Richard Saynor – Page 2

Snowshoeing to Chalet Gaillard and beyond 16 February, 2023

Nine of us met at the Divonne lake car park and set off in a convoy of three cars to the designated What3words meeting point of “vowel.handle.scornful” above Bois D’Amont by the Forêt de Risoux which straddles the border between France and Switzerland. Temperatures of -6c were indicated in the cars at the bottom of the valley but had climbed to a balmy -2c by the time we reached Peter and Mike who had arrived barely a minute before us. They were, like Nicholas, sadly dog-less as we were entering the natural reserve, although we noticed a wolf-like hound running freely in some nearby gardens.

After booting up, we walked a short distance to the start of our steep climb through the forest but within 20 metres decided to don snowshoes. As usual, some acrobatic manoeuvres were required to accomplish this, but we set off at a rate of knots belying the age differential of twenty years between the members. Thankfully, even the youngest were able to keep up and we trudged up the first brutal ascent. Unfortunately, the trees were now devoid of the snow that Mark 2rrs and I had witnessed some 10 days before, but the trail was sufficiently snow/ice-covered to warrant the use of our raquettes.

We reached the Chalet Gaillard within 1 ½ hours and we confirmed our presence in the area to the hut manager. A young Belgian lady approached us whilst coffee was being consumed and told us that she was on a 10-day snowshoe tour through the Jura. We were impressed that she was doing this alone, whilst carrying an enormous rucksack weighing more than 15kgs.

Duly boosted by caffeine, we continued towards our goal of Le Roche Bernard. This viewpoint proved be at the top of an impressive cliff overlooking the dual lakes of Bellefontaine and Mortes which are in the departments of Jura and Doubs respectively. The vista North-West across the Jura range was breathtaking, and inevitably a bottle or so was cracked open to celebrate our achievement.

Stephen and Peter getting their breath back

Top half of group with Peter taken by local amateur

After the obligatory photos were taken, we hastened back to the Chalet reaching there just three minutes after our planned rdv time. True Swiss, or maybe Jurassic, timing!

The eleven of us squeezed onto a table in the small dining area and ordered our meals. The plat du jour, partaken by everyone, was a hearty bean and vegetable soup with lumps of sausage and generous helpings of grated cheese. Mark and I had eaten exactly the same fare previously and wondered if, in fact, it was the plat de chaque jour! Beers were ordered by some as well as a litre of red wine. The latter had a distinctly watery taste raising some possibly libellous suspicions. Some persevered with it, but Peter threw in the towel and ordered a (price unknown) bottle of Bordeaux which saved the day. Mike gallantly finished off the house wine declaring that he wasn’t up to a full-bodied red at that time of the day.

Philip wondering what on earth he was drinking

Conversations were as diverse as usual, but those of us at the North-West end of the table noticed some very animated cultural discussions taking place at the South-East end. Of course, absent friends were heartily toasted.

Deserts and coffees downed, we set off for the relatively easy stroll back to the cars. Steve decided that snowshoes were for wimps and elected to strap his to his backpack and leg it home. In the icy conditions, those following had cameras at the ready expecting some good photo opportunities but he is very sure-footed and kept upright.

GIN outings often have small, or larger, dramas (helicopters, etc), and this one didn’t disappoint. Two thirds of the way back, Peter, who was leading, encountered a(nother) young girl who had lost her family, and her way back to her starting point. She was from Grenoble, 14 years old, and was pleasantly named Ocèane. Having given her mobile phone to her mother and knowing that it was on mute, she was unable to get in touch with her. Fortunately, she finally managed to remember the number of her brother so she used one of our phones to try to call him. Of course, there was no network connection at that spot anyway, so rather than leaving this little defenseless maiden in the dark forest, we offered to take her back to our cars, about 1km away. We must have looked the harmless old codgers that we are, as she accepted our offer and later on was able to reach her brother’s phone, assuring him that she was in safe hands. When we got back to the parking spot, I drove down to the village and delivered her to her mother who was anxiously awaiting her. Then I went back to the rest of the group to say our goodbyes.

Present and correct: Marks 2rrs and 2tts, Peter, Mike, David, Stephen, Philip, Nicholas, Nathan, Larry, Richard. Mark informs me that eleven was a record for us, so well done, everyone!

Distance: a generous 12kms and 450ms dénivellation.

More snow, please, for the next sortie!

Lunch at La Croix Blanche, Ferney Voltaire, 25th January, 2023

La Croix Blanche with the Chateau de Voltaire in the background

Numbers of participants for the lunch fluctuated wildly in the last week before the event, but in the end, 21 hungry diners turned up on time at La Croix Blanche in Ferney Voltaire. The restaurant opened last year after the complete restoration of the building which was delayed by the pandemic. This historic site was constructed around the same time as the Chateau de Voltaire in the 18th century and was originally used as a workshop. More recently, in the 1960s, it served as the social club for Bernie Cornfeld’s IOS staff, but then became derelict after the collapse of that company.

We were placed at two long tables on the ground floor and other diners were probably grateful to be well away from the chatter by being placed on the first floor. Two new members, Jeff Crudgington and Ralph Wares, were welcomed and introduced themselves to the group. Contacts were made and intimations of interests in our various activities were carefully noted.

Everyone opted for the three-course menu, which made things easier for the chef, the serving staff and not least, the organizer! The bill reflected that 11 carafes of St Joseph and Chardonnay were consumed. Discussion was animated in true GIN style, before we all ventured back into the cold at around 14.00.

It was great to meet up with old and new friends and sample the local French cuisine.

Present: Brian Allardyce, John Burley, Bryan Clarke, David Colledge, Jeff Crudgington, Trevor Davies, Norman Eatough, Ken Forrester, Harry Leefe, Stephen Long, Rudi Pluss, Mike Price, Tony Raeburn, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, Peter Taylor, Wouter van Ginneken, Gary Vannatter, Ralph Wares, Mark Warren, Mark Watts

“Snowshoeing” to the Vermeilley 22 December 2022

Seven optimistic stalwarts (David Colledge, Nathan Finkelstein, Philip Jenkins, Robert Pashley, Richard Saynor, Bill Westermeyer and Mark Warren) met on time at the Givrine for our first snowshoe outing of the 2022-3 season. It was raining and as anticipated very little snow so no need for snowshoes.

That didn’t dishearten us and as “Winter Wanderers” we set off, dreaming of those white Christmases of bygone years and in particular the exact same trail taken five years ago to the day. Dream on, because the Jura is still very sparsely covered.

Progress was swift and we soon passed the Genolière stopping for our usual liquid refreshment of coffee, etcetera. The coffee was excellent as always and Richard didn’t disappoint with the etcetera; although mixing the two together was not a success. At the same time the Vermeilley phoned to have confirmation that we were actually coming. They couldn’t believe that anyone would be “brave” (stupid?) enough to come out on a day like we had, and in truth we were the only ones out other than a few chamois and a nutcracker showing off its white tail tip as it vanished into the trees.

The Vermeilley even without snow is a lovely refuge; the table was laid for us and the log fire was roaring. A lovely homely feeling and the fondue was excellent. We toasted absent friends and reviewed the various excuses for acceptability. But it was the Christmas season of goodwill so we were generous, giving one out of ten for the need to stay at home to help prepare for a do!

And so back to the Givrine for a hot chocolate before returning home.

An outing to be repeated if and when we have snow.

Nine kms and 200 metres height difference.

Written by s/s leader Mark 2Rs.

Dreaming of a White Christmas (Vermeilley 22 December 2017)

And back to reality (22 December 2022)

GIN hike Lac de Joux 27th October

Five of us (Peter, Philip, Mark 2rrs, Nicolas and the writer) met early at the usual parking spot by Divonne lake and set off in high spirits for the Lac de Joux despite temperatures of 6 degrees and misty conditions. Our progress was somewhat thwarted by ominous but ambiguous signs in Longirod suggesting deviations – but were they just for lorries? We pressed on regardless and entering St George it became obvious that the signs were to be taken seriously, but Peter knew a small byway which took us around the town which brought us into a car park surrounded by road works. We had unknowingly caught up with Nathan and the three cars managed to circumvent the holes in the roads and after taking a slightly illegal route, managed to get back on the route to the Col du Marchairuz. Up there, the weather was bright and sunny, but on the descent to Le Brassus we could see a thick layer of fog above the Lac de Joux.

We had intended to leave the parking lot at Altitude 1004 in Les Bioux at 09.30, but Drew called and told us that his GPS gave him an ETA of 09.50 due to the deviation. Knowing that we didn’t have that much leeway in order to reach our lunch stop some 14kms away at 13.00, the Famous Five plus Kobie set off around the lake in a clockwise direction. Rob called and cancelled due to a medical issue. I waited for Drew to turn up as scheduled and we drove to L’Orient at the southern end of the lake to wait for the guys to appear through the fog. They had already walked 2.5kms along the excellent boardwalk which traverses marshy ground.

Reunited, we continued around the bottom of the lake and carried on past Le Sentier and its many watch factories, and Le Rocheray where four hardy souls had just finished swimming in the lake. For a time we were on minor roads, but were rewarded by the sight of many pretty lakeside properties. Reaching Les Esserts-de-Rive, the sun finally broke through the fog and confirmed that there was indeed a large lake on our right-hand side! We then entered a wooded area and enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of a rocky path right by the water. The level of the lake has been very low – more than 1 metre below its normal height of 1,004 metres, but the recent rains had restored the level to its “working” height.

The low level path soon ended and we had to climb a series of switchbacks to reach Le Lieu where we thought that we deserved some light refreshment. Some limoncello shots and an excellent Riesling revived us in true GIN fashion and we set off on the last leg of our pre-lunch journey. Outer layers of clothing were discarded in the warm sunshine and absent friends were of, course, honoured in the usual way. Entering a new wooded area, we hadn’t gone many metres before we encountered a small herd of chamois which spooked Kobie somewhat and required some frantic whistle-blowing by Peter. Order was restored when the chamois headed down a steep bank and our canine companion returned to his master. Shortly afterwards, those of us leading had to restrain him again as we came across another herd. Our chief wildlife photographer, Nathan, managed to take some fine shots of the animals who did not appear to be particularly perturbed by our presence.

Following the prescribed path to Le Pont, Nicolas and I were startled by a huge chamois crossing our path at speed pursued by Kobie who had taken a higher route with Peter. Fortunately, our furry friend gave up the chase and was once again reunited with his master. Our timing wasn’t too bad as we reached the Relais de la Truite only 5 minutes after the time that we had been instructed by the management to arrive by.

Plats du jour had been ordered in advance without any knowledge of their composition but moules frites were gratefully accepted by 6/7, with the seventh opting for croute forestière. Beers and a modest bottle of chasselas were enjoyed and we repaired to have our coffee outside in the glorious sunshine. Serious conversation subjects during the meal and whilst hiking covered many topics, including the state of UK politics, global warming and energy storage, as well as more lighthearted bantering. The “douloureuse” when it arrived was noted to cost each participant half of that paid by some of us earlier at a well-known resto below the Dôle, although in fairness, there was slightly less alcohol consumed!

Reluctantly, we had to face the fact that we still had 8kms to return to our starting point, so we set off at varying speeds passing “toblerones” and the Breguet building at L’Abbaye. Curiously, most of the towns around the lake have rather simple names, the Bridge, the Path, the Place, the Abbey, the East, showing perhaps a surprising lack of imagination when such beautiful time pieces are created in its many watch factories.

Nine pairs of tired legs (including two of Kobie’s) reached our vehicles safely and Peter, Nicolas and Nathan decided to head off to try to avoid the rush- hour traffic, but Mark, Philip and Drew accepted my invitation for beer and crisps at our pad. Drew was then returned to his car and the three of us remaining took an circuitous route past Les Pralets which avoided the blockage at St George.

Distances were estimated at between 22 and 26kms depending on which Apple Watch, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, GPS, website or map measuring tool was used, but we seemed to agree on a mean of about 24kms and a modest 200 metres ascent. In any case, it was more than a half-marathon! We wish Rob well and hope that he can rejoin our group asap. This, of course, applies to other GINvalids as well!

Sorry –a bit long, but it was a long hike!

GIN Divonne walk 2 June 2022

“WOT – NOT ENOUGH WATER?”

Mark Warren’s plan to lead the GIN Walkers to and possibly through lesCascades d’Hérisson on 2 June 2022 had been postponed for a rarely encountered reason – the spring drought had deprived these famous waterfalls of adequate water to show themselves off in their full glory.

In the circumstances, a cheerful band of 8 Walking Group participants (Mark, Alan, Bryan C., Richard S., Nicolas, Paul, Rob, and Tim retraced our steps along the bank of the Divonne River to and from the Swiss border at Crassier. New decking avoided much of the mud encountered during our previous walk along this route.

Another excellent Lunch was then enjoyed at Le Bon Accueil in Divonne, during which we added our own toast to the many others ongoing that day in celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.

Thanks again, Mark, for your patience in planning and then needing to changethe location for this walk. We look forward to sharing in the postponed visit to the “Hedgehog Falls” in the not-too-distant future.

Thanks also go to Tim Goodyear for the photos.

Alan Baker. 3 June 2022

There’s a couple of herons there somewhere

GIN Golfers Xmas lunch

The golfing season is drawing to a close and a lunch was planned at the Manchettes clubhouse in Bretigny to follow our regular Monday morning 9 holes on 29th November. Unfortunately, snow overnight meant that the course was closed, but we all met up at midday for apéros, kindly offered by Eric, and an excellent lunch prepared by the staff. A terrine followed by a superb boeuf bourguignon and apple tart washed down with a bottle or three of Côtes du Rhône went down very well. GIN golfers are probably unique in the club as 100% of the 13 members attended the end-of-year event as evidenced by the photo below.

13 strapping menfolk! Left to right – Mike Price, Bill Hogg, Mark Warren, Richard Saynor, Trevor Davies, Eric Williamson, Daan Rademaker, David Jacobs, Stephen Long, Rob Pashley, Bryan Clark, Gerry Swart, Mik Ferran.

We have played around 35 times this year, meaning that we have only had to cancel about half a dozen times due to bad weather. Several members have claimed birdies and many more have scored pars, but that elusive hole-in-one is still awaiting! We don’t keep a record of our scores and do not always strictly follow the established R&A rules but just enjoy being out in nature and starting off the week with some gentle exercise. Inevitably, the odd beer is enjoyed on the terrace after our efforts!

GIN hikers Crêt d’Eau 30 September 2021

After our somewhat wet outing two weeks ago, it was a relief to awake to clear skies and importantly, a favourable weather forecast for the day. Assembly points had been arranged at Divonne and Val Thoiry and we all met up in the church car park in Farges on time at 09.30 (five out of nine of us in shorts). Three early birds had managed to grab a quick coffee and pain au chocolat before we all headed off up the forest roads to our starting point at 1,254m. We hadn’t got far before the lead car had to stop whilst Andrew removed a tree trunk and branches that had fallen across the road. Our cars survived the potholes over the 12km and we set off in good spirits up a jeep track taking advantage of a couple of shortcuts.

Once we had cleared the forest at about 1,400m, we started enjoying the wonderful countryside and views along the Jura. Shortly after passing the Chalet du Sac, we espied the Dent d’Oche peeping above the morning clouds across the Léman basin. Our path was not too clearly defined and despite the dearth of signposts, we attained our first summit – the Crêt du Miroir. This merited a small celebration so a nip of grappa was offered to all. There were still a few clouds around and a cool wind and we were grateful that the sun’s warmth cancelled out the low temperatures.

Another unnamed summit beckoned which gave us a view over the not-so-beautiful town of Bellegarde and the more attractive rolling hills of the Jura westwards. We then headed for the Crêt du Milieu and we tried to resist the temptation for more celebratory drinks as we could see that our lunch spot was not too far away. However, a bottle of vin blanc miraculously appeared and quite quickly, the contents disappeared! As is becoming our custom, any fellow travellers on a mountain-top are offered a glass of wine and three delightful ladies from Paris were duly supplied. We were later thanked with a large piece of local Tomme cheese.

Our next stop, the Crêt de la Goutte, is the highest point of the Crêt d’Eau complex at 1,621m and the orientation table there made an excellent bar on which to place the various bottles that had been kindly provided. As usual, the orientation table showed all the peaks through 360 degrees, as well as distances to various famous cities.

However, the only explanation offered as to why Brighton was the only town in the UK mentioned was that it was Mark 2rrs’ birthplace! On such a clear day, we had wonderful views and according to Wikipedia, we could see:
la haute chaîne du Jura, le lac Léman, le lac du Bourget ainsi que le lac d’Annecy, et les massifs du Mont-Blanc, des Aravis, des aiguilles Rouges, de la Chartreuse, du Vercors,
des Écrins, des Alpes bernoises, et de Belledone.

Lunch and a number of excellent Italian reds were consumed and what – more excellent grappa! Somehow, the Absinthe provided by Paul earlier was untouched and lives on for another day. We then swarmed down the mountainside reaching the strangely-named “Pierre à Fromage” which just seemed to be a faded wooden signpost

After that, maybe because of a strange lassitude, the route instructions became somewhat vague and with no discernable paths, we decided to go cross-country in the general direction of the cars. After reaching the ski installations that rise from Menthieres, we descended on a long ski slope that could be classified as red, or possibly black, finally reaching the Chalet du Sac where we rested a while in the warm sun with some of us in T-shirts.

We retraced our steps back to the parking spot taking the two shortcuts we had taken on the way up, although David and Mark 2rrs took an additional one which took them below the cars. A few phone calls and whistles later they appeared just as Mervyn discovered thathe had lost his fleece with his car keys and credit cards. After much discussion, it was thought that he had left it at the Chalet, so David kindly offered to ignore the no-entry sign on the rough jeep track and drive him back in his 4×4. We were extremely relieved to receive a triumphant call to say that said garment had been found intact!

It was a splendid hike of some 12 ½ kms and 760m with magnificent views, visiting an area that few of us knew well. There was much evidence of diggings by wild boar, but no fauna was spotted other than other hikers enjoying the area. However, the famous Jura nudist, seen a couple of times previously by one member, failed to make his presence felt. Many subjects were discussed as usual and a unanimous vote was taken on a certain independence issue. We lamented the absence of some of our regular hiking camarades.

Attendees: Peter, Mervyn, Marks 2rrs and 2tts, David, Stephen, Thatcher, Andrew and Richard
(leader)

Next Hike – 14 October 2021 – Le Salève (weather permitting) -leader Mark 2tts.

GIN walkers – Art en campagne – Ornex/Collex-Bossy – 11 August 2021

A dozen of us met up in brilliant sunshine in the parking lot of the Lycée internationale in Ferney and set off on the 5 km cross-border loop through Ornex and Collex-Bossy. It is the eighth time that this exhibition has taken place and 47 works of art were on display. Most of the artists were local, including some exhibits from school classes in both France and Switzerland. The materials used were very varied, but some of the more fragile pieces had suffered somewhat from the recent “intempéries” that have plagued us this summer. However, each one was carefully studied along with the accompanying explanatory boards, and various sage critiques were proferred.

Our path went through pastures, orchards, vineyards and woods and was actually a revelation to some who lived in the vicinity and were not aware of what lay on their doorsteps. It made us realise how lucky we are to live in such beautiful surroundings and in particular, the views of the Jura were superb against such a clear blue sky.

The standard of the exhibits was somewhat varied, but each showed a certain degree of imagination and inventiveness. In particular, three children’s swings made almost entirely from old bicycle tyres and inner tubes were impressive, as were a set of three collages using dead honey bees.

A short muddy section through the Ornex woods had to be negotiated with care amid the odd complaint that was completely ignored! We emerged from the forest onto the brand new cycle/walking path that led us back to the cars.

Eight of us then proceeded to the Rajpoute restaurant where for the first time for some of us, our health passes were scanned at the door, as is now the law in France. A copious and tasty three course meal followed, washed down by Kingfisher beer for some and a surprisingly fine Indian red wine for others.

Attending: Tom Boult, Norman Eatough, Mik Ferran, Dave Gernandt, Philip Jenkins, Rob Mackenzie, Mike Price, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, David Stieber, Gerry Swart and Mark Warren. Apologies from many, mostly because of being visited by, or visiting, families cut off by the pandemic.

GIN Hikers – Mont d’Hermone – 5 August 2021

‘Twas with some trepidation that we set out to tackle the Mont d’Hermone on 5th August. Partly, because we had to traverse Geneva with its early morning traffic and roadworks and partly, because the weather forecast was following this summer’s unpredictable pattern. Well, the former was not a problem at all and everyone arrived in good time at the small unpronounceably-named village of Reyvroz in the depths of Haute Savoie. The latter did become a bit of an issue but more later on that. Seven stalwarts were in attendance and we had the pleasure of welcoming Keith Wynn to the group.

The route that we would follow was included in Janette Norton’s book “Walking in the Haute Savoie (North)” and apparently was her favourite walk and the last that she did before she sadly died in 2013. It promised extensive views over Lake Geneva, the Jura and the Alps, so hopes were high, but somewhat apprehensive!

Using perfect Swiss timing, we left the village as the church bell struck ten and sauntered off in good spirits. We had hardly warmed up our muscles when we turned onto a steep, stony jeep track which ascended unrelentingly until we reached the ridge which forms part of the GR Balcon de Léman. Although it was dry when we started and we were afforded beautiful views across the valley, the rain started after half an hour and rain gear was quickly donned. The promised views from the ridge were completely obscured by the rain clouds so we could only use our imagination! The rain was quite intense and two of us were not too shy to use our umbrellas!

Apart from a few deer, this rhino (previously identified as a hippo) was the only wildlife we saw

We reached the chapel of Notre Dame d’Hermone in good time and considered our options for having lunch in the rain. There was a small ante-room to the chapel, the main part being barred by an iron gate, but as this was only a few metres square, it was certainly not conducive to eight burly hikers eating a picnic! Maybe it was the aura of the place, but the rains miraculously abated and we could stand outside around an (some said – sacrificial) altar and enjoy our well-earned lunches. These were washed down by Italian and Californian reds graciously supplied by Steve and Mervyn respectively and then, of course, Rob’s special whisky of the day.

Our goal – the Chapel of Notre Dame d’Hermone

We left the chapel, and three ladies who were the only other humans we saw on the whole hike, and commenced our descent. The rains started again and we cautiously picked our way down the rocky track. Perhaps it was the euphoria of feasting on wild raspberries, or maybe the yearning to walk on different surfaces than jeep tracks, but we made the decision to take a smaller side path from the prescribed route. Things then became a little tricky as there was a dearth of signposts and conflicting views on the direction we should head. Anyway, using maps, various apps such as Google Maps and Maps.Me and blind instinct, we navigated unfrequented and sometimes, barely discernible paths to reach our destination. Our route was not without our having to occasionally retrace our steps on some tracks which petered out and there were also a few slips on muddy slopes. The hike organiser accepted unconditionally the full responsibility for all the confusion!

Our first thoughts upon reaching Reyvroz were where we could quench our thirsts. The advance party questioned a local who confirmed that there were no such premises before Thonon, but he was kind enough to offer us a beer chez lui. When we told him that there were eight of us, he recoiled somewhat, although a neighbour called out that he wouldn’t mind one!

So we set off in convoy seeking some refreshment, but it was not until we saw a sign to the Port of Sciez some 20 kms away that our hopes soared. After negotiating the most tricky entrance to a car park we had ever seen, we were soon sitting around a table by the marina enjoying a well-earned “pression”.

Well, we got some good exercise, fresh air, fine drinks, good company, but unfortunately, not the extensive views that we could have enjoyed. Another time, maybe?!

Attendees: Bill, Rob, Steve, Mark, Mervyn, Keith, and Richards W and S. Regrets from the usual suspects, who were much missed.

PS. Distance was about 13km and dénivelé 750m

Continue reading “GIN Hikers – Mont d’Hermone – 5 August 2021”

GIN hikers attack the Parma Ham (aka Le Parmelan)

Several of our chums had sent apologies, including Peter at the 11th hour, but 4 intrepid musketeers met up at La Blonnière near Annecy on Thursday. David had chosen the longer but gentler route up through meadows filled with wildflowers and fragrant pine forests. As temperatures were rising, this proved to be the most sensible approach to the imposing limestone mountain that is Le Parmelan (1,856m). Coming out into the sunshine, the going got tougher up a rocky path and we witnessed Stephen forging ahead with his usual élan. The effort was certainly worth it as we attained the incredible lapiaz landscape and marvelled at the deep fissures, some of which still contained snow.

We stopped for lunch in a shady spot just before the summit and then enjoyed some welcome beers/shandies at the refuge. The 360 degree panorama afforded clear views of Lakes Annecy and Léman and many of our favourite mountains in the Alps and the Jura. On the way down, we had to make a choice and this time took the steeper but shorter Grand Montoir with its chains and ledges. Apart from the odd slip and trip, and a manageable case of cramp, we descended safely to the cars.

Unfortunately, the bars in Dingy-Saint-Clair were all closed, so whilst the Vaudois enjoyed cold beers in Mervyn’s garden, your scribe had a large aptly-named GIN and tonic in Ornex. Many thanks to David for organising this very enjoyable hike.

Present: David, Mervyn, Stephen and Richard