Peter Taylor – Page 2

Lunch at Sur l’Ardoise 18 Sept 2024

Ralph Wares organised this lunch in Versonnex – at his local restaurant of choice, indeed an excellent choice – thanks Ralph!

His description of the optional pre-prandial walk follows :-

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“Walk around Versonnex prior to the Lunch at sur l’Ardoise!

We were a squad of 5 people who turned up outside the church in Versonnex, at 10 am.

John Burley, Stephen Long, Philip Jenkins, Richard Saynor, Mark Warren and Ralph Wares.

Despite heavy clouds we had not one drop or rain, of which the forecast was correct.

The route continued down a tarmac small road for 500 meters then onto sort of gravel paths around horse fields, avoiding any mud.

Then passing over a small quaint bridge, along a track for a mile then right turn leading towards one of the Cern outposts.

Prior to reaching the Cern building we took a Sharp left turn on a track leading to la Batie Golf club Collex -Bossy.

There were lots of mumbling about dry throats, so a 5-0 vote was to stop for a coffee, which John kindly paid for.

Fully refreshed we headed back in a circular loop turning right up the hill from the golf course, then right again at the top of the hill towards the Cern building picking up the original trail path to the church car park.

From a time perspective, the walk takes about 1.45 to 2 hours with a gentle stroll.

Stopping for coffee meant we had to speed up our pace slightly to arrive at the Restaurant in time. (5 mins drive from the Church to the restaurant).

We arrived just in time.

Several topics were discussed on route ranging from American politics, Uhhhhhh,Ukraine situation, and experiences related to pension fund providers.

Not sure my health app is working correctly but it suggests we took approx. 11,000 steps, which is around 7.5 to 8 km in distance about 500 Kcal.”

Ralph W.

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In my own case Mervyn and I chose to cycle to Versonnex after meeting at the Everness at 10 am. Mervyn had been in training – 400km or so around or near Lake Contanz. I felt out of shape and did some slip streaming and was grateful for two milky coffees at Gex.

We arrived on time to find regulars already enconced and beer was soon served. 16 attended and we had two tables, name badges were supplied to order (except Brian had a Bryan) :-

Brian Allardyce
Trevor Davies
Norman Eatough
Frank Ekman
Mike Price
Paul Sochaczewski
John Burley
Philip Jenkins
Ross Linsley
Stephen Long
Mervyn Powell
Richard Saynor
Peter Taylor
Gary Vannatter
Ralph Wares
Mark Warren

It was great to see and catch up with Frank again after 5 years since we last saw him on the Tour of the Dents du Midi – he descended to the valley on the second, rather long, day. He still lives up near the Salève.

The food was good, as was the house wine, service excellent and the banter matched. Starter of soup or another. Main courses were salmon or pork, and desserts were to die for (see photo), coffees followed. Not bad for Eu45.

Richard and Philip, the soup was indeed excellent

Warm molten chocolate dessert, the other dessert needed a knife and fork

Ralph gave the organisers speech – which nicely rounded off the occasion.

L’Isle Revisited 29 Aug 2024

The good weather in August continues so it was time to head up the Jura again from L’Isle (previously 16 Sept 2021), this time without cold rain and hypothermia.

Attending Messrs Hempstead and Rocco, Mark2ts, Finkelstein, Neivens and for lunch only, Mr R Saynor. No Kobie, as I had booked a table in the Buvette de Châtel for lunch.

This next bit was copy pasted from the 2021 Blog.

We assembled à l’heure at 10 am at the parking at the station at L’Isle, a place worth visiting for its magnificent chateau. First then some culture:-

“Also known as the “Petit Versaille de l’Isle”, this magnificent château was built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, a Lieutenant General in the Swiss Guard. It was the first regional monument of classical architecture.

Built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, the Château de l’Isle is a monument steeped in history. Originating from around 1700 during the classical era in France, this building greatly resembles that of the architectural movement of the time, where the Château de Versailles was built.

The, “La Vénoge” river has enabled the Château to benefit from a beautiful French garden, as well as a river basin bordered by two tree-lined paths. At first the Chandieu family lived in the old residence until the end of the 18th century. François Louis Roulet of Neuchâtel was the first to live there in the 19th century, and then it was handed down through marriage to the Cornaz Family of Montet Cudrefin.

In 1876, the commune of l’Isle bought and restored the château. Today it houses the municipal department of housing and classrooms. Since 1941, the château has been a listed building.”

Starting team inside the Château grounds.

The Château after the hike, with Brocante show evident

It was indeed going to be a warm day, and for a 750m denivellation, we were going to sweat our way up. Happily most of the ascent was in the shade.

We passed by the château and it’s about-to-open Brocante in the grounds, some old and slow moving items there too.

The early part starts from 660m gently and gradually rises up, after 7.5km to the summit plateau. A long hike that for opposite reasons from 2021 we found quite trying.

Starting out up past the Source of La Venoge. Aming for the green hilltop.

We were making steady progress and not hanging about at all. In fact we arrived 30 minutes before the 1pm time of the table I had booked.

On the way up we traversed a short stretch of road, carrying a number of cars full of folk going up to eat at the Buvette. It was going to be busy up there.

The final field, Andrew going strong this time

At the Buvette (1395m) we were uplifted by the beaming smile of Richard who had been hoping to hike down to meet us, and only slightly disappointed that we were early. No worries we were soon ensonced at a corner table and supplied with beers from the friendly waitress.

Refills arrived before the food – Service dix points !!!

Wet shirt brigade, we were soaked – slightly differently from the soaking in 2021

The food was great (well my En-croute-with an egg was), the beers too, and we had no need for desserts, only coffee. Some chf 35 per head – good for Switzerland.

As usual, apart from remembering absent friends, my recollection of the lunch conversation ended up limited – and realising this would be the case I dictated this wording at the time :-

“Swiss Chateau theory and GINI coefficients (Mike), death, electric cars (Mark as his Audi has pegged out), cancel (actually Cancer – thanks Richard), Portugal, Temu, female Dentists and their warmth (patients with bald heads), no Scottish Independence, dental appointment as an excuse, Friday, excuses, excuses excuses, excuses, excuses excuses Mark Warren (?) excuses (sic).”

Also how a certain member’s spouse had been locked out of her car at Signy Centre owing to ignoring the “CHANGE THE BATTERY KEY” for several weeks, and the best ways to solve the problem, after the event.

All too soon it was time to descend and we said our farewells to Richard who was heading down to the Lac de Joux.

We set compass for the north and passed by a herd of cows, unnerving Rocco (who had been very well behaved at lunch!).

After a couple of kilometres we headed off down and right. A sketchy section on our maps showed no path connecting two tracks and the way we wanted to go. Nathan’s simple advice was “wing it”, so we did and it worked fine. Down in the clearly unfrequented Combe à Berger a series of quite remote trails led in 5 or 6 km to the outskirts of L’Isle reached shortly thereafter. Just before the edge of the forest it began to rain heavily and we donned jackets. We had heard the roll of thunder several times on the way down, but it seems back over the Lac de Joux area. The rain stopped after 2 minutes.

Some of the party (not Rocco) were now showing signs of being the worse for wear. Were we missing the digestifs (RS had some but we passed on it after our lunch) ? Last time the descent passed quickly. It had been 16.5km in total and 750m up and down in some heat, happily a bit more shaded in descent. We found salvation at the kiosk next to the château with cokes and ice creams.

On the way home (thanks Mike for driving) the temperature showed 33C on the autoroute. I was home by 6pm.

A long and steady hike but take plenty of water in hot weather, and good rain gear in poor weather…

Hike to Pte de Poêle Chaud 15 Aug 24

Still in the warm August heat, but not quite so hot now, this hike repeated the ascent of the Pointe de Poêle Chaud also made on hikes of 31 Aug 23, 28 May 22, and 2 Nov 2020 with 31 May 2020 (the latter both Swiss section only).

Seven of us appeared at the five star car park at La Givrine on a fine morning, variously Ross, Thatcher, Mervyn, Nathan, RichardW, Andrew and me, and Kobie. I had apologies from quite a number of folk, most seemed genuine. We missed you all.

My plan was to ascend via my “secret” path to the col just right of the Pointe de Fin Château, then ascend the ridge to the PdPC, down to the Col de Porte and ascend to a recent lunch spot near La Barillette.

This ascent has the advantage of having morning shade.

The team about to enter the forest on the Secret Path

It was sad to me to find out that, like Kathy Kirby, the Secret Path was not secret any more. We met a couple coming down and then were overtaken by a sizeable organized and fit-looking hiking group going up. The forest was cool, dank and green.

However we re-overtook that team when they stopped for a rest, and on breaching the col we found another 15 rucksacks stashed under a tree. A second team were clearly out taking in the views on the PdFC. We did not let this unexpected traffic dampen our spirits as we ascended in clear air the ridge to the PdPC, where the sun was warming things up.

One cannot quite make out here the party of 15 on the PdFC behind us, but they were there

We were soon at our goal.

Kobie about to do a stumble turn in the water trough

Our team take in the wonderful views on the PdPC

It was apèro time and Mervyn opened a bottle of chasselas, luxury.. and we took in the views and solved the world’s problems.

Onwards downwards to the Col de Porte where we eschewed the choice of summiting La Dôle again and instead headed down left past the Chalet des Apprentis.

Down at the dip we could see on the left the hardy and brave Bent Tree still showing some greenery.

The Bent Tree in winter, still hanging on (from our GIN SS hike 13 April 2023)

A quick scramble up to the picnic spot that we found on 18 July when we had hiked up from the Barraque a Kuffer, with a fine view to the Dôle ridge and showing stick people in silhouette.

Richard holding off the quiche thief (who won some)

Lunch was most pleasant – as we had the choice of sun or shade, and Richard opened his screw-top bottle of rouge. More world problems were solved and Andrew did some paperwork. Others slept. Kobie filched some quiche.

After an hour or so of lounging in the sun and shade we packed up and headed up over to the Tower of Power (apparanetly a rock group Ross knows about).

We passed by the Barillette Restaurant without stopping for beer (again!) and descended towards the tricky section past Couvaloup de St Cergue and eventually back to the restoration at La Givrine.

Descending in Arcadia, the Pointe de Poêle Chaud is on the left horizon

We were sipping beers and coffee in time to witness a large crash on the tv in the Tour de France Femmes Zwift.

A very pleasant hike, 13.5km and 564m deniv (Nathan may have a different summary). Thanks for the fun and tolerating my hound, who had a great day out too.

PS That night the heavens opened in Coppet, 34 mm of rain in as many minutes.

Bike Ride – Gex, Vesancy and.. 25 July 24

I was recovering from the excess of Fizz the night before, and viewed the prospect of riding my VTT alongside two E-Bikers (Paul and MikeM) and a racing road bike (Bill), with some apprehension, perhaps trepidation. In the event it was not so bad.

Mike is wearing some sort of show-all bra he picked up at Paleo

Nothing had been pre-planned so we elected for the usual bike trail to Gex for coffee. The first stop is usually the water trough at Grilly where we rested and chatted by the clear sparkling water. The bike trail passed pleasantly in the shade and we were soon at Gex.

It was a fine morning, sunny but not hot helped by a cooling soft breeze from the north. Our usual choice for coffee is the Hotel Bellevue in the centre of Gex, but it was still closed for renovation. It was at this point that Mike became involved with a very friendly fellow who was commenting on the e-bikes. Only a bit later did we find that he was a 7th Day Adventist trying for new recruits. We asked him if he knew where we could get coffee, not realising that this sect do not drink it. Indeed he could not provide us with assistance in our plight, albeit he could help in other ways more spiritual. We extricated ourselves and biked a little way up the hill where we could see chairs and table under sunshades next to a courtyard.

We had reached the Crêperie du Jeu de l’Oie at 109 Rue des Terraux, where we could sit outside comfortably in the shade. It’s next to the police station so we did not bother to lock up our bikes. Coffee for 4 supplied with cold water on the side – all for less than Eu10!

Plans were agreed for the rest of the parcour. No lunch but a Bonmont. Happily our bikes were still there and we set off towards Vesancy. I was in the lead, but that was the last I saw of my colleagues.

I stopped near Huttopia and called Mike. He had a bike problem, Paul was helping. Bill had gone the wrong way and down to Divonne. We agreed that they would descend and head home and I carried on to Bonmont.

A Bonmont shot (I have 240 of these from 2020)

Very pleasant ride up Bonmont and then back to Coppet via Borex and Arnex.

I was sorry that I had lost my flock, I’ll try and do better next time.

The others did get home OK (at least Paul and Mike confirmed they did) and Mike wrote this to me later that day :-

“Hi Peter, I’m sorry we dumped you in the middle of nowhere. My bike had a flat tyre. I was able to fill it up a bit with the small emergency pump. But had to stop every 5 minutes to repeat. Made it to Crassier where I was able to fill the tyre up completely in a bike shop. So I had a cunning plan to ride to my bike shop in Nyon and leave it there for repair and service and go home by bus. However they could not give me a rdv until late August. So with still some air in the tyre I went back to Gingins as fast as possible using turbo power. Just made it to tell the tale. Cheers, Mike “

I logged 44km and 560m denivellation.

Wine Tasting 24 July 24

Mervyn hosted. It was a fine evening and he chose Fizz ! It was my initiation into this ancient and honorable section of our club (Terence Gale is writing an official history), and I was wondering what secret ritual would be revealed during the course of the evening. It was but I cannot tell you or I will be struck down with botrytis. I am told that there are no blogs of winetasting, so this is a first (and last?).

Paul, Brian, Stephen, Terence and Mervyn, and me with two late cancellations. There were thus six of us with six bottles and no spittoon….

My glasses (six of them) were XL large, for white wine, so I had got something right. Mervyn had prepared a comprehensive shart of the six unidentified (to him too!) bottles (how this is achieved is a club secret) complete with name and producer, price, shop of origin, grape variety, alcohol%, and tasting notes. By tasting we had to guess which was which and set out our order of preference. It was not easy, and required many repeat sips until the mists cleared, or perhaps thickened.

In the event the individual results of correct identification were 3,3,2,2,1,1 – ie average of 2 correct. I was told that this was a good score for a WT group! I scored 1 but I did pick out the one champagne in the group of six. Most popular was the Crémant de Bourgogne, Louis Bouillot, Nuit St. Georges, Eu9.79 from Carrefour.

Our host produced some delicious accopmanying food. Beryl took two wives to a restaurant locally.

Bottles remained undislosed until a Big Reveal

A fun evening on a warm night with warm company. Thanks to Mervyn for his hospitality and bubbles originality – a first for Fizz apparently. And thanks to all for the fun, and making my initiation so enjoyable.

GIN Hiker – Barillette and round 18 July 2024

Attending – all at Divonne except Rob, Drew and Rodney(who biked up !!)

1.Nathan

2. Mervyn

3. Drew

4. Rob

5. Mark 2rs

6. Mark 2ts

7. Ross

8. Nicolas and Onyx

9. Bill

10. Philip

11. Rodney

12. Peter and Kobie

I had received apologies from several – Peter Strebel in the Engadine, David Colledge and Thatcher – both in Villars, Stephen Long – child minding, Richard Saynor – knocked out by therapy, Peter Drew – clubbing in Berlin, Larry – abroad, Paul – with guests, and I knew others were away, so I was pleasantly surprised when the list grew to 12.

Chapeau first of all to Rodney who biked up. I had done that the day before to check parking, and at over 700m to the Baraque a Kuffer at 1142m on the Barillette Road, I can attest that this is penible.

The following rather useless heart rate map shows our anticlockwise track – the Barillette tower being above the “g” of “green”, lunch under “w” of “watch”

The route – started at the red dot – my watch only turned on at the green.

To cater for the assembled punters this was planned to be not a very challenging hike, 9km and 420m, but in the hot weather I think most found it acceptably sufficient for the day.

We set off from the sign on the road under which we parked the cars and bike:-

It was a warm day – for shorts – but Nathan and Drew were protecting their legs from ticks. I use the hairy dog protection method, sending Kobie first through the jungly trails.

The initial track led us gently upwards to underneath the Rochers de Pierre Lente. Is this slow Peter, or slow stone ? – please advise if you know.

We traversed a scree slope and across to where the path forked steeply upwards in the forest. One member complained that I had not mentioned that there was a vertical section in the hike. In truth it was steep for a while but not impassable and soon the slope eased and we were ambling up through sunlit glades.

It was not long before the Barillette restaurant was encountered. I believed this to be the crux of the whole route, how to get 12 thristy hikers to walk past a terrace of beer without stopping? The sign “COMPLET” helped, and my thinking was that we had enough alcohol in our sacks – sadly I was mistaken.

I urged the team not to linger and we passed on up.

We reached the Barillette Mast and although the views to the alps were a bit hazy, being the top of the hike there was some good cheer :-

We meandered down across to the path that leads to the Col de Porte, and stopped under the shade of a tree on the fresh grass for our lunch:-

It was a pleasant lunch spot. We drank a toast to the health of absent friends, especially Richard, but in veritas there was not a great deal of vino to be had. (Note – for future picnic hike leaders to pre-encourage a little more of the fruit of the vine to be carried and tasted up out in the fresh air). Thanks to those who did supply us though, and to Rob for Scottish fluid and Mark2ts for his hot strong black liquid, Mervyn for milk. Conversation flowed – I can only remember that Mervyn was to be blamed for something… I believe the dogs behaved, but let me know if mine stole your sandwich. We had great views of the Col de Porte and the Dôle ridge.

Time to be off and we traversed down and round through a field of cows – without incident with our hounds, I always prefer a direct approach (and with Kobie not on a leash – so he can run off):-

The journey back down involved wide tracks in the forest, the first of which had been decimated by a huge logging machine, unpleasant. All went well, albeit I somehow lost my dog-chewn straw hat (I’ll try and go back to find it soon).

Just before the cars, there was a choice of steep shortcut down through the forest or a trail to the road and down, each taken by equal numbers, and we all reached the cars within minutes of each other.

These are the good days. May there be many more.

Thanks to all for coming, and to drivers. And for coping with our hounds – I think they behaved pretty well though. Next hike in two weeks.

GIN Lunch 10 July 24 Auberge de Founex

It was a warm and sultry day so it was good to be outside on the terrace at the AdF but under their adjustable sliding roof. In the event after some late cancellations and late additions, some 19 turned out for what turned out to be a very pleasant meal.

	GIN Lunchers
	Auberge de Founex 12 noon
	10.Jul.24

1	Bill Martin
2	Chris Morris
3	Dave Gwilliam
4	David Bridge
5	Gary Vannater
6	Gerry Swart
7	Hubert Pettingell
8	Joe Kutzin
9	Ken Forrester
10	Mark Warren
11	Norman Eatough
12	Paul Sochaczewski
13	Philip Jenkins
14	Peter Taylor
15	Richard Saynor
16	Ross Linsley
17	Trevor Davies
18	Trevor Greenwood
19	Wouter van Ginneken

The Glunch Team

It was good to see some new faces, along with the usual sterling stalwarts.

Starting with some rather nice cool beer, we ploughed through green salads, a choice between pork milanese with pasta or crevettes with rice. I tried to read out the set menu to the team and was roundly chastised by Norman for pronouncing ail as ale and not isle. Wines flowed too, and while some took dessert, most ordered coffee.

Later a brief speech by the organiser covered various things including whether or not the assembled lunchers were Unlucky to not be out on exotic holidays, or on the other hand Lucky to be living here in the Terre Sainte in nice summer weather. Absent friends were recalled, including especially a reference to a note from Alan Baker that had been circulated to all participants that morning. Alan is making good progress getting installed back in Blighty and requests that we visit him, especially if we bring Swiss cheese and wine.

With a final showing of hands for both NL and England adherents, England should win 5-1 tonight based on this GIN supporter poll.

Next GIN lunch – per Richard, Ralph Wares will organise – watch out for his e-mail – in August.

Wouter, Trevor, Paul, Richard and Philip

GIN Bikers to Gilly 27 June 24

We had had some seriously heavy rains but today dawned bright and clear with a good forecast. We were lucky, bright sunny with some cloud and not too hot.

With a number of abstentions (and a late one from Mark2ts who had been collecting from the airport at 3am), we were seven gathered at Everness at 10am. Our esteemed BLeader (SL) was still unready to flex his new knee on his road bike.

Bill, Mervyn, Yvan, e-RichardF, PeterD, e-Paul and me PeterT.

My plan was to re-attempt the ride of 30 May, four weeks previously, when rain diverted us into Mike Muller’s café and taxi-hub, when he drove us to Gilly from Gingins for lunch. This time we would aim to take in hills up to Le Vaud and the fine run down to Gilly for a lunch at 1pm. There would be no need to take in Bonmont with legs as untested as ours’ so early in the season.

Passing Arnex without calling in on our BLeader, we rode steadily up through Borex and across Cheserex golf course and then also passed Mike M’s road in the fine sun. This time Paul was offering a coffee at the M bakery at Givrins – he had lived in this village many moons ago.

PD, Yvan and RF enjoying the caffeine at Givrins

Paul and Bill enjoying some Boost drink, before the hills arrived

It was time to engage in the real meat of the day, the hill above Genolier past the Joy Clinique, and happily there was no big heat in the day as we pulled up the hill towards Le Muid and then to a rest on a welcome bench on a ridge overlooking the valley to Bassins. The winding swoop down into the valley of the Ruisseau de la Combe was as fine as the climb back out up the otherside to Bassins was penible. From there it is only 2km to the top out of the day at Le Vaud at 815m.

Here the ride becomes really pleasant with more long swoops down through to Burtigny and then over the Champs de Montagny to Le Molard with wonderful views out over the Lac, over 300m below. A final run down into Gilly is always a pleasure – when you know that a large beer will be waiting on the terrace.

Awaiting lunch in heaven as Paul explains a point

The beers were disappearing fast as we rehydrated, PD with his party face

The lunch itself was good too. Some choosing roastbeef and chips, others the slow cooked pork. It was not crowded and the service was good.

All too soon it was time to pay the piper and get back out on the road. Normally the route home is uneventful, not quite so this time.

Just before Dullier as we were saying goodbye to Paul who was heading to Nyon for his train back to Geneva, Mervyn pressed hard on his pedals and one came off the crank.

It was indeed commendable that PD was carrying his bike tool enabling Mervyn to be repaired in quick time by Yvan. Mental note – make sure more of us carry bike repair kits. I always carry a first aid kit, but not often kit for my velo.

Paul duly waved us goodbye, and the main team approached L’Asse, noting much Paleo construction. Here in Mervyn’s own words “I was following someone(?) through L’Asse and missed the right turn”. Richard told me that Mervyn had done this on a previous ride, so I was less than very concerned that perhaps his bike had fallen apart again. In the event Yvan and he got home on their own route, possibly through Nyon.

From my house this was a 61.3km ride and 648m denivellation.

As I lay on the lawn at home with Kobie, my legs began to cramp up. I managed to rehydrate without too much problem, I hope others did too, especially Bill with his supper at the Barillette restaurant.

Next ride 11 July; onwards upwards.

Gin Hikers to Carroz Hut

20 June 2024

This was going to be a bit of touch and go. The weather forecast was iffy as well as being uncertain, but then I’m not so sure.. some softness was expected at first and a great deal of softness later.

9 hikers turned out at the parking at Tancouez near St Cergue just after 10 am on the second longest day of the year. Despite the forecast, there were no late withdrawals. My plan was to hike up to the Vermeilley Hut, then to the Carroz Hut and down to La Givrine returning on the little red train to St Cergue.

In no particular order we were :- Mervyn, Ross, Nicholas, Nathan, Marks 2ts and 2rs, Richard F, Peter S and me Peter T, with hounds Onyx and Kobie.

It was spitting with rain at the start but nine (Ok eleven) were mostly smiling :-

Three pairs of shorts, mostly rain hoods up, mostly smiling…

We paid for the parking (I had thought mistakenly that it was free there) and set off. Almost immediatley we entered a field of Alpine meadow flowers untouched by cattle herds – we were transported into Arcadia. With lifted spirits the misty rain seemed to disappear a little.

Upwards and onwards across cow pastures past Les Agozats and into the woods. The Leader was marked down a little for leading the team across/through a wire fence which required some acrobatic efforts to overcome – at least it was not electrified.

PeterS and Mervyn help Mark2ts through the fence.

Once in the woods the rain became less of a factor and we were swiftly up past Mont Roux and into a section on the map marked as Pible à Gaudin. (I looked up “Pible” in Google and Chat GPT – it stumped them). Some gates with large latches followed and we reached a section which the leader had previously forewarned was “a little sketchy”. Encouragement was given to not lose heart, and off we set up into the wilderness, off trail. In fact the worst of it was the wet leaves of the greenery on the less than obvious and rather unused and sketchy path..

We were however soon up then down into Combe Froide, in our case Combe Damp.

Passing a farmer who advised cows were ahead we leashed the hounds and skirted round the electric fence to the Vermeilley Hut at 1320m. This is a nice eatery in winter but in summer it’s just a rather smelly cow hut, and although it was just after midday, it was not a suitable picnic spot. Besides, misty rain was blowing in still.

I must say I was impressed that there was not much of a mutiny when I urged us all on for another hour in search of the Carroz Hut where we might find a more suitable lunchery. After a bit of a tramp up the trans Jura Road we passed the same picnic spot where we had lunched three years before in sunshine, and I recall a bank of snow for the white wine.

15 April 2021 Lunch – we passed this spot again on 20 June 24

We successfully reached the Carroz Hut at 1508m at 1pm or so, finding a work crew there doing remediation inside. Outside there was a choice, either sit at the nice new tables but somewhat exposed to the wind, or squat round the back on a low plank. We nearly all chose the former. Indeed it was breezy, but not too cold and the rain had stopped. Heck even the sun began to make an appearance.

The sun came out and the Alps appeared !

We toasted absent friends with white and red, the dogs had pigs ears, sandwiches were munched in the wind, and finally we were treated to a magnificent view across the Lake to the Alps. These are the good days.

Forecast heavy rain had not materialsed – for once (again..) we were in luck. Realising we needed to get moving to catch the 14.48 train at La Givrine, the party was assembled for the downward trail.

The first half of this section involves a 2km gentle walk down through the most beautiful forests that the Jura have to offer. This area is well worth a visit.

Kobie leads us down through wonderland, La Dôle in the distance

We reached the road that leads to La Genolière (another winter hut for food but just a cowshed in summer) and turned right easily down to the station where we arrived with over 18 minutes to spare.

The train ride back to St Cergue preceded a short stroll back to the cars. Thanks to all who attended and for your forbearance in holding out til 1 pm for the lunch spot at Carroz which did the trick. And to him up there who provided some sun for our picnic. The rain came in later..

I received apologies from 10 or so including Rob, Thatcher, MikeH, MikeM, Rudi, Stephen, Bill, Philip, David and RichardS – I may have missed others. Sadly you all missed a decent hike in fine Jura country and Ok weather. 13.2 Km and 560m (thanks Nathan).

GIN Bikers To Gilly 30 May 2024

The weather forecast was not great, perhaps even ominous. Despite this 3 of us turned out at the Everness at 10 am. It was not actually raining, yet.

Mervyn, Richard F, and me. One E-bike class, two working class. One member was wearing shorts. Also somewhat optimistically I then booked a table at the Auberge in Gilly for 12.30pm and hoped things would work out. As you may read, they did, but not in a way that I could have foreseen.

We set off with the wind behind us, past the International School and God’s Crossing to Arnex. Here our temporary leader (me) could sense the presence of home brew produced by our real Bike Leader, Stephen, recovering with a new knee. I called him up but sadly he was out shopping, and related that he still could not quite get his new knee to play on his VTT. It should not be Long before he is back in the saddle.

So, onwards we ploughed our way up to below Bonmont (we avoided the temptation) and out across towards Genolier. The fields of poppies were almost as good as last year.

The team hopeful of continued good weather, passing the poppy fields

As we were passing Gingins, Richard pointed out that we would be passing Mike Muller’s new house. Richard had been a little concerned, perhaps worried, that he had forgotten to fully charge his bike the previous night and the hills up above Genolier to Bassins and Le Vaud might be pushing it, literally. Cheerfully he suggested that we visit Mike and thus we turned left up a field road and there was Mike himself inviting us in for coffee.

Mike, Richard and Mervyn. Bikers Rest Coffee Stop.

Mike’s and Richard’s wives were reported to be out together hiking in Italy.

We readily accepted the offer for coffee and for a chance to look around Mike and Tineke’s brand new house, set in an idyllic location on the edge of the forest, surrounded by fields and with a fabulous view. Amusingly there were two young and attractive ladies in orange jump suits measuring the specifications of the property for the Plan Cadastral.

Mike explains the lay of the land to Mervyn.

A wonderful, bright and airy house, with a noticeable lack of clutter.

As we supped our coffee it began to rain, heavily. If we carried on biking to Gilly we would be late and wet. Instead we unanimously agreed that a far better plan would be to accept an offer of a lift in Mike’s car, and all four of us could lunch together in Gilly.

Mike duly drove us there with Nessie. We arrived refreshed and enjoyed a convivial and excellent 3 course meal with beers and coffee. I particularly enjoyed seeing the rain falling outside as we were eating. Nessie behaved prefectly, including when on my lap on the drive back to Gingins.

The sky had cleared and while Mike got back to wiring his home (connecting everything to the wi-fi), the three of us enjoyed the bike ride back across the fields (again avoiding the Bonmont temptation) and down to Gods Crossing where Richard turned back up to his home and Mervyn and I pedalled down to Founex and beyond.

A fine and unusual ride which could point the way forward for similar escapes in dodgy weather in the future. 33 km and 300m denivellation. Thanks to Mike for the coffee and the taxi-ride which saved our bacon.