Peter Taylor – Page 13

GINs Hiking. Pte de Miribel

Our first real (non-borderline) meet of the season in the Vallée Verte. Richard had organised hot weather and a fine route. A motley crew of 4 Fr and 5 CH members assembled in the strong sun at 9.30 am in Villard for the 800m climb up through forest and meadows of long grass and flowers, while serenaded with birdsong to the Pointe de Miribel via Plaine Rouge. Our strength was sapped as we ascended the final hot and steep section, but there was a nice breeze to assist cooling as we were blessed by the final crosses below the summit. On top we took in the stunning 360 view to Lac Leman and the Alps, and settling to some wine and a picnic, we recovered in body and spirit, helped by some stronger Scottish and Italian potions.

A steep descent took us down through shady woods to the café at Villard for some panachés. A fine and challenging first hike. Merci to Richard for leading us faultlessly. Wherever did Philip leave his poles ?

Attending Richard, Mark Wn, Philip, Freddie, Mervyn, Steve, Rob, David C, Peter T.

Borderline Tryst 2

For our second Swiss/French barely legal hiking lunch, Philip chose the Noirmont. The two parties ascended from their respective countries, again the Swiss team (David, Peter D, Peter T and Steve) was given the more challenging route and it arrive a little en retard, having commenced at La Cure and followed a question mark shaped line up around the Creux de Croue and the North Ridge. The French team (Philip, Mark, Richard), also attacked the N Ridge from the valley floor, less distance but a continuous rise.

At the summit gathering the chosen wine was suitably Negroamaro, and we spent a pleasant and sunny 90 minutes lunching and catching up on news and views, with 360 views over the Jura hills. There was elation in the elevation. Too soon we had to part, this time the CH team had an easy direct descent, while the FR team tussled with their vertige.

Apologies from Rob, Mervyn and Mark W (possibly others).

Aperos and raising a flag (of convenience?)

Hiking Section Ententes Cordially

The CH and FR sub-sections of the GIN hiking group enjoyed a memorable re-encounter in a socially-distancing summit entente-cordial among the flowers at the border high in the Jura last week. Leader Rob was missing with an Achilles excuse (g.w.s. Rob). A team of 5 from CH meandered up from Givrine over La Dole for the rendezvous, meeting 3 from FR. There followed warm greetings in warm sun, a fabulous Lac Leman view to a peerless Mt Blanc, sandwich lunch washed down with plenty of red wine, and much chatting with lockdown news to catch up on. We parted each to our ways, CH retreating back over La Dole and continued over the Pointe de Poèle Chaud and the Pointe de Fin Chateau, before descending on a gentle path back through the glades to the cars at Givrine (800m denivellation). Uplifting day. Attending. David C, Peter D, Steve, Mervyn, Peter T, Richard, Mark Wn, Philip. Apologies Rob P, Mark W.

Coffee at Couvaloup before we were separated to 2 tables.

Biking Team to formally recommence

I wanted to restart the biking group, albeit several of us in CH have been meeting over the restricted period. I will suggest a plan after asking around on the favourite day of the week. Stay safe, Peter

Hiking Group (CH section) restarts in Jura

Leader Rob Pashley steered the first Post CV19 hike through initially foggy trails above Arzier. “I have run up this track” he announced as we looked on and pondered this incomprehensible feat. Nevertheless we managed the struggle up and along to Mt Roux for a fine lunch with whisky and ouzo with a grand view out over the lake to match. It was great to be back out with chums again, although we missed our cross border amis. The news came out the evening before, the border looks set to be open on 15 June. Bravo! Attending (with social distancing) :- Robert P, Mervyn, Drew, Steve, David C, Peter T.

Gentle descent. A decent start to the year!

Hiking Group (CH Subsection only for now)

New diary entries made starting on Thursday 14 May, every two weeks, leader/organiser David College.

GINs Snowshoes Givrine to La Cure 3 March 2020

A compact team guided by Mark Warren and driven by Richard headed up to Givrine with an arc route to La Cure. Rob, Mark Watts, Steve, Paul, David S and Drew gave sundry excuses. This turned out to be a truly exhilarating day out. Fantastic deep powder snow conditions and bright sun gave us a real treat as we entered the forest into the oblivion. The trees were more loaded than Schilligers in November, and many small branches were bent over the virgin trail waiting to dump us with powder. About 180m up to a barn and then down the long trail to a fondu at Chez Mamac, La Cure. 7 km but enough. Super day and company. Also attending Philip and Peter T. Thanks to Richard for taking the train back to fetch the car while the rest of us drank beers and vin chaud by a warm stove.

It’s tough but somebody has to do these things

Racket on Mt Rond 20 Feb 2020

A motley crew of 6, missing Drew excused with a cold, ascended from a crowded carpark at Col de la Faucille into the quiet and peaceful snowy forest in perfect weather and then on up to Mt Rond for fantastic views in 360°. Fresh snow powder added to the fun, especially on the steeper descent. Lunch later in Refuge de Florimont was as good as it gets. Even a whisky flask was employed to round us off. Attending – Mark Warren (leader – merci Mark), Rob Pashley (he got all the whiskey), Richard Saynor, Philip Jenkins, Steve Long and Peter Taylor. Not 499 m but memorable, great fun and company.

Summit party, Steve, Richard, Peter, Rob, Mark, Philip

Refuge de Florimont. Great views, value and food and wine. Excellent service too

Snow Shoeing Racket 6 Feb 2020

A fine day out from over and beyond Marchairuz organised by Rob and attended by Richard, Mark and Philip. Fine sun, good fresh snow and the following are quotes from attendees (I bailed out with a touch of the Coronavirus (cold)).

“The trail was 8.8 kms but only half of our normal 499 metres ascent!”

Quotes from Richard (above) and Mark.

“You are right it was lovely weather and a great snowshoe – 8.8km and 256m height difference.The valley from Marchairuz towards the Givrine was a first for most of us. It’s less frequented than coming from the other side. The snowshoe tracks were marked with polls but we were the first on most of it since the last snowfall.
Next date planned is 18 February; I hope you are available to join us.”

GINs Lunch – Tannay 5 Feb 2020

Rudi Pluss organised a fine lunch at the Auberge du Lion d’Or in Tannay. Really fine set menu of salad, pork and then dessert. The sun shone and the wine flowed. It was good also to have a short mingle before we sat down to eat. Waiter Roch took some good (selfie) photos for us and appreciated our name badges, even giving himself one. 24 Attended including, Rudi, Bryan, Paul, Dave, Alan, Brian, Thatcher, Trevor D, Trevor G, Tim, John, Richard, David C, Steve, Tony, Reinier, Wouter, Terence, Mike, Ian, Simon, Peter and possibly others late on the list. Merci to Rudi.