Blog – GIN Club

Biking to Gilly 26 Feb 26

The forecast was for sun and 15C at least. More in hope than anything I invited the team to partake of the first GIN bike ride of 2026. This was my first outing in over 4 months but Paul S had been out many times. He and Philip even turned out in shorts! (both on their E-bikes). Rounding it out to make a fab 4 was PeterSo (like me non-E), and we all appeared at Everness at 10 am in bright sun, not a cloud, it had been like this for 3 days after a February of rain and gloom with heavy snow high up.

That good snow high-up had kept other regulars including our BLeader and Mervyn out on their planks. A few other apologies came, including from Mark2ts and PeterD. Bill in the USA was amazed that we were biking so early. In fact in 2023 we had a GIN bike ride on 23 Feb, but more it is usual that our rides start in March.

Indeed the weather was stunning and those in shorts almost had an advantage. My plan was to head for Gilly lunch by 1pm, with a coffee stop perhaps on the way. As this was the first ride of the season we could sensibly skip Bonmont and other climbs and head across in comfort. We tracked across to God’s crossing then up to Crassier turning up right afterwards alongside the ruisseau, Le Boiron de Nyon. A left turn and up past Tranchepied to a water break just below the forest. From the Cheserex golf course we passed above Gingins and arrived at our favourite coffee stop at Givrins where Paul treated us to tarts and caffeine in the sun.

Coffee stop colleagues, Philip and Peter Solomon

A great place to drink a latte, Paul and PeterT

We met a man Edouard with his young son who worked in the golf business. At least he ran an app with software for folk to access a professional lesson anywhere in Europe, and also pay for green fees. There continued much golf talk, including about France and Italy.

Although we had plenty of time, I decided to stick with the horizontal approach to Gilly and we were soon through Genolier, Vich, Luins, Vinzel and Bursins arriving just after midday to a table in the sun, with beers coming quickly. The menu was Chf 25 for those on AVS, very good value, soup or salad, main course, dessert and a deci of chasselas. Sadly PeterSo was too young to qualify and he put on a brave face especially after Paul gave him his wine.

While we were waiting, Paul tried out his memory game on us. Every 5 seconds he showed us one of ten cards on which a french word was written. Could we remember these (in any order) ? Well, er, yes some of us could. Gateaux, divan, ceinture, crayon, nuages, sapin, moulin, voiture, billet, pelouse. I think… I built up a mental image of swimming in a cake by a dirty sofa in a “billet” with a garden.

The cabilloud was good, as was the bread, wine, salads and dessert and coffee.

What a tough ride !

The mood was spirited as was the conversation. It was all too soon time to leave (we had been there over 100 minutes), and for our return my plan was – keep it flat and simple. At Luins we turned left and passing Movenpick Wines we headed right onto the lake road at Dully for some faster rolling into the sun. Paul peeled off at Nyon for the train and Philip and I tracked up at Founex where I helped him get back into the fields below the Everness for his car there. I was home in an hour. I believe PeterSo may have made it home in time for his 3pm call.

A good first ride, leaving me with lots of energy for more gardening and the dechetterie run, followed by a walk with Kobie. I clocked 55km and 466m door to door.

No Country for Old Wimps 19.2.26 La Genolière

Peter Strebel called us for a snow-shoe outing in a snow-storm. This was no country for (old) wimps, a reference to a previous week’s outing where one member turned up because he did not want to be seen as one.

I am writing this Blog for Peter while he prepares for his Australian trip, but to him goes the credit for sounding us out and choosing a route which minimised driving and gave us sufficient exercise prior to eating hot cheese. One of his earlier options involved a picnic in a gale causing a strongly negative response. One member in particular did not want to “live his life like a sandwich in the wind”.

The forecast was indeed for continuous falling snow and many realised that this is indeed when the Jura comes alive in winter, the trees are bedecked like a Schilliger’s Christmas display, the wind howls and the fondus feel so much tastier. Our route started at La Givrine tracking up across a field to the woods in a NW direction before turning to head NE towards the Pré du Four Chalet. From there we were to steer towards La Genolière a favourite eatery in a storm, followed by the easy track down back to the parking afterwards.

Turning out at Divonne parking were 7 deranged folk, but non-wimps: Peters Strebel, Solomon and Taylor, Nathan, Mervyn, RichardS and Chris Newton, not to forget Kobie. The road was clear of snow up to La Givrine, but fine snow was in the air and the parking was slushily covered.

Kobie rolling in the slush at the parking lot (at 1205m), lots of kiddies out with their sleds too

The EasyPark was not working for me (lack of internet) but the machine worked and we were soon off guided by staff along the sides of the crosscountry ski trail. No cross country skiers were out that day. Tracking in single file (especially for Kobie who could not move in the deep powder) up the initial slope, the snow was soft and deep and the going hard and hot. My knees (PT) were not going to thank me for today. PeterSt took over the lead as we approached the forest.

Line management on the ski trail as we entered the forest

Now that we were on the ski trail we ignored orders to keep to one side, nobody was skiing, the going became much easier as we chatted until we came in sight of Les Coppettes Chalet at 1300m.

Winter wonderland and easy going on the ski trail (raod in summer)

We turned off the track and headed up again into the deep powder this time with PeterSo in the lead and it was not long before we heaved into the covered shelter of Pré du Four (1395m). Time for apèros.

Just room behind the huge mound of snow for shelter and apèros

A starling mound of snow had slipped off the roof, we were wary about what was still up there..

Choice of liquor from the Bottle, and some Austrian white, to accompany nibbles

Brilliant conditions for being up and about

I don’t think that any of us had seen this much snow in the Jura before. While the Alps were showing code red avalanche warnings, the Jura had a code orange moderate. It looked like the most serious danger might come from chalet roofs..

PeterSt telephoned ahead to La Genolière to advise them that we would be slightly late for our 12.30 reservation, we had been moving slowly in the deep white landscape. We packed up and exited from the far end (to avoid the roof danger) and headed off in single file up the remaining 35m or so of ascent before starting down past the Grutli Chalet, PeterSt and PeterSo breaking trail heroically. The wind was blowing strongly from our right and it had not stopped snowing and the scenery was of the Jura’s very best.

Out there in the storm, passing Grutli. Look at the snow depth!

We passed down through the very beautiful forest that contains the lower trail up to Cabane Carroz.

Sublime winter forest, PeterSo looking happy

We made it down all too soon onto the main trail and turned left and up to be met by Moos at La Genolière. We had reserved a table, and I was little surprised that there were 3 other parties there, but all were couples. After hanging up our wet kit we sat down near the log fire to some initial beers with Kobie his chews on a carpet that I had carried for him. Cheese and other dishes were ordered, some fondu, some rösti, some croutes and soup, was down with some excellent white wine. We had earned it!

Classic cheese eating Gintlemen

There was much discussion at the table about many subjects, including winter avalanche deaths (too many), absent friends (too many to name), dogs, politics, rugby, golf (sic), future events, the arrest of Andrew and even Scottish independence. I may have missed many other topics – it was just nice to feel warm and well fed and watered and back in the company of our chums, while all along the snow fell outside.

Proving that Kobie does indeed rest on his carpet as ordered (after a while admittedly)

All too soon it was time to pay (cash only) and tog up for the exit outside into the snow again. It was still snowing but only very lightly. We all donned our snow shoes, although it was perfectly feasible to walk back in boots as others were doing.

Heading back down the main trail to La Givrine.

We were soon back at the cars where the tarmac was mostly cleared of snow. The temperature there was perhaps just above freezing, it was not cold enough for ice. We could even see sun at the very end, dimly admittedly.

Saying our goodbyes – notice the lack of snow, cleared by the authorities and the warmer temperature

Another great day out that will linger in the memory on forthcoming hot summer days. I made it 9.7km and 405m (although that does seem a tad over the top – it was on my watch so it goes into the spreadsheet). Thanks again to PeterSt for organising and breaking trail, PeterSo too. May there be many more.

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.

Blog, Snowshoe 22nd January 2026 – Franck’s

La Loge via various routes

B Team – 6 km 300m or so

The snowshoe section broke ground in 2 innovations for this event. First, by appointing a leader who had never been to the area before and had no idea where he was supposed to go. Dear reader, I blush to admit it was I, your current blogger.

The second innovation was a two pronged assault on the objective, La Loge, the mountain redoubt of Franck, Kathy and the Genepi source, of which more later. A section, consisting Paul S, Richard Saynor, David Colledge and Mark Warren took the longer drive and shorter walk option by going to Lelex. B section and the K9 section consisting of Mark Watts, Nathan F, Mervyn, Steve Long, Peter Strebel, Peter Taylor and your blogger took the shorter drive to Crozet with a slightly longer, stiffer walk. K9 section consisted of the Gin K9 regulars, Kobie and Rocco.

Gathering with Blue Leader at Divonne in the mud. The two teams take shape

A very prompt meet up at Divonne parking took place under frankly unpromising skies, with the sky unable to make up its mind whether to snow or rain. Weather improved on the way to our respective jumping off points, although we still had 10/10ths cloud. Eschewing the preferred Taylor option of walking up from the very bottom, we took the bubbles up the mountain. Snow shoes on, we set off for Franck’s under gradually clearing weather with Peter Strebel predicting 11 out of the 2 periods of clear patches. Not a particulary long or difficult route but with very variable snow conditions underfoot.

Blue Leader making progress – with yellow hat

Apèros enjoyed despite the cold and not pleasant conditions

B Section arrived at Franck’s to find A section happily ensconced, getting themselves out side of plates of charcuterie and refreshing themselves after their long trek (ok 15 minutes) from the top of the lift up from Lelex. What followed was what many seemed to believe was one of the best GIN lunches ever.

We had La Loge virtually to ourselves and were rapidly provided with more charcuterie and delicious fresh bread. The saucisse and lentil main course proved both popular and an extremely wise choice.

Kobie expecting charcuterie with Fanck behind

Tarte au myrtilles was a welcome follow up with coffee followed by Franck getting out his box of industrial strength genepi. At one point it looked like Franck was fixing to have us stay the whole afternoon. He was an extremely warm and generous host and even given his announcement that the genepi and the coffees were on the house, it was hard to believe the per head cost of only just over 30 euros. Conversations were as usual wide rangeing. Peter T mentioned his anti-choking device, although there was some puzzlement as to why he didn’t have it with him. It appears to look like some kind of sink un-blocker. Given the various suggestions as to what other bodily malfunctions/orifices the device could be applied to, it was perhaps a blessing that by this time we had La Loge entirely to ourselves.

The B Team heads back up to the Col alongside the ski piste

The return commenced just in time to meet the 16.00 last lift deadline and we did finally get one of Peter S’s clear patches with wonderful if fleeting views.

Fleeting Views on the downhill to Crozet (before the sting in the tail)

The descent had a little bit of a sting in the tail with me ending up on my backside. Peter S helped me up and although it was not a remotely dangerous situation, it was a little reminder of the advantages of walking in a group. ‘Vale’ GIN.

An easy drive back to Divonne was accomplished before 17.00. The walk was not particularly long (5km, 300m deniv.) even for Section B but your author’s legs reminded him that evening of the greater physical demands of snow shoeing across variable snow compared to walking. At least among Sections B and K9, the consensus was that this was an excellent outing and many thanks were due to the organiser given his thorough knowledge of the logistics, the terrain, the route etc. Actually, thanks to Mark Warren for setting up the table and Peter T and many others for explaining the routes and logistics to me.

Mike Hempstead

Crans 23/1/26

GIN Hikers Annual Lunch 21 January 2026

This was the third post COVID winter lunch for GIN Hikers and our better halves, if any, and 26 attended at the Auberge de Founex on a cold and foggy Wednesday lunchtime. I chose winter because it is cold and foggy and therefore many are keen to get out and enjoy warm company and a good lunch. Maybe we should have a picnic outside in the summer where we could enjoy some Luins or Primitivo with our hounds too.

This bi-annual (so far) lunch is a great chance to meet the many partners of whom we hear so much out on the trails. Of course they hear and read quite a bit about us.

The previous lunches were held at the Founex Tennis Club, and the change of venue for 2026 did catch out at least one member.

The attendance list and some of the apologists appeared as follows, thank you all for coming.

It was sad that we heard that Andrew has pneumonia. Also we missed several partners in particular Caroline Hempstead, Vibeke Pluss, Rose College and Heather Pashley. I think I got most of the other apologists right, apologies if this is not so. Also of particular note – Larry is still in Canada and Drew has returned to Australia (donating some of his whisky to Rob) – we shall miss them.

Table 3- PeterSolomon, ChrisNewton, ChristineW, David ,Mark2rs, CatherineN, Rob

Table 2 : CarolS, Richard, Ralph, Lynda2ts, Mervyn, Mark2ts, PatW, Rudi, Harry

Table 1: RobertO, Gerry, UllaS, JillT, Stephen, KateL, MoniqueS, Paul, MikeH

We were given a set menu of salad, filets de perche and tiramisu with red fruits for CHF 35, which we sluiced down with beers and (good) wines from the locality, followed by coffee. It was all tasty and well appreciated (I believe). Sadly the auberge had prepared only 25 plats du jour, telling us/me that we had only ordered 25. Clearly this was not the case as they had set 26 place settings and we had already consumed 26 salads. The upshot was that Stephen was the first to be served a salad and the last (by far) to get his main course. In his usual courteous way he did not complain, too loudly.

PeterT gave a short address, too long for some perhaps, and I’m not sure everyone had their hearing aids in properly or I may have been too softly spoken for others as I was later advised by my strongest critic. For this my apologies. I do not recall hecklers which was a pleasant plus.

I had handed around a paper copy of the hiking stats for the past two years (as above). If any who did not attend wish to get a copy please let me know and I will send you one. It’s great to see that we keep active and have a solid base of members willing to lead/organise hikes and snow shoe outings.

A separate summary of the 5 year totals was not provided although I did mention the averages we recorded:-

(Errors and omissions accepted)

A welcome for new members, Peter Solomon and Chris Newton, was made real in that they are really welcome as they are not only fun gintlemen but also they bring down the average age of members considerably.

I recounted some highlights of the year, the best of course was the two day hike up from Champéry with some memorable scenery food and beverage, and the dog room was fun too.

Formal awards are not necessary but I felt it important to register Mark2ts for his black strong coffee, Mervyn for his milks, and Richard for the ubiqitous and famous Bottle (see separate Blog), Rob for his Scottish fluids and Mark for the Website (reminder – would members ensure that you pay him the chf10 he has requested to keep the site up and running).

I gave a short Safety Contact (merçi DuPont) showing my LifeVac device designed to prevent people dying from choking (as I have nearly done 4 times recently). It is to be used after heimlick and other back slapping manoeuvres have failed.

All in all it seemed to go well. We are fortunate to have a great club with enduring friendships, be (mostly) healthy, live in safe and wonderful place with fabulous hiking on our doorsteps, have partners who put up with us disappearing on alternate Thursdays, and have members who volunteer (and who also seem to put up with Rocco and Kobie). May we continue to enjoy the physical, emotional and spiritual (sic) rewards for many years to come. If we use it we won’t lose it and those who keep active seem to live longer.

Onwards upwards

Peter

GIN Ski Day – 15 January 2026, Portes du Soleil

Well, it’s half-past January already, but the 2026 ski season has now got under way, notwithstanding an earlier outing to Flaine some five weeks ago.

In the event, four committed regulars – Joe, Mark, Mervyn & Stephen – signed up for what promised to be a sunny ski day in the eponymous Portes du Soleil. Others proffered the usual excuses for absence – sickness, injury, lack of fitness, travel, etc – but a ‘tonic’ winter wander to Le Vermailley scheduled for the same day might have held more appeal for some of the uncommitted. Just saying.

An early start, picking up Mark and Joe en route, saw us parked at Champéry by 09:30 and at the café at the top of the Mossettes chairlift soon after 10:00 for our coffee rendezvous with Stephen. He had been mostly resident in Morgins since Christmas and his skiing fitness soon showed as he led us, at pace, down almost empty and beautifully manciured blues and reds to Brochaux, Linderets, over to and around Plaine Dranse and finally the bottom of Lingua.

After more than two non-stop hours of that we were ready for a much needed refuelling stop and chose the delightful auberge de montagne Chez Denis in Plaine Dranse for lunch. Old Denis has given up his day job as a shepherd for the easier(?) role of restauranteur. His somewhat brooding and taciturn mien (maybe he’s spent too long alone with just sheep) belies a very welcoming traditional venue. As we sat close to a roaring log fire sipping local beers we perused the appetising menu which comprised a tempting selection of highly calorific dishes. Stephen and I chose the Berthoud, a bowl of molten Abondance cheese with all the trimmimgs; Joe selected a poellée montagnarde (akin to a tartiflette). while Mark opted for a plain croute – for reasons that need not be divulged here. Whatsapp messages and photos were exchanged with our hiking bretheren who were ensconsed in the aforementioned Vermeilley, enjoying a return of the much-missed fondue trifon. Delicious desserts and coffee completed our feast.

The afterenoon’s skiing took us back over to Linderets, Avoriaz, down the Coupe du Monde (now recassified from black to red), Arare and finally to Mossettes. Here we bade farewell to Stephen for him to return directly to Morgins whilst we remaing three descended the now distinctly softer snow on the south facing Swiss slopes to Les Crosets and thence to Col de Croix, to catch the cablecar back to the carpark.

We departed slightly later than planned at 16:15, but our anxieties about the rush hour motorway congestion around Lausanne and Morges this time turned out to be unwarranted, much to the relief of the driver and his long-suffering passengers.

Vital statistics for the day, according to Joe’s app (unverified):

Distance skied: 54.6km, denevilation: 10’600m, max speed: 59.6km/h, time in skiboots: 6h 45m, weather: grand beau.

Thanks for joining me and looking forward to more outings this season with more of you.

Cold e Porte and Couvaloup

8 January 2026

This “snow shoe” outing was last attempted in Feb 2025. At that time I wrote in the Blog :-

“At least one intending snow shoer enquired as to whether this hike could be moved from Thursday to Wednesday in view of the poor weather forecast for Thursday, but following the addage that there is no such thing as wrong weather, only wrong gear, we ploughed ahead.”

Feb 2025 Couvaloup Crowd, this year four of the eleven plus hound returned

The conditions seemed to be nearly the same this year, and although we had one late “poor weather” cancellation no one suggested another day and 6 of us turned out at Le Coutzet parking, aka Le Refuge de la Barillette, aka L’Archette (1160m) just after 10am.

Attending : Mark2ts, Mervyn, Nathan, PeterS, Ross and PeterT with Kobie.

The weather forecast seemed not unreasonable up until 3pm, by which time we should be, with luck and a following wind, in the vicinty of the vehicles. In view of this threat I half-offered a simpler low-level routing to the Couvaloup restaurant avoiding the infamous Col altogther but this was roundly rejected and a “let’s go for it” spirit prevailed.

Girding, and already on the white stuff. (Ross Photo)

There was a brief discussion as to whether to carry snow shoes, there being much snow about, but the consensus was that it was not deep enough to justify the extra hassle and weight. Possibly our first mistake.

Team at the start, looking positive. Me, Kobie, Ross, PeterS, Mervyn, Nathan, Mark2ts

Off we went up the unconsolidated snowy slopes up into the combe between the Pte de Fin Château and La Barillette. It began to appear the Kobie was going to get his legs and paws clogged up so I got out his orange boots and put them on. On about ten occasions one of them or another had to be refixed, this caused me to become rather tired bending down etc, I don’t know how Kobie felt but in general they worked and he got used to them.

Kobie in his new boots – he had never worn them before for any length of time

Onwards upwards – not snow shoeing though – it was tough going

It got steeper as we struggled on. Somehow this seemed much harder than last year. My watch record told me afterwards that the effort had been “HARD”, with my heart rate recording nearly 18 minutes at over 135 bpm, quite a lot for me.

Passing the wall just above the bent tree (Ross photo)

We circled below the Chalet des Apprentis and headed towards the Col de Porte, getting hotter – was it my thermobaric long johns? PeterS led ahead as we approached the col. A little before we arrived, a large herd of chamois appeared just below us on our hillside and they ran off as Kobie went across to inspect. I whistled and Kobie returned fairly quickly sans a snow boot. Nothing for it but to traverse out across the slope in search of it. Happily it was not far out as K had given up the chase in his lumbering boots. The chamois traversed across to their nursery on the steep cliffs below la Dôle, well captured in PeterS’s photo.

I count almost 2 dozen chamois in PeterS’s classic photo

We were soon at the Col de Porte (1557m) where it has been our habit to take an apèro or two before descending, but our struggle up in the snow had taken its toll of the time (and of our energy) in view of the need to get back before the bad weather. At least two bottles of Luins best white wine remained unopened (and a flask of strong black coffee).

Col de Porte 1 – cold but not actually precipatating

Col de Porte with all attending Gin Members

So, instead of apèros it was down, down the slippery snow slopes, unconsolidated white cream on which we slipped and stumbled with rocks and grass lurking beneath. My knees did not enjoy the descent.

Looking back up – is that one member on the deck ?

Looking down – at least it was not snowing this time

We were soon down past the Poêle Chaud chalet and then had to track across and up to the blue ski run, which had not been pisted.

Kobie with only 3 boots on checks Ross in up the last rise

We were soon cruising down to the Restaurant Couvaloup de Crans, 1289m, entering the large salle at 12.45 pm to a warm fire and with only one table of three as paying occupants, plus the resident pit-bull by the fire. It was good that I’d booked, reconfirmed, and then confirmed again that we were going to be a little late…..

PeterS, Mark2ts and Ross

The friendly hostess soon had us fixed up with beer (the excellent Dr Gabs), Kobie had his mat and chews, and the fire kept us nice and warm, as did the top-class croutes and röstis.

Kobie got his well deserved chews – and I soon took his boots off. I gave them a 75% score

We drank to absent friends, some recovering, some away, some just keeping warm. All in all the Couvaloup lived up to its excellent reputation, another fine meal in the hills, washed down with something from Mervyn’s flask (the Bottle not being present).

All too soon it was time (in view of the impending forecasted bad weather) to pay up and leave. Outside it was slightly precipitating but it got to be more sleety rain than rainy sleet. We opted for the quick way back down the Route des Couvaloups (the tarmacked car road in summer but now covered in snow) towards Couvaloup de St-Cergue and then on a path to La St-Cergue (there seems to be a lack of imagination in place names in this area!), finally heading up chemin des Gentianes.

Readying to leave, Kobie now without boots but with his winter coat.

As we got back closer to the cars it became clear that the weather was warming and we were quite damp on the outside. All that worry about a storm was unnecessary.

All in all another memorable hike with great company and a fine lunch. We did not really need snow shoes, they would have been necessary if the snow was harder and had there been any ice. Kobie’s boots were a success but I need more practice to fix them on him more securely. Thanks everyone for the great company. Til the next time.

11km and 500m or so.

Snowshoe ? to Le Vermeilley Dec 12, 2025

This was meant to be the first outing of the snowshoe season. Whereas for the last “hike” 2 weeks ago we definitely needed snowshoes, for this first “snowshoe” outing we didn’t.

Our snowshoe leader was unavailable so I arranged an outing at very short notice. At one point we had 2 rival groups, one planning on Thursday and one Friday, until we compromised and all went Friday.

Ultimately 5 of us and 2 dogs showed up at the parking by Divonne lake at 09:30:- Peter S, Peter T, Mike H, Nathan, Mark 2Ts.

Driving up we only emerged from the mist when we reached St Cergue but from then on it was blue sky and bright sunshine. Nathan had a hard stop at 4pm so we promised to get him back to the car by then and took the simple, direct, route up to the Vermeilley. The path was completely free of snow until just before Genolière, then mostly covered and slippery in places but certainly not requiring snowshoes.

I’d booked lunch for 12:30 and we were already very close by 11:15 so we stopped for coffee just before we went under the trees. Only black coffee since the regular milkmaid had called in sick.

On the way, Nathan posed a maths problem to keep us amused. The diagram shows 2 circles of radius r, touching and with a square sitting on the common tangent and touching each of the circles. Problem is to calculate the area of the square. Led to some discussion and drawing of diagrams during lunch and considerable correspondence after the hike.

We arrived at Le Vermeilley at about 11:30. It was so warm and sunny that we started with beers outside before going in to eat. Naturally there was much toasting of absent friends.

Inside the large open fire was blazing away and it was very cozy. Other groups chose to eat outside so we had the interior to ourselves. Shame no one wanted fondue so we all semi healthily chose croutes of one form or another.

Soon it was time to leave and we simply retraced our steps back to the cars, arriving not long after 3 o’clock, certainly in time for Nathan

A relatively gentle but enjoyable hike of 9km with about 200m dénivellation.

Sincere apologies to anyone else who could have made it on Friday. My original invitation was for Thursday and several could not attend. After we changed to Friday I only sent the message to those already confirmed. Sorry.

GIN Ski Day – Flaine, 9 December 2025

If any of us had been wondering why we chose to live in this area, today was the day that banished any doubts.

Reading the snow reports and trusting the weather forecast had led the organiser to propose a slightly earlier than usual start to the downhill season. Older readers may remember with nostalgia times during the previous millenium when skiing was possible in November or even October! Now it seems getting an outing before Christmas is a bonus.

Despite my encouragement, cajoling and blandishments just three of us, Joe, Mark & Mervyn, took the bait and rose early from fitful slumber. We met up before 08:30 in the foggy gloom of the Divonne Lake parking lot where an extremely noisy bulldozer was undertaking some seemingly random roadworks. Filling in the perpetual potholes perhaps?*

Our destination was Flaine which had partially opened its ski domain the previous weekend after good pre-season snowfall. This meant driving to Flaine itself rather than to any of the nearer satellite towns whose domains and liaisons were still closed.

A very slow journey then ensued down the motorway in thick fog and heavy traffic. An incident in one of the tunnels on the contournement delayed us further and it was not until 9:30 that we reached the border at Bardonnex and only thence the open road, direction Chamonix. At this point the sun, which was to remain with us all day, made its first very welcome appearance. There was no sign of snow on the ground until we were well up the long climb up from Cluses and the road itself was clear all the way to the central parking area in Flaine.

By 11am we were booted, ticketed and raring to go. Only the youngster had to part with any money for a day pass (special price of €37), the two super-seniors being able to ski for free in the Grand Massif! The only disadvantage was that we had to queue at the ticket office (to prove our age?) rather than being able to get a free pass online.

But that was the ONLY queue. We walked straight onto the main cable car to Grandes Platières to be greeted by the astonishing panorama of the Mt Blanc massif and the entire Western Alps. And almost no people. The promise of sun, snow and empty pistes was indeed fulfilled. How better to start the season? We cruised the long blues from top to bottom of Grandes Platières and Aup de Véran for a couple of hours, enjoying soft dry snow above 2000m and harder groomed pistes lower down.

Lunch was taken inside at La Pente à Jules where very satisfying dishes were on offer. Several restaurants were closed but this place, tucked away in the forest just above Flaine, is normally choc-a-bloc later in the season so it was a pleasure to enjoy it in quieter times.

There was still enthusiasm for some post-prandial skiing so we returned to the now softer snow and rode the chair lift to Grands Vans a couple of times before returning to the car at 4pm. An easy drive back completed a truly magnificent day out to start the season off as we hope it will continue.

Next outing December 18 (DV & WP – Deo volente and weather permitting)

*Whatever that bulldozer was doing, the potholes and puddles remain! Divonne was dark, foggy and very muddy.

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.