowded summit. But superb views.
There were quite a number of folk at the top, enjoying the fine views. As Richard had predicted the restaurant/bar was open and we went inside to escape the sun. Ralph ordered large beers for us all which were cool and refreshing.
Ralph ordered beersWatering the dog
Suitably refreshed we set off to conquer the actual summit of the Parmelan, not far off.
Summit cross.Summit View, Salève and Lac LemanSummit View WestwardAnnecy Lac in zoom (Steven shot)Annecy in full viewIndeed the views were stunningGin Members atop the Parmelan
It was time for lunch and we found some suitable rocks close to some shade for Kobie. Some red wine was shared and we did toast absent friends. They were missing a real classic. Kobie benefitted from Richard’s suasage and apple.
Lunch stop, as good as it getsUp in the high life again
We all agreed that the fluid from Richard’s bottle was indeed excellent. Sirin Lingonberry liqueur from Finland.
Parmelan picnic banterHikers at the top seen from our picinic spot, Kobie under an adjacent tree in the shade
Well refreshed and in a merry mood we upped sticks and set off back down to the col. An alternative but longer route traverses the lapiaz, but this was not needed today.
Starting the descent with the lapiaz in the middle ground.
We had some astounding views over to the big hills, with Pointe Perćee not too far off. It was warm and Kobie, having escaped from the aggressive chickens, took time to shelter from the sun.
Kobie shelters as Steven is supplied with meds (Magnesium tablets)
We stopped as Steven expressed signs of cramp, and he took on some mag tablets. This would not have been of interest for this record but for what happened shortly afterwards. We set off back down the trail towards the Petit Montoir and within 5 minutes or so at the front I heard news from the back that Steven had turned back; he had left his camera on a rock when we had stopped. Very shortly after a young lady appeared holding Steven’s camera. We thanked her profusely. (Richard believed she had looked at the photos in the camera and recognised us from crossing us in her ascent).
All that was needed was to recover Steven. We called him by phone and he was soon reunited with his beloved camera, relieved if not over the moon.
Steven get’s his camera back.The easy trail of the Petit Montoir (the Parmelan above)The trail passes under the big cliffs
The trail descends gradually and then traverses back under the cliffs to the junction with the path up the the Grand Montoir. It was here that the kind lady gave Kobie some water from her pouch. We moseyed on down to the Chappuis Chalet where chickens were wandering among the hikers.
Chappuis 2, on the descent
On the final trail Kobie took an early bath.
Kobie posing in the bath
We were soon back at the car and rehydrating. It had been a warm hike, getting hot finally.
We said farewell to Richard and all the other fellow hikers we had been meeting on the trail, before driving back to Divonne (1 hour, no trouble) and then over to Mervyn’s for some cool beer in the garden.
Summing up the day
A super hike in great weather, fantastic views and great comapny. I had 701 m (not 750m ?) and 11.5km (not 9km ?). My monitor also showed I had got my heart into level 5 (145 bpm and over) for 30 seconds. This rarely happens on hikes…. And Kobie slept well that night. Thanks for the fun everyone.
It was to have been the Parmelan. But the weather forecast was not the best, albeit I kind of promised dry weather. So 6 of us showed up at 9.30 at the Divonne Lac parking, with Kobie. And Stephen met at 9.50 at Genolier, hoping for a gentle hike. I had hinted at 700m or so, with a gist of a plan to come down by train from St Cergue back to Sus Chatel.
Attending : Nathan, RichardS, Mark2ts, StephenL, BillW, Ross, and me PeterT, and Kobie. Apologies and excuses had been received from many, mostly plausible.
The forecast seemed to have worsened but almost 43% turned out in optimistic shorts.
Not all wore shorts but all had two sticks. Stephen,Ross, Bill, Nathan,Richard, Mark, Kobie.And me with an eyelid problem..
We commenced by crossing the train track and heading up alongside the streamway where Kobie got some refreshment. After a slight break to take in the intimate stream landscape we continued on up, those at the front wettened by the close damp green leaves enfolding the path.
We soon arrived at Rob’s Gully, famous to the cognoscenti – which the team were rapidly becoming. At the top the path levelled out and a discussion ensued on prime numbers, in particular 17 which is a special number. And the fraction 1/17 has a coninually repeating 16 string decimal, a repetend.
153 is also an important number related to 17. Mark had some irrational pronouncements about rational numbers which none of us could make head or tail of. It all made for some light relief to the light rain which was beginning to fall.
My bedtime reading
No rest for the wicked and we continued up in what could have been Amazon rain forest. Muggy sticky and green.
In the rain forest, but neither Nathan nor Mark seemed to want to put on their rain jackets.Looking ahead to the scouting party.
The rain became a little heavier but it was not cold and we topped out at the Arizier Road in good order. A short stretch along the road, now partially in the cloud and driving rain, took us to the right turn which led through fields then into the upper forest. It was at this juncture in the lee of a large hedge, that the leader relented and offered the team a vote – to bail out and go directly to St Cergue for a pizza etc, as it was about midday already. We were saved by Mark’s phone which showed that the rain was about to end and that we could expect at least a two hour (relatively) dry spell. Vote cancelled!
What that meant was another 5 km and 300m ascent to the Fruitières de Nyon. The leader had a perception that the team were beginnng to become subdued, little was spoken as we trudged higher. A short revitalising stop was permitted before the final stagger up to the FdN under cloud and some wind, but no actual rain.
It was almost 1pm. We were alone and had several tables to spread out over, but huddled together for companionship.
Lunch with some Italian redsSome cheer began to return, my left eye not improving…
At some stage black (or perhaps red) kites swirled over us in the maelstrom. A nesting pair of swallows were seen on the roof of the FdN itself.
The Lac actually came into view as did Richard’s incredible bottleI didn’t understand what it said and I don’t think he did eitherA nice lunch spot with dry furniture – but that was odd after all that rain ?Richard showing someone in a suit and tie – but who ?
A pleasant lunch, nobody choked so I (or they) did not need to use my LifeVac (I did provide a short demonstration just in case, as I had bought another soggy wrap from the Volg). Nathan helpfully suggested that I could reduce my choking risk by not choosing the soggy wraps. Mark offered strong black coffee and Nathan his Japanese whisky. Kobie had some good chews and part of a pork pie.
We were ready to go. The plan now was simply to descend to St Cergue the easist way, avoiding the intial steep and damp path. We took the road down.
On down the long road.Ross seemed happy
We took the trail right past the youngsters on their zip wires at Basse Ruche and arrived in St Cergue at 2.38pm just after the train had left. Undaunted we tramped over to the boulangerie café (Le Ptit Gourmand) where Richard treated us all to a warm cuppa (each!).
Warm and refrehsing cuppa
Richard had not yet paid just as we realised we had 2 minutes before our 3.07pm train was due to leave. We held the door for him just as it was leaving and we settled down for the comfortable train ride back down the mountain.
Kobie had a half price ticket but took up two seats…
From Sus Chatel it is only a short hop back to the cars.
Another memorable hike, which Kobie and I do quite regularly, but I found quite hard in the conditions. Both Kobie and I were exhausted that evening.
12 km. 740m or so of ascent.
Posting a Comment later from Mark:-
I can’t let an opportunity for a bit of maths pass so here’s what I think the guy was saying about 17 (already shared part of this with Peter). Also here’s a proof that any number with repeating digits must be rational.
The decimal expansion of 1/17 repeats after 16 digits
Perform the division by hand. Write out a few lines 0.0588 17) 1 00 85 150 136 140 136 4
At each step there is a subtraction with the result (highlighted in red) must be less than 17. If the result is zero the decimal expansion terminates. If it is a repeat of a previous result the decimal expansion repeats from here. Therefore the repeat length can’t be greater than 16
In general for any integer, n, the maximum repeat length must be n-1 and is usually shorter. I believe it must be shorter if n is not a prime since if n = r * s the maximum repeat length should be the product of the repeat lengths of r and s, i.e. (r – 1) * ( s – 1) < n – 1
The repeat length is not always n-1 if n is a prime. c.f. 2, 3, 5, 11, also 13 (repeat = 6). So 17 is the smallest prime with this property.
Any decimal with repeating digits must be a rational number (ratio of 2 integers)
Assume X has repeating digits with a repeat length of n digits
X may have some digits before the repeat starts, e.g. 1/6 = 0.1666… Subtract off these digits and then multiply by powers of 10 until it is of the form Y = ( X – X0 ) * 10m = 0.a1a2…ana0a1…an… above is not strictly necessary but simplifies the next step
Now calculate Z = 10n Y – Y = a1a2…an, an integer
Now work backwards Y = Z / ( 10n -1 ) X = Y / 10m + X0 = Z / { 10m ( 10n -1) } + X0 , clearly a rational number
As an example try X = 3.142857142857… X0 = 3, m = 0 , n = 6 Y = 0.142857142857… Z = 106 Y – Y = 142857 an integer Working backwards we get Y = Z / 999999 = 0.142857142857… = 1 / 7 X = 3 1/7 = 22 / 7
Once again, thanks for a great hikeand for some mental stimulation., Cheers, Mark
