Peter Taylor – Page 4

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.

Australian Cobberdog Rider – not actually Kobie – with thanks to RF and Meta AI – in better weather

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.