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). Owner of Help for Humla (NW Nepal). Likes dogs, mountains, prog rock, bikes, hikes, climbs, swims, skis (x-country - down and uphill), raquetttes. But joints are getting creaky.
Peter Drew organised a bike route on this fine day, seemingly at the near end of the Indian Summer. Four bikers turned out at the Divonne Lake, sorry five. Mark 2RRs had thought the start was at 10 am and not 9.30am.
Mervyn, E-Thatcher and two Peters spent the waiting time usefully discussing cleaning products and vacuuming machines.
Once Mark had finally arrived we set off on this excellent route in a clockwise direction.
The initial phase from Divonne to Gex was spent on the very pleasant bike path built over the old railway tracks. Up and right through Vesancy our leader declared we had time for a statutory Bonmont so we duly trundled up the down road.
Having dispensed with the elevation element what followed was a gentle ride down and across to Givrins and then Genolier. The Trois Tileulles has an excellent terrace spoilt marginally by the traffic noise at the crossroads. The gourmet plat du jour at chf 25, included stuffed mushrooms, tender beef filet with noodles and green beans, and some form of mango crème anglaise. All washed down with excellent beer and coffee. On nice white linen (nb good cleaning product used). Indeed a high point of our bike dining this year.
Our just desserts Sadly Maarrk moved as I took this pano, as did Meervyyn.
The subjects of our intercourse moved through faith and religion, or our sad lack of it, weddings, quantum field theory (Mark is rereading pages 1 to 3), absent friends, travel, vaccines, E-Bikes, dogs and cleaning products (part 2). (I may have missed key sections).
It was all too soon time to depart and we rolled back through Trelex, Grens, and Divonne. A great ride with fine weather and company. Missing a few of our regulars and hoping they will be back with us soon. I clocked 50 km and 536m from my home, but Peter D says it was 42.5km and 585m (from Divonne).
Mike Hempstead organised his fine debut-leader hike from the Col de Marchairuz followed by an excellent lunch at the restaurant terrace there.
The weather was not looking great – lowish cloud over the Jura, but it was dry and had the benefit of providing a very pleasant temperature.
Mike seemed to think we were ten, but in the event 11 of us turned up, one with a large dog/small golden bear. Despite following others, Mark W2tts took a holiday route to the start via Rolle after missing the Gland exit. He and Mark W2rrs were chatting intensely together.
Our leader arrived with his sports limo, but without his boots. In the event he cruised the route in his hush puppies. Rob had a close shave with the bear who tried to head butt his nose.
Attending : Mike H (Leader), Drew, David, Richard, Stephen, Rob, Thatcher, Philip, Peter (with Kobie) and Marks 2t and 2r. Apologies – Mervyn, Keith and others.
We set off on Mike’s planned 13km hike with 250m deniv – which in the event was more like 11.6km and 350m deniv – an anticlockwise loop to La Neuve and back. The going underfoot was mostly dry and pleasant, and with a fairly easy downhill start there was much crack. Kobie patrolled up and down the file of Gintleman hikers to keep us in order. The crux of the outward leg involved passing through two herds of cows intent on getting a close acquaintance to our small brown bear. Happily teamwork, fine dog-handling and some stick shaking prevailed and we hurried unmolested through the stampeding heifers.
We turned to return just before La Neuve, at which point Kobie decided to hoof off into the distance following a scent trail. That gave Mike the cue to provide some Swiss apéro wine to the patiently waiting team, while Peter went off to find his hound.
All reassembled, we headed back to the restaurant at the Col without incident arriving on time at 13.00 with a large table on the terrace for us all to fit around. Fine beer arrived. The usual banter included some reference to Scottish independence with the usual arguments. Indeed it was a most pleasant lunch with the majority going for Steak Tartare, even the sun appeared a little. Kobie managed to slip his leash and ran inside the restaurant to meet all the indoor diners, some of whom seemed to like him..
A fine day, nothing too hard but very convivial. A fine debut Mike.
Next hike – Stephen will organise a 700m ascent at Morgins if the weather allows on Thursday 2 Sept. With a mountain restaurant terrace lunch if so.
After the apéro and with prodigal bear
The first beer is the best beerEven the sun came out Panaché or beer, they were goodThe Plat du JourWine tooHappy Hound (Edited in Prisma app with Thota Vaikuntam)
A quick note to record that Peter Drew and Peter Taylor biked the three hills clockwise in good weather and before the heat on Thursday 12 August, followed by a fine beer overlooking the lake.
Rob had chosen an interesting and challenging hike for this mid-summer walk. Challenging for several reasons. 1. The weather was unpredictably dubious. 2. The drive to the start at the Col du Jaman was hair-raising for those with hair as well as those without. 3. The intended hike involved an ascent up a steep cliff on ladders. 4. There was still some snow about. 5. A steep descent, after a full lunch, was hinted at.
Attending Rob, Marks W and W, Richard S, Mervyn, David, Philip, Bill and Peter T. Apologies from several including Thatcher.
If truth be told (which it should never be in these pages) the weather was not all bad. Heavy rains were clearing as we arrived and had started again some 30 minutes from the end of the hike, with some while we were inside having a nice lunch at the Rochers de Naye.
Driving up to the start was interesting. At one point at a red light train barrier, a member of the car behind the leader’s car knocked on the leader’s window and had the temerity to ask if the leader knew where he was going. It seemed he thought he did, but he remarked later that this en-route questioning had been a novel experience and had been slightly unsettling for him. Google Maps had a wholly different routing from the leader’s SatNav.
Three cars driven by Rob, Richard and Mark W2ts eventually arrived at the start col after following wet, winding and steep, narrow roads in brightening weather. We were all exhausted but the drivers perhaps exceptionally so.
Fuming fromagerieTeam ready for the offSun appeared at the start !
It was only 9.30am but the leader urged us to start and so we set off at regimental pace (nb without Steve, a Gintlemen in England now abed) across and up and across again to the misty cliffs guarding the summit of the Rochers de Naye.
Blogger before his fallView back to the RdN train
Ignoring short cuts offered by Philip, one member decided to force a short cut across a large and steep snow patch that lay across the slope. Opting for a high path on the lip of the bergschrund his unsuitable cheap trekking boots could not get a grip and with flailing sticks and a merry shriek he accelerated down on an imaginary bum-board towards a rock below. Happily terminal speed was low and only pride was hurt. Sadly this episode was not caught on camera.
One member descended this snow slope on his backsideStairway to heavenThe route in summer – the grotto we visited is at the higher blue dot, the lower was encased in snowOur leader taking it in his stride
What followed was outside the norm of our experience. A traverse across wet slabby rocks using a hand chain let to a series of long ladders following a steep line up the cliff. Mist swirled around and it was airy. In truth (see above) the party cruised this crux section with little problem. We passed the entrance to the cave of the Grottes de Naye, surprisingly partially filled with snow after a small entrance door.
Deterring Naye sayersRichard spelunking
With no time or inclination for extensive speleology, we continued steeply up and breasted the crest of the ridge into the promised land of open slopes and flowers. Except there was a lot of mist about. Within 40 minutes we were ensconced, 9 to a table, in the warmth of the restaurant at the top of the RdN railway, a full hour earlier than Rob had booked for.
Lunch was most convivial with beers and white wine washing down excellent and tasty Rösti Montagnards, sausage and chips etc served by friendly and efficient young waitresses. Oh, and Richard had a black burger. No mention was made (to my knowledge) of Scottish independence.
Wanting no dessert (other than coffee) and with little in the way of Scottish fluid in prosect, the time for dreaded descent had come and in view of the pitter patter of rain outside we kitted up for the worst. Oddly the worst was delayed for another 90 minutes and it was dryish as we descended the airy, rocky path below a herd of chamois, enjoying some excellent nourishment on the verdant slopes.
Starting to descend Mark making steady progress as sweeper
We were given tantalizing views through clearings in the cloud, down to spectacular green ridges below, finally to a window out over shining Vevey and the blue Lac with an approaching wall of grey rain still 20km away. A long, steep rocky gully was descended with little problem and we were soon speeding across the (sort of) traverse line back to the cars in order to minimize time in the inevitable heavy downpour we had seen coming. Bill spotted some cows so he was happy at last. A fit young lady with strong legs in dayglo hot pants passed us running up and many were happy at last.
Looking back up the steep descent gullyRain storm approach across the LakeMurky woodsHikers nearly home – but before the rain arrived..Mark happy on the level againTraversing homeHeavy rain at the cars
The rain finally caught us and we had 30 minutes or so of drenching. We said our farewells and jumped into our vehicles out of the wetness. A convoy of cars descended a longer but easier route down through Caux, headlights blazing in the dark cloud and rain that made 4pm seem like midnight. There remained a tortuous maze of back streets of Montreux and an uneventful but wet ride back home along the autoroutes. Mark W2tts was happy, Pakistan had been bowled out for 154.
Another memorable hike in great company. It makes the donated subscriptions that our webmaster extorts from us seem like real value. Thanks to Rob for organising such a super trip. He even carried poles this time, but never used them, so it could not have been that difficult a hike. Thanks again also to our three volunteer drivers for your heroic service. 700m deniv – or was it 880m ? 10.5km
A motley crew of ten turned out for a circuit and ascent of the Moleson above Gruyères on a day that promised rain. In the event we were lucky and it kept dry.
Attending: Marks W and W, Richards Saynor and Wiley, David, Rob, Philip, Mervyn, Bill (Westermeyer freshly returned from the Rockies) and myself.
The plan was to repeat the route of 2017 where David, Peter Drew, Jonathan and myself enjoyed a misty round. As such all but two of us were new to this hill, 2007m tall, above the carpark at 1100m by the cable tramway. There was some ribaldry as we ascended the first section to the halfway station, the mountain was not visible in the cloud and a few were doubting its existence, more were worried about getting a lunch. We were joined by a dog, leaving us at the tramway station but which we met later in the day.
There was some further disbelief looking up at the lines of the via ferratas of the main cliff but the fine cows attracted attention (Bill’s in particular as he had been missing them in the USA) and we were soon supping coffee with fresh cream at Gros Plané. Philip was intent on investigating shortcuts and could see little reason why the intended route did not go straight up. I explained that he was pointing up at a possible descent route. A circumnavigation would allow an approach along a fine airy ridge from the south.
It was clear in my mind that we were not going to arrive at the summit for lunch before 2.30 pm and encouraged eating of the local patisserie at our coffee stop. Surprisingly few grumbles were heard if any, as after a downward passage and a turn left, the ascent to the ridge passed almost painlessly. We were soon treated to fabulous views across the valleys, a flower bedecked ridge kissed by misty cloud, fitful sun and a fine breeze from the west. At least one could not get lost and my worries about herding cats eased. David was striding ahead and even Rob was beginning to enjoy the airiness, the ridge provided just enough.
The final ascent to the cable station and thence up to the Moleson summit remained, and at the top we were bathed in sunshine for a minute or two with 360 degree views. There were very few other hikers around, nor many tourists back down at the cable station. Finally at 3pm inter-alia eight Gruyères cheese fondues were consumed with several bottles of Chasselas in an almost empty restaurant. Happy hikers it seemed.
There only remained the question of how to get down. Information passed around that the cablecar departed every 20 minutes. The alternative was a long knee-grind down Philip’s shortcut. Rain appeared on the window. A storm was coming. Rob was finally persuaded that others had knees that preferred the easy way down (including those of his driver). We hurried our coffees and piled into the cabin for a swift descent to the tram, where our hound of the morning was given an allocated cabin to his owner waiting below.
An enjoyable tramp along an airy ridge up a rewarding hill with a simple descent saving our knees, in great company. 10.8 km and 1080m ascent.
Apologies from many. My apologies to Thatcher – I had mis-copied the distribution list and he did not receive the email flyer I sent to Thatcher.Shellaby@gmail.co ….Sorry Bruce !
Team and mountain. Shorts in preponderance.Team 2The objectiveBill and his cowsCoffee stop with tarts, lemon and vin cut.The way upFine views and weatherLooking back down the ridgeThe Moleson summit and cable station from our ridgeA protected narrow section with our ridge behind. Red and blueLook back to the ascent ridgeSummit 1Summit 2Summit from the restaurantPano summitFondu 1Fondu 2 Route heartbeat map
The day dawned hot and I began to experience an unsettling fight or flight reaction. The Barillette bike ride is a rite of passage for certain gintlemen of the biking group on attaining the age of 70, but it involves much pain, misery and perturbation. It’s a right-awful rite. It comprises 24 km of tarmac from Coppet and 1,100m or so of ascent. Perhaps we are trying to prove that we are not dead yet, albeit the ride itself might force such a conclusion, especially on such a hot sunny day.
I had just turned that age and Peter Drew who had accomplished this with others of us in 2019, was organising the event and would join me. Peter’s sons were also absent his year and Stephen was stuck now abed in England thinking himself accursed he was not here. Happily Mark Watts was organising a support hiking group who would join us for lunch at the Barillette restaurant, should we make it. Mervyn was going to be delayed but elected to drive up and provide moral and taxi support. These support groups really did give us moral support – a convivial beer and fine meal on a terrace would follow the coming nightmare and this thought kept me going through the ordeal.
Peter and I set off at pace from Divonne Lake and I was disappointed when he told me that our route would be direct, straight up and no messing about, through Crassier and La Rippe to the start of the climb itself. The heat was hot as they say and only slightly diminished as we entered the Bonmont woods. I began to realise that I had forgotten to pack painkillers and electrolyte for my water bottle.
Turning up past Bonmont a large and luxurious Mercedes open top sports car passed us with a biking-now-hiking member waving his cap at us, causing a sap to morale. We were beginning now to weave across the road to shelter from the hot sun on the shady side of the surface. I pulled ahead a little sensing Peter was pedalling in a lower gear than me. We had both done a little training before this day, but perhaps not enough. My biking activities were being curtailed by dog hiking but I had managed the P’tit Bard at 1060m on the road to Combe du Faoug a few days earlier; Peter had trained on the 3 Hills.
Gasping in the heat we stopped at 870m for a rest and a drink. We tried to assess if we could make it with one more stop at 1200m but this proved futile. On we went, an elderly couple on e-bikes sailed up past us. As did a young lady on a road bike. Gradually I realised that Peter was not keeping up behind me and ground to a halt at 1140m. I called him by phone and he said he was resting but would be up shortly. He eventually arrived and we discussed tactics in the continuing heat, his words to me were – just carry on and I’ll see you at the top.
So, on we separately went in lower gears than of past, unremembered, ascents. Trying to blank out the grim reality of what was happening – we were here actually attempting to bike the Barillette – at our ages. At about 1300m or so I stopped with cramp in my right thigh, and another young lady passing me on a VTT calling out “Courage!”. I responded “Crampe!”. Peter was somewhere below and eventually I massaged my leg into action and continued. It was just after the turning to the Chalet de la Dôle that Mervyn passed me in the Batmobile “it’s only the last mile to go” he exhorted waving a red bottle. Finally after more numbing switchbacks and near-cramp leg experiences, Mervyn himself appeared by the roadside with 400m to go, offering to empty the contents of his bottle over my head.
The top was in glorious sun and I collapsed on the ground in relief. We spoke by phone to Peter who was somewhere lower on the mountain but who said he was taking his time and would be up shortly, he suggested we go down to the restaurant. Mervyn duly loaded my bike onto the rack of the Batmobile and we glided down past Mike and Mark Warren who were close to the venue. The terrace was decked out splendidly under some white flecked sunshade material that gave me the impression of paradise above the Shangri-la valley and lake far below. Richard and Mark Watts arrived from La Dôle summit and we quaffed down some beer. Finally Peter arrived looking thinner than usual but in good cheer. Not dead yet we had made it! , and a most convivial lunch followed of salad, sausage and chips, with apricot tart washed downed with several bottles of excellent white wine (I was too exhausted to make a note of the exact make but I think it was indeed Chasselas) then coffee.
Mervyn eventually taxied Peter and I and our bikes safely down to the heat of the Terre Sainte and home.
Many thanks indeed to everyone involved. The support team were amazing and the lunch was great. Peter D deserves a special medal for joining me in conditions that were far hotter than we had previously experienced. Thanks too to Richard for the magnesium meds. They worked and I had no further cramps.
Apologies from absent friends from Stephen, Philip, Paul and Thatcher – and there may have been others, my apologies to them. We toasted absent friends and missed them.
Ebikes next time ?
The route up with heart beat colouring for me.
The author at the top, on a bottle provided later by Mervyn (Merci M!). To be laid down for a year or two.
Thank god that’s over !Necessary beers to rehydrate
A magnificent crew of 7 again turned out for this purported jaunt into the French Jura starting at W3W magnolias.upends.decorators . Attending : Mark Watts, Stephen, Richard, David, Philip, Mike and Peter T. Shorts were 3:4, but soon were 5:2 as Richard soon rolled up his leggings and David unzipped his.
The leader (PT) had already spotted a flaw in his original plan to hike up the Pas de l’Echine to the Colomby de Gex. The top of the gully was still filled with snow – as seen from Coppet. So, the leader optimistically asked others if they would be up for a longer circuit of the Creux de l’Envers, anti-clockwise. Most seemed to acquiesce, at least agreeing that it avoided an otherwise up and back the same way, but little realising that this circuit would mean some 19.5km and 1270m of denivellation (there being 300m of extra down involved).
Accordingly we all set off downhill in sinking but high spirits from point 728 (it was 711 to me Ed.) (magnolias.upends.decoratos) marked on this map, in a general NW direction aiming to reach the pass left of Petit Mt Rond via the path (on better maps) called La Vie de Chaux. The Life of Lime. It was quite a haul wending up through the beautiful forest with occasional views back across the deepening Creux.
After various traverses we eventually we reached the limelight and the line of the Life of Lime in regimental order (ie Stephen ahead). The crux involves a long diagonal upward traverse of a steep smooth grassy/rocky slope, thankfully the path is good and the going was dry underfoot. Do not slip on this path. Several chamois were spotted at this point (and many more later).
La Vie de Chaux with Stephen scouting aheadRichard enjoying the LimeLeader resting on the Life of LimeLooking back down across the the Col de la Faucille road.Cresting the ridge
The team assembled at the top believing that the worst was over. The breeze here was noticeable and we donned fibre piles for the traverse across to Mt Rond (the Grand).
The Team arrives on the pass and the top ridge line with the distant target of the Colomby de Gex above Mark’s head.
Shortly above this pass Richard spotted the location of his award winning shot of Stephen in winter on a wave of snow, the Wave. Duly they shot Wave 2.
Wave 2, by Richard of Stephen, looking more like a green swell. Wave 1
The enormity of the task that lay ahead began to sink in to some as we tackled the ascent of Mt Grand Rond, that seemed like Mt Grind. Accordingly some ravitaillement was needed at the top and a check was made as to timing. Clearly we were going to miss the scheduled 4pm bath, and my 6pm AGM in Geneva looked iffy. Others had 5pm Grandkids on their agendas. Oh well..
There was no way for it but to press on; a retreat down the Lime was unthinkable as was retreat generally. So the leader rallied the troops to get agreement to delay lunch to 13.45 when we would be more within striking distance of the final CdG summit. On we went on distressingly Nepali flat territory. Finally, sensing mutiny, a halt was called on a lesser summit on the ridge and a bottle of Gigondas appeared and was uncorked and passed around for sustenance. There followed an Italian red. Lunch in the sun on a fabulous ridge with views across Lac Leman to the alps one way, and across green forests stretching into France profonde the other. Subjects discussed did not include Scottish independence. Boris was mentioned as were Indian variants. Medication was taken as needed.
Lunch
The leader realised the need to plod on and entered a steady trod across past the snow filled gully of the original intended line and up to the glittering summit of the CdG (1687 – nb. 10m higher than La Dole).
Looking back after lunchThe snow filled top of Le Pas de L’Echine. Showing also the green col passed on the way down later on. Looking back before the final ascent to CdGThe Creux de L’Envers we circuitedCdG Summit : Finally we had knocked the bastard off.
Arriving atop the Colomby de Gex was an exhausted but jubilant party. Accordingly Slivovitz (72% proof) was provided. As well as some (chilled) white wine from Mark. Duly stunned it was time to face the knee grinding descent down into the combe of the Chet de Branveau, wherein we spotted a large herd of chamois.
Herds of wild animalsLooking back at the Chet de Branveau combeStunning view across Geneva Airport. How concrete was my valley?View back up to where we had been.
There followed the long strait stony track back down to the cars, where we arrived somewhat 2 hours and more overdue, and with some in need of medication (sugar).
The leader apologises for pain, misery and perturbation caused. But hopes that these negatives will eventually be surpassed by the memory of a fine day out on the hills of the French Jura. May there be many more.
PS – Well done Philip for busting through his 830m training regimen after his operation.
PPS Apologies from Mark, Rob, Thatcher, Mervyn, Richard Wiley, Peter Drew and others.
The Gods had been playing dice with the weather forecasts and the planned saunter through the narcissi that had been in the mind of David had been postponed, but a lucky throw was serving up a dryish day. So a smaller saunter team turned out for a meander up to St Cergue from Genolier, with a possible escape back down by train if another throw turned wet.
Attending : Mark Wts, Stephen, Rob, Mike, Thatcher, Peter.
Apologies : Mark Wn, Richard
Taken at the end, by Mark Wts : Mike, Rob, Peter, Thatcher, Stephen
Meeting at Rob’s parking above Genolier for his regular raids into the Jura forest, the team was in good spirit, albeit some regulars were sadly missed having replanned their day after the earlier narcissi cancellation. Sans dogs this was to be a relaxing saunter with the hope of a beer at St Cergue on a terrace in promise. This was thus to be an inner ring to the previous Arzier to La Cure ramble – which returned by train.
The route Anti-clockwise.
We set off up the bank of the Oujon Rivulet, the bright greens of the new beech leaves almost requiring sunglasses despite the somewhat gloomy weather. Steamy but undeterred we continued up the “gully” and up under the repointed stone bridge of the LR Train. It was odd that it was not raining. There was much to discuss on the ascent which passed quickly with guidance from Rob. Boris, vaccines, golf, nuclear energy, etc. and absent friends were ribbed, but we did not stray into Scottish independence to my recollection. If there was a cuckoo I did not notice.
We descended still dry into St Cergue after coming across a friend of Rob, a possible future member should he want to join (the only GIN requirement). We were invited to the magnificent rear terrace of the bar on the high street and Thatcher generously paid for a round of beers, mine a pleasant red Himbergen – new to me, a little sweet but very quaffable. Large awnings sprang up as soon as a few drops of rain were complained about and we were snug and could have been set for a session, except we all had packed lunches and there was some Chilean red to be sampled. Also Rob had forgotten to pack any winter gear (or he could not be bothered to fetch it out of his sack) and complained later of being freezing – odd for a Scot.
Thatcher’s round. Cold but dry. Snoozing after a beer
All too soon we were off to the trail that led to the lunch spot that we had enjoyed on the first (b)ramble to St Cergue, 4 weeks earlier. Amazingly the sun appeared fleetingly and we chatted inter-alia about generational differences over our lunch (in my case a home-made gorgonzola, salted crisp, and roquette tortilla – from which I had no ill after-effects). There was also some reference to the difference between men’s and women’s brains which Mark seemed to know about and which explained everything (see the video Mark sent round).
Duly fortified and replenished we sped on across to the Parapente Lookout to see a squall approaching. Happily it fizzled out and we stayed dry.
Squall approaching. Let’s get down.. Notice the colours change with elevation.Facing the music – notice hand warming needs.
It was then down down following Rob’s expert guidance. Descending a remote and particularly bright green and pleasant gully we met Rob’s wife Heather walking two of their three cocker spaniels Zeb and Ettrick up the hill. She was the only person we met in the forest all day.
Meeting Heather, Zeb and Ettrick.
Happily indeed the rain held off and we strolled back down the main track to the cars in good order and in time for baby sitting and other duties to be tackled.
Another pleasant, dry but cool, hike. 550 m deniv, 12.5 km. Total time including stops 4’37”
Intended route – right to left in an arc of red dots.
An intrepid team of ten set out from Arzier (at unhappily.rots.vines) for a saunter up into the unknown Jura and over to La Cure intending a return by the little red train. Despite red dots above, the route planned was a little sketchy and the leader was quietly pleased that at the initial sounding in the carpark at Arzier, the other nine seemed “up for it”. Despite having banged his head early while escaping from the dog, the leader somehow managed to find the trail unfolding, without getting lost, and with no brambles or mishaps.
Bright sun warmed us a bit, with occasional scudding cloud and a chill Bise wind. We found our way up to a field with a magnificent view out back over the shimmering Lake Leman and to the alps, however this time covered in haze and cloud. Back into the forest and suddenly across a clearing were two chamois prancing up a slope into the cover of the woods beyond. There were very few folk out and about.
General banter and conversation saw us quickly uphill turning left and unsettlingly down past the Cave. This is Rob’s country and he was happy ensure the route guidance remained accurate. Very soon coffee was taken on a sunny bank (thanks Mark and Mervyn). The leader was keen to ensure that members avoided standing on the crocuses which had sprung up in hope for a nice life after the snow had cleared and the ground warmed. Sadly some were flattened. Some Finnish fluid appeared but at least one member declared that he was on the wagon for medical reasons, and certain others showed some solidarity and forbearance.
Gradually we started to encounter snow patches which became larger and longer and then continuous, but the going was gently upward and the snow firm and not deep to the tread. After traversing the Givrine-Marchairuz ski trail in possibly its prettiest central section we swung right before Vermeilleys and up a long and snowy track in bright sun. Turning a corner and meeting a sunny and sheltered glade, and with it being one o’clock, the leader declared a lunch stop; no-one objected.
Wines were white and from Sicily and Portugal for those partaking, chilled in the deep bank of snow in front of us. This was indeed a pleasant spot with expected clouds not materialising, and despite low temperatures in the wind, we were nicely sun-blessed.
All too soon we were up and on our way across the highest section of the traverse, past Arxière Chalet in fine snow and gently down towards the long valley to La Cure. With just over 3 km to go we had a decision to make. Mark Warren had a timetable for the train (the leader had failed here). It showed only one an hour (two an hour from St Cergue only). Do we rush to just possibly miss the 2.44pm? The better course was to take it easy and amble slowly down. It also gave time for banter and gentle ribbing on Scottish independence, and other subjects. In warm sun and cold wind we obtained out tickets at La Cure station and supped Lagavulin which somehow appeared. The short little red train ride back was most pleasant apart from mask wearing, and a stiff pull back to the cars at Arzier completed 16.5 km (perhaps 18km per Richard) and 710m denivellation (with 58m down and up in the central Jura).
Next hike – David and the Pleiades narcissi on 29 April.
Attending : Marks W and W, David, Thatcher, Mervyn, Michael, Rob, Stephen, Richard, Peter (Leader).
Off we go. Notice warm gear. 10 participants. 10 cars. Up past the viewpoint with shimmering Lac Leman.Distant Dole. Mike and Stephen.The pelotonSnow commencesCoureur des boisLunch glade.Wine coolerOnward after lunchA happy bunch, all downhill from here…Concourse on Scottish independenceLagavulin for the trainAnother with leader
Sur le Train
Social distancing – or how to take up the whole carriage.Actual route – not much different from the intended.
April Fools Day. But the weather did not fool us and it was a sunny and warm start for four of us from the parking in the forest above Trelex. Rob, Thatcher, Mark Warren and myself. Having read that the IWCN rules require members to arrive 15 minutes early, I arrived well before 10am, as did the others so we set off at 9.58am. Unhappily however, Stephen had mentioned during a beer after an exhausting bike ride 2 days earlier that he would also join the hike, but I had forgotten this as I had no paper work in front of me. After 7 minutes along the trail I got a call from the slightly late Mr Long. Rob went back to fetch him and after apologies from the leader for being an April Fool the five of us started up the dry and stony trail through stunted oak and beech towards a distant St Cergue.
The initial sparsely wooded ridge allowed expansive views across the forested valley to Genolier and back in the other direction to Geneva and the Alps. Not a cloud in the sky! It was T shirt weather. The unvaccinated among us had our vaccine dates fixed so we were in good cheer. Life was good and the banter steered clear of Scottish politics. Some worries surfaced of the impending French lockdown and its impact on upcoming golf plans. Passing 10 minutes on the sturdy commune bench allowed us to gird ourselves for the steep hike ahead. The leader had only a sketchy knowledge of a middle section resulting in a “holiday-route” up though brambles and some words for the leader, but we were soon back on the trail. We encountered large boundary stones with “SC” and “N” carved on either side (answers on a postcard). A path to the right then skirted a cliff and led up to the under-girth of St Cergue. The cone of snow cleared from St Cergue streets blocked the track but we were soon past and had an encounter with three chamois. There followed an enjoyable picnic lunch on benches overlooking the valley out to Mt Blanc in the distance. Johannisburg, NegroAmaro and Lagavulin were on the drinks card.
Our descent commenced along the cliff to the parapente overlook and the usual amazing view. Rob provided impeccable guidance back down trails he runs up and down regularly, and added a fine detour through the gorge. We were soon back at the cars – a good first outing 2021. 580m denivellation and 12.5 km.
Apologies : Peter D, Richard, Paul, Gerry, Mark, Philip and others – who missed a sunny and pleasant hike.
Thatcher, Mark, Rob and Stephen ready for the hill behind them.Stephen leads us towards St C. Thatcher ascending. Edited in Prisma app with Thota VaikuntamStephen serves the redRob serves Lagavulin. Edited in Prisma app with Thota VaikuntamReliving rock – the first move only
