Peter Taylor – Page 5

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.

4 Jan 2024 Snow Shoe Mt Ronds

SSLeader Mark2rs had set up a nice snow shoe hike to begin activities in 2024.

Having set us up he pulled out of the event citing child care duties. Unperturbed 8 punters showed up on time just after 9.30 am at the parking at the Col de La Faucille which was busy being filled up with skiers and others.

Attending : Richard S, Mervyn, Nicolas, Nathan, Mark2ts, Larry, Mike H and Peter T.

The plan was fairly basic – ascent to Grand Mont Rond then traverse back across to Petit Mont Rond and have lunch there, descending on the bubble lift to the Col. (Sadly the Florimont Restaurant did not have space for us, so we would have to make do with the Petit Mond Rond (PMR)).

This sportsplan was indeed followed and achieved, not without some struggle and effort, since the ascent to Mt Rond is 260 metres, the parcours “traverse” back across back to Petit Mont Rond increased our total ascent to 460m. And 6.7 Km.

We set off carrying our snow shoes on our packs, beginning in slightly slushy snow but which soon became cold and perfectly frozen. We emerged from the pleasantly wooded section onto the piste and elected to put on our raquettes, not everyone knew how their kit could be adjusted to fit their boots.

Usual start of season struggles with raquettes

The weather had been grey and cold with slight spindrifting, but there was a hint of sun in the sky. Snow conditions were now excellent and spirits were high. Only one party was ahead of us, an Italian couple whom we met again on the summit, after they stopped at the farm building on the ascent.

Grand Mont Rond up ahead in the sunshine

By the time we had reached the summit ridge the sun had gone and we were left with the murk.

Looking back down from the false GMR, the true GMR is top right in this photo. Nathan arriving.

Somehow the lead raquetter (PT) diverged right at the top away from the true Grand Mont Rond (GMR) and those that followed must have cursed as they descended crusty snow to rhe short rise back up to the true GMR summit.

However it was not long before we reached our true goal where Larry proceeded to extract a bottle of his own-label chasselas from his sack. Sadly he had lost his nuts, they had fallen out, but the wine blessed our summit.

Larry French and Larry French wine (Swiss wine) – he had not yet uncorked it …

Our Italian friends were pleased to be offered some LF wine and we chatted, partly in Italian, partly French. They were from the Dolomites. Richard brought out his famed bottle of many spirits, this time the latest uncrossed-out label was something like “Manzana Ice”, but I only glimpsed it before mentally rejecting the opportunity to taste something new, and potentially hazardous. Richard indeed bagan to feel dizzy after this, I hope that he is fully recoverd.

A descent is necessary to commence the traverse back across to The PMR, which is lower, but the parcours is Nepali-flat, i.e. much up and down. The down sections proved somewhat tricky, especially where the snow had a hard crust, our SSLeader would have found them undoubtedly so. Edging techniques were tested. So were my knees.

Looking towards our goal. It was freezing, but clearly much more balmy below

The skies were clearing – looking back to GMR

The final descent before the rise to PMR

Eventually the final slope to the PMR reared up and no more painful descents were needed. My knees, already in a poor state, had taken a hammering.

Clearing skies as we arrive at the PMR Restaurant, two figures where we had been

We soon were ensconced in the corner table of the PMR restaurant, with the finest views, but were soon to find that the self-service system was at best, mediocre. It took quite some while for all to return and to start their meal, in my case luke warm chicken and relevantly mediocre chips. However Larry enlivened us all with his kind purchase of a bottle of Côtes du Rhone, his second bottle of the day. The level of banter altered accordingly.

The Nepalese contingent in the pink (or red)

We toasted absent friends, in particular Mark2rs. It had been a fine outing. Larry had excelled himself in hiking and in wine. Mark2ts provided us with his strong black, hot coffee. Nicolas generously paid for us all to descend on the bubble back to the cars, saving our knees in the process, and allowing for early baths.

As we prepared to descend the afternoon had become much more pleasant.

Thanks to all for another fun outing.

Snowshoe to Vermeilleys 14 Dec 23

This was the first official Snowshoe outing of the season, but in fact the second, as a SS Tonic had been fitted in last week for a Fondu at La Genolière in fine weather.

The weather today was not of the same high standard as last week, but it had snowed overnight and although forecast to be cloudy, we were blessed by light snow and mild spindrift. In all it was just about worth carrying and then using our snowshoes.

8 racketeers turned out at 10 am at the parking at La Givrine by car, and an unracketed Gintleman turned up by train at 10.05am (the Scottish member).

Attending Mark2ts (driver), RichardS (driver), Mark2rs (SS Leader), Paul, Bill, Larry, Mervyn, Rob and me PeterT.

Rob arrived on time (it’s Switzerland) and off we went up the track. I was a little concerned that my damaged knee would hold out; I had a bandaged support, but in the end it turned out just fine. I had not brought Kobie, partly because of this and because of the likely 2+ hour lunch, but also because Jill had wanted to walk him on easier lower and warmer trails. So we were completely dog free!

Everyone else was in good form. It was good to reconnect with Bill, back from Colorado, and Larry from Canada. There were no other hikers out and about. The weather looked dark and foreboding and it snowed lightly most of the day.

It was a little odd that no-one else had been up the main track after the overnight snow, not even a tracked vehicle taking food to La Genolière. So we had virgin snow. We reached an apèro stop at La Gonolière in good time, with light snow falling, but at one point a half ray sun blessed us as we consumed whisky from RS’s multi-bottle, and red wine. We had not yet used our snowshoes and at this point a majority stopped to put them on.

Apèros level with la Genolière. Notice its flag at half mast (Closed)

A close up – Rob’s first ever (??) whisky and red wine chasers

Lanterns Rouge enjoying the stunning scenery

Looking up the track to the terriers; no snowshoes on yet

Paul, dreaming of warm seas in Indonesia ? Or planning his next book ?

The trail wandered on down and up through the trees that could have been seen in a Schilligers winter display. We chatted away as we went. I stayed near the back conserving my knee just in case; it was a chance to chat to Larry and Mark2rs.

Vermeilleys appeared in the snow as we exited the forest and excitement grew as we entered, our minds firmly on fondu. We had been the first out on the trail and the first guests to arrive – our table was laid out by the bar and the warm log fire. Beers swifly consumed we re-worked the seating plan to allow for three fondu pans to be properly accessed. And it was not long after the carafes of Fendant before three steaming pans of molten cheese arrived. A forestière, a morilles and a traditionelle. We were even given some boiled potatoes to use along with the bread.

The banter and conversation began to flow more freely. After toasting absent friends (especially PeterS who had wanted to come but was busy working, and Philip who has had some health concerns, Nathan having an Oldies lunch in Tannay, Drew tied up, and others away in Blighty and elsewhere).

Mark2rs writes ” In our corner of the table we got onto erudite matters like visions of intense light and after life (?) which gave Larry the opportunity to introduce his hero Yeats who believed in the after life and rebirth from antithetic to the form in the previous life. I think I’ll stay with Scottish Independence!”

Down at the window-end while watching the snow fall outside we discussed inter-alia the Scottish Issue, along with death, life, and the correct way round to hang a toilet roll. I was quietly surprised that we had a few “UNDERS” in our ranks. We also have a few tearaways amongst us. I have since concluded that this is not a major tissue.

Working out the fondu menu, nb – large bison (?) above Rob and Mark

Fendant afore fondu. Just visible behind larry – the log fire.

After the religiueses had been scraped out we opted for our choice of dessert. Cake or apple pie; each dosed with digestif that our host had provided for us (or a potion from our whisky-flasked members).

Loris serving a digestif. Rob with some religiuse

It was all too soon that we called for the bill and settled our debt (nb.no credit cards as no internet connection at this lodge). Time to head out into the snow and fit on our snowshoes (all but Larry and Rob that is).

RS’s shot of the leavers getting kitted out (except Rob and Larry) – snow falling still

The was home is of course easier than the way up, as it is predominantly downhill. It also helped that we had a warm fondu inside us, together with a dose of medication. Hence the trail home seemed to pass swiftly.

Fond farewell – looking back to the Fondu Feast

Reaching the cars, Mark2ts produced his hot strong black coffee which revived us before the drive down. Mark2rs arrived appearing a little under the weather,but he tells me he is recovered (Friday) after some rest.

A great and memorable first non-Tonic SS outing for the season. Looking forward to many more, perhaps with sunshine ! Thanks to Mark2rs for organisising this, and to our drivers.

9.25km and 190m

Peter

PS The next day (Friday 14th) dawned bright and clear, and as I had missed the Tonic the week before, Kobie and I repeated it from Tancouex, in 2.5 hours and without snowshoes (for me), greatly helped by the tracks of a vehicle from close to Cabane Rochefort. Conditions were rather brilliant.. There were many more folk about.