Londoner, now also Swiss lives in Coppet with Jill and Kobie the Cobberdog. Ex DuPont and Conoco. Also TMcL (before then KPMG London, Manchester and Bristol). FCA and ATII. BSC Physics - Bristol 1973. Ex-President of NGO Norlha (closed down). Likes dogs, mountains, prog rock, bikes, hikes, climbs, swims, skis (x-country - down and uphill), raquetttes. But joints are getting creaky.
Following the outing in January I considered that we needed to ensure we recorded a ride in February. The weather was mild and sunny and the turnout excellent. Mark, Peter D and me on push-bikes and Paul, Nathan and Reinier on E-Bikes. Several apologies were received of a variety of quality of substance – but we missed them all. (As we were now at 50% e-bikes, a record, it seems churlish to retain the e-moniker for those on e bikes). In the event it seemed to work well with the party managing to hold pretty well together.
Reinier, Paul, PeterD, Nathan and Markand me PeterT
Photos at the Everness start – 10.30am so not too early.
As many of us had not been out on our bikes for weeks/months, this was going to have to be a fairly easy ride, albeit we had little time to stop for coffee as lunch at Founex Tennis Club at 12.30 had been booked.
So we set off through the Bois de Ports, across the bridge over the Versoix River and up to Grilly to the bike trail which we followed to Gex. The usual road up to Vesancy was taken at a gallop (I think I recorded 134 seconds at over 147 bpm on the hill). No time for coffee so we carried on in the sunshine down through St Gix and the track at the Jura foot (the hills looked magnificent in the sunshine with mist on the tops). It was hard but I turned right to avoid a Bonmont and we descended to Tranchepied from the Creux de Chène, down to Borex and then Arnex-sur-Nyon (almost stopping at Stephen’s (where was our leader ?)) before turning back for Founex where we arrived on time at the Tennis Club.
Nathan turned off just before the Club as he had an appointment, but the remaining five enjoyed an excellent lunch (salads and saucisse and tagliatelle) courtesy of Ismael and his team. The beers were excellent too – it was good to relax after a first ride in the sunny (spring?) weather. There was much talk about watches after the recent Patek-Philippe visit. Time for coffee then off home for a siesta.
I recorded 36 km and 422m from my home. Thanks to all for a fine short outing.
The forecast for this hike had been coming down the pike a week before showing snow and cloud. In the event the snow held off (apart from some flurries while we were in have lunch) and excellent conditions for raquettes prevailed.
Ten GIN punters and two dogs started out from the parking at St Cergue Tancouez (Alt 1050m). Rob, Richard, Mervyn, Stephen, David, Mark2rs, Nicolas, Nathan, Larry (welcome to GINs Larry !) and me (Peter) and dogs Onyx and Kobie. Our first task was to work out how to pay for the parking using various apps or coins; these new meters and parking apps are wondrous things…
We set off across and up past Les Mouilles and into the dark pine woods. We were soon out into the wide open fields (see photo)
Looking back in the open fields with Mt Blanc visible
It was not long after this that Larry found that his snow-shoe technique was found wanting and he took them off for the rest of the hike. He coped admirably with the conditions thereafter in his Canadian snow boots. Even more amazing given that he turned out to be the most senior member of our party, by a good stretch.
Off up through the deep snowy forest and along the well-pounded snow trail up to the Fruitières de Nyon. There were super views across to the sunlit Alps but we were covered by the cloud all day and I do not recall a ray of sunlight until we got back down to the plain at the end of the day.
Richard, Stephen and Nathan close to the FdN
It was time to revive flagging spirits and bodies with some vino and Epicuro and Reisling became evident. Richard’s genepi was kept back for the upcoming fondu.
The wind was a bit chilly so we upped and left in the direction of Cabane Rochefort which we passed by just above and to the right of us. We were soon at the high point where the P team of 7 set off down Peter’s secret trail through deep snow forest. Rob led the R team of 3 down to the large tracks that traverse the Jura.
The P Team in the forestDogs generally keeping to the trail – the powder was deepRichard and Kobie in the deep woodsOnyx, Richard and Kobie far out on the trailLooking back by Richard
This very beautiful trail led us down eventually to an open valley some 60 metres below La Genolière – so it was necessary to hoof up a steep slope to gain the lunch cabane.
Richard and Stephen and dogs head up the final slopeLooking back down the slope just before La Genolière lunch spot .
On arrival at La Genolière (my regular Jura eatery), the resident and normally docile hound Moos proceeded to tear into Onyx, but diplomatic relations were soon re-established with Kobie’s help.
Fondu !8 fondus and 2 croutesKobie generally behaving
Once inside we were welcomed by the friendly staff and several other guests on the other tables. Warmth from the wood fire was welcome and we were soon into beers and apero platters of cheese and meats. It was a convivial and happy crew that tucked into the croutes and fondus. Larry began to identify us by our names and at one point Nicolas almost lost a lot of money in a bet with Larry about some obscure literary factoid (Larry read classics at the Sorbonne so don’t enter into any monetary argument with him about classics). There was some poetic discussion, nothing about Scottish independence, future events were aired, I think we all felt that it was just good to be alive. The fondu was warm and delicious, helped in no uncertain measure by the occasional pre-dunking of bread in genepi, as well as the fine chasselas (who’d have thought we’d be sitting here today drinking Chateau de Chasselas (Monty Python Hard Times sketch)).
See:-
or with John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson
Beer and wine – both good
All too soon it was time to go, but because the clock on the wall was running 8 minutes late, I misjudged the timing for the train and at 2.30pm it was too late : instead of being able to get the 2.50pm train at Givrine we would have to get the 3.50pm. No matter, we had time to wander and while the R team headed back down the main drag, the P team with dogs headed off into the woods again on deep powdery white stuff. A most pleasant and uneventful descent to La Givrine, at one point pivoting over a low wall.
The good news though was that we had time for a coffee (a real coffee) at the restaurant at La Givrine with plenty of time before the train. The chef there loves dogs so we were warmly welcomed in. And the apple tart was good too.
Suitably revived we joined the crowds of school children and others on the platform at La Givrine and bundled into the back carriage when the train arrived exactly on time. From St Cergue it was a short walk back to our cars at Tancouez.
We covered 10km and about 450m deniv (variable according to monitoring kit). My thanks to all for a very enjoyable outing and for giving Kobie hugs and encouragement. As I typed he is fast asleep on the sofa – knackered.
A bright and sunny day for a dog hike up above Divonne. Nicolas and Onyx, Mike (Muller) and Nessie, Mike’s Canadian friend Peter, me and Kobie.
We met up in the car park by the old gare in Divonne. Peter introduced himself and Kobie plastered the front of his nice light-coloured jeans with French mud.
Introductions over we headed off up past the casino and golf course to the icy woodland trail of Mt Mussy. Onyx proceeded to disappear into the forest for something over 20 minutes and a search plan was made. We whistled and made loud noises. In the event he reappeared with a relieved Nicolas as we reassembled at the upper parking.
On up across to the sunny summit area with fabulous views out across the Lac and across to the Jura. Dogs seemed to be behaving, so were the GINs. A pleasant walk round the hill and back along the long level trail chatting all the while, and not only the dogs.
We descended the icy path above the old Vieux-Bois restaurant and I was impressed by the ice dancing exhibited by our members, with no sticks or raquettes. This time Kobie went AWOL for 10 minutes, so Nicolas was relieved that it wasn’t just Onyx who went straying. Nessie was on top form, but then she was on the long line Mike uses to trip people up with.
Back across the Grand Source and a dip for the thirsty dogs.
fine walk in tricky conditions enjoyed by men and dogs. 7km and 300m deniv.
Despite some concerns over a possible lack of snow the previous week it became clear that not only would there be an abundance of the white stuff, but that the gods would be in our favour with the forecast of blue sky for this outing. As it turned out the ten of us spent a special day of good exercise, beautiful snow conditions and good company.
Dawn was forecast to come in at -12 degrees Celsius, although it rose to – 8 degrees when we met up at the Col, so without too much persuasion we met up in the restaurant for coffee and hot chocolate. Noticeably absent were two dogs, Kobie and Nessie, but given the very cold conditions it was certainly for the best. It was good to see Coco the lunatic parrot again on his perch in the bar.
Ten of us with appropriate thermals enjoyed the trek. Peter T, Richard S, Mervyn P, Stephen L, David C, Mark2T, Nathan F, Mark2R, Mike M and myself (Rob (Ed. PT)).
The original plan was to trek as far along the route to Mont Tendre as the conditions would allow and return by the same trail eating our picnic lunch along the way. But mutiny was in the cold air. The prospect of a nice lunch in the warm restaurant at the Col was too much to miss, so with a lot of persuasion (truth be told, very little!), I was forced by a majority decision to change the itinerary to take the outward trip for an hour and a half to return in time for a lunch. A table for ten was booked.
Starting out after coffeesJust like Schilligers at ChristmasOur SS Uber-Leader does not need glovesMike takes a breakCabane du Grand Cunay visible on the far hill, our high point
The snowshoeing was excellent, the piste was well marked in deep and crisp snow and the trees stood out wonderfully.
Looking back from GCdC HillPano with Lac Leman glistening on the leftHigh point Richard feeling chilly ?
We reached the Cabane du Grand Cunay after a few “pechs”*, a few more for some of us, where unexpectedly there appeared cups and a fine Chasselas followed by some excellent homemade gluhwein. A nice break with fine views after 3.3k and 200m of ascent.
Mervyn dispenses his vin chaudStephen cruises downStephen cruises upand up and upLooking backMarking the snow In his element – Snow Master SaynorOur leader leading from the middleCold when the sun goes in
Downhill all the way, despite the few uphill bits, back to the warm welcoming restaurant where it was fondu all round, with some dipping genepi for the bread that went down well, and our usual coffee and Celtic water.
One good thing happened (at least). A friendly looking fellow from the table behind us came over and introduced himself. Larry French, lives part-time in Canada, part-time in Morges (December to mid-March and mid-April to July). He had been cross country skiing up to Marchairuz. Larry has now joined GINs and will be on the next snow shoe outing. Larry is currently the editor of the newsletter “the Grand Parents for the Climate Europe”. Welcome Larry!
Mike with a religieuse lookTemperance lunchCoco is behind RobStephen religieusely diggingLooking and feeling happySaddling up – er – how does it work now ?Round 2 – still cold…Snow paradiseAs good as it gets
Glowing and drowsy from the fondu, 9 of us set off for the second half of the day for an equally nice round trip short trek of 2.5 km with 70 m of ascent on the southwestern side of the col. Quite a few more peching* was heard, but it was well worth it. Only one of us manged to fall and loose his left snowshoe, but with the heroic aid of Mervyn all was recovered without loss.
Nathan was smiling
A great day with great company.
Down but not out. Granin* perhaps ? Where was his pingle* ?
*Peching – “At last wi’ great peching an’ granin we gat with a pingle” 1754 Robert Forbes (Scots). Loosely translated as at last with lots of heavy breathing and grinding we made it with our sticks.
Rob
(NB I recorded a total of 8.7km and 346m deniv – ie. there was indeed some uphill on the way back in the morning (Pétros (Ed.)))
The second snowshoe outing of the season was aptly described as a winter wander with no one even dreaming that there might be snow. Ten of us (Robert Pashley, Richard Saynor, Mervyn Powell, Nicolas Ulmer, Peter Taylor, Mark Watts, Mark Warren, Mike Hempstead, Paul Sochaczewski and Mike Muller) and three dogs (Kobie, Onyx and Nessie) consequently met at the parking in the Place de la Gare, Divonne les Bains from where we set off on foot for the Mont Mussy.
The trail was straight forward and we overtook the jeudistes ladies from CERN at the Grande Source (and it was Grande with all the rain we’ve been having). The Mont Mussy (704m) is well known to most of us and no leading was required. We ascended the path now covered in damp leaves to the Ferme de Mont Mussy, which sadly has been closed as a restaurant for several years, and on through the woods to the summit of Mont Mourex at at 755m. The gods were kind to us as we had a blue sky with some cloud instead of the forecast rain. The views whether Jura or Alps were good but misty. All this augured well for a typical GIN pause with suitable beverages served with thanks to those who brought them. Entertainment was assured with the usual high intellectual conversation and the dogs chasing each other around the monolith.
On Mont Mourex with Nessie and KobieAnd OnyxAnd PetrosSome dubiosity of spirit..
With about 45 minutes to go before our restaurant reservation, we took a short cut through some thorny bushes to a main path which confounded some who turned left on it instead of right. Thereafter the group were error free and we walked fast on the well-trodden path to the restaurant, the Accord Parfait. Everyone took the menu du jour and the only complaint was that a better wine should have been chosen.
Rob and MarkMike, Mervyn, Nicolas, Mike and RichardAnd paulAnd Peter and Mark
There were two options for the return to the carpark – five took the direct route via the Grande Source and five the longer route by the golf course. On arrival, the Scottish fluid was produced and enjoyed.
Thanks everyone – a most enjoyable day out. Various options are being considered for the next outing on 19 January depending on…snow.
The weather dawned sunny and cold, perfect conditions for a last of 2022 season hike from La Givrine clockwise to Cabane du Carroz, and La Genolière. I had undertaken this hike the Friday before, in cold and freezing frost conditions. More snow had fallen since and the freezing frost had gone, but it was to be below zero out of the sun all day.
In the event 7 other brave Gintlemen signed up and turned out on time at La Givrine’s large newly surfaced parking area at 1207m. Attending were Stephen, Rob, Nathan, Andrew, Mark2ts, Philip, Mervyn and me, with Kobie as token protection from wolves (…).
The Route (roughly) was 9.7 km and 370m denivellation
Spirits were high. It was good to have Rob back with us again after a hiatus, but we missed other stalwarts who had various levels of excuses. Kobie was barking with excitement to start and off we went under the rail tunnel and up to the NW in bright sunshine on green grass.
We had dressed for the cold (especially Nathan with his Canadian fur hat (in which Kobie took an interest later on)) but it was initially warm upward going, until we turned NE into a chilly combe.
Rob still needed no hat, but we all needed gloves
We gradually ascended into the light and into greener pastures, with fine views back to La Dôle.
Up into the light
Turning right up the summit slopes we met deeper snow, but nothing that needed a racquette.
Perfect snow conditions for a Cobberdog
It was not long before we arrived at a sudden right turn to the SAC hut the Cabane du Carroz Jura at 1508m, its terrace giving a fine view out to the alps with the Haut Cime and Matterhorn clearly visible. It was time (11.30 am) for coffee/wine/malt/schnapps or whatever your fancy standing in the sun – with thanks to providers.
Coffee stop – Nathan out of the picture to the right organising for his charity taxi efforts.
Kobie was behaving as was the party itself, and I can recall nothing occurring that could be described as untoward or mutinous. A very pleasant way mark on our route.
After we had replenished our tanks it was time to move on down the snowy trail through beautiful forest down to the road leading to La Genolière for our pre booked table for lunch. The hut dog Mousse was delighted to meet Kobie again (the third time in a week). It was so warm in the sun that we were able to order beers sitting outside in the sun, there being very few other diners that day despite the sunny weather.
Aperos outside at La Genolière
Our orders placed we decided that the log fire inside was needed to keep warm and enjoy the croute fromages and röstis we had ordered from the friendly lady I had met twice before recently. In fact Kobie had met Mousse in the winters of 2020 and 2021 and they enjoyed friendly romps in the snow.
Those Croutes disappeared entirely in good time.Selfie – no – I’m not wearing underpants on my head..Non selfie – note Kobie by the log fire
There was much lively discussion and we toasted absent friends. Scottish independence was back on the agenda as Rob was back, and it was a very convivial and lively lunch. Nathan informed us that he is looking for drivers to help his charity take old folk to appointments etc (please email Nathan directly). After desserts, coffees and digestifs it was time to amble back down through the snowy fields and forest to the cars at La Givrine with sun still in the sky albeit increasing cloud cover. A great day out enjoyed by gintlemen and dog in full measure.
The night saw the arrival of bad weather and a snow storm with a white mushy layer in my garden in the morning under falling snow. Handing over to Mark Warren now for the Snow-Shoe season must surely be starting.
I shall post a summary of 2022 hikes in due course. Thanks to all for being so accommodating of my big gentle hound. He loves you all.
The weather forecast seemed not unreasonable with clearing skies for this Thanksgiving hike. The question was – it was cloudy and threatening light rain – were we a little too early for the sun ?
Eight brave Gintlemen and two dogs turned out, eventually meeting up at the Parcours-vita parking (at 600m) on the Rte de St Cergue above Trelex at 9.45am. At least it was not actually raining. Attending were 8, Nathan, David, Stephen, Mark2ts, Nicolas, Rudi, Mervyn and me; hounds Kobie and Onyx. We had packed a picnic to allow for a promised return to our firesides by 3.30 pm, this timing would be helped also by a descent on the train from St Cergue to Givrins.
It was particularly good to see Rudi back in our ranks. Sad that Philip was not quite fit enough, others had good excuses. We set off in good spirit, the dogs were behaving, and so were the gintlemen with neither side having a full dip in the initial lake in the Bois de Ban. Underfoot was damp, perhaps wet at times, with fallen leaves aplenty, so we had to be careful to watch our footing all day.
Mervyn, Mark, Rudi, Stephen, David, Nicolas, Nathan – by the lakeKobie camouflaged by the foliageBois de Trélex
Steady progress was made up through the woods lit up in orange and yellow, the final leaves of the year. We descended some 60m down to cross the bridge over the stream (called La Colline – I have always called it the Trelex River). Turning left the path steepens up to the level of the track that leads to the gorge that lies below St Cergue. A pleasantly level track allowed for chats and banter as the dogs hunted about left and right.
By the La Colline Towards the GorgeHappy HikersComing back out of the GorgeLooking back to towards the Gorge
Near to where the gorge ends and the path turns back up right, there is a source – a little cave from which water emerges from under the Jura – but it was dry on the day. We were soon trending back out of the gorge and then up left towards the Parapente Seat (at 980m). Nicolas asked me who I thought were the greatest rock groups of all time, so the time passed quickly for me. I don’t think I would have chosen The Who though.
Just before the Seat below the parapente field, I slipped on a wet slanting rock and almost knocked Mervyn over. This happily was the only slip of the day. No damage done. Views from this seat are normally amazing, today less so as there were clouds on the Jura tops and over the alps. But we could see the Jet d’Eau.
Dogs were now put on leashes as chamois frequent the cliffs hereabouts and the path traverses above some steep and loose drops. Drops of light rain had begun and we had donned waterproofs, but there was still a hint of sun in the sky. Just after the Pilar Chinois (a bolted sport route on the limestone cliffs below the railway) the steps lead up to a picnic area with two benches just big enough for the 8 of us to sit, nicely dried by Nicolas with a towel (nb memo to self to pack a towel in wet weather).
Picnic with hounds – very light rainAnd then the sun came out, as ordered.
While we were enjoying out picnic the light rain turned to sunshine ! With no Richard we were without strong liquor, but some pleasant reds from Italy/Puglia and Monastrell/Spain were in the offing. At least one spare bottle remained unopened. Kobie and Onyx were not forgotten either (re food not wine that is). Mark came round with his usual excellent hot, strong, black fluid and paper cups.
Checking the watch it was likely that we would make the 1.32 pm train from St Cergue as it was only a short stroll across to the station. It was here that we had the Problem. Several members attempted to acquire tickets from the machine – most of us used the SBB app on our phones. The train came in from La Cure, we all boarded and the doors suddenly closed and the train left. Wait a minute – there were only 7 Gintlemen and two dogs settled comfortably. Where is Nathan? Oh no! He had missed the train, he had been waiting to obtain a ticket from the machine and was last in line. The train did seem to leave all of a sudden, with no audible warning, and none from Nathan either. I did sort-of feel responsible, but I had a big dog to look after and sometimes leading Gintlemen is a bit like herding cats.
We sent Nathan messages with the intention to meet him at the coffee shop in Givrins (of biking fame). The train ride provided some fabulous views out over to the alps. The sun had come out in full and we enjoyed some pleasant caffeine in Givrins while waiting. Rudi stayed on the train to be picked up by his chauffeuse in Trelex. He had cruised the hike just fine. Nathan showed up 30 minutes later seemingly none the worse for wear, bearing no obvious grudges.
Coffee in the sun at GivrinsOnyx – A* for behaviourKobie – almost an A* too
There remained the short stroll back down across the Trelex River and up into the forest back across to the cars. A pleasant hike, and one that apart from one incident, turned out just as I had hoped (sorry Nathan). We even got back on time! I clocked 8.7km and 606m denivellation. The dogs had a fine time too and behaved well (imho). Thanks to all for the great company and fine wines.
The route – Starting at the Green marker – ignore the green line. The train ride is not shown.
The weather forecast for several days had showed rain on the Thursday afternoon, and it was not wrong. The forecast was for sub 10C temperatures in cloud but little wind. Somewhat alarmingly 3 of the 6 starters turned out in shorts for this ride. Quel insouciance.. Anyway we set off at 10 am from the Evenness. Stephen, Mervyn, E-Reinier, Ivan, Mark and me.
My plan was to lunch at the Founex Tennis Club so that I could roll back down afterwards to my home in 3 minutes rain or no rain. Thus a route up heart-attack hill (Mourex) and across the wonderful woods including Mt Musey and round and back to Mourex then down was mooted and accepted by the party.
The weak sun was soon to disappear but there was a sense of optimism, there was little wind, and the run through the forest then up over the Versoix River to Grilly is always pleasant. Not quite so the hill after the short transit on the bike path. That hill to Mourex is Peter Drew’s favourite, but I cannot see why, as it is steep and not short. My heart went up to stratospheric levels just plodding up. Reinier surged past us with ease.
At the top we regrouped. My plan now diverged from our normal route (down and across to Vesancy) and turned up right to the parking before the open area of Mt Mourex. Trending right along the VTT trail which with a dog and good boots is a nice stroll, is a bit more of a challenge for bikes. Indeed the next 5 K was a little out of our ordinary fare.
There was layer of fallen leaves, albeit dry, hiding roots and stones and slippy stuff generally.
Reinier tackles a tricky descent in the forest of Mt Musey/Mourex
We survived and turned sharp left above the parking (above Divonne) to head up the main trail to Mt Musey and back to Mt Mourex. Some way up this trail Stephen and I waited for the others, then he went back to find them all. Ivan, Mervyn and Mark arrived, but not Reinier nor Stephen. Mervyn told us that Reinier had received a call to attend his doctor and had descended. (We have heard since that he survived). Eventually S returned having not found R, and we regrouped.
Stephen was pleased – after 4 years he had found that his bike had front suspension. Ivan was pleased – his new bike was 21st century and had low gears. Mervyn and Mark seemed pleased too; they had stayed upright on their less than VTTs and had cruised the bumps. I was pleased – nobody fell.
Fabulous views, across to a brooding Mt Blanc resplendent in new snow but under a menacing blue hue, welcomed us at Mt Mourex. This view stretches across the lower Rhone basin below Geneva, with the Jura chain on the right and Lac Leman and the Alps on the left, and is recommended for a fine day.
In view of the time and the weather forecast we opted to return the same way down to the valley, before a slightly different route back through Commugny led to the Founex Tennis Club. The restaurant was quiet, service friendly, the beers excellent as was the food.
Conversation at lunch was wide and varied (a new PM in the UK since our last ride was noted) and I recall we discussed cooking and coffee preparation as well as getting an update on Ivan’s Ukraine experience with the ongoing war. Much suffering. We are so lucky.
The rain came heavy and cold shortly after I got home, bang on the forecast time. I lit our fire and took a hot shower.
Only 27 km but 460 m – and some wonderful forest trails.
In the forest – wonderful fall coloursNotice – shorts At Founex Tennis Club after a nice lunchDisconcerting that the Heart Attack Hill up to the Loop above Grilly shows the descent heart rate Green, going up it must have been Purple. Founex Tennis Club marked.
This had been billed as a 12km and 600m hike. However the forecast was for rain and the temperature had dropped, so after 6 of us plus dog met up at pte 971m in the Rte 7 above Bassins, we elected to change the hike to include the Refuge Les Pralets, which on the internet indicated to me that it would be open. That meant a changed start driving up to pte 1128m (by the i) on the same road. This would allow us to access Les Pralets for lunch.
So at 10.15am the team reassembled. Here was Stephen fresh from his ascent of the Barillette by bike in a snowstorm two days earlier (for which he is sure to win the GIN 2022 MOTY award), Andrew looking fit and fresh from Geneva, Mark2ts who had driven up alone as Lorna (Doone) had tested positive (he looked fresh), Mark2rs fresh from his Singapore sling adventure, RichardS not fresh from his London conference planning and me somewhat fresh back from Latvia with my faithful Cobberdog Kobie (from Coppet) looking forward to fresh air.
It was indeed fresh. With zero degrees at La Dôle and 7C at St Cergue, rain forecast and lowish cloud, no shorts were on display. Instead gloves, hats and warm clothing with rain gear was evident. We set off westerly and then NW along the green trail (shown) towards Les Pralets hoping it would be open as advertised. The rain had not yet started and spirits were reasonable.
Heading towards Les Pralets – still dry but a little chilly at 1250m
In order to revivify the party Mark2ts established a coffee stop under a tree, light rain was starting and as always he generously emptied his flask into cups provided. Seizing the moment, RichardS extracted his dreaded re-usable plastic Johnny Walker whisky bottle with who-knows-really-whats-inside.
Pedlar seen on the trail
The label read Slivovitch, but in reality he admitted that there was a mixture of sorts inside. It certainly went down well with the black coffee (there being no Mervyn with us to provide us with milk).
Kobie was on his best behaviour
Suitably fortified and with a sure belief that we would find a warm welcome at Les Pralets we continued on up the fairly easy trail through woods and across a field with some big hairy beasts that Kobie avoided.
Non standard beasties (photo RS)
Arriving at our targeted lunch spot before noon, we were sadly disappointed to find that Les Pralets was closed, locked with no-one in sight. With light rain falling but nobody around, there was nothing to stop us disobeying the “NO PICNIC” sign and using the tables under the eaves for our repas.
NO PICNICPICNICRed from Italy and France was on offerAndrew nearly loses it
It was another very convivial affair with some seriously good looking sandwiches on display that swiftly disappeared, some almost into Kobie. The Oath (GOC) prohibits the recording here of any details of our lunch discussion but there were reports back of recent travels, a joke about a zebra going to heaven, and some banter about the “new” UK government’s stellar start, Liz and Kamikwaze and much other amusing chat such that there was no need for recourse to RS’s Johnny Walker bottle. We toasted with our wine, to absent friends and to Deborah’s memory.
Kobie scored reasonably on behaviour. Some initial jumping up to greet people (to be worked on). No sandwiches stolen, and no getting lost in the forest.
Light rain had come and gone as had a large herd of cattle (the normal Jura variety), and it was time to go. The rain came back so Kobie was kitted out in his winter waterproof jacket (heck it is still September!).
Kobie displaying winter fashionLeaving Les Pralets
The route back followed the small tarmac road until a left turn could be made uphill to Le Planet (green trail on the map above). From this high point a pleasant trail leads down to an expansive viewpoint above a small escarpment.
The viewpoint with Lac Leman hidden under cloudsSix happy hikers
Happily heavy rain held off and we were able to saunter back down and across to the cars after 10km and 310m. A fairly easy day in cold conditions made warmer by the company.
Apologies were received from several including Thatcher, Rob, Mervyn, Keith, Philip and David. We missed them; they missed a convivial Jura stroll in cool, dampish and fresh conditions.
What did I miss ?
Peter
PS. I shall be away for the next hike – so leave to to any and all to to plan a hike on 13 October.
On 27 October RichardS will be planning one of his infamous Tours of Lac de Joux.
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.
Mark serves coffee
Mark touts Lakka but Andrew abstainsThere were a number of takers however
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.
Seven lags before the mast
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.
La Barillette plate
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.
The good, the bad,…Rob gets to appear twiceAll uglyNo need to say cheese
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.
Starting the descentBlessed by some sun
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.
The hike with heart rate colouring
PS
My recommended podcasts 1. The rest is politics 2. Infinite Monkey Cage 3. New Statesman
