Author: Richard Saynor

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.

‘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!

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.

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”

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

 

With the border still closed, we on the French side of the border have become frustrated with the Hiking Group steeling a march on us, starting their exploits last Thursday 14 May.

So not to be outdone, the “GIN and French” sub-group group (Mark, Philip and Richard) went on an outing on Wednesday 20 May from the Chapelle de Rianmont, Vesancy up to the Baraque de Touppinet, a relatively easy 12 kms return walk with a height difference of 565 metres but given the state of fitness of at least this writer (Mark), that was enough of a challenge at this stage of the season.  Fabulous views, superb weather, passable picnics.

We are in contact with our Swiss friends and hoping to arrange a hike where we can meet up for a picnic while respecting social distancing and our common frontier.

Seven intrepid hikers (David, Frank, Mervyn,Paul, Rob, Werner and myself) met last Thursday at Les Bioux by the shores of the Lac de Joux and set off on an anti-clockwise direction around the lake.  The weather forecast had not been too promising, so we were all equipped to complete the circuit in comfort.  The path follows the shore very closely and is a mix of asphalt, grass, rocks, shingle and in places, wooden duckboards.  Being on schedule, we stopped for a welcome coffee break in Le Pont and then headed off towards our lunch destination.  After a short time, we were treated to the sight of a herd of chamois, who seemed quite unconcerned at our approach.

We arrived at Les Esserts-de-Rive all intending to have pizzas, but in the end, some of us had fillets de perche and the others, pasta with chanterelles.

The sun shone for the final push back to Les Bioux where cold beers were awaiting.  We had covered 23 kms and according to my GPS, had climbed a surprising 250 metres, considering that the path was relatively flat. Thanks to those that drove – David, Frank and Rob.

This was the last planned hike of the season, but hopefully we can squeeze in another one before the snows set in.