Peter Taylor – Page 3

Arzier Up and Over 9 May 24

The weather had suddenly turned warm and out of the woodwork crawled the following 12 candidates for the Ascension Day picnic hike starting at Arzier at 10 ish.

Meeting at Divonne 9.30am

Richard S

Mark2rs

Philip

Mervyn

Nathan

Ralph

Mark2ts

Meeting at Arzier at 10am- ish

PeterT (plus Kobie)

Ross (travelling with PT)

RobP

Rudi

Larry

There were apologies from Thatcher, PeterS, MikeM, and others had standing excuses (MikeH in the Med, Stephen in recovery mode, Bill away) etc.

We welcomed Ross on his first hike. Ross lives in Coppet and hails from downunder (Aus). His interests include inter alia : mountaineering/climbing, hiking, motorbikes, guitar and playing the didgeridoo.

In the event only Ralph had braved the start with shorts, some other gintlemen having adaptable kit reverted to shorts later on.

We started up (heck it was Ascension Day) into the forest, steeply at first in the bright sunshine, but gradually the slope eased off and the usual early grumblings subsided.

Larry and Rob effecting an acrobatic stance behind Kobie. L to R, Rudi, Mervyn, M2ts, RichardS, Philip, Larry/Rob/Kobie, M2rs, Ralph, Nathan, Ross.

The weather was indeed warming up and the sun shone through the trees as we reach the Charteuse d’Oujon – the ancient monastery in a clearing in the forest. We said our prayers and passed through the grassy walled sacred place in wonderment, but found we needed to scale the wall to exit.

Once back into the forest we continued up and into a field which we found contained a large herd of sedentary cows. It was not long before the situation changed and the back of our train were being stampeded down the track.

We escaped them and another herd without incident and headed on up towards the Fruitère de Nyon. The perceptive may have picked up that the Leader was (not lost but) wavering between various route options, although after a while it became obvious that we were going to be headed for Givrine rather than La Cure (as in 2021).

As time was passing (we were past the 1 pm lunch hard stop), a direct ascent was chosen to reach the Leader’s chosen lunch spot just down from Cabane Rochefort, the steep trajectory was much appreciated by Larry who was happy to be testing his heart.

Lunch line with Kobie weighing up prospects for treats

Mark2rs chose a hard log, while the remainder were à terre (or at the bar)

We had to guard our lunches from a predator

We were blessed with an excellent array of waiters offering biscuits, crisps, vegetable dips, nuts, wines, coffees, and stonger liquids. Richard’s bottle contained Disaronno (for the record). It was remarked that here was a liquid that started with “dis” and ended with “no”; it tasted excellent. Sadly the view in front of us extended only to Lac Leman, as the Alps were behind white fluffy stuff. Some became sleepy in the warm sun.

At some point in the proceedings we drank a toast to absent friends. Discussions ranged between topics of world concern including independence efforts, to the price of carrots. All of a sudden another Cobberdog from the same breeder (DogKing in Barcelona) appeared, Poppy a miniature 2 year old. Kobie showed little interest as he was making steady progress in finding a way into Larry’s pack to access a remaindered salami sandwich.

Kobie finally gets into Larry’s pack for a salami sandwich, Poppy behind

It was at around 2.20 pm that the Leader realised that we would need to get packed up smartish and out on the trial to catch the 3.48pm train at La Givrine. A short hike up past Cabane Rochefort led to the pleasant forest trail back through a gap in the wall and past La Genolière at some distance. We were a little strung out, but needed to press on to make our train rdv. It was a pleasant walk up through grassy fields and then down the tarmac track to La Givrine (it was not possible to use the forest trails as the summer barbed wire fences were out in force). It was touch and go for the back markers, but we all made it in time and were soon ensconced in the train which took us to Arzier where we waved goodbye to Rob and Rudi who stayed on to descend further.

The sting in the tail was a 75m hike up from the train station to the cars. Altogether 14km and 700m, a little shorter than April 21 where we reached La Givrine, but we had a similar height gain.

PS That evening Kobie went to his basement bed as soon as he had had his foot wash at 5 pm. He reappeared the next morning. No supper needed. Larry’s sandwich (and happily not the plastic lid of his tin of nuts) had topped up all the other treats that he had cajoled from pickniking gintlemen. Thanks to all for the fun, and for putting up with my hound. PT

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Appendix 1 Chartreuse D’Oujon

Chartreuse is first of all the name of a mountain massif, which gave its name to a religious order which was founded there in the 11th century. This order founded monasteries (called Carthusian monasteries) around the world. Many are no longer in operation but the name has remained on the buildings or places. The nuns of this order are also called Chartreuse, a liqueur produced by monks, and other works directly or indirectly related to the history of the religious order.

The Chartreuse Notre-Dame d'Oujon, founded in 1146, located in a clearing in the Jura in the territory of the commune of Arzier-Le Muids in Switzerland, is the oldest chartreuse in this country1. It was abolished in 1537 during the Reformation. Archaeological excavations undertaken in 1945 brought to light the remains of its buildings2.

The Carthusian Order, resulting from the second reform of Benedictine monasticism, was founded in 1084 in the mountainous massif of Chartreuse, above Grenoble in Dauphiné, by Saint Bruno, schoolmaster from Reims and German from Cologne. The founder seeks purity and devotion to God by isolating the monk from the influences of the outside world. Which explains the choice of isolated places to shelter the Carthusian communities. The very architecture of the monastery reflects the ideal of eremitic life of the community which generally has no more than a dozen monks. Each of them spends most of their time in their cell (small house with garden) and the common areas are designed on the model of those of the Benedictines.

The order spreads from the Chartreuse massif towards the north. The slopes of the Jura, then quite inhospitable, are sparsely populated and isolation is one of the qualities sought by the community. However, the site chosen around 1146 is not too far from a fairly important communication route leading to Saint-Cergue. The name Oujon undoubtedly comes from the topography of the place, the Latin word augio meaning “trough”. We do not know the precise date of the consecration of the Notre-Dame church. During its installation and over the centuries, the charterhouse received numerous donations, in particular from Olivier de Mont (Lord of Mont-le-Grand whose ruins of the castle are still visible on the territory of the current commune of Mont-sur-Rolle). The Chartreuse became an important lordship and sometimes came into territorial conflict with its neighbors, such as the lords of Mont and Genolier as well as the abbeys of Bonmont and Saint-Claude.

In 1306, the monastery founded the parish of Arzier.

A fire struck the Chartreuse in 1536, while the Reformation was raging in the country of Vaud under Bernese domination. The Carthusians, in 1537, then asked the Bernese representatives for authorization to rebuild, but this was refused. The last three monks were expelled8, which marked the end of the existence of the Carthusian monastery of Oujon, after four centuries of existence2. The ruins were gradually pillaged by the inhabitants of the region, so that only the foundations and a few walls were unearthed by the first archaeologists in 1945. The following excavations were undertaken in the 1970s. The site is now highlighted and can be visited; it is classified as a Swiss cultural property of national importance9. The furniture discovered during the excavations is preserved by the Nyon historical museum3.

Appendix 2 The Flyer was :-

“The weather is improving and 9 May is Ascension Day, which augurs well for those wishing to ascend.

I am therefore thinking of another start from Arzier, “up and over” and returning by train.

See below – this might be 700m ascent (see below) and 13km, but I remember it being quite gentle. I’ll vary the route from last time, a little, and we could finish at La Givrine if desired (there is a bar there).

The start will be at the parking at What3Words losing.hiding.outsiders or unhappily.rots.vines , in the bend of the road after Arzier just as it turns sharp left towards St Cergue.

At 10 am -ish on Thursday 9 May 24.

Those wishing to meet at Divonne at car pool should do so at 9.30am.

While we could lunch inside somewhere, as the weather forecast seems so good and the other Ascension day hikers will be out and eating at the huts, I propose a picnic. So please bring a picnic etc.

We last did this walk on 15 April 2021 when there was still snow about up there. This time no masks needed, and I now know the train timetable like the back of my hand …

Please advise me by Weds evening if you are coming.

Likely I’ll be taking Kobie, on a leash.

Best foot forward

Peter”

GIN Hikers to Mamac 25 April 24

With the end of the snow-shoe season and our dear Snow-Shoe Leader in Dubai/on his way home from Australia, snow had returned to the Jura with a vengeance. After the daffodil visit two weeks ago, here was the white stuff again..!

Time then to return to Mamac near La Cure for a trifon or three!

12 signed up for this. Richards Saynor and Wiley, Roberts O’Riordan and Pashley, Peters Strebel and Taylor (blogger), Larry, Andrew, Philip, Mark2ts, David, Mervyn. No dogs !

I had advised that snow-shoes would not be necessary, and perhaps in the end this was just the case, but it was close. At one point we almost lost RobP in a drift.

We set off at 10.30 am or so from La Givrine having set our Easypark Apps to pay the arm-and-a-leg at the parking (there were very few others). The initial direction was vaguely towards La Genolière but at the forest we set off up left towards the Pré du Four chalet.

For weeks in the winter this had been just grass

At one point a cattle grid appeared in the road, with a little snow on the bars. Larry decided to show us how to perform a Canadian forward roll after trying to use his sticks in the middle of the grid as he tottered forward. Happily he rolled over onto the far side of the grid with only his pride hurt and a stick down in the grid. Larry “Cattle Grid” French he will be. Philip was about to try to repeat this feat but we managed to dissuade him.

We soon safely reached the Pré du Four (1395m and our high point) where we found a suitable sofa..

It was time for Apèros and Larry had brought a bottle from near Morges (not broken in the Canadian Roll), plus nuts ! And some rosé appeared. And RichardS was still hawking the Poire William of Daffodil hike fame.

As we were enjoying our libations a section of the chalet roof’s covering of snow and ice came loose and careered down on startled drinkers who managed to jump out of the way. Happily not much was spilt. Second safety incident survived.. phew!

Happily there was no rush to get to the restaurant as we had plenty of time, so we gradually reformed and set off downwards to Les Coppettes in thickening snow, that must have drifted.

RobP and Mervyn discussing why we did not have snow shoes

As we descended the snow level reduced and it became quite pleasant. On the right we noticed some eery and snowy shapes, the subject of some conjecture.

Whatever they were, we were allowed safe passage and soon were down at Mamac.

Some impressive cow bells, of which Vermeilleys 2011 was the largest (the 40th birthday of the proprietor)

Beers, wines and trifons duly arrived, with bread and boiled potatoes. A couple of our team went for the healthy option – sausage and lentils.

RobP getting animated – on his special subject …

There was much discussion and banter, dictums and Keats, even Shakespeare quotations. Suffice to say that it will remain in confidence.

RobertO left early to catch a train, while the remnant 11 took coffee and then trundled out in still reasonably bright but cold conditions for the final trek back up to the cars. On the way nobody fell over, for a change.

At the cars. Notice the greener slopes compared to the first photo.

Thanks to Mark for the final coffees !

A fine hike, repeating almost that of 1 February when the Snow-Shoe Team found only grass. 10.5km and 321m.

I must have missed essential events/discussion points/dictums etc. Would participants please add them in leaving their comments.

Daffodil Hike 11 April 2024

This was the start of the hiking season, following the ending of the snow shoe season at the end of March.

Mark2ts had checked out the daffodils a few days earlier (before the snow returned) and had written:-

“Gentlemen,

I will lead the hike next Thursday. It will be from la Givrine to Sonnailley via La Dôle.

Distance 14km, height gain ~700m.

The intent is to see the daffodils at Sonnailley close to being at their best. I’ve tried this hike the last 2 years but been too late each time so we’ve been met with a host of golden dandelions. Hopefully this time will be better. I was there yesterday and they were close to being in full bloom.

I assume this is suitable for dogs. The cows are not yet up there so the fences should not yet be energised. “

This seemed a good promise but at least one member was not a believer and had written :-

“Well, there weren’t any daffodils on the last two occasions so I’m going to pass this time.

Besides. it’s still the ski season and I’ll be in Saas Fee.”

Clearly, while the fences were not energized, neither was the Hiking Group and there must have been a number of other non-believers because only four and a dog signed up. The absentees missed a fabulous outing.

It was cold and windy but sunny as we fiddled with the parking apps at La Givrine (it was over CHF10 per car for 10 am to 4 pm or so). Attending :-

Flower expert – Mark2ts with RichardS, Nathan and Kobie and me (PeterT).

There was now snow in sight as we set off – but this would change as we ascended past Couvaloup (FERMÉ) and up the trails to the upper ski slope. Added to the cold was the wind which rose as we rose. Happily I found that I had at least one glove, whereas Richard (who rarely uses them) had none.

We found ourselves at the foot of the North Face of La Dôle, but it somehow seemed a bit more serious than just that, in the biting wind. This was verging on a snow shoe outing without snow shoes.

We made steady progress up the interminable snow slope, passing a man with his 5 year old grandson, clearly being hardened for higher things. The north wind was cold and strong.

At least the wind seemed to die down a little in the lee of the ridge and the snow was fresh and powdery. Once out onto the summit by the radar dome there was a sudden appearance of grass and a warmer feel.

It was in the partial lee of the wind, by the radar dome, that a bottle of Luins appeared as well as a number of crunchy apèros. The view was spectacular. Somewhere out there a GIN skier was sliding down a mountain instead of having a snifter with us. We drank to the health of Harry who was having a surgical procedure that day.

Now that the hard part was done we were able to relax a bit and we hopped and skipped along the summit path and down the ridge towards the French border (and the location of our famous June 2020 encounter).

As we exited the forest and among the crocuses we looked over the valley to the promised daffodil fields, but from this distance we could see no bright yellow flutterings at all. Just a bit of lighter green.

Looking towards the promised yellow flower fields

It was not long however before we began to have hallucinations – were those indeed the daffodils coming into focus? As we approached the unexpected bunches increased until a full host of golden daffodils enveloped us. We had succeeded on the third attempt, to find the holy golden grail.

We reached the Yellow Hill of the promised land for lunch where we settled down among the bunches.

It was a sunny spot, the wind had died down and the sun was shining and warming us. A pleasant sandwich lunch followed, washed down with white, red and Poire Williams. We raised a glass to the health of absentees, the majority of the hiking group…

Kobie had his own food but that did not stop him attempting to acquire more. Nathan fell asleep at one point. It was a very pleasant lunch spot. As good as it gets. And then Mark brought out his strong, black, unsweetened coffee.

It was after an hour or so of sun soaking that we heaved oursleves onto our feet and set off up the very pleasant trail that led back towards La Givrine. The wooded and stony trail is very pleasant here and with the warm sun and easy slope we enjoyed a pleasant stroll back up and over to Couvaloup. It was here that we could have had a beer or coffee, but it was closed.

We hobbled back down to the vehicles, our backs warmed by the sun. We had toiled through cold wind and snow up to the sunshine, a warming afternoon and had indeed seen the holy grail of the hosts of daffodils.

Indeed about 14km and close to 700m give or take – but Richard reckoned it was 681m. Thanks Mark for a great hike and for providing proof that the yellow wonders do indeed exist around Sonnailleys.

Biking to Maison Blanche

Thursday 4 April 24

With many biking team members proferring reasonable excuses only 3 of us turned out at the Everness on a fine April morning. Mark, Paul and myself. I was struck by the fact that Paul, having e-biked from Geneva, still ported 5 layers of clothing on his upper body, including two padded items.

Team at the start, is that a ski pass on Paul ?

Well I say fine morning, but it was a tad chilly as you can see from the buffs. However the forecast was for a warming trend. Given that there were only a few of us I decided that we should pay tribute to Paul and instead of heading NW, we should head SE towards Paul’s base. Well sort of. We would aim for lunch at Maison Blanche golf course, where Paul is a member.

It was a case then of the woods near Chavanne, crossing the Versoix River and up to Grilly, the train track trail to Gex and a coffee. It was a splendid spring morning, sunny and full of birdsong. The Bar Brasserie Bellevue at Gex is closed for renovation and it was not obvious that there was any coffee to be had so we asked locals. A very friendly fellow (training for the information bureau ?) spent some time helping us find the excellent cafe on the left up in the Rue des Terreaux which goes up to the Marie. I believe this is called Le Flush. It is certainly worth a future visit. Burger du Chef and Frites for Eu 15 looked good.

Paul after a useful coffee. Croziflette was on the lunch menu

I introduced the subject of “dictums” and Paul has subsequently provided me with some useful input for my quest into the various rules of life. I would welcome more from members. The quest continues.

No croissantes were left so there was nothing for it but to head to Maison Blanche up the “bastard” (designated by M2ts) of a hill outside Gex, followed by a leisurely roll across and down to Maison Blanche.

We arrived at 11.40am, 20 minutes too early for lunch so there was time for a beer or two on the sunny terrace. This is the life. A fantastic view out over to Mt Blanc, warm sun, great beer and fine company. Adding to the company was David, a friend of Paul’s, who used to work at Motorola. His two chums Kevin and Stephen (who had recently had a new knee (sic)) came in from their half round and joined us for a convivial lunch inside. The Maison Blanche has a new chef, from Mauritius, and the menu du jour was excellent, BBQ chicken and frites.

We enjoyed some bon conversation/banter and coffees before it was time to leave to roll back down to our respective base camps (in my case reversing the train tracks and the V River crossing). There was one point where Mark took a slightly wrong turn in Gex and I sat waiting for him to struggle back up a hill with large trucks.

More of a lunch with a ride than a ride with lunch, but hey, we got out there.

I recorded 40km and 400m, so not such a doddle perhaps. A most convivial ride and lunch. Maison Blanche is certainly worth a lunch. The terrace and restaurant views are superb, food and beer good, friendly service and prices reasonable.

Winter Wander Cascades du Hérisson

14 March 2024

Mark2rs our WW Leader (formerly Snowshoe) had organised a trip to the Cascades in the Jura. Nothing to do with hedgehogs apparently but more to do with the name of the river – water of the spirit or similar.

“Les cascades du Hérisson, dans le Jura, font partie d’un grand ensemble, « Vallée du Hérisson, Plateau des 7 lacs », inscrit au réseau des Grands sites de France. Faites-y une balade entre deux baignades dans les lacs, notamment le fameux lac de Chalain tout proche !

En toutes saisons, les cascades du Hérisson offrent un spectacle sans cesse renouvelé, au rythme de la nature du Jura. Elles doivent leur existence au « Hérisson », un torrent énergique qui prend sa source au Saut Girard, issu des lacs de Bonlieu et d’Ilay. La nature a façonné cette vallée foisonnante et a créé pas moins de 31 sauts successifs, qui constituent ces fameuses cascades.”

Seven of us turned out. Richard and Phillip drove directly to Llay, while Nathan, David, M2rs, Paul and me all met up at Divonne Lac at 8.30 after struggling through nightmare traffic caused by pile ups on the autoroute in both directions.

Nathan drove us serenely through the morning sunshine through St Cergue, Les Rousses, Morez, Morbier, St Laurent de Grandvaux, Champignol to Llay where we all met up. We were blessed with a wonderful morning of sunshine, it was warm.

Starting at the top we hiked to the bottom for lunch

At the start at the top in Llay in front of the auberge where we ended with refreshments

The hike started gently downward past the first fall on our left, the Saut Girard.

While the first part of this hike was easy, it soon appeared that with a damp and muddy trail in places, it was not so easy on the limestone and tree roots descending. In places we came across steep steps – some with handrails.

We forged our way on down towards the 60m Grand Saut where the scenery became suddenly very dramatic as a canyon opened out.

Pano with M2rs eating a Pain’au, at the Grand Saut

The impressive canyon – large amounts of yellow flowers in the upper slopes

The trail went steeply down after the Grand Saut, at the foot of which some of us double back along the stram path to take the view looking back up.

Very soon after this we came across the top of the final Cascade, l’Éventail.

At this juncture Philip decided that he had better stick to his gradual recovery regime and not descend further. Paul stayed with him and they lunched together before returning back to the top.

The main team traipsed down the sunny trail where it became very warm. The final cascade is indeed majestic. At 65m the l’Éventail forms veil of water across the tumbling bands of rock, a luminous white shroud, almost ghostlike.

We sauntered on down to find a sunny spot for our picnic – at the Gift Shop at the Maison de Cascades which was due to open in “printemps”. Indeed a pleasant spot where we enjoyed some Portuguese red, tequila and some Swiss whisky (sic) with our sandwiches.

A pleasant lunch soaking up the sun and watching the kites

It was time to retrace our steps, upwards and not perhaps natural after a GIN lunch. It was about 290m back up and a little more exertion than normal to the cars. However underfoot going up was a bit easier and it was still pleasantly warm.

Back at Llay we entered the auberge just behind Paul and Philip and enjoyed some recuperative panachées.

Nathan’s car arrived back at Divonne Lac just before Richard’s. A little bemusing as we had noticed that one drives with a lot more gusto than the other. We had proved that from La Cure to Divonne, it is much quicker to route via St Cergue than Col de la Faucille.

A great winter wander, some 9 to 10 km, and 290m to 320m according to instrument. Thanks to drivers Nathan and Richard, and Paul for the restauration.

GIN (First 2024) Bike Ride 7 March 24

Skiers were skiing and others were in Rehab or travelling, others still had reasonable excuses. In the end 3 of us turned out at the Everness on a bright but cold Thursday morn at 10 am. Rudi, Yvan and me.

Earlier I had opened the bike shed for the first time this year to find that the mice had chewed through my old winter mitts. There was evidence of nests in all the open saddle bags..

Rudi had his e-bike (he drove to the Everness), Yvan his Ukrainian 3 gear (mended) special, and me on my ATB. Yvan had a head warmer below his helmet, so did I with a buff. Rudi had his ski helmet on to keep warm, but had forgotten about the need to keep his feet warm and his summer pumps and thin socks could not have been pleasant. It was COLD, even in the sun.

We set off on the usual route stopping as is our habit at the water tank in Grilly, then we set off up the train track.

At Grilly. Rudi had held the impression he was a tall person…

The blossoms were coming out and the primroses wonderously in flower as we sped past, head down into the cold air. Taking the quick turn up and round before Gex, we set off up the road to Vesancy. My legs were beginning to ache on this first outing of the year, but in offset I hoped that the activity was helping my damaged knees.

Stopping just after Vesancy for a breather, we began to face the north wind and it grew colder as the sun disappeared below some cloud hugging the Jura. It was not long however before Bonmont arrived and we warmed up by over exerting our surprised legs up the eternal trail.

We descended in the sun and cold air to La Rippe where Rudi showed us the very pleasant looking house that he had lived in for 27 years (he left 20 years ago), up a quiet cul de sac. His purchasers were still there.

Onwards and upwards over the very pretty back roads before descending to the Lac de Divonne and a coffee at the Armenian Food Truck. Yvan elicited some good service as he conversed with the owner in Russian. Several punters arrived to collect food ordered by phone. We noted that chicken kiev was on the menu.

A fun but cold ride. Good to get this under our belts – for me the first of the year. After I got home I dozed in the sun in our garden room until a severe cramp spasm in my right thigh creased me up in pain. At least my knees felt better for their efforts.

I made it 40 km and 570m. A good start.

GIN Hikers Lunch Founex 28 Feb 24

This annual lunch, the first since 26 Nov 2021, had been planned for Nov/Dec 2023, but for various health and related reasons had to be rescheduled to 2024. Again I chose Founex Tennis Club Restaurant – but maybe next time we shall venture further afield – France perhaps.

17 Gintlemen and 13 better halves attended an increase of 6 from 2021:-

1	Mark2rs	Christine
2	Nicolas
3	Stephen	Kate
4	PeterT	Jill
5	Mark2ts	Lynda
6	Larry	Nicole
7	Paul	Monique
8	Richard	Carol
9	Nathan
10	Rudi	Vibeke
11	Philip	Jackie
12	Ralph	Pat
13	Robert ORiordan (new member)
14	David	Rose
15	Drew	Kate
16	MikeM	Tineke
17	Mervyn

We were all seated on four tables (6,6,8 and 10) and ready to go by 12.15pm and a variety of pre-ordered meals were efficiently served preceded by a small salad. One interesting feature was that the filets de perche (ordered by 13 of us) price had increased from 22 in 2021 to 41 francs. I pointed this out to Ismaël, but he explained that at that time it was a Friday and on that day prices for fish are reduced (currently 24). In the end we managed to get a 10% discount in our bill.

Peter T gave a short speech (perhaps too long according to his partner) welcoming everyone, especially partners who could now be reassured, after reading the Blogs, and seeing us in the flesh – we are not simply a bunch of alcoholics. We really do love hiking in the wonderful hills and countryside nearby – we are so lucky to live here – in Nyon…

He remembered absent friends – sadly missed – especially Rob (working in Guadelopue (or was it Guatemala?)), MikeH (skiing), PeterD (travelling), Thatcher (skiing), Bill (back in Colorado), and Peter Strebel and Rose, out hiking with the UN.

New member Robert has just joined us – he is based in St Cergue. Those now present who were not around at the lunch in 2021 :- Nicolas (sadly Stephanie had a professional (dressed-up) lunch to attend in Geneva), Nathan, MikeM and Tineke, Rudi and Vibeke, Ralph and Pat, and Larry and Monique.

Thanking leaders for leading safely and volunteers for driving, virtual awards were virtually presented to

RichardS for being our spiritual leader with his Bottle of Many Spirits, and

Mark2ts for his reliable Caffeine supply, hot, strong and black no sugar, complete with paper cups.

Also thanked were our vintners with particular mention to Larry for carrying bottles up and down (when not drunk (the bottle not Larry)), along with a cold cooler. Also thanked were the hikers who have so warmly tolerated (seemingly) Peter’s big fluffy dog, Kobie. Kobie loves everyone, as well as hiking and eating. Other dogs have joined us too – Onyx and Nessie as well as Rocco, mostly impeccably behaved.

The virtual prize for the highest attendance in 2023 was shared by Mark2rs and Mervyn with 13, and in 2022 won outright by Stephen again for 13. Larry runs away with our elder-statesman virtual medal.

A Record of the hikes over the past 3 years was circulated for members’ archives or the wpb. (See below). It is visible that we are slightly slowing down, at least as compared with 2021, with 550m average denivellation per hike and average distance 12.8km. In 2022 these were 577m and 12.6km and in 2021 – 730m and 13.8km.

Every year we have completed 17 hikes, max denivellation 1270m in 2021 round Columbey de Gex, and max length 24km in 2022 round Lac de Joux.

PeterT closed with thanking all for coming and said that we all look forward to a safe and happy hiking season in 2024, about to commence. We all wished David good luck with his cataract operation on the 29th and Stephen for his replacement knee operation on 1 March.

The bill was settled amicably at chf50 per person, albeit perhaps not entirely fairly given the range in meal prices (21 to 52) and that some took dessert. Suffice to say that after suggesting this method, PeterT paid the tip and the slight top up needed. It was the quickest and simplest way. Perhaps in future we should check beforehand that this club “tradition” should continue.

The skies were grey and chilly when we spilled out, but I (PeterT) had time for a nice hike in the forest with Kobie.

Rose, Ralph and Pat with Nicole behind talking with Mervyn

Tineke, Stephen, Kate, Vibeke, Rudi and MikeM

Philip, Carol, Jackie, Mark2ts, Lynda and Richard

Robert, Monique, Paul Nicole and Larry, Mark2rs and Christine in the foreground

Until the next Annual Lunch – safe hiking!

GIN Snow Shoe Marchairuz

15 Feb 2024

I had chosen the Marchairuz location ten days before, but had hiked a snow trail there only 2 days before. Then the conditions were really scenic, with snow filled trees and sun and blue sky. Two days later the trees had shed all their white raiment, and some snow had disappeared from the ground. But mostly there was a snow trail to follow and it seemed a suitable pre-lunch amble for our Snow Shoe members.

This was to be a 5 Km hike with 180m denivellation.

Attending were Larry, Mike H and Rocco, Nicolas (without Onyx), Richard S, Paul, Philip, Andrew, Nathan, David, Peter S and me (without Kobie). Sadly Rocco was on his ownsome. Excuses for absence were received from many, some without explanation…

Two decisions were made before we left at 10.15am from the Col. Firstly Philip decided that he wanted to meander solo along the trail N of the col, at his own pace after returning to the fold after surgery. We were a little concerned that he would be alone, but like Adam he was adamant. Secondly, as quite a number of the party had not brought snow shoes (ahem, it was a snow shoe hike!) we opted for boots only, with one or two adding grippers to their soles.

The weather was warmish and cloudy with little wind and gloves were not essential, nor thick jackets. Off we set in the clockwise loop that Kobie and I had done on Tuesday, also not with snow shoes.

It was pleasant going meandering along a snowshoe trail probably set on Monday by a guide – who knew where he was going. It was not deep but in places we went through holes up to our knees. Snow shoes were not really needed however.

After an hour or so of easy going we arrived at Fontaine Valier. Larry had a bottle with no glasses, so the cognoscenti were left to sample ouzo from the Bottle of Many Labels.

Suitably refreshed we turned up right and across the ridge to a parallel trail returning to the col.

Another hour or so of slightly harder uphill tramping brought us back to the col and the Restaurant. Philip was waiting for us – he had enjoyed a pleasant solitary stroll of 3.5km N of the Col.

We had met Larry at this venue almost exactly a year earlier. That time we were in the Stube, this time we had a linen table preapred in the main restaurant.

The food was delicious. Several chose fondu, while others went for the en-croute which was fabulous. Mike thought he had lucked out with piccata Milanese – the dish of the day. The desserts were good too – at least the mousse au chocolate was extremely rich. Beers, wines and coffees washed it all down.

We had drunk the health of absent friends, in particular Stephen. We had discussed much including US politics, poetry, the meaning of French letters etc, rugby and much more, some of which is forgotten and some must remain unwritten.

Needless to say that after such a gargantuan feast, and having done a reasonable stroll in the morning, we all chose to bail out and go home for a siesta.

Thanks to all for a great short day out, almost on snow shoes but not quite. And thanks to Larry for the wine we did not drink, and Richard for the Ouzo. And thanks to drivers too.

The hiking season cannot be far away !

Snow Shoes To Mamac 1 Feb 24

Our SSLeader M2rs had foretold of a lack of snow, no need even to bring snowshoes. What a racquette this climate change has become!

M2rs had written:-

“The weather for Thursday is looking overcast with perhaps a lttle rain but unless the forecast is completely wrong, I have given up trying to find any snow for us to snowshoe on.

So with snowshoeing past in mind, I am proposing a winter wander from the Givrine to Chez Mamac at la Cure for lunch and walk/train back.

Depending on the exact route we take, the distance is about 11 kms (7km plus a further four if we walk back) height difference about 300m.

I’ll be very surprised if we even need to bring our snowshoes but if anyone who has been up there recently thinks differently, please let us know.

Meeting 9h30 Divonne customs car park, 10h00 (or just after for anyone taking the train) at the Givrine.

Please let me know if you’re coming by Wednesday lunchtime so that I can inform the restaurant. “

MikeH and I with Rocco and Kobie arrived at 10am just before Stephen, David, SSL Mark2rs, Richard S and Nathan at the carpark (1205m) and shortly before RichardW and Rob who arrived by train. It was indeed a mild and damp start to February with precipitation forecast for the middle of the day. The winter wander then proceeded up the grassy field in a NW direction before turning NE on the somewhat icy tarmac road. Soon though we were safely off onto grass with even some snow patches.

Route overview – showing almost the snow conditions

We rose steadily passing a wall (some taking it directly) and up to the Pré du Four Cabane/Cowshed at 1395m where we established a table for apèros, rosé and genepi. Sadly no strong black coffee as M2ts was away in Blighty.

Apèros with RS still peddling his excellent genepi

I believe that it was from here that RS established contact with son Tim and his beautiful dog Spencer to fix a rendezvous at Mamac for our lunch. Clearly we had been proceeding slowly because Tim and Spence came out into the mist to meet up with us in the fields.

All of a sudden Tim and Spencer appeared on our left giving impetus and energy to our party, or was it the lure of lunch?

We arrived at 12.30pm or so at Mamac and given a warm welcome with a large table for ten and 3 dogs. As I recall everyone was well behaved except Kobie (I’m working on it…).

It was not long before beers and wines arrived and we raised a toast to absent friends, some of whom had proferred better excuses for absence than others.

Tim (on left) takes a selfie of our table

This was going to be a cheesy affair, the main question being the choice between en-croute or the Triphon fondu. Both were delicious, even the chèvre en-croutes.

Triphon – generally agreed to be brilliant

Kobie training in progress – OK treat-bribery

The salad was good as was the cheese, wine and beer. Tim and Spencer left early to go back to work while the party discussion continued on areas such as the upcoming 6 Nations, diets, the organ recital, Trump, the Middle East, plans for the year ahead, the wonders of the E-Vignette, etc etc.

Finally we paid and were off into the dampness which seemed to have been worse over the lunch but was now abating. We eschewed any notion of catching the train and so tramped down to La Cure and up across the road to the path memorable for RS’s two falls in ten metres, of a few years ago. This time he only fell once, but I balanced out the count by slipping over on the wet group just afterwards.

A very pleasant lunch and an enjoyable wander. Indeed 11km and 300m. Sad about the snow. Gintlemen and dogs reasonably well behaved.

11 Jan 24 Tonic Snowshoe Couvaloup

Mark2rs our SSLeader suggested a Tonic – an inbetween SS event on the alternate Thursday (it could be any interim day in fact). As such no Blog is needed or obligated. I will leave it to the photos. Particpants :- PeterT, RichardS, Larry, Nathan, DavidC, Rob and Mark2R we did some 4.5 kms with a height difference of 90m. (K&PT 8.6km and 400m).

Enjoying the cold but brilliant conditions

Looking back up the route – “Competition” ski run

Perfect conditions while the valley was under the murk.