Peter Taylor – Page 11

Biking the Barillette at 70

17 June 2021

The day dawned hot and I began to experience an unsettling fight or flight reaction. The Barillette bike ride is a rite of passage for certain gintlemen of the biking group on attaining the age of 70, but it involves much pain, misery and perturbation. It’s a right-awful rite. It comprises 24 km of tarmac from Coppet and 1,100m or so of ascent. Perhaps we are trying to prove that we are not dead yet, albeit the ride itself might force such a conclusion, especially on such a hot sunny day.

I had just turned that age and Peter Drew who had accomplished this with others of us in 2019, was organising the event and would join me. Peter’s sons were also absent his year and Stephen was stuck now abed in England thinking himself accursed he was not here. Happily Mark Watts was organising a support hiking group who would join us for lunch at the Barillette restaurant, should we make it. Mervyn was going to be delayed but elected to drive up and provide moral and taxi support. These support groups really did give us moral support – a convivial beer and fine meal on a terrace would follow the coming nightmare and this thought kept me going through the ordeal.

Peter and I set off at pace from Divonne Lake and I was disappointed when he told me that our route would be direct, straight up and no messing about, through Crassier and La Rippe to the start of the climb itself. The heat was hot as they say and only slightly diminished as we entered the Bonmont woods. I began to realise that I had forgotten to pack painkillers and electrolyte for my water bottle.

Turning up past Bonmont a large and luxurious Mercedes open top sports car passed us with a biking-now-hiking member waving his cap at us, causing a sap to morale. We were beginning now to weave across the road to shelter from the hot sun on the shady side of the surface. I pulled ahead a little sensing Peter was pedalling in a lower gear than me. We had both done a little training before this day, but perhaps not enough. My biking activities were being curtailed by dog hiking but I had managed the P’tit Bard at 1060m on the road to Combe du Faoug a few days earlier; Peter had trained on the 3 Hills.

Gasping in the heat we stopped at 870m for a rest and a drink. We tried to assess if we could make it with one more stop at 1200m but this proved futile. On we went, an elderly couple on e-bikes sailed up past us. As did a young lady on a road bike. Gradually I realised that Peter was not keeping up behind me and ground to a halt at 1140m. I called him by phone and he said he was resting but would be up shortly. He eventually arrived and we discussed tactics in the continuing heat, his words to me were – just carry on and I’ll see you at the top.

So, on we separately went in lower gears than of past, unremembered, ascents. Trying to blank out the grim reality of what was happening – we were here actually attempting to bike the Barillette – at our ages. At about 1300m or so I stopped with cramp in my right thigh, and another young lady passing me on a VTT calling out “Courage!”. I responded “Crampe!”. Peter was somewhere below and eventually I massaged my leg into action and continued. It was just after the turning to the Chalet de la Dôle that Mervyn passed me in the Batmobile “it’s only the last mile to go” he exhorted waving a red bottle. Finally after more numbing switchbacks and near-cramp leg experiences, Mervyn himself appeared by the roadside with 400m to go, offering to empty the contents of his bottle over my head.

The top was in glorious sun and I collapsed on the ground in relief. We spoke by phone to Peter who was somewhere lower on the mountain but who said he was taking his time and would be up shortly, he suggested we go down to the restaurant. Mervyn duly loaded my bike onto the rack of the Batmobile and we glided down past Mike and Mark Warren who were close to the venue. The terrace was decked out splendidly under some white flecked sunshade material that gave me the impression of paradise above the Shangri-la valley and lake far below. Richard and Mark Watts arrived from La Dôle summit and we quaffed down some beer. Finally Peter arrived looking thinner than usual but in good cheer. Not dead yet we had made it! , and a most convivial lunch followed of salad, sausage and chips, with apricot tart washed downed with several bottles of excellent white wine (I was too exhausted to make a note of the exact make but I think it was indeed Chasselas) then coffee.

Mervyn eventually taxied Peter and I and our bikes safely down to the heat of the Terre Sainte and home.

Many thanks indeed to everyone involved. The support team were amazing and the lunch was great. Peter D deserves a special medal for joining me in conditions that were far hotter than we had previously experienced. Thanks too to Richard for the magnesium meds. They worked and I had no further cramps.

Apologies from absent friends from Stephen, Philip, Paul and Thatcher – and there may have been others, my apologies to them. We toasted absent friends and missed them.

Ebikes next time ?

The route up with heart beat colouring for me.

The author at the top, on a bottle provided later by Mervyn (Merci M!). To be laid down for a year or two.

Mervyn and Mike

With Mark W

With Mark W

Beam me up

GIN Hikers – Colomby de Gex 27 May 21

A magnificent crew of 7 again turned out for this purported jaunt into the French Jura starting at W3W magnolias.upends.decorators . Attending : Mark Watts, Stephen, Richard, David, Philip, Mike and Peter T. Shorts were 3:4, but soon were 5:2 as Richard soon rolled up his leggings and David unzipped his.

The leader (PT) had already spotted a flaw in his original plan to hike up the Pas de l’Echine to the Colomby de Gex. The top of the gully was still filled with snow – as seen from Coppet. So, the leader optimistically asked others if they would be up for a longer circuit of the Creux de l’Envers, anti-clockwise. Most seemed to acquiesce, at least agreeing that it avoided an otherwise up and back the same way, but little realising that this circuit would mean some 19.5km and 1270m of denivellation (there being 300m of extra down involved).

Accordingly we all set off downhill in sinking but high spirits from point 728 (it was 711 to me Ed.) (magnolias.upends.decoratos) marked on this map, in a general NW direction aiming to reach the pass left of Petit Mt Rond via the path (on better maps) called La Vie de Chaux. The Life of Lime. It was quite a haul wending up through the beautiful forest with occasional views back across the deepening Creux.

After various traverses we eventually we reached the limelight and the line of the Life of Lime in regimental order (ie Stephen ahead). The crux involves a long diagonal upward traverse of a steep smooth grassy/rocky slope, thankfully the path is good and the going was dry underfoot. Do not slip on this path. Several chamois were spotted at this point (and many more later).

La Vie de Chaux with Stephen scouting ahead

Looking back down across the the Col de la Faucille road.

The team assembled at the top believing that the worst was over. The breeze here was noticeable and we donned fibre piles for the traverse across to Mt Rond (the Grand).

The Team arrives on the pass and the top ridge line with the distant target of the Colomby de Gex above Mark’s head.

Shortly above this pass Richard spotted the location of his award winning shot of Stephen in winter on a wave of snow, the Wave. Duly they shot Wave 2.

Wave 2, by Richard of Stephen, looking more like a green swell.

The enormity of the task that lay ahead began to sink in to some as we tackled the ascent of Mt Grand Rond, that seemed like Mt Grind. Accordingly some ravitaillement was needed at the top and a check was made as to timing. Clearly we were going to miss the scheduled 4pm bath, and my 6pm AGM in Geneva looked iffy. Others had 5pm Grandkids on their agendas. Oh well..

There was no way for it but to press on; a retreat down the Lime was unthinkable as was retreat generally. So the leader rallied the troops to get agreement to delay lunch to 13.45 when we would be more within striking distance of the final CdG summit. On we went on distressingly Nepali flat territory. Finally, sensing mutiny, a halt was called on a lesser summit on the ridge and a bottle of Gigondas appeared and was uncorked and passed around for sustenance. There followed an Italian red. Lunch in the sun on a fabulous ridge with views across Lac Leman to the alps one way, and across green forests stretching into France profonde the other. Subjects discussed did not include Scottish independence. Boris was mentioned as were Indian variants. Medication was taken as needed.

The leader realised the need to plod on and entered a steady trod across past the snow filled gully of the original intended line and up to the glittering summit of the CdG (1687 – nb. 10m higher than La Dole).

The snow filled top of Le Pas de L’Echine. Showing also the green col passed on the way down later on.

Looking back before the final ascent to CdG

CdG Summit : Finally we had knocked the bastard off.

Arriving atop the Colomby de Gex was an exhausted but jubilant party. Accordingly Slivovitz (72% proof) was provided. As well as some (chilled) white wine from Mark. Duly stunned it was time to face the knee grinding descent down into the combe of the Chet de Branveau, wherein we spotted a large herd of chamois.

Looking back at the Chet de Branveau combe

Stunning view across Geneva Airport. How concrete was my valley?

There followed the long strait stony track back down to the cars, where we arrived somewhat 2 hours and more overdue, and with some in need of medication (sugar).

The leader apologises for pain, misery and perturbation caused. But hopes that these negatives will eventually be surpassed by the memory of a fine day out on the hills of the French Jura. May there be many more.

PS – Well done Philip for busting through his 830m training regimen after his operation.

PPS Apologies from Mark, Rob, Thatcher, Mervyn, Richard Wiley, Peter Drew and others.

Gin Hikers to St Cergue 29.4.21

The Gods had been playing dice with the weather forecasts and the planned saunter through the narcissi that had been in the mind of David had been postponed, but a lucky throw was serving up a dryish day. So a smaller saunter team turned out for a meander up to St Cergue from Genolier, with a possible escape back down by train if another throw turned wet.

Attending : Mark Wts, Stephen, Rob, Mike, Thatcher, Peter.

Apologies : Mark Wn, Richard

Taken at the end, by Mark Wts : Mike, Rob, Peter, Thatcher, Stephen

Meeting at Rob’s parking above Genolier for his regular raids into the Jura forest, the team was in good spirit, albeit some regulars were sadly missed having replanned their day after the earlier narcissi cancellation. Sans dogs this was to be a relaxing saunter with the hope of a beer at St Cergue on a terrace in promise. This was thus to be an inner ring to the previous Arzier to La Cure ramble – which returned by train.

We set off up the bank of the Oujon Rivulet, the bright greens of the new beech leaves almost requiring sunglasses despite the somewhat gloomy weather. Steamy but undeterred we continued up the “gully” and up under the repointed stone bridge of the LR Train. It was odd that it was not raining. There was much to discuss on the ascent which passed quickly with guidance from Rob. Boris, vaccines, golf, nuclear energy, etc. and absent friends were ribbed, but we did not stray into Scottish independence to my recollection. If there was a cuckoo I did not notice.

We descended still dry into St Cergue after coming across a friend of Rob, a possible future member should he want to join (the only GIN requirement). We were invited to the magnificent rear terrace of the bar on the high street and Thatcher generously paid for a round of beers, mine a pleasant red Himbergen – new to me, a little sweet but very quaffable. Large awnings sprang up as soon as a few drops of rain were complained about and we were snug and could have been set for a session, except we all had packed lunches and there was some Chilean red to be sampled. Also Rob had forgotten to pack any winter gear (or he could not be bothered to fetch it out of his sack) and complained later of being freezing – odd for a Scot.

All too soon we were off to the trail that led to the lunch spot that we had enjoyed on the first (b)ramble to St Cergue, 4 weeks earlier. Amazingly the sun appeared fleetingly and we chatted inter-alia about generational differences over our lunch (in my case a home-made gorgonzola, salted crisp, and roquette tortilla – from which I had no ill after-effects). There was also some reference to the difference between men’s and women’s brains which Mark seemed to know about and which explained everything (see the video Mark sent round).

Duly fortified and replenished we sped on across to the Parapente Lookout to see a squall approaching. Happily it fizzled out and we stayed dry.

Squall approaching. Let’s get down.. Notice the colours change with elevation.

Facing the music – notice hand warming needs.

It was then down down following Rob’s expert guidance. Descending a remote and particularly bright green and pleasant gully we met Rob’s wife Heather walking two of their three cocker spaniels Zeb and Ettrick up the hill. She was the only person we met in the forest all day.

Happily indeed the rain held off and we strolled back down the main track to the cars in good order and in time for baby sitting and other duties to be tackled.

Another pleasant, dry but cool, hike. 550 m deniv, 12.5 km. Total time including stops 4’37”

What did I miss ?

Hiking Group seeks La Cure

15 April 21

Intended route – right to left in an arc of red dots.

An intrepid team of ten set out from Arzier (at unhappily.rots.vines) for a saunter up into the unknown Jura and over to La Cure intending a return by the little red train. Despite red dots above, the route planned was a little sketchy and the leader was quietly pleased that at the initial sounding in the carpark at Arzier, the other nine seemed “up for it”. Despite having banged his head early while escaping from the dog, the leader somehow managed to find the trail unfolding, without getting lost, and with no brambles or mishaps.

Bright sun warmed us a bit, with occasional scudding cloud and a chill Bise wind. We found our way up to a field with a magnificent view out back over the shimmering Lake Leman and to the alps, however this time covered in haze and cloud. Back into the forest and suddenly across a clearing were two chamois prancing up a slope into the cover of the woods beyond. There were very few folk out and about.

General banter and conversation saw us quickly uphill turning left and unsettlingly down past the Cave. This is Rob’s country and he was happy ensure the route guidance remained accurate. Very soon coffee was taken on a sunny bank (thanks Mark and Mervyn). The leader was keen to ensure that members avoided standing on the crocuses which had sprung up in hope for a nice life after the snow had cleared and the ground warmed. Sadly some were flattened. Some Finnish fluid appeared but at least one member declared that he was on the wagon for medical reasons, and certain others showed some solidarity and forbearance.

Gradually we started to encounter snow patches which became larger and longer and then continuous, but the going was gently upward and the snow firm and not deep to the tread. After traversing the Givrine-Marchairuz ski trail in possibly its prettiest central section we swung right before Vermeilleys and up a long and snowy track in bright sun. Turning a corner and meeting a sunny and sheltered glade, and with it being one o’clock, the leader declared a lunch stop; no-one objected.

Wines were white and from Sicily and Portugal for those partaking, chilled in the deep bank of snow in front of us. This was indeed a pleasant spot with expected clouds not materialising, and despite low temperatures in the wind, we were nicely sun-blessed.

All too soon we were up and on our way across the highest section of the traverse, past Arxière Chalet in fine snow and gently down towards the long valley to La Cure. With just over 3 km to go we had a decision to make. Mark Warren had a timetable for the train (the leader had failed here). It showed only one an hour (two an hour from St Cergue only). Do we rush to just possibly miss the 2.44pm? The better course was to take it easy and amble slowly down. It also gave time for banter and gentle ribbing on Scottish independence, and other subjects. In warm sun and cold wind we obtained out tickets at La Cure station and supped Lagavulin which somehow appeared. The short little red train ride back was most pleasant apart from mask wearing, and a stiff pull back to the cars at Arzier completed 16.5 km (perhaps 18km per Richard) and 710m denivellation (with 58m down and up in the central Jura).

Next hike – David and the Pleiades narcissi on 29 April.

Attending : Marks W and W, David, Thatcher, Mervyn, Michael, Rob, Stephen, Richard, Peter (Leader).

Up past the viewpoint with shimmering Lac Leman.

Sur le Train

Social distancing – or how to take up the whole carriage.

Actual route – not much different from the intended.

GIN Hiking Season Starts

Raid (almost) on St Cergue 1 April 2021

April Fools Day. But the weather did not fool us and it was a sunny and warm start for four of us from the parking in the forest above Trelex. Rob, Thatcher, Mark Warren and myself. Having read that the IWCN rules require members to arrive 15 minutes early, I arrived well before 10am, as did the others so we set off at 9.58am. Unhappily however, Stephen had mentioned during a beer after an exhausting bike ride 2 days earlier that he would also join the hike, but I had forgotten this as I had no paper work in front of me. After 7 minutes along the trail I got a call from the slightly late Mr Long. Rob went back to fetch him and after apologies from the leader for being an April Fool the five of us started up the dry and stony trail through stunted oak and beech towards a distant St Cergue.

The initial sparsely wooded ridge allowed expansive views across the forested valley to Genolier and back in the other direction to Geneva and the Alps. Not a cloud in the sky! It was T shirt weather. The unvaccinated among us had our vaccine dates fixed so we were in good cheer. Life was good and the banter steered clear of Scottish politics. Some worries surfaced of the impending French lockdown and its impact on upcoming golf plans. Passing 10 minutes on the sturdy commune bench allowed us to gird ourselves for the steep hike ahead. The leader had only a sketchy knowledge of a middle section resulting in a “holiday-route” up though brambles and some words for the leader, but we were soon back on the trail. We encountered large boundary stones with “SC” and “N” carved on either side (answers on a postcard). A path to the right then skirted a cliff and led up to the under-girth of St Cergue. The cone of snow cleared from St Cergue streets blocked the track but we were soon past and had an encounter with three chamois. There followed an enjoyable picnic lunch on benches overlooking the valley out to Mt Blanc in the distance. Johannisburg, NegroAmaro and Lagavulin were on the drinks card.

Our descent commenced along the cliff to the parapente overlook and the usual amazing view. Rob provided impeccable guidance back down trails he runs up and down regularly, and added a fine detour through the gorge. We were soon back at the cars – a good first outing 2021. 580m denivellation and 12.5 km.

Apologies : Peter D, Richard, Paul, Gerry, Mark, Philip and others – who missed a sunny and pleasant hike.

Thatcher, Mark, Rob and Stephen ready for the hill behind them.

Thatcher ascending. Edited in Prisma app with Thota Vaikuntam

Rob serves Lagavulin. Edited in Prisma app with Thota Vaikuntam

At the overlook

Tree trunks and logs.

Snowshoes Givrine Circuit

25 March 2021

A bright day dawned again as promised as a team of 7 plus one very junior and furry non-member arrived at the empty parking Col at Givrine at 10 am for a circuit into the Jura. Captain Mark Warren inspected the conditions near the start and declared that snow shoes were not essential nor even recommended and so we all left them behind and set off into the unknown heading up past the Fruitière de Nyon and up to the Rochefort CAS Cabane. Kobie the Cobberdog was attending his first GIN outing, and for it not to be the last, Peter was keen that his copy-book would not be blotted such that the (rather untrained) hound might not be banned from future outings. Still ungroomed at 9 months, he rather resembled a small, or perhaps large, furry yeti. Used as therapy dogs, Peter hoped that his happy countenance would fit in with the fun spirit of the members.

After an hour or so of steady progress with the yeti seemingly under control we reached a hut on the Route de Combe Grasse with a sunny facade and some useful logs for stools. A coffee stop was declared and curtesy of Mervyn’s thoughtful generosity some good hot dark strong stuff was passed around with fresh croissants. It was going to be a challenge to keep the yeti from whipping our pastries, especially for Rob to whom Kobie was particularly attracted and who had an elevation challenge. In the event Kobie played the coffee cup game to keep us amused.

My recollection of the discussions on the hike remain clouded by doggy thoughts, but I believe we recovered the usual ground of Scottish (in)dependance, whisky subtleties, vaccination politics, French and Swiss mismanagement, Trumpism and world struggles. I recall one member saying that in order to ensure he got a high place in the queue for vaccination he might claim obesity and “stick his stomach out at the doctor”. Another member commented “you don’t need to bother doing that”.

The trail led us on up to Cabane Rochefort and we spotted two chamois scampering across the slope ahead. Kobie was sinking into the heavy snow off the trail and even if interested had no chance. At the CAS hut we sprawled out on the outside picnic benches in warm sun and in shelter with hazy views out over Lac Leman. Perhaps the level of dog control could be improved at lunches in future and I apologise here to attendees for any inconvenience or nibbled turnovers. This time convivialities started with Stephen’s Prosecco and moved on to white wines before grappa and some of Rob’s flask contents. A very pleasant picnic indeed.

All too soon we had to part and the hound led us out toward the Chalet du Haut Mont and the Chalet de la Genolière. In places snow shoes might have been useful but we managed successfully, finding the coffee stop (thanks Stephen) at CdlG most welcome, as did Kobie who frolicked merrily with the resident terrier.

We were soon back at Givrine after a very pleasant 10km and 300m hike on snow without raquettes. The verdict on Kobie seemed potentially positive…

In attendance:- David, Marks Wn, Mervyn, Peter, Richard, Rob, Stephen, Kobie.

PS : The next day Kobie was exhausted and we started to groom him. Training awaits too.

Onwards to the Hiking season proper.

Coffee stop. Mervyn distributes coffee and croissants. Rob saves his croissant from a yeti.

Lunch at Cabane Rochefort. Richard enjoys a chicken and leek turnover, er, handover..

GIN SKI VILLARS 23 Mar 21

It dawned a beautiful day, as expected, for seven of us lucky skiers organised by David Colledge and Mark Watts for Villars-Diablerets. Mike descended from St Luc, Stephen from Morgins, Thatcher and David were already in Villars, which left only Mark, Mervyn and Peter to travel from the Terre Sainte. All met on time and quickly procured lift passes from the automat machines and we were whisked up on the telecabine (5 at a time with masks) to Roc d’Orsay.

Not a cloud was visible in the sky, only a light cool breeze, with almost 360 and fabulous views from la Chamossaire, the snow was pretty well perfect too. So we duly descended several times. Directed by David the Lucky Seven sped on through Bretaye, Rasse and Gryonne and up to Croix des Chaux for a couple of fine long runs. Mike tried to escape but was caught in time for Chaux Ronde and then across to Conche for the ride up to Meilleret for some fine running and finally to Les Mazots for a take-out lunch. No outside terrace, but we sat on our gloves at the top of the toboggan run in fine sun with a fantastic vista over to the Diablerets cliffs, surely one of the finest lunch views we have had there being no old chap in front of one to chat to over a table. Mervyn produced a fine bottle of white wine which was much appreciated.

After lunch we flew down Nationale and then wended our way back towards Villars.

The “Long Incident“

There was an odd and amusing but potentially dangerous event that occurred later on at Chaux Ronde, and which we now refer to as the “Long Incident”. From an observer looking back it seemed to me, and recollected almost in slow motion, that the chair behind ours was having some form of trouble. Their bar had not been raised in time for a slide off on skis. Despite ever more frantic efforts Stephen seemed set on doing a 180 and returning down the Lac Noire lift. What on earth was he doing ? Mike had managed somehow to get away behind a third person (dressed darkly) and both had slid away, but Stephen seemed to be an act on a Swiss clock, appearing then turning and disappearing now seemingly more rapidly on a turntable after the bell clangs. Happily the alarm sounded and the machinery ground to a halt allowing Stephen to make an undignified exit that looked as if it was his first time on a lift. We were later asked to believe that the culprit was the dark third party who had seemingly fallen into a coma or daydream with his skis still on the bar, and had thus prevented Stephen and Mike from raising the bar to escape in normal good time. The jury seemed to accept this story, but Mike was a little mute on the verdict. Stephen may be appealing…

No physical damage sustained (mental scars may last longer), we swooped down several more runs in the slightly worsening snow conditions, and definitely worsening knee and leg conditions, before the last long run down to the bar and cars in Villars. Stephen finally disclosed what he had been carrying in a backpack all day – a large pair of stout brogues.

Thanks to all for a fun day out in perfect weather with minimal queues, all returned safely – and only one “incident”.

Mark, Thatcher, David,, Stephen, Mike, Mervyn

Lunch at Les Mazots, Servin Mervyn (previously Swervin Mervyn)

David at lunch with the Col de la Croix behind

Could have been discussing the Long Incident, but perhaps it was earlier…

Happy folk about to lunch, above Les Mazots

Hiking Group Flyer for 2021

Dear GIN Hikers,

It is my privilege and honour to be taking over the hiking lead role from David who has valiantly led the group for several years but has now passed it on to me (we should have a celebratory lunch in his honour). It was a difficult year for hiking but we managed some good outings last year. Let’s home for a decent unlocking and for more happy days in the sunny uplands.

As before the schedule will involve alternate Thursdays with perhaps a longer outing in mid September, with volunteers stepping up to lead as they choose. There is so much to aim at and perhaps with varying levels of challenge and difficulty to suit the capabilities and desires of the electorate. Before the pandemic we used to meet up at the Divonne Lake carpark in France. Maybe we could return to that sometime soon. We shall also aim to include lunch terraces where this is possible.

A key feature of our hikes should be safety. I will be carrying a first aid kit. We shall consider plan B escape routes where needed.

I have put my name down for 4. Please feel free to let me know if you will lead a hike (or two) of your choice with selected date(s). Ideas for the Long”weekend” in September are also welcome.

Outline Schedule (If the forecast is poor then we may postpone etc or abandon as fits).

April   1   Peter (to be advised late March)
April 15
April 29
May 13
May 27    Peter
June 10
June 24
Aug    5
Aug 19
Sept   2   Peter
Sept 16 (Long “weekend”)
Sept 30
Oct   14
Oct   28   Peter

It is likely that Stephen will choose the other alternate Thursdays for bike outings.

I will send out a separate list of ideas for possible hikes, shortly.

Looking forward to a safe and virus free year in the hills.

Best wishes

Peter

Lac de Joux Circuit

Tuesday 9 March 2021

The snowshoe team had to leave their equipment behind for this hike round Lac de Joux, hardly any white stuff was in evidence. Richard led us on a merry saunter clockwise round the lake from position 5 o’clock at Le Sentier. Attending too were Mervyn, Rob, Steve and Peter, with Michael Hempstead meeting at 10.30am at the 8 o’clock position. Peter (el coward) had previously decided that his feet would not sustain a 23 km jaunt and had left his car at Le Pont at the bottom (top if looking on a map) end of the Lac and had biked in the frozen dawn to the start at the top (bottom on map) to chain his bike at the carpark.

A bright and sunny but a little chilly morning saw the team springing passing Jaeger LeCoultre factory and on up the western side of the Lake in the reflected glare of the sun off the lake, frozen at the edge. Pup Rocco had given blood on time and Michael was thus on Swiss time to rendezvous and swing into gear for the amble down (or up) the lake. Politics, Royal Family squabbles, rugby, Scottish independence, Scottish dependence, Scotch, Scottish fish dispute (Sturgeon and Salmond), vaccines etc occupied our conversation and the views were inspirational too.

We encountered few folk, but one fellow advised us of a herd of chamois on the trail up ahead. Sure enough this was the same herd as seen last year and featured in the local press. They were clearly very used to hikers and we were allowed some close up shots.

A sunny slope out of the rising breeze looking out over the Lac above Le Pont catered for our lunch spot and after opening grappa (Richard’s not David’s) we were lubricated with Epesses, Fechy and (red) Fetzer, closed off with Lagavulin. A most pleasant picnic finally had to be ended and we set off again down to the bottom (top) of the lake. Peter then decided that as his feet were (oddly) uncomplaining and that perhaps he should wait to drive, that he would indeed continue and try and complete the circuit, and wistfully eyed his car as the peloton sped past it at Le Pont. Indeed we engaged in absorbing conversations along the speedy second leg of 11km back to the car, passing inter alia, Richard’s fine boats, lashed to a tree high above the water line. The final section of board walk above the marsh gave way to the start and end point with Michael having still another hour to go to his car at the 8 position – he said he would be OK if he kept moving. Peter donned his bike helmet and headed off back down (up) the lake in the chilling air to complete a double circuit to serve him right for cowardice.

A pleasant walk, not as hard as its 23km and 200m denivellation seemed to promise. A pleasant bike ride too. Thanks to Richard for Swiss-clock precision leading of this fine snow-shoe fill-in. The hiking group will now take over unless there is a substantial snowfall in the coming days in March… (it’s in the forecast folks..).

Apologies :- Mark W, Mark W, Thatcher, Drew, John.

Peter at Le Pont before his bike to the top (bottom) of the Lac. Note the frost…

View down (up) the Lac from where we met Michael

Opposite view at same point, the team taking coffee

View across to L’Abbaye and a patch of snow !

Long and short with Dent de Vaulion (a recent snow shoe summit) and Lac Brenet on the left

Team enjoying the sun. Richard Saynor, Mervyn Powell, Rob Pashley, Steve Long, Michael Hempstead

Lunch at Le Pont – slightly less sun than would have been ideal

Hike map with Peter’s heart rate by colour (not a lot..). I have two others for the bike legs (P). From my watch – not a Jaeger LeCoultre…

La Neuve – Snowshoes 23 Feb 21

Attending : Marks W and W, Richard, Steve, David, Peter.

Apologies : Rob, Drew, Mervyn, Philip (apologies for missing any)

According to Janet and Pam’s guidebook (with our experience in brackets):-

” CRET DE LA NEUVE – Alt. 1494m

Difficulty : Easy undulating walk along the top of the Jura
Map: Nyon-St Cergue, TopoRando 1:25,000

Height gain : 348m (450m)

Length : 10.5 kms (12.5 km)

Time : 4hrs

Start/Finish : Col du Marchairuz, 1447m, where there is a hotel (shuttered)

Signposting : Good in parts –yellow diamonds and arrows (confusing)

Observations

On a clear day (it was hazy) the Crêt de la Neuve has one of the most magnificent viewpoints in the Jura. There are three display panels (were useless to us) giving the names and heights of the alpine peaks on the horizon, starting from the Bernese Oberland on the left, the Mt.Blanc and the Dents du Midi ranges ahead, the mountains round Lake Annecy and finally the Chartreuse in the Savoie on the extreme right. Below is Lake Geneva (hardly discernible) in its entirety with Geneva and the jet d’eau clearly visible to the right. The flowers in late May are glorious. “(The February snow was marginal but it was worth taking the snow shoes).

Blog :-

A team of six started from the Col at 9.30 am on a bright and sunny day, albeit there was a haze reminiscent of Delhi on a clear day for Delhi. Peter had chosen the Cret de La Neuve after suggestion from Mark Wn and directions from Janet/Pam. There was in fact little choice left in the Swiss Jura after such a warm spell and in truth we held low expectation for snow, indeed some were loth to even carry snow shoes. Only Steve outlasted the day without using them (but he lugged them around). We saw only three other people all day and the trails were deserted in the fine weather. Underfoot the snow was spring and firm to soft, but plentiful and the going was steady with no ice.

Ignoring the ladies’ instructions (anticlockwise) we opted for a potential clockwise route albeit it did not quite turn out that way. After a pleasant two hour saunter following disconcerting and very fresh wolf tracks, we cut up the steep final slope (but not the mustard) to the summit, offering the gift of a bottle of water to the gods.

On the fore summit we were greeting by very friendly labrador “Milton”, the nefarious wolf, and his owner who had skinned up on skis. They soon both hared off leaving us the summit stone wall ring for our bar and picnic circle, safe from any remnant wolves. We could have been on an ocean liner in the mist with Swiss flag flapping very gently and the sun shining down above us. The views above the forest were very hazy.

The normal temperance meeting started with some aperos from Richard, mine was a Marc, before we move on to Luins and Fechy white. There followed some truly excellent grappa from David, and a fine but mysterious English whisky from the Watts’ collection, and also hot coffee therefrom. We toasted absent friends and Deborah Powell who was entering hospital that day for surgery. As per our rules, the lunch conversation was fulsome but private and will not be put on record. I believe we did solve a number of world problems as well as airing grievances while admitting blessings.

Richard had to get back home early to change ovens so he hoofed off leaving us to chew the fat a little more. Time to go and Steve did the honours and visited the summit cross for us. Peter then led the tribe back through the wilderness, turning unknowingly in the haziness of the lunch, in almost a circle, but oddly following the trail of a lone snow-shoer that could only be Richard.

We had found ourselves back on the incoming trail. There was nothing for it but to retrace our steps along the pleasant forest trail, following the trail of Richard. We made it back in the heat in time to match the guidebook, but having completed 450m deniv and 12.5 km. Not bad, memorable and enjoyable. Incredible weather for February.

Outward bound – Richard and Steve still carrying snow shoes

Steve and David sensing our luck