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). Owner of Help for Humla (NW Nepal). Likes dogs, mountains, prog rock, bikes, hikes, climbs, swims, skis (x-country - down and uphill), raquetttes. But joints are getting creaky.
Mayday mayday. Normally a call for help – but happily no infarctions or other incidents occurred on this first bike ride for a while and the first with our BLeader for 2 years (he recounts).
There should have been eight of us but sadly Drew had to pull out so we were the Magnificent Seven instead of a Great Eight. It was indeed a magnificent day and we all assembled at 10 am at the Everness. Attending Stephen (Bleader), PeterD, Ralph, Ivan, E-Paul (who had biked out from Geneva) and E-Richard, with me (out on my 3rd ride of the year).
Only one small cloud at the Everness meeting point
Stephen has adapted his bike to accommodate a leg that does not (yet) bend quite enough, after his knee replacement. A fascinating but simple additional pedal and crank attached to the original pedal crank.
I found an example on the internet that looks similar to the one he has on his bike.
An amazing crank device that does the trick for Stephen
There was a feeling of good cheer in the team, a shining sun, a lunch at Coinsins and only a Bonmont in prospect to spoil the pleasure.
E-Richard with Stephen and PeterDRalph and E-PaulAll seven of us.
We set off gently through the woods and over the Versoix River to Grilly. Talk of a coffee at Crassier morphed into a coffee at Givrins after achieving the Bonmont goal. We traversed Divonne and headed up towards Bonmont passing Tranchepied. The angle increased as did the effort. E-Bikers sailed up the hill while 5 of us struggled up. Ralph complained that his bike was designed more for flat and downhill riding, but he made it. The temperature was perfect.
Me with my bike at the St Bernard sign (I have 240 similar photos from 2020)The team at Bonmont with Ralph adopting the brace position
After a period of self congratulation we headed off down for a Givrins coffee. Except that our BLeader took an executive decision to forego coffee in favour of earlier beer at Coinsins. We freewheeled down in the warm morning weather and turned into the carpark at the Coinsins restaurant. Being 1 May there were quite a number of diners in place already.
There followed some excellent beers and we all chose the steak frites, except Richard who chose the sausage but with frites not rösti. Much discussion still about Trump, the state of the world and growing vegetables. Paul had just returned from Indonesia and was still jet lagged, but he was energised by the wonderful sub aqua and temples he had just experienced. Ivan was recovering from a bad knee accident playing basketball but now seems on the mend. Stephen seemed relaxed and indeed cruised the whole route with his offset crank. Richard back from 3 months in S.Africa seemed good to be back.
After coffees we all heading back to Gods Crossing, with first Paul turning left to the Nyon train, then Ivan breaking off to his home.
A really pleasant ride with a Bonmont that looking back did not seem too hard, and a great lunch outside on the terrace under a substantial sunshade.
Nathan organised this excellent hike warning us however, in view of the uncertain weather forecast, to “be prepared”. He recommended us to refer to Philip’s description of the terrain, from his 30 March 2023 blog. See below in blue. (Philip also reported in 2023 that his search of the “dusty GIN blog archives” revealed that a similar hike was organised in June 2018 by David Colledge. There were three participants then, an indication of the significant increase over the last 5 years in GIN hiking interest.) I note that David wrote – Lunch in La Cave de la Ferme in nearby Frangy – highly recommended with 4 course lunch at €16.50.
Further research into the dusty GB archives showed that David organised another hike up the far end of the Vuache in May 2019 from Chevrier with 4 attending. David wrote “altogether about 3.30hrs followed by a very reasonable lunch at Restaurant du Vuache.”
Philip : “The Vuache is a long lean mountain. Not at all a Fujiyama. Not even a Môle. But I see it every morning from my kitchen balcony. And it tells me what the day’s weather will bring. Geologically it’s part of the Jura range. Good Jurassic limestone, no doubt riddled, like the Salève, with water-filled cavities. And maybe bottomless potholes that nobody has explored. But physically it’s an isolated mountain, cut off eons ago by the melt waters from the immense Rhone Glacier that filled the whole Lemanic basin. And it holds secrets known only to those who explore it in early Springtime.”
On that hike in March 2023 hike we were 11 : two Marks, PeterT, Nathan, Rudi, Richard, Mike M, Ralph, Drew, Mervyn and Philip and hounds Kobie and Nessie. On this hike we missed Mark 2ts, Rudi, Richard, Mike M (and Nessie) and Mervyn. We added on this occasion Mike H (and Rocco), Stephen and Ross and were thus 9.
(I was told that several absent members have poor knees – at least they gave that as an excuse to Nathan. I can only recommend daily taking Pernaton tablets – they have saved my knees. )
Unhappily the timing this year was different, it not being early Springtime. So we missed the wonderful display of daffodils (that we had seen two weeks ago on Mark’s Dôle hike). And unhappily too the warm sunshine we had enjoyed two weeks ago was missing and we experienced instead a cold dry and windy day almost exactly as per 30 March 2023.
Same route as in 2018 – but my watch showed 9.2km and 546m denivellation
It did not start that way as there was some weak sunshime as we ascended the ridge from Chaumont attempting to catch up with Philip who had started 15 minutes earlier.
Nice early sun – luring us up into the cold grey Vuache againNear where we met Philip
We caught Philip up after about 300m of ascent. He was gayly and gently elevating himself up the ridge, stopping to take close-up photos of the plants he loves (not daffodils though).
Philip writes : –
Thursday’s ascent was the first time that I had seen wild orchids actually in flower on the Vuache. Having given myself a 15 minute head start on the peloton, I had time to photograph them (and have a breather!). The GIN plant enthusiasts, of which I’m sure there are many, will no doubt welcome this botanic addition.
I have given the relevant plant names to the photo files. I’ve also added one non-orchid, Sainfoin, the reason being that it’s a real beauty, whose identity had me initially confused until PlantNet put me right.
At one point Ralph kindly offered us all a cup of his hot strong black (and good value) coffee. Excellent! I almost did not miss Mervyn and his milk.
Onwards into the gloom
At a large green field two chamois (or deer according to Mark) broke cover and Kobie went off to investigate but soon came back. It was not long however before he found a leg bone of a deer (or chamois) left by hunters and he and Rocco spent some time arguing over who should eat it. Both won.
A bone struggle
We wandered on up along the woodland path which traces the spine of the hill, in places steep and rocky. I spotted only 3 daffodils still in flower, but there were many other flowers (Philip will tell us).
Summit party 2023Summiters 2025 – 1101m Vuache With hounds Using my (good value) selfie stickPhilip and Nathan came along a little later
On the way up we had noticed a picnic table at the top of the green field and members retraced steps back to it, keen to tuck into some warming sustenance and whatever wines were on offer. In this case a Nero d’Avola and a Rasteau. Drew of course had his flask, but we missed Richard and his abominable bottle.
Philip wrote 2 years ago :- There was no handy auberge nearby, so we ate our picnics (in a particularly windy spot) with extensive views over the Rhone Valley and in the distance the Plateau de Retord. This time we had the same wind and views, but the advantage of a (slanting) table that sat 8 of us, albeit we were 9.
Descending – not like spring here.View back to Lac LemanThe view below – with scudding low cloudDescent to lunchLunch table – uphill sideThe picnic table was not exactly level..
All too soon it was over. No time or inclination to discuss Scottish independence. This was a time of Trump Tariff madness.
On the return, we initially retraced our steps but then Nathan again deviated down the steep western slope of the Vuache, fortunately relatively dry and unslippery. This took us through the hamlet of Chaumontet and back to the village of Chaumont. (most of this para was copied from Philip’s 2023 blog).
We passed some very young climbers about to start out on the training rock slabs.
Another enjoyable hike on the Vuache, despite somewhat inclement weather and gone daffs. About 10km and 546m denivellation. Thanks Nathan.
Attendees – MikeH and Rocco, Mark2rs, Drew, Stephen, Ralph, Philip, Ross, PeterT and Kobie, Nathan (Leader).
(I’ll post other pics if folk send me any – or do it yourself if you can. PT)
We were 26 “Gintlemen” for our lunch at the Auberge des Trois Tilleuls in Genolier village on Thursday 3rd April:
Norman Eatough
Peter Taylor
Chris Morris
Gary Van Natter
Mark Watts
Kent Forrester
Robert O’Riordan
Rudolph Staehelin (new member)
Trevor Davies
Stephen Long
John Burley
Peter Drew
Joe Kutzin
Drew Meek
Terry Gale
David Colledge
Mark Warren
Philip Jenkins
Mike Clayton
Richard Saynor
Reinier Tervooren
Mervyn Powell
Mike Price
Brian Allardyce
Jeff Shane
Jeffrey Crudgington
🍽🍷
Jeff
It was a fine lunch with excellent food, wine and service all at a good value price, in wonderful spring sunshine. Many thanks to new member Rudolf for sponsoring extra wine. We had the whole of the back room to ourselves. Jeff introduced the staff to us at the beginnng and again thanked them on our behalf at the end. This is a restaurant well worth revisiting.
Photos below taken at/after coffee. All self-explanatory.
This is a short record of a necessarily limited group visit to CERN on 22.2.2025.
On 4 Jan 2025 a few selected folk received this email from Mervyn.
“Firstly, Happy New Year to one and all.
Secondly, here is your exclusive invitation to join a private group visit to CERN.
We will have the services of a qualified guide, an ex-CERN employee, friend and neighbour, Dr. Gunnar Fernqvist on
Date: Saturday 22 February 2025
Draft Programme:
09:00 Rendezvous at CERN Gateway (Parking available)
Introductory film
Selfguided tour of the exhibition area
10:15 Depart (by car) for underground visit of the LHC
11:00 Visit the CMS
12:00 Return by car to CERN
12:30 Lunch at CERN
14:00 Walking tour of other CERN exhibitions and sites
16:00 End of visit
IMPORTANT
Please confirm your interest to participate by return email as capacity is limited to 12 (adult, able-bodied, non-pregnant!). Please state your name, nationality and date of birth.
Joining instructions will follow once group participation is established.
Brush up on your physics!
Mervyn”
The day 22 Feb 2025 finally came around, grey and a bit cold. Rob picked me up and then Ross before we drove to the CERN parking near the Gateway. The Science Gateway is a much improved visitor centre (from the original that I had experienced 25 years or so earlier).
To plan a visit – see
https://visit.cern
CERN Science Gateway
CERN Science Gateway is a place to explore CERN and science through authentic, innovative and inspirational experiences. It is CERN’s new education and outreach center, where we take visitors on a unique journey building on the physical proximity to CERN, its accelerators, detectors, facilities and people.
Through immersive multimedia exhibits, hands-on lab workshops, science shows, events that blend science and culture, innovation-prototyping workshops and tours of authentic CERN places – all guided by CERN people – visitors of all ages and backgrounds can engage in the discoveries, the science and the technologies of CERN.
Our vision is for a world where science and learning are part and parcel of everyone’s life. Our younger visitors may leave inspired to explore a career in science and technology. We hope that all visitors will feel empowered to make sense of the science that shapes their lives.
This vision is housed in an iconic building designed by the world-renowned Renzo Piano Building Workshop, with support from Brodbeck-Roulet architectes associés.
An iconic building
Inspired by the diversity and curiosity that are intrinsic to CERN, the building encompasses multiple elements, embedded in a green forest.
Five different spaces host three exhibitions, two hands-on labs, an auditorium, a shop and a restaurant, all connected by a 6-metre-high bridge that spans the main road in front of CERN. Two suspended tubes mirror the cutting-edge technology of the CERN accelerator complex. Raw shapes and forms, and exposed concrete celebrate CERN’s industrial character.
The building symbolises the inseparable link between science and society, with sustainability at its core. Almost 4000 square metres of solar panels provide energy to the Science Gateway and other CERN buildings. A forest of over 400 trees and 13 000 shrubs provides a habitat for animals and plants. When in operation, the building is carbon-neutral.
We reinforced ourselves on quantum coffee as 12 of us assembled, a leader and 11 bosons, not all GIN members but all with an inquisitive bent.
Gunnar Fernqvist (Leader)
Mark Watts
Lynda Watts
Henry Watts
Richard Saynor
Paul Sochaczweski
Mervyn Powell (Organiser)
Peter Taylor
Robert Pashley
Ivan Rykov
Ross Linsley
Philip Jenkins
We had a strict timetable to adhere to as CERN receives thousands of visitors per week and parties are guided on timed visits. During our visit we noted parties bumping up behind us when we asked too many questions or lingered a little too long, but this was not a serious hindrance and we did not collide.
We started up in the Gateway to watch the introductory film, but a large group of Italians visitors (in 3 coaches) were in the mix so the whole film was to be in Italian. We decamped instead to the Gateway exhibitions where Gunnar explained the basic working of the LHC and its related experiments (ATLAS and CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid which we were to visit) being the hi power ones).
Gunnar gives us an outline of CERN in the visitor Centre.
Here is the basic outline of what CERN seems to be all about :-
The European Organization for Nuclear Research – known by its French acronym, CERN – is the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Located just outside of Geneva, Switzerland, it was established in 1954, as one of post-war Europe’s first joint ventures, with the express aim of halting the ‘brain drain’ of talented scientists leaving the continent for America.
Today, more than 10,000 scientists hailing from more than 100 countries find themselves at CERN each year to use its facilities, which include some of the biggest and most complex scientific instruments ever created. Their goal: figure out what the Universe is made of and the laws of physics that dictate its behaviour.
What does CERN do exactly?
At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. They use the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter – the fundamental particles.
Why was CERN built in Switzerland?
Switzerland was chosen to host CERN to a large extent because of its neutrality and its safeguards against the misappropriation of scientific research results for military purposes. This was especially important when the organisation was established in 1954 because the world was just entering the Cold War.
What has CERN done for humanity?
Crystals developed for CERN experiments in the 1980s are now ubiquitous in PET scanners. Today, CERN’s unique expertise and technologies are being used in areas related to medical diagnostics and imaging, therapy as well as computing and simulations for health applications.
CERN’s work, including attempts to create tiny black holes for studying antimatter, is conducted under strict safety protocols, with the organization and the scientific community affirming the research poses no threat to the planet.
Who funds CERN?
CERN is publicly funded by its 23 Member States and Associate Member States. Find out below about how this investment creates a positive impact on society.
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It consists of a 27-kilometre ring (100 metres underground) of superconducting magnets (cooled by liquid helium) with a number of accelerating structures to boost the energy of the particles along the way.
The CERN accelerator complex accelerates protons, but also nuclei of ionized atoms (ions), such as the nuclei of lead, argon or xenon atoms. Some LHC runs are thus dedicated to lead-ion collisions. The ISOLDE facility accelerates beams of exotic nuclei for nuclear physics studies.
Complex being the operative word
The particle collisions recreate, for a fraction of a second, the conditions that existed moments after the Big Bang, when the Universe was born. By studying the debris of these collisions, physicists try to settle mysteries such as what matter is made of and how particles get their mass.
The LHC, which was completed in 2008, was built primarily to put the Standard Model of particle physics to the test. This wildly successful theory from the 1970s describes the interactions between the 17 elementary particles and three of the four fundamental forces of the Universe: electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force (gravity is the fourth).
What happened at CERN in the fall of 2008?
On 19 September 2008, a magnet quench occurred in about 100 bending magnets in sectors 3 and 4, where an electrical fault vented about six tonnes of liquid helium (the magnets’ cryogenic coolant) into the tunnel.
What discoveries have been made at CERN?
Highlights include the 1983 discovery of a pair of elementary particles called the W and Z bosons, which was later awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee helped invent the World Wide Web at CERN in 1989 by developing a way for computers to talk to each other, called hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP).
In 1995, CERN scientists were the first to create atoms of hydrogen’s antimatter counterpart, antihydrogen. In 2000, they discovered a new state of matter: a hot, dense, particle soup called quark-gluon plasma. And the Higgs boson, predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics, was observed for the first time in 2012 at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), scooping its discoverers a Nobel Prize. This discovery confirmed a crucial part of our understanding of how particles acquire mass.
One CMS photo showed (apparently) that the Higgs boson is produced in the collision of two protons at 14 TeV and quickly decays into four muons, a type of heavy electron which is not absorbed by the central part of the detector – but in the outer muon detectors.
The discovery was a big win for fans of the Standard Model, but the theory is incomplete. It leaves many questions open, such as: what is dark matter? Why does the Universe contain more matter than antimatter? The LHC may help answer these questions.
Things could really start to get exciting after the next long shutdown, currently slated for 2026-2028. During that time, the LHC will be upgraded so heavily that it warrants a new name: the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC). Over 20-plus years of operating, the machine will work up to generating luminosities nearly 30 times greater than those produced to date, allowing physicists push the Standard Model to its limits.
And the search for new physics doesn’t end there. A proposed new collider – theFuture Circular Collider (FCC) – would dwarf the LHC. “It’s really just a concept right now, but ultimately this would be an even more powerful collider that would be 100 kilometres around. The LHC ring would basically just be the booster ring for the FCC!”.
Gunnar, being an electrical expert, sparkled with energy, especially when describing magnets and the power supply aspects of the LHC. In particular in his time, his team were challenged to get a firm control on the current such that it provided for a finely controlled and powerfull magnetic field to bend the accelerated particales around the ring, focussing them in the centre of the vacuum tube such that they never touched the sides (which would have given rise to the magnets becoming non-superconducting and exploding as in 2008). The power in the circulating paricles is so high (of the order of a jumbo jet) that in order to quench it (every few hours or so), the particles are brought offline and sprayed into a 300 m long carbon dump – which becomes radioactive for a while.
Gunnar was keen to show us that while we did not have personal radiation detctor devices for our safety, he did, and he demonstrated that his read zero radiation before and after (hence during) our visit. Safety is a big part of the CERN operation.
We did get back to see the initial part of the introductory film before time beat us and we were required to whisk ourselves away in a quantum leap across the ring (in our cars) to the CMS Experiment at Cessy across the border in France.
We descended 100m underground in a large lift, after a safety lecture, down to the airlocks and tunnels into the vast CMS chamber. The huge cylindrical detector lies on its side surrounding the thin beam pipe (somehow the two pipes form one in the detectors).
It was partially disassembled in that the final disc detector had ben slid forward, and workers were paying it some attention. When the beam is running this chamber is filled with radiation and personnel are kept well away.
Gunnar in CMSEngineers fiddling aboutMany Watts go through this tunnel
All too soon we were required to return to the surface as another party was coming in. The drive back to CERN centre for lunch led us to the chosen restaurant in a far corner of the CERN site, but sadly being Saturday it was closed. No worries we decamped to the main restaurant. This science stuff can bring on a good appetite.
After Lunch
The afternoon was spent at the Anti-Matter Factory, the old original Proton Synchrotron, and the Atlas Control room. Each were fascinating and we plied Gunnar with plenty of questions which he ably asnwered.
A very odd state of matter – apparently it is quite normal in nature :-
Natural antiparticles
• A person weighting 80 kg produces 180 anti-electrons (positrons e+) per hour from the desintegration of Potassium-40, anatural isotope
• A banana produces 10 e+ per second
A key experiment going on seemed to be seeing if anti-particles are affected by gravitiy in the same way as particles, and it seems they are: attracted by the earth and not repelled.
Antimatter decelleration ringInside the Anti-Matter factory. Does it do anti-aging too?
The Proton Synchrotron history is explained in this film.
As the beam was down, no actual personnel were present and nothing was happening but again Gunnar brought it back to life for us.
All in all an amazing day – a visit to CERN, even without the special visit that we were given, would be a wonderful day out for anyone with a fascination of life, the universe and everything.
Final drinks
Many thanks to Mervyn for organising and to Gunnar for being our guide into this mind bending place. I’m off to eat a banana…
At least one intending snow shoer inquired 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.
11 and a dog showed up at Le Coutzet parking at 1160m, at 10am, just as a very large truck was loading up very large logs in the car park.
Loading logs with dexterity and finesse
Happily the log loader had done this many times before and we were not threatened by falling wood.
Attending : Mark2ts, MichaelM, Stephen, Rob, Nathan, Andrew, Ross, Drew, Mervyn, Ralph and me and Kobie. Apologies were received from many, some of them with reasonable sounding excuses. Sad that Larry had had to return to Canada to lower his blood pressure.
I was quite surprised that all 10 others who said they would come, actually turned up on the day. The forecast was indeed not great. My hope was that the precipation would turn to snow as we gained height – and indeed this turned out to be the case. Despite this being a snow-shoe hike, and with it being mild and slushy at the car park we unanimously took the decision to leave our raquettes behind in the cars, and “wing it” on boots. I must admit to being a little apprehensive about this, especially as the snow arrived in spades not long after we had left the car park, both underfoot and falling on us !
Anyway without the snow shoes we were lighter and more nimble as we slid our way up the initial slopes.
Nimbly taking in the initial slush
Stephen led upward and he seemed to be in fine form after his hiking holiday in La Gomera, despite his somewhat niggling replacement knee, possibly to be re-replaced soon. He sported an orange plastic bag which reminded us of another member who also has this in his lexicon of kit (and who also hikes La Gomera).
The team in a “Before” shot, looking positively charged
We had been in reasonably dry weather to begin with. The precipitation soon came. Rain, then sleet then snow. Stopping for a breather at the Bent Tree (now more bent as you may discern) brought back memories of winter hikes past.
Kobie at the Bent Tree – before the thick snow arrivedKobie at the Bent Tree April 2023looking back from the Bent Tree
Morale seemed good so we ploughed on up towards the Chalet des apprentis
Thicker snow falling – the Chalet des apprentis on the rightLooking back at the Chalet des apprentis, Nathan in his Norwegian white jacket
Kobie led the way up, sensing or smelling the chamois whom we spotted hunkered down on the steep cliffs left of the Col de Porte which was reached in good time for some aperos.
Aperos and coffee at the ColThe same spot in April 2023
Sheltering under the lee of the hut at the Col de Porte (1557m) we were looking out at falling snow, reminiscent of April 2023 when Nathan had led us up here. These are the winter walks at their best !
Thus far we had seen precisely nobody else about, and the trails were virgin snow, surprisingly easy to walk on without raquettes. The descent began at 12.10 pm and indeed it took us only half an hour descending in pleasant powder snow, passed lower down on the piste by the odd skier enjoying very pleasant snow conditions.
Looking back up to the Col de PorteThe trees beginnig to take on a Schilligers look
We arrived at the Restaurant Couvaloup de Crans (1280m) only a little behind schedule. There were a number of skiers taking refreshment, but a big table had been set for us. Dr Gabs beer was soon delivered and a relaxed feeling that “the worst is over” seemed to be coming through. Of course this was a false sense of reality – but more of that later.
Various dishes were ordered duly deliverd and consumed, including much rösti and croute fromage and mushroom. One member misrembered his order and started eating the plate of another, but a diplomatic incident was averted as a new dish was required to be cooked and came in good time.
Michael and Mark hold the far endMervyn eyes his tartelette de citron
Stephen related an Irish joke from La Gomera. It was funny but I cannot relate it here as the Censor would make noises. We drank the health of absent friends, sorry to miss them and sorry they were missing another classic.
At this juncture I can tell you that I’m typing this on 13 February – ie the same day as this outing. We(I) did inquire of Rob as to when his blog of the SS outing 4 weeks ago was going to be seen, but he seemed to fall back on the “no rules” “rule” of GinClub, some would say a line of argument on thin ice. Given that he is the SS Organiser (and is having an abstemious quarter), he does have rank over me here, so I’m resting my case.
It was snowing outside and the fire inside was keeping us nice and warm. More beer then dessert and coffees arrived and Drew shared some Scotch.
Andrew and Ralph pondering the likelihood of escaping aliveGenral view with our efficient and friendly hostess
It was time to pay up and go, the bill being divided unfairly or fairly as to ones choices, but in fact I think we tried to be fairer than a straight split by 11.
Off out into the precipitation now being more sleety rain than rainy sleet.
Wending our way up the trail to Fin Château
We opted for the shorter higher trail home. Indeed I did not recall this from earlier (April 23 visit) in particular that the trail rises up well over 110m on the way back. Clearly nobody had been this way for some time, trees had fallen across the trail which at times seemed to disappear.
Following the rather sketchy trail
This route followed a trail on the map just south of Le Kikajon to the Fin Château, the latter being not obvious as, if there ever had been such an establishment, it’s Fin was some time ago. We descended steeply to a clearing and a trail more indicative of use and stopped for a breather and a photo.
The “After” photo – many still smiling. Kobie seemed a bit resigned though.
It was indeed not too far now to the cars. The rain/sleet had subsided. If there was any grumbling, I did not hear it. Even Kobie had enjoyed himself (when does he not?).
A hike of nearly 11km and 550m denivellation. Some gear was tested. Some found good, some not so. Lessons for the future. And I believe we all agreed that given the soft conditions and low depth of snow that wearing snow shoes would have been worse. Thanks for all the fun folks. Until the next time.
Lunch : Add David and Larry and subtract PeterS and Mark2rs.
This hike was in good cold sunshine out in a NW direction to the Cabane du Grand Cunay and back. We took apèros at the CduGC and returned for a fine lunch. Great to see both Larry and David joining us for the lunch. 6.5Km and 300m deniv. I recall Rob did not use his raquettes at all, but see there is a photo of him wearing them so that must have been another outing.
A fun outing with crunching then munching.
The outward trail – MikeH sorting out his kitwith help from the crewCool in the shadeNicer in the sunGreat conditions at the well named Monts de Bière Derrière hutPano to the AlpsApèrosTwas good to be alivePreparing to returnThe way backHappy to be at the Hotel Restaurant du Marchairuz. Tucking in
Thanks be to modern weather forecasts ! The Thursday SS hike was brought forward to Wednesday, after the awful forecast for Thursday 19th.
Nine hopefuls turned out at La Givrine (1211m) at 10.15am, plus 2 dogs.
RichardS, Philip, Mark2rs, Mark2ts, Mervyn, Nathan and Onyx, Rob (by train), and me and Kobie.
Rob arrives The team assembles
Being a SnowShoe hike we carried snowshoes (Philip wore his SSs as his sack was very small) just in case. And as it turned out they were not needed – no worries, we burnt off a few more calories.
The aim was to set out via the 20 March 2020 SS hike in which we had magnificent powder. This of course was much earlier in the season, and while we had snow there was not a lot of powder.
Making progress on the SS trail with Moos and snowmobile below us.
As we progressed up the a snowmobile came roaring up the track below us with Moos the dog (Kobie’s friend) charging out in front. It was Mariane and her partner who were travelling up to La Genolière for the day.
We progressed along the trail NE then NW into the forest emerging into a snowy pasture.
Looking back across the pastureSome sun arrives
We got a bit of sun then spots of rain ! Our trail reached the track leading up to Pré du Four Chalet (1395m) where we stopped for apèros.
We had stopped here at least twice before in the past. Gone were the sofas, but there were two benches and a table. And the sun came out !
Red, White and coffee at apèro time Pré du FourLa Dôle in the distanceMark2rs finds a log to sit on, and at least one of us is on snowshoes.
A quick call was made to Mamac to announced a delay in our arrival, now past 1pm. There was some discussion of whether we men were appreciated enough by our partners.
Time to go and we wended our way down past chalet Les Coppettes leading after 2 km to Restaurant chez Mamac (1196m).
Pano looking up -Mt Sala to the left.The wild boars had been very active hereabouts
It was so warm that we all decided to sit outside for an al fresco fondu. This was helpful as the dogs could roam about, but it was amazing just how warm it was for 18 Dec.
Beers slaked initial thirstReadying for some Triphon fonduThe TriphonGrand Dahu Croute
Two triphons and three croutes were washed down with excellent chasselas and a drop or two of Richard’s Bohemian (Rhapsody) kirsch – it being necessary to dunk bread in it before scooping into liquid cheese.
Kobie et moiKobie wants to join inPhilip trying to pack his snowshoes in his rucksack.
It was all too soon over. Much banter, fine cheese good beer, wine and coffee. We had hardly noticed that the temperature had been dropping, until we went inside for the loos.
The team trpeares to leave Mamac
We all agreed that as it was getting late-ish and darkness was coming that we would stroll down and pick up the 3.50pm train back up to La Givrine.
A nice stroll in the snow with good company to end out the year. 7km (about) and 212m (about). Happy Christmas everyone and here’s to safe and fun hiking in 2025.
End of Season hike to La Genolière for a fondu etc in a snow storm.
The weather forecast was dreadful. But was it going to be dreadful enough to hike in ? In other words, cold enough to be a blizzard. It looked to be promising, at least before 3pm when a warming trend was expected to be coming in, so I planned a short hike in a snow storm.
And 11 signed up to join me and Kobie. Mervyn and his mate Steven (soon to join GinClub ?), Nathan, Rob, RichardS, PeterD, PeterS, Drew, Ralph, Philip, Paul.
In order to avoid worrying about sliding down the hill on thick snow in cars after the hike, a train ride up and down from Sus Châtel to La Givrine was proposed, with a hike to La Genolière Buvette avoiding the main trail. Mervyn decided to test his car.
Just before the train arrived (PD out of sight) – note : no blizzard here but Kobie is ready in his winter kit
Rob was to join at the Joy Clinic, thus the remaining 9 and a dog boarded the 10.37 train at Sus C welcoming Rob aboard at the next stop. The blizzard was scheduled to arrive at 11.07 just as we de-trained at La Givrine. It did.
Ralph (Paul is behind), PeterD, Mervyn, Drew, RichardS, Rob, Steven, Nathan, PeterS, Philip
Selfie
As we rose up, tracking the edge of the forest, the intensity of the snowfall and wind increased, at least behind us..
Not the usual trail to the Buvette at all, light snow getting thicker, wind strengthening
We passed through a gap in the wall and traversed a field up to the ski trail ascending the forest.
Up the ski trail in the woods
As time was passing I avoided a slightly longer planned “holiday” route alternative in order to reach the Buvette by noon or shortly after.
Kobie and Mervyn lead us to La Genolière Buvette almost on time.
We were soon welcomed inside, the log fire warming the dining room, Moos the hut dog, an old friend, welcoming Kobie. There were no other diners, unsurprisingly. Once inside I sensed that the spirit of the party had suddenly risen somewhat, and we were soon ensconced on two candle-lit tables.
The fondu table AThe en croute and rösti table B
Fine beers were swiftly deployed as was warm bread with mountain cured meat. It was not long before the hot cheese arrived and our table opted for pinot noir as accompaniment. Moos and Kobie feasted on an extensive chew selection.
Moos and our hostessEn croute with egg and pinot noir. Heaven ?Kobie looking hopeful. The other couple behind had arrived with their small hound. No other diners.A happy bunch, fondued-out (or rather in)Moos and me Our thirteenth member
The food was good as was the craic, and the beers and wines. Discussions covered many subjects (including recent lynx sitings) and genres, including a toast (on Table B) to absent friends. They were missing a treat.
Bohemian Rhapsody, easy come, easy go…. any way the wind blows it doesn’t really matter much to me…
In due course the dessert course arrived, succulent apple tart, not dry like the usual mountain fayre! The Bohemian Kirsch in Richard’s epic bottle, at 90° proof, went down well and was to inure us to the tribulations ahead.
Pie heaven, ending a really nice lunch
With an eye to the time, we needed to leave in order to catch the 14.48 train at La Givrine. Any later and the warming weather would be drenching us. We settled the two bills in cash and made our way out into the swirling snow, now noticeably sleety. Unhappily the way down would be straight into the wind and flying ice.
Starting down, into the teeth of the sleet. We chose to descend the road. It was an easy cop out that I usually avoid. But in this case more than justified.
The hot food and libations meant that the sleet was hardly an issue and we made it down in good time for a farewell to Steven and Mervyn at the station, the train arriving on time, as we knew it would.
Getting tickets and saying goodbye to the car team -I hope they made it home OKPassengers cruising downhill
All went well and on the way down I made a speech bowing out of the hiking lead for 2024 and handing over the reins to our new Snow-Shoe Leader Rob, who had been handed the gavel (or ice pick in his back) by Mark2rs (who is taking on the Walking Lead).
The winter season starts in 2 weeks.
It was a good end – except that we forgot to press the Stop request button before Sus Châtel and had to travel on to the next stop – Genolier. Given that I had just resigned I did not feel responsible. Oh well – more denivellation to record.
In the end I made it 253m and 6.7km. This was perhaps a lunch with a walk, but under the conditions just what was needed to round off the Hiking Year. Oh, and I left my scarf there so Kobie and I will be back for more pie this weekend.
I shall post my record of hikes soon. And organise a lunch with spouses in January. Thanks to all for the fun, and especially to those who led hikes. And thanks for befriending my hound (those of you who did -like all of you).
Twelve signed up for this hike, with 4 apologists. Attending in no specific order:-
Mark2rs, Mark2ts, PeterS, RichardS, Nathan, Rudi, Stephen, Ralph, Philip, MikeH, Nicholas, me (PeterT), with dogs, Onyx, Rocco and Kobie. A fine turn out for what I had promised as a moderate hike (not much over 400m ascent) in the hills above Bassins.
In the event it was 12.25km and 444m denivellation (my watch said 416m).
We met at what3words ///revolting.though.aquatics at 971m and I wondered if this would put a curse upon us; would it rain (again) on our parade?
We all met up on time at the revolting car park above Bassins. It was good to see Stephen back with us, as well as Rudi and RichardS (albeit he had just led the Lac de Joux hike).
Team photo at the start
We headed off on time and set course across an open and level field, the wire fencing having been removed after cows had been descended. Clearly Onyx was going to run and run, while the other two hounds were slightly more sedate.
We ascended the grassy track and then the leaf strewn trail up to La Dunanche overlook, by the Toblerone line. The view from here is normally magical. Today we were in the cloud.
The “view” at DunancheThe bottle of many exotic fluids returns
We continued on up and towards the outlook at Le Planet. Amazingly the skies cleared and we came out above the cloud, albeit not exactly into the sun. The wooded path takes a steady rise at the edge of the scarp up to the outlook.
Richard going stronglyAt the overlook at Le PlanetA better view here. But this is not the lunch stop
Several questions were raised about whether this was the lunch stop. But it was still before noon so we had to continue onwards and upwards.
Up into the open and some sunshine, and cowsNo sign of rain…Some easy rambling
We soon reached the open fields above Le Planet and passed some cows and a stile following which we headed towards a forest road.
Kobie waiting for us – before the cloud came back
Mike was supportive – “yes it’s a good idea to keep going a little so that we can lunch when the sun comes out fully”.
It was not long before we were enveloped in cloud again and after a short section on a road we headed gayly off left into the forest. This was an error of map reading by the leader (who actually had a paper map – but it was fairly large scale). This trail gradually petered out as PeterS and I went ahead into the uncertain undergrowth. Happily PeterS had a phone map with satellite GPS locationing and we managed to navigate out of the thick forest onto a logging trail. Unhappily this trail was covered in a thick layer of broken and unrolled rock. A kilometre of this awful surface followed.
On the rough trail – like the Road of Bones (good track by rock band I.Q.)
Happily we exited onto a smooth straight trail heading towards where I knew there would be a bench/table/bench by a hut for us to have lunch. It was at this point that it began to spot with rain. It was 1.15pm or so.
Starting lunch in some drizzleStill only drizzle
We were at the Cabane de Peney at 1275m. 6 aside on the big table. Some Valpolicella and Swiss wines were offered. Two of our team were on the wagon! Others were abstaining as per their religion (etc). But it became clear that this was to be no dry lunch, as the rain became steadier.
Rocco robs Onyx of a chewSome excellent stiff upper lip exhibitedView from the N end (M2rs)
We were so enjoying the lunch and associated banter that we forgot to cover the subject of Scottish independence, but we did have a poll on who was going to win the US election: Harris came out on top beating Trump 6 to 4 with 2 abstensions.
The rain begins to descend – Mark offers coffee
Gradually the rain grew heavier and our drinks were becoming diluted. Certainly I can recall no previous lunch where we had sat out in such conditions. Happily it was not so cold. But not too warm either.
Ths was the rain that hit us, heading in a NE direction. Unlucky lunch timing…
It was time to move on and escape back down to the cars.
Leaving the Cab de PeneyKobie – already soaked – takes a dip
The escape route was easy enough – via the campsite (Mervyn knows), and down the road back to the cars. Fortunately the rain begain to ease and the journey back down was not unpleasant.
Back at the cars, almost sunnyThe Fall
A memorable hike, perhaps for a wrong reason, but good fun despite revolting aquatics – it’s just so good to be out in the fresh air enjoying nature with chums and hounds.
Our trail, anti-clockwise lunch just above the left elbow
