Author: Peter Taylor

Thursday 15 September 2022

An earlier hope to mount an attempt on Le Jalouvre was stymied by a poor-ish forecast, so we reverted to a tried and tested ascent in the Jura up to the Barillette. There were a number of members expressing regrets, excuses and some citing recovery from ginjuries, but a magnificent 7 turned out. With the leader (me) not specifying correctly to Andrew the meeting point we set off a little late from Divonne to join Rob at point “888” on the Barillette road in what turned out to be reasonable weather.

Attending : Andrew, Mark2ts, Mervyn, Rob, Peter, Richard S, Stephen.

Shorts were clear winners at 5 to 2 and a spritely crew set out up the trail to the Barillette mast. We made steady progress up the leafy trails that wind up through the forest, gently in the most part but with some steeper sections. Just before the exit from the woods we stopped in a clearing and Mark brought out a flask of strong coffee while Richard touted his not-so-strong-as-his-others, Finnish Lakka.

Thanks to both as we were delivered fresh and with renewed vigour onto the road. Rob inspired us to climb the final 50m to the mast at 1528m where we took in views the Lac Leman.

It was time to descend to make our 12.30 rendezvous at the Restaurant de la Barillette where we entered our old haunt of previous temperance encounters.

We scanned the menu but it was clear that, after some beer, 7 fondus were needed and before that two plates of charcuterie. The preferred wine was Debluy chasselas which helped the liquid cheese slip down rather nicely as we watched the rain pouring down outside.

My recollection of the lunch-time discussion is rather hazy, and without significantly breaching the Gin Oath of Confidentiality (GOC), I seem to recall that Fermat’s Last Theorem stated first in 1637 (for any integer >2 the equation a^n + b^n = c^n has no positive integer solutions) was given a welcome airing; however Mark chose not to explain the 92 page proof established by Andrew Wiles in 1994. (Editors note – I could not find how to type powers properly…).

We toasted absent friends, the King and recently departed Queen, as well as Deborah. Mervyn told us she would have certainly expected him to have attended today.

Other discussions covering such subjects as UK Politics, Scotland, Tunisian food, Ukraine, UK Sterling and dogs shall remain subject of the GOC.

There being no Alpenhorn party on this occasion, after tart and cream desserts, coffee and flask stuff, it was time for the descent back to the cars, passing under the Rochers de Pierre Lente.

The forest trails down through the Jura slope were traversed in some welcome sunshine, and despite some bum-slips on the steeper muddy tracks (at least by me), mostly without incident.

A fine hike in good company with a pretty decent fondu. The rain came along later that day.

I made it 11.9 km and 663m, albeit others might beg to differ.

PS

My recommended podcasts 1. The rest is politics 2. Infinite Monkey Cage 3. New Statesman

Recommended film – 1917 (was on RTS last week).

18 Aug 2022

The earlier forecast for this Thursday was for heavy rain but things changed and in the event we stayed dry and happy. What also changed was the line-up. Mark 2rrs had galvanised 9 punters to brave the elements and savour Frank’s croutes and genepi. In the event only 4 of us turned out – the excuses and apologies of others ranged from genuine to tenuous – but all were forgiven, they were sadly going to miss a treat.

Assembling at the Crozet lift, we spent the Eu 9 for return tickets and set off on the first lift. That is we got into the first bubble and then they started the system up. They turned it off after we got out at the top at Le Fierney.

Mark provided us all with chocolate croissants so we were fired for the gentle hike up to the Col de Crozet.

It was in no time at all that we found ourselves at the Table d’orientation du col de Crozet. And there was no lack of liquor as Richard produced some Lakka, at least that’s what it said on the hand-written label.. It was only 21.5 proof and for a Finnish spirit it had a sweet and fine finish, definitely more refined than the Saynor usual decouvertes.

It was very pleasant in the sun, but the cloud was soon to arrive as we heading across past La Catheline lift (nb others with health issues could have driven to Lelex and ascended this lift and wandered across Frank’s/La Loge).

We headed off in a SW direction traversing the hill but ascending on a path towards Sur le Crêt. The cloud started to envelop us and the going over stones and roots was damp and slippy. There were some fresh smells, welcome after all that heat.

In view of the slippery conditions and with beer in mind, Marks 1 and 2 opted to turn around shortly before the Crêt while Richard and I soldiered/sauntered on up for 10 minutes to the cloud-swept broad ridge.

We did not linger and indeed passed the Marks on the way down to La Loge as the heavens began to spit. Laos the Australian Shepherd was with Frank and Katie who greeted us warmly. Inside it was warm and cosy and I recalled our snow-shoe visit during the pandemic, with tinsel and christmas lights.

We were soon drinking beers and toasting absent friends unlucky not to be with us.

A very pleasant lunch finished off with coffee and Frank’s memorable genepi.

It was all too soon time to leave before we could play any chess. There remained the easy path back to Catheline and thence up to the col before an easy tootle back down to our cabin ride at Le Fierney. We stayed dry, which could not be said of the temperance aspect. May there be many more.

10.27 km and 530m or so. Moderate. To be repeated (again) in winter !

With some members (including me) not at peak fitness, I decided it was not yet time to head to the Alps, and quite a few recalcitrant members were away and/or were providing apologies and a range of stories. So we stuck to the tried and tested Jura and the St Cergue train.

The dawn rose fine with some cloudiness over the hills, at least allowing for relief from previous very hot weather. Storms were forecast for later in the day – we had had a big one the night before – so it was essential to keep to an early finish, albeit this might require some chivying for the 13km and 940m denivellation. We started at Trelex forest parking, necessitating a hike across from the Givrins station to close.

Kobie was obviously so keen to join me that I reversed an earlier decision to leave him at home and along with Mervyn we arrived at 9.20am at the start at the 600m contour and where Marktt, Markrr, Stephen and RichardS were already getting booted up. Thus 6 and a dog set off on time up towards the start of the trail at Les Allévays. This is a straight-up trail with few zigzags and we have ascended it several times before. There are several distinct stages which get progressively steeper until the 1250m level.

We made good progress with an obedient dog and hiking team. Although the temperature was pleasant we did have a Putin stylist.

The forest changes continually – in time and elevation – and we were blessed with some wonderful greenery.

This team needed little encouragement to keep the momentum up and it was at 11.45am that we crested the terrace at the Barillette restaurant at 1432m. Heck – that works out at an ascent of 370m per hour average, including several rest stops for water. Not bad for a group with an average age of 7*+.. Some of us needed to change our shirts.

We toasted absent friends, especially Philip lying in intensive care in Geneva – may he be back with us very soon.

After an excellent mountain restaurant lunch, including home made tart, coffee and digestifs, washed down with fine conversation and banter, it was time to head down to catch a train.

We were very soon back in the trees and passing by Guinfard. Realising we had some time to spare in catching the 3.02pm at St Cergue, Mark2ts produced a flask of coffee, 6 cups, a flask of whisky and some Stanley cups, and we were fêted by a log pile.

Suitably fortified (merçi Mark!) we were soon into St Cergue and across to the station. The train was on time and a restful but amusing 23 minutes later (barking dog (not Kobie) and noisy children) found us spilling out at Givrins where it was hotter, but it was only another 25 minutes and we were back at the cars at 3.50pm.

We had missed the rain – it duly arrived at about 5 pm – and had had a brilliant day out. No Ginjuries, Kobie had behaved and I believe that we all enjoyed the exercise, lunch and company. And the Jura hills are wonderful at this time of year. Thanks to attendees for being so kind to Kobie.

Next hike July 7th, Stephen will lead a circuit at Morgins (on the opposite side of the valley to last year he tells me).

Pleasant weather was forecast for this 7 men and a dog hike up to the Fruitières de Nyon from Genolier and then on to La Givrine, descent to Sus-Châtel on the little red train. Logged on an earlier reconnaissance as 11.8 km and 800m deniv.

Attending Drew (to St Cergue 530m), Mark 2Rs, Mervyn, Rob, Stephen, Thatcher, PeterT (Leader) and Kobie the Cobberdog (Leader’s assistant).

We set off shortly after 10am in sunshine. As this was Ascension day it felt good to be ascending directly from the parking above Genolier over the railway line and up the right bank of the stream called L’Oujon. It had been very dry recently and there was not a lot of water in the stream for Kobie to cool down in.

Steady progress was made upwards in a NW direction. At one point a little black mole was found by Kobie struggling in the path in the dry leaves. Happily Kobie was on the leash and could be pulled away. Others inspected the little fellow but it appeared that we had all packed enough for lunch so we let it be.

Passing up under the train line just below La Chèvrerie we reached the Arzier to St Cergue road after several halts for breath and water.

There was some cloud about so it was not too hot as we crossed the fields and up past a lunch spot of a hike a few years back. On into woods it was soon time to say farewell to Drew at 1125m as he left to traverse across to St Cergue – he made it at exactly 12.30pm – on time for his rendezvous.

The remainder of the peloton turned right and up through pleasant pine forest on a soft bike-track meeting the main trail to the Fruitières de Nyon at 1210m. It was then a pleasant short hike up the the FdN, through a field of cows at the top. Being a holiday the tables at the top (1333m) were full of families barbecuing sausages etc, so we passed through to a lunch spot on a small grassy mound just behind and above the building.

Thatcher was trying out a new medicine – RedBull. While the rest of us tasted some excellent red from Puglia then some Californian cabernet sauvignon. There were large kites circling above us – or were they vultures ?

Finally our Scottish division brought out some rather fine Tobermory. Altogether an excellent picnic among the flowers and grasses with views over the Lake and over to the Alps and Mt Blanc.

There remained an easy hike down across open fields and then forested tracks to La Givrine where we took beers and coffees while waiting for a short while for our train. The ride down was enlivened by meeting up with Rodney Allen a friend of PeterT’s, who had been hiking alone. In future he may also join our group. We were back at the cars at 3.30 or so and home in good time for a well earned siesta.

The leader would like to thank the attendees for being so (apparently) accepting of his faithful hound.

A group of 8 and a large hairy dog had signed up for this ascent of La Dôle via La Pointe de Fin Château and La Pointe de Poêle Chaud. We did not have to wait too Long for all the party to assemble at the parking at Le Coutzet (1160m) above St Cergue, in bright sunshine and promising a warm fine day, and once together we set off after the leader (PeterT) had wished good luck to each attendee. On being questioned why, PT explained that he had not actually reccied the path up the PdFC.

There was a preponderance of shorts (5-3) worn on the legs of the optimistic punters. Attending :- David, Mark2T and Mark2R, Mike, RichardW, Rob, Stephen and PeterT and his Cobberdog Kobie (on a leash all day, gamely held by Stephen most of the way up).

It was not long before we hit the first of the snow patches, nestling in the shady side of the mountain, and soon the path began to fade and the line became a bit sketchy. The trick seemed to be to read the lie of the land and not to attempt too steep a slope. Gradually a forested ridge was ascended reaching a steep snow patch which required a delicate but forceful approach. Kobie led the way and pulled Steve up into the sunshine just below the PdFC.

A nice ridge, not too airy led to the flat top of the Pointe de Fin Château (1556m), followed by a short descent to a hollow where a herd of chamois were sunbathing.

Kobie was held in check and it was not long before we were on the Poêle Chaud (1628m) itself with its Chamois king.

A leisurely descent followed to the Col de Porte (1557m). At this point Mark2rrs mentioned that the next section of path to the left and above the precipice was the most renowned for accidents in the whole of the Jura as we watched children being led up it. As such some of the party elected to take the right hand path to the west and avoid the rubbly precipice risk.

We were soon at the Dôle (1677m) and set up a lunch circle out of the breeze in a grassy hollow. Italian reds seemed to sandwich the Luins, but it was all washed down with some stronger stuff and coffee from M2T. Absent friends missed a nice lunch, and we missed them.

All too soon it was time to be off and we heading south before turning east then north. The descent was a little steep, snowy, damp and muddy and required care and it was a little while before we passed Le Chalet de la Dôle (1439m)

The return to the cars followed the easy path over the col, another snow patch and then the road in the valley below our first two peaks of the day.

A fine second hike of 2022, in great weather and fun company. And even Kobie enjoyed himself. 12km (OK a little further than billed) and 680m. No serious injuries reported.

Next Hike in 2 weeks time (I shall have to miss it).

Six and a dog to St Cergue 14 April 2022

The day dawned bright and clear. Harry called in to apologise. Which left Richard W, Mervyn, Mark 2ts, Philip, Mike and PeterT. And Kobie.

Shorts 3, Breeches 1, Trousers 2.

We assembled at 10.30 at the Trelex woods parking and set off across to and up the Trelex River.

In short order we were up to the level of the Gorge, and the weather being gorgeous and with time to spare we elected to inspect it. Sadly although there was water in the upper river, the top source itself was dry.

Kobie was behaving, because he had mostly to be kept on a leash, and we made good progress as he pulled me up to a short coffee/water stop. The worst bit was to come, rising up steadily in hot sun, then across to the Parapente Seat for a further stop. There were fine views across to Mt Blanc just visible in the haze, and the Haut Cime (heck we did that!), as well as the Jet d’Eau. It was warm.

Mark getting out the Luins

It was at this point that Mark decided to lighten his load by inviting us all to taste the latest chasselas from Luins, which indeed slipped down nicely.

Unfortunately at this point one of the party began to feel a bit feint in the heat with the wine and was swiftly revived with water. We were nearly there so we continued carefully across the cliff top path to the train station at St Cergue where lunch was taken with some suitable red provided by Mervyn.

The afternoon thunderstorm was threatening and so we duly elected to cut the walk short and descend to the valley having had the best of the day and the scenery.

There followed the excellent red train descent down the Jura enjoyed by men and dog (half-price tickets for dogs).

The party split at Genolier with half continuing to Givrins, from which there is a short walk over the river (and another dog paddle) to the cars.

I reckon about 8 km and 573m for the Givrins party, 485m for the Genoliers. A fine first day out with a good way down for those with squeaky knees. Kobie enjoyed it – thanks to each of the party for being his friend.