Author: Peter Taylor

Thursday 27 Aug 2020.

A motley crew of 8 led by Rob Pashley started off from the Col du Marchairuz 1448m in fresh mountain air at 9 am in fine sunny weather. David C, Drew, Mark (Watts), Mervyn, Richard S, and two Peters D and T were in attendance. Fresh dew and sparkling light saw us swiftly across to Mt Tendre 1678m in regulation 2.5 hours, after much up and down. Spotting the Chalet du Mt Tendre a kilometre further away and 60m down we arrived for an unexpected terrace lunch involving beer and various versions of rösti, assisted by Canadian, Italian and Scottish firewater which helped the coffees go down, as well as speed the return traverse. On the way back, Rob’s pork pie which was beginning to get legs of its own was torn apart by voracious hikers. Great views and a fine hike were rounded off by beers and panachés at Marchairuz. Memorable again. According to Richard, grosso modo, 17 km and 700 m denivellation.

A small team of 3 assembled at 9 bells on the Col de la Columbière in fair weather, promising heat. Our route in Guide Franck was described as 618m dénivellation, and 3.5 hours. We had a suspicion, proved correct later, that it was closer to 980m and 6 hours with stops. We left the crowds at the Col (oddly, all going up the other side of the Col from us) and after a pleasant traverse we headed up through la Combe des Fours (with distant bouqetin) and on up left on a narrowing flower-filled crest to the Pd’A. Over 30 lammergeiers were whirling in front, behind, above and below us as we gazed out on fantastic views including the dominant N face of Pte Percée and lady Mt Blanc in the wings. Returning via the same route then up towards Tête d’Auferrand where we took lunch and some reviving Scottish fluid. Fine views of the Jalouvre from the top of the Td’A gave rise to an interesting descent to the Col and large panachées. Attending and suffering from leg cramp – Richard, Robert, Peter. August apologies – from the rest of the team.

Steve had chosen a fairly gentle 22 km and 600 m deniv hike for us on 23 July, albeit it was billed at 10% to 15% less than this. A hot morning and the forest trail up provided shade – and stickiness. Fine clear views from the view point gave way to terrapins, coffee and bells at St Cergue. A clockwise route up and through field and forest brought us to a lunch spot at the edge of the forest with a fine view above Arzier where some 40 kites whirled above us. We meandered down and explored the cool glory of the Bois de Chêne before downing some welcome and refreshing beer at Pashley kennels (thanks Rob!). Thanks also to our leader for a very pleasant outing.

Attending : Steve (leader), Rob (Beers), Philip, Mark Wn, Peter T.

Apologies from – you know who you are… sorry we missed you.

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.

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).

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.

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