Author: Richard Saynor

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.