Richard Saynor – GIN Club

Snow shoe hike to the Grand Mont Rond 5 February 2026

Looking through the GIN blogs, it seems that the Grand Mont Rond (GMR) ascent on snowshoes has become a biennial (as opposed to a bi-annual) event, so as appointed SLeader, I thought we should continue the tradition. Nine of us signed up, Peter (+Kobie), Mervyn, Stephen, Nathan, David, Ralph, Philip, Marks 2rrs and myself. Unfortunately, Mark had to pull out at the last moment suffering from a heavy cold. Regrets and kind wishes were sent by several others with an eclectic range of excuses.

The main group of Vaudois set off from Divonne, whilst the Gessiens (Ralph, Philip and me) made our own ways directly up to the Col. At the car park, Kobie was as usual complaining about the length of time it took these (not so young) Gintlemen to don their snow shoes, but eventually we set off at around 10.15 taking the back road behind the ski lifts and past the zip line that some of us are planning to attempt in the summer. We passed a guy who had obviously been waiting all night and then turned left to take the path up through the forest.

It’s a steady climb up and we were pleased to be wearing snow shoes, but it was a bit disconcerting to see a couple of younger guys speeding past us just wearing boots.

We reached the first ski run and at this point Philip, who had also been suffering from a cold, decided sadly, that enough was enough, so he elected to part company with us and return to his car.

The remaining seven of us continued under sunny skies but cold temps towards the GMR before becoming disconcerted again by the sight of a group of about 15 youngsters coming towards us, mostly girls and just wearing shorts.

We made steady progress up to the summit where there were surprisingly many people. This was a Thursday and one wonders how many were “working from home”! There was swirling cloud but in between we had some fine views across the Alps and the Jura. A strong wind forced us to find some lee and inevitably, bottles and snacks appeared. Stephen produced an alcohol-free wine that was not universally appreciated by those who tried it, but Peter had his trusty bottle of Luins which was! The GIN bottle containing Red Bull vodka also made an appearance and was partaken by some brave souls.

The descent from the GMR was not always clear and at one point, some of us had to backtrack when we reached something of a precipice. We all arrived safely at the central valley where there was masses of virgin snow.

As Louis A would have said “what a wonderful world”

The climb up the other side was led by Peter and Kobie who chose the right hand route close to the falaise facing the Alps. There is an alternative way to the left which is easier, but our route was more challenging, resulting at one point with at least three of us choosing to slide down one particularly steep slope on our bottoms. We continued on the undulating trail towards the PMR, but shortly beforehand there was a minor mutiny when it was suggested that we go down to the main station for lunch instead of the self service at the top. Captain Bligh, aka SLeader, reasoned that the views were much better from above so we pressed on with no punitive action necessary!

At the restaurant, we found an empty corner table with a great panorama and enjoyed well-earned beers courtesy of Ralph, for which many thanks. Although we had only hiked about six kilometres and climbed 440 metres, it was felt by some of us at least, that we had had a decent workout. Staple fare was consumed, steaks, sausages, lasagne, pasta, etc, and it was time to head down. Mervyn, Peter and Kobie decided that telecabines are for wimps so they opted to walk back to the car park whilst the rest of us gratefully sailed down past them in relative comfort.

The weather and snow conditions turned out to be above expectations, the company was, as usual, superb and everyone arrived home safely.

GIN GOLF End of season lunch 2025

Four of us had signed up to play our usual round on Monday 8th December, but like many Mondays this Autumn, the course was closed due to water logging. However, we and nine others did meet at noon that day to enjoy our end of season lunch at the Manchette golf club. It was such a pleasure to see a few members who although they are on the list of players, have been unable to swing their clubs this year. However, one of our number was very much missed and at the start of the meal, we raised our glasses in memory of Bryan Clark who sadly passed away in late November.

We enjoyed a few glasses of Chardonnay as an apero which were very kindly offered by Eric, the Father of the House! The sound level was quite amazing with lots of lively chatter but luckily, due to the weather, there were no other golfers in the room, and things quickly quietened down when the starter of fish terrine was served. This was followed by lasagne and salad, apple tart and a few bottles of Côtes du Rhône. The idea of a last bottle before coffee was abandoned as many of us would soon be behind the wheel.

Marie gave us a short briefing about the changes that would happen at the club, which is probably being purchased by a wealthy family. The cost of maintenance equipment has become prohibitive, so the future of the club seems to be assured.

By this time, the sun had come out and a few other players were teeing off as Marie took photos of our merry bunch.

Lac de Joux hike 9th October 2025

For the sixth time in the modern (GIN) era, the classic hike on the shores of the Lac de Joux was planned for Thursday, 9th October. It was billed as a relatively easy outing which might have attracted a larger response from the hiking community, but in the end just eleven of us embarked on the trip as several “would-have’s” were otherwise occupied, along with some regulars who were either incapacitated or off on their travels. Seven of us (Mark 2rrs, Mark 2tts, Nathan, Stephen, David, Rob O’Riordan and myself) met at the Divonne parking. Rob had just descended from St Cergue by public transport only to be returned by private mode. Our delight in seeing that there were none of the usual queues up to the autoroute was quickly dampened by the slow-moving, sometimes stationary, traffic on the said road. Messages were exchanged advising of possible late arrivals at the L’Orient parking place, where we met up with the four (and a half) remaining members (RichardW, Andrew, Thatcher, MikeH and Rocco). Rocco ran around greeting everyone, but was obviously confused that his mates Kobie and Nessie weren’t present.

The weather had been sunny on the plain but as we had reached the summit of the Col du Marchairuz, we encountered the cloudy conditions which unfortunately persisted for the rest of the day. The leader communicated the bad news that the little red and white train for the return trip was out of service, but the good news that there was a conveniently-situated bus stop which would enable us to be ferried back to the cars. It was also noted at this point that there were three virGIN members who hadn’t participated in earlier hikes in the area.

So we set off, somewhat delayed, which may have precipitated the cracking pace set by the first two in the group. However, everyone managed to keep up with the young bucks at the front and there were occasional stops to admire the views across the lake and take in the bird life and Autumnal colours which had been promised. One common topic of conversation which seemed to prevail were the latest exploits of the Orange man and whether his efforts to bring peace would prevail, and if he would be subsequently rewarded by the Peace Prize. Nobody fancied a swim except the brave Rocco who didn’t stay in for long!

The trail, which varies between grass, road, wooden boardwalk, pavement, soft woodland soil and rocky paths, follows the edge of the lake until there is a steep uphill section rising about 80 metres in a series of switchbacks to a welcoming seat which served a very useful purpose.

Upwards and onwards

Tucking in

A bottle of excellent red from Puglia was produced (many thanks, Stephen) as well as a variety of snacks, which were gratefully consumed. Sitting forlornly on the bench was the GIN bottle who would remain untouched until much later in the day

Conscious of our tardy start, we continued into the woodland section hoping to see large herds of chamois, but were somewhat perturbed to see several groups of fellow hikers in both directions which may have scared off the wild animals. However, the leading members of our group, including an excited Rocco, did soon espy a small group of chamois disappearing off to the right. Although we didn’t encounter the 70-odd herd that we saw last year, we did eventually come across a gathering of 10 individuals who seemed quite happy to munch away even though we got quite close.

The path down to the lake level is quite steep with rocks and roots, which is slippery even in dry conditions, so the team became a bit strung out with the leaders obviously thirsty and hungry, probably in that order, marching off along the Le Pont promenade towards the Brasserie des Combières, our lunch spot.

Beers brewed less than half a kilometre away were quickly ordered and sampled and we were pleased to see that a selection of “chasse” was on the blackboard.

About half our number opted for one or other of the game options and a couple of bottles of red were consumed, although we agreed that the quality was not up to Stephen’s earlier offering. Our twelfth honorary member, the GIN bottle, was passed around and several partook of it’s contents of Stolnaya vodka.

The buses back to the cars run hourly and with the 14.30 departure not being an option, 10 of us bought tickets online or from the driver at inexplicably different prices for the 12 minute trip leaving at 15.30. Rob took his chances that trains would at least be running northwards to Lausanne so headed off to the station.

Our total hike was 12.5 kms, somewhat less than last year, but hopefully just as enjoyable. Total ascent was 180 metres.

My life as a GIN bottle

I understand that I’ve become a bit of a celebrity amongst the GIN hiking and snowshoeing community and there have been requests to document my life over the past five years or so.

Well, I originally was a receptacle made of plastic containing 50cl of Johnny Walker Black Label 12 years old whisky, but these are distant memories. Since then I’ve had to suffer hot sun, freezing temperatures, wind, rain and snow in the side pocket of my owner’s rucksack with no consideration for my comfort. I’ve been out on many hikes and snowshoe outings and much to my chagrin, my contents have not always been appreciated or needed. Sometimes, the GINtlemen drink lots of wine from my glass cousins, so they’ve had enough alcohol by the time my contents are offered. I’ve been pulled out on the top of mountains, and in woods and refuges, and been drunk from shot cups, fellow plastic glasses, wine glasses and coffee cups. Some of the drinks I’ve contained have been a bit strong and apparently, some have been downright awful. Often noses have been turned up – you know who you are! However, some have gone down very nicely, thank you, and I’ve had some pleasant compliments.

There’s been a wide variety of drinks poured into and out of me and all have been recorded on cheap labels stuck on to my sides. I actually feel overdressed and as there’s hardly any room for more, I’m wondering if I will soon be consigned to those muddy and snowy trails in the sky.

So before that happens, here’s a list of the concoctions I’ve had to suffer over the years, in no particular order:

1. Limoncello – Italy

2. Lakka – Finland

3. Grappa – Italy

4. Slivovitch – Serbia

5. Lagrimas de Granada – Spain

6. Genepi – France

7. Sambuca – Italy

8. Prime Uve Nere – Italy

9. Le Truffier – France

10. Benedictine – France

11. Sirin Lingonberry – Finland

12. Linie Aquavit – Norway

13. Ballantines 12 year whisky – Scotland

14. Jameson whisky – Ireland

15. Manzana Ice – Spain

16. Genepi (again) – France

17. Ouzo – Greece

18. Tequila – Mexico

19. Poire Williams – Switzerland

20. Couderc Prunelle – France

21. Gammel Dansk – Denmark

22. Cognac – Armenia

23. Unicum Zwack – Hungary

24. Diplomat Diabolic – Venezuela

25. Liqueur de Cedra – France (Corsica)

26. Disaronno – Italy

27. Nocinodi Modena – Italy

28. Bohemian Kirsch – Czech Republic

Coming soon…

29. Bombay Sapphire GIN – England

30. Stolnaya Pepperoni Vodka – Russia

Cheers/Santé/Salud/Yamas/Sláinte/Cin Cin/Skål/Na Zdravi/Proscht/Živeli/Egészségedre/Kippis/Genats/A Salute

A selection of sightings of the Bottle (PedroPics)

Walk to Grilly and lunch, 7th March 2025

Ten walkers and a dog met in glorious springlike sunshine at the Place de l’ancienne Gare in Divonne les Bains for the 2.8km saunter along the old railway line to the Restaurant des Bergers in Grilly. The walk took us by the homes of two of the participants where we noted the wife of one was working hard in their garden pruning roses and the other participant joined us having sat on a bench in the sun waiting our arrival about 1km into our journey.

We were joined by the final participant at the restaurant itself so there were twelve of us who sat down to eat an excellent fondue washed down with a delightful Chablis.

After such a lunch, the return journey was most welcome.

Participants: Jeff C, Norman E, Mike M and Nessie, Robert O’R, Mike P, Richard S, Paul S, Rudolf S, Gerry S, Gary V, Ralph W and Mark 2R.

Ed: Many thanks to Mark for organising the walk and lunch and for the blog.

Snowshoeing to La Loge 30 January 2025

There was much enthusiasm when I suggested one of our classic outings to Franck’s, but unfortunately several of our stalwarts were otherwise engaged, often apparently engaged in zipping up and down ski slopes. Anyway, in the end, nine of us met up at the large car park at the Crozet lift station at 10.00. We were very pleased to welcome a new member, Michael Matthews from Arzier who fitted the GIN mold perfectly.

After paying our €9 lift fee, we left the grey and rainy car park which is at about 600m and took the Fierney cable car up to the top station at 1300m into a completely different world. No question about whether to use snowshoes or not, so everyone buckled up quickly and we set off in our usual Northerly direction across the bottom of the ski pistes.

The route was somewhat indistinct, there were no previous footprints to follow, but we had a fairly good idea of where to go. It was quite hard going (for some of us, mostly me) through the reasonably-deep snow and we wound our way upwards. There were a few tumbles in the powder, but no harm done, fortunately.

At one point Peter and Kobie decided to take a narrow path or ledge above us and it soon became evident that it was perhaps not the best choice. Peter adopted a hybrid approach with one boot and one snowshoe but soon had to abandon even that innovation and slide down to us.

The team strung out but we gathered at the table d’orientation at the Col de Crozet (1485m) and consumed coffee and who knows what from a small flask!

The clouds were lowering as we left the viewpoint, and landmarks were disappearing so there was some discussion about the direction to take towards the Catheline lift station. Peter and Nathan seemed confident and led us unerringly to the said goal. We crossed the wide ski slopes and entered the small track through the snow-laden trees to cover the 1km or so to La Loge.

Franck, Cathy and Laos, their Australian sheepdog, were there to welcome us and he (Laos) and Kobie were pleased to rub noses. After an assortment of drinks, we were offered a choice of croute au fromage and salad or saucisse and lentils. The, as usual, hearty meals followed by brownies and crème anglaise were washed down by various liquids.

Franck went to some lengths to excuse the fact that there was no tarte au myrtilles as the Catheline lift had been out of action due to variations in snow cover, so supplies were limited. He said that one day, a metre of snow outside disappeared within 24 hours and all became green outside. No such problems today as we could see that it was snowing quite hard outside. Many interesting discussions took place, often involving a certain Mr T across the pond, whilst Kobie did the rounds to check on anything edible for him. Cathy told us that he was in the rubbish bin in the kitchen at one point!

Franck then brought out the shot glasses and served us the traditional génépi from a large container. When the bill arrived, this was offered as well as the coffee and we all happily paid the princely sum of €25.

Snowshoes donned, we trudged back to the Catheline through an even more magical forest and then followed the direct route back to Fierney at the side of the ski pistes, only being warned once by an irate skier to keep well away from him.

We arrived back at the top station with less than a quarter of an hour before it closed, thankful not to have to walk all the way down.

Everyone agreed that the hike had lived up to its reputation as one of our classics and we were blessed with copious amounts of snow.

Personally, I struggled with my fitness on the uphill stretches, possibly due to my treatment last year, but possibly because I seemed to have developed a chest cold in the evening. Whatever, I am really indebted to everyone’s patience and caring which illustrates the wonderful camaraderie amongst our GIN members. Long may it continue!

Our hike was carried out under the shadow of events in La Cure whereby Chez Mamac was burnt to the ground on Monday night and the perpetrator was fortunately prevented from doing the same to the Vermeilley later on. One of our favourite lunch spots lost, but happily one saved.

Thanks to everyone who sent photos – the 2 Peters, Mark 2tts and Michael.

Present: Peters S and T, Marks 2rrs and 2tts, Andrew, Nathan, David, Michael and myself.

Distance by my Garmin watch: 6.25, Dénivellation: 298 metres.

GIN golf: end-of-season lunch 25 November 2024

We held our end of 2024 season lunch at the Manchette golf club on Monday. 11 of our 18 members attended, some of whom played a round beforehand in bright sunshine. The atmosphere, which was already convivial, was further enhanced by the aperos offered by Eric and the red wine during the meal offered by Steve, both in celebration of their forthcoming birthdays. Talking of birthdays, well over half of our group are in their ninth decades but their performance on the course belies their ages. However, we always welcome new, maybe younger, members who will carry on passing the baton (or rather the golf club). Marie provided us with an excellent three course meal (the main was coq au vin) for a ridiculously low price and all left contented. Two more Mondays for playing this year, then we restart mid-February, weather permitting.

Thanks to everyone for their participation this year.

Annual Lac de Joux hike 12 September 2024

Would we or wouldn’t we? There was some speculation on Wednesday as to whether we should trust the everchanging weather forecasts and proceed with the annual LdeJ hike. In the end, six of us showed up, three (Mervyn, Peter S and yours truly) in Divonne and Rob, Richard W and Andrew met us at the parking spot at the Geneva end of the lake. We had a few spots of rain on the way up, but it was dry at the meeting place. Noting that the weather was only 5 degrees up there, most opted for long trousers except for our hardy Scotsman who had decided to display his bare legs. We set off in a clockwise direction on somewhat muddy paths until we reached a boardwalk that one of our number tested the slipperyness of, thankfully with no painful results. Progress was swift but we resisted the temptation to stop at the Bellevue Hotel at Le Rocheray for a coffee and ploughed on admiring the views across the lake.

The lake level was high and we enjoyed the rocky path right by the clear water.

Stops were made for comfort breaks and photo opportunities on sandspits and then we climbed to about 100 metres above the lake where the inevitable refreshment was proffered, a very acceptable nip of Glenmorangie, thanks Richard! A phone call was made to the resto to confirm numbers and timing and we set off past some bungalows of the charmingly-named settlement of Le Lieu. Two chamois in the road eyed us cautiously followed by two more and as we entered the woods, a group of six were meandering around on the path.

A few minutes later, we encountered a herd of about 20 grazers and shortly after, a larger group of 40. It was certainly a record to see 70 chamois which included several very young “bambis”!

Our rocky and rooty path dropped down steeply almost to lake level and I needed to take a breather on a convenient bench. Then our shorts-wearing member arrived complaining about a pulled tendon, so various piggybacking options were considered, and rejected. Anyway, he soldiered on with gritted teeth and we reached our goal which was the Brasserie des Combières.

Our goal across the lake, pink building in the centre

Locally-brewed ales were ordered as was the plat du jour which turned out to be a very large entrecôte with all the trimmings. I haven’t fully regained my taste buds or full appetite but I was assured that the meal was a definite improvement on last year’s offerings (the resto is under new management). The steak was far too large for me but I’m sure Peter S’s hound benefited that evening.

As usual, there was an eclectic range of subjects discussed, including postprandial naps, US elections and misogyny, hearing tests, doggy diets, UK politics, phone contracts, rugby, beer and wine barrels, and of course, how could we not – Scottish Independence!

After desserts and coffees, some more Glenmorangie (courtesy of Rob this time) and some nocino di Modena from my magic bottle which startled the palates of the participants, there was little appetite to continue walking around the lake for another two hours or more. So we repaired to the gare in Le Pont and caught the little red and white train back to Le Solliat, about a kilometre from where the cars were parked. Our whole hike had been without rain and indeed we enjoyed quite a lot of sunshine and eventually, a balmy 11 degrees! As I write this on Friday morning, I hear that it’s snowing in St Cergue – snowshoeing may not be far away!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow hikers for their encouragement and concern on what was my first hike for over 4 months, and also to all my dear GIN friends whose good wishes have helped me get through a difficult period of my life.

Our hike was about 14kms and just over 200 metres dénivellation.

An incredible doggy story

On Thursday, 10 GIN snowshoers thoroughly enjoyed the first outing of the winter from St Cergue to the buvette La Genolière. When I returned home, I had a message from my elder son Tim who lives in St Cergue saying he would pop in for a cup of tea. During the course of our chat, he mentioned that Cristina, his partner, had been driving up the Route Blanche to St Cergue the previous evening at around 18.00 when she saw a long lead trailing in the road being passed on either side by drivers rushing home after work. Nobody was around so being the caring person that she is and a true cynophile, she stopped and put on her hazard lights. Spotting the small hound she pulled over and parked by which time the dog had run into the forest. She called the dog and after a short time it ran back to her and when she opened the car door, it jumped in!

Although the little terrier was very dirty and the car was going to be sold in two days’ time, Cristina settled her on the seat and drove the remaining few corners to St Cergue and took her home. Tim’s dog Spencer, an Australian shepherd, was delighted to meet her and she was given a couple of treats to calm her down. Luckily, there was a phone number on her collar so Tim rang it and the owners collected her within the hour.

Tim mentioned to me that the owners lived in Nyon and the dog had a long lead and was called Nessie. This struck a cord with me and I asked if the lead was pink by any chance? When I suggested that the owner was Mike Muller, he said “yes, it was”! I was astounded as this was such an unbelievable coincidence because I had just been snowshoeing with Mike a few hours earlier! I did a video WhatsApp with Mike and showed him Tim and Spencer, when it suddenly twigged with him that they were Nessie’s saviours! It appears that she had strayed from Mike’s wife at about 16.00 and must have travelled over 2kms up through the forest and on roads to where she was found. Tim was able to furnish details of GPS trackers to Mike so that Nessie can be located in future when she decides to go exploring!

That’s one very lucky doggy and two very happy owners!

Nessie on her pink lead

GIN Hike at the Lac de Joux 23 November 2023

Finally, a sunny break in the weather allowed us to undertake our annual hike by the Lac de Joux, our previous attempt a fortnight ago having been aborted. Eleven GINhikers had signed up with six indicating that they would meet us at the parking spot at the Southern end of the lake and five of us meeting in Divonne. Whilst the former group, mostly driving directly from Vaud, had no difficulties in reaching the lake at the appointed time, the knock-on effects of an accident on the autoroute led to Divonne being paralysed by traffic. Access to the autoroute was impossible and attempts to pass through Crassier were thwarted by long queues. No alternative but for our noble driver Ralph to do a u-turn and double back via Gex and the Faucille. Needless to say, our arrival was predicted to be delayed by half an hour, so team A with three impatient doggies sensibly set off around the lake to Le Rocheray where they enjoyed a coffee in the bright sunshine. Team B arrived and although thoroughly caffeine-starved, elected to press on to try to keep to our schedule.

The water level in the lake, like many others in the region, was high but with no wind and blue skies, the surface was smooth and afforded wonderful reflections of the opposite bank.

Photo stops were made on much-reduced spits of shingle and the path close to the lakeside was much appreciated.

After the only significant climb of the hike, a brief pit stop was made where alcoholic refreshment was made available, outer garments were discarded and telephone calls made. Shortly after setting off again past the town of Le Lieu, we entered the forest and immediately, to the delight of our four-legged companions, we met a 16-strong herd of chamois.

A respectful distance was maintained on both sides and the wild bunch made their exits down a steep bank. The dogs were once again let free to roam until we were accosted by an irate amateur photographer who insisted that they be leashed as we were on a reserve, despite a complete lack of warning signs. Kobie, Rocco and Onyx were duly tethered and we continued through the forest. Twenty minutes later, we espied another smaller group of chamois, with almost as many photographers equipped with massive telephoto lenses. These were probably unnecessary as the animals were quite unperturbed by human presence and could be approached quite closely.

We dropped down some steep rocky paths until the picturesque sight of Le Pont lay before us at the end of the lake.

A brisk stroll along the promenade led us to our lunch stop, the Brasserie des Combières, who had been pre-warned of our delayed arrival. Unfortunately, Nathan had to avail himself of the train at 13.00 back to his car as he had an appointment to maintain in Geneva, but the remaining ten were seated at a very (almost too) sunny inside table. After what seemed like an age, thirsts were quenched by large jugs of beer and other beverages. Conversations reached their usual heady intellectual heights and covered a wide range of subjects, with the mandatory nod to Scottish Independence. Plats de jour, pizzas and hamburgers were dutifully devoured, coffee was consumed and then a decision had to be made about our return.

A gap in the bus timetable at that time of the day restricted our choices to either continuing around the lake for 10 kms or so, taking two hours or more, or returning to the train station. Our gastronomic appetites had been sated, but our physical appetites weren’t so strong as to persuade us to complete the Full Monty, so we trudged back through Le Pont and awaited the little red and white train back to Le Solliat. Tickets were purchased and on the otherwise pleasant 15 minute trip, we were “entertained” by some extremely rowdy and chanting students and led someone to suggest that they were Millwall (sorry) fans!

A fifteen-minute stroll from the train stop brought us back to cars and we left for our various destinations. We had hiked about 15 kms and climbed 200 metres.

The big question is, can Peter relax now and hand over the reins to Mark for snowshoeing in 2 week’s time?

Participants: Peter T, Nicholas, Mark 2tts, Peter S, Nathan, Mervyn, David C, Andrew, Ralph, Mike H, Richard S.

Red/yellow lines our hike green line return by train

Thanks to Peters S and T and Ralph for contributing photos.