Blog – Page 13 – GIN Club

2 Feb 23 Snow Shoe Hike to La Genolière

The forecast for this hike had been coming down the pike a week before showing snow and cloud. In the event the snow held off (apart from some flurries while we were in have lunch) and excellent conditions for raquettes prevailed.

Ten GIN punters and two dogs started out from the parking at St Cergue Tancouez (Alt 1050m). Rob, Richard, Mervyn, Stephen, David, Mark2rs, Nicolas, Nathan, Larry (welcome to GINs Larry !) and me (Peter) and dogs Onyx and Kobie. Our first task was to work out how to pay for the parking using various apps or coins; these new meters and parking apps are wondrous things…

We set off across and up past Les Mouilles and into the dark pine woods. We were soon out into the wide open fields (see photo)

Looking back in the open fields with Mt Blanc visible

It was not long after this that Larry found that his snow-shoe technique was found wanting and he took them off for the rest of the hike. He coped admirably with the conditions thereafter in his Canadian snow boots. Even more amazing given that he turned out to be the most senior member of our party, by a good stretch.

Off up through the deep snowy forest and along the well-pounded snow trail up to the Fruitières de Nyon. There were super views across to the sunlit Alps but we were covered by the cloud all day and I do not recall a ray of sunlight until we got back down to the plain at the end of the day.

Richard, Stephen and Nathan close to the FdN

It was time to revive flagging spirits and bodies with some vino and Epicuro and Reisling became evident. Richard’s genepi was kept back for the upcoming fondu.

The wind was a bit chilly so we upped and left in the direction of Cabane Rochefort which we passed by just above and to the right of us. We were soon at the high point where the P team of 7 set off down Peter’s secret trail through deep snow forest. Rob led the R team of 3 down to the large tracks that traverse the Jura.

Dogs generally keeping to the trail – the powder was deep

Onyx, Richard and Kobie far out on the trail

This very beautiful trail led us down eventually to an open valley some 60 metres below La Genolière – so it was necessary to hoof up a steep slope to gain the lunch cabane.

Richard and Stephen and dogs head up the final slope

Looking back down the slope just before La Genolière lunch spot
.

On arrival at La Genolière (my regular Jura eatery), the resident and normally docile hound Moos proceeded to tear into Onyx, but diplomatic relations were soon re-established with Kobie’s help.

Once inside we were welcomed by the friendly staff and several other guests on the other tables. Warmth from the wood fire was welcome and we were soon into beers and apero platters of cheese and meats. It was a convivial and happy crew that tucked into the croutes and fondus. Larry began to identify us by our names and at one point Nicolas almost lost a lot of money in a bet with Larry about some obscure literary factoid (Larry read classics at the Sorbonne so don’t enter into any monetary argument with him about classics). There was some poetic discussion, nothing about Scottish independence, future events were aired, I think we all felt that it was just good to be alive. The fondu was warm and delicious, helped in no uncertain measure by the occasional pre-dunking of bread in genepi, as well as the fine chasselas (who’d have thought we’d be sitting here today drinking Chateau de Chasselas (Monty Python Hard Times sketch)).

See:-

or with John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson

All too soon it was time to go, but because the clock on the wall was running 8 minutes late, I misjudged the timing for the train and at 2.30pm it was too late : instead of being able to get the 2.50pm train at Givrine we would have to get the 3.50pm. No matter, we had time to wander and while the R team headed back down the main drag, the P team with dogs headed off into the woods again on deep powdery white stuff. A most pleasant and uneventful descent to La Givrine, at one point pivoting over a low wall.

The good news though was that we had time for a coffee (a real coffee) at the restaurant at La Givrine with plenty of time before the train. The chef there loves dogs so we were warmly welcomed in. And the apple tart was good too.

Suitably revived we joined the crowds of school children and others on the platform at La Givrine and bundled into the back carriage when the train arrived exactly on time. From St Cergue it was a short walk back to our cars at Tancouez.

We covered 10km and about 450m deniv (variable according to monitoring kit). My thanks to all for a very enjoyable outing and for giving Kobie hugs and encouragement. As I typed he is fast asleep on the sofa – knackered.

1 Feb 23 Dogging on Mt Mussy/Mourex

A bright and sunny day for a dog hike up above Divonne. Nicolas and Onyx, Mike (Muller) and Nessie, Mike’s Canadian friend Peter, me and Kobie.

We met up in the car park by the old gare in Divonne. Peter introduced himself and Kobie plastered the front of his nice light-coloured jeans with French mud.

Introductions over we headed off up past the casino and golf course to the icy woodland trail of Mt Mussy. Onyx proceeded to disappear into the forest for something over 20 minutes and a search plan was made. We whistled and made loud noises. In the event he reappeared with a relieved Nicolas as we reassembled at the upper parking.

On up across to the sunny summit area with fabulous views out across the Lac and across to the Jura. Dogs seemed to be behaving, so were the GINs. A pleasant walk round the hill and back along the long level trail chatting all the while, and not only the dogs.

We descended the icy path above the old Vieux-Bois restaurant and I was impressed by the ice dancing exhibited by our members, with no sticks or raquettes. This time Kobie went AWOL for 10 minutes, so Nicolas was relieved that it wasn’t just Onyx who went straying. Nessie was on top form, but then she was on the long line Mike uses to trip people up with.

Back across the Grand Source and a dip for the thirsty dogs.

fine walk in tricky conditions enjoyed by men and dogs. 7km and 300m deniv.

GIN Snowshoe – Marchairuz 19 Jan 23

Snowshoe outing at Marchairuz, January 19

Despite some concerns over a possible lack of snow the previous week it became clear that not only would there be an abundance of the white stuff, but that the gods would be in our favour with the forecast of blue sky for this outing. As it turned out the ten of us spent a special day of good exercise, beautiful snow conditions and good company.

Dawn was forecast to come in at -12 degrees Celsius, although it rose to – 8 degrees when we met up at the Col, so without too much persuasion we met up in the restaurant for coffee and hot chocolate. Noticeably absent were two dogs, Kobie and Nessie, but given the very cold conditions it was certainly for the best. It was good to see Coco the lunatic parrot again on his perch in the bar.

Ten of us with appropriate thermals enjoyed the trek. Peter T, Richard S, Mervyn P, Stephen L, David C, Mark2T, Nathan F, Mark2R, Mike M and myself (Rob (Ed. PT)).

The original plan was to trek as far along the route to Mont Tendre as the conditions would allow and return by the same trail eating our picnic lunch along the way. But mutiny was in the cold air. The prospect of a nice lunch in the warm restaurant at the Col was too much to miss, so with a lot of persuasion (truth be told, very little!), I was forced by a majority decision to change the itinerary to take the outward trip for an hour and a half to return in time for a lunch. A table for ten was booked.

Cabane du Grand Cunay visible on the far hill, our high point

The snowshoeing was excellent, the piste was well marked in deep and crisp snow and the trees stood out wonderfully.

Pano with Lac Leman glistening on the left

We reached the Cabane du Grand Cunay after a few “pechs”*, a few more for some of us, where unexpectedly there appeared cups and a fine Chasselas followed by some excellent homemade gluhwein. A nice break with fine views after 3.3k and 200m of ascent.

Downhill all the way, despite the few uphill bits, back to the warm welcoming restaurant where it was fondu all round, with some dipping genepi for the bread that went down well, and our usual coffee and Celtic water.

One good thing happened (at least). A friendly looking fellow from the table behind us came over and introduced himself. Larry French, lives part-time in Canada, part-time in Morges (December to mid-March and mid-April to July). He had been cross country skiing up to Marchairuz. Larry has now joined GINs and will be on the next snow shoe outing. Larry is currently the editor of the newsletter “the Grand Parents for the Climate Europe”. Welcome Larry!

Saddling up – er – how does it work now ?

Glowing and drowsy from the fondu, 9 of us set off for the second half of the day for an equally nice round trip short trek of 2.5 km with 70 m of ascent on the southwestern side of the col. Quite a few more peching* was heard, but it was well worth it. Only one of us manged to fall and loose his left snowshoe, but with the heroic aid of Mervyn all was recovered without loss.

A great day with great company.

Down but not out. Granin* perhaps ? Where was his pingle* ?

*Peching – “At last wi’ great peching an’ granin we gat with a pingle” 1754 Robert Forbes (Scots). Loosely translated as at last with lots of heavy breathing and grinding we made it with our sticks.

Rob

(NB I recorded a total of 8.7km and 346m deniv – ie. there was indeed some uphill on the way back in the morning (Pétros (Ed.)))

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

GIN Downhill Ski Day – Friday 20 January 2023

6th annual Dave Knewstubb memorial ski outing

The skiers’ prayers have finally been answered and the frustratingly capricious weather pattern this winter began to normalise at the end of last week. This meant that the much-anticipated inaugural outing of the 2023 skiing season could actually take place.

On Friday 20 January three stalwart GINtlemen (Mark, Steve and Mervyn) and one honorary guest (Alun) convened on skis for a warming coffee high above Champéry at 10:30. There had been several absentee messages received, few of which constituted a convincing excuse, to wit: dog matters, passport problem, lack of ski fitness, can’t ski when the day starts with an F (because we normally do it on a Thursday!)

A fine morning’s skiing under sunny blue skies and on freshly prepared, near-empty pistes and some adjacent powder fields got us back in the groove and hungry for some mountain fare at one of Steve’s favourite haunts below Avoriaz. Beers, croutes and tarts restored energy levels and enabled us to indulge in a further few hours of piste-bashing before bidding farewells and returning to the various car-parks around the Portes du Soleil from where we each started our skiing day.

No record of distances or denivelation, but it seemed like a lot. All in all a good, if belated, start to the season with hopes for many more days like it. Sadly only thought of photos at end of day, after Alun left.

Snow Shoe Outing 6 Jan 2023

Snow shoe outing Thursday 6 January 2023.

12.5km with 300m height difference

The second snowshoe outing of the season was aptly described as a winter wander with no one even dreaming that there might be snow. Ten of us (Robert Pashley, Richard Saynor, Mervyn Powell, Nicolas Ulmer, Peter Taylor, Mark Watts, Mark Warren, Mike Hempstead, Paul Sochaczewski and Mike Muller) and three dogs (Kobie, Onyx and Nessie) consequently met at the parking in the Place de la Gare, Divonne les Bains from where we set off on foot for the Mont Mussy.

The trail was straight forward and we overtook the jeudistes ladies from CERN at the Grande Source (and it was Grande with all the rain we’ve been having). The Mont Mussy (704m) is well known to most of us and no leading was required. We ascended the path now covered in damp leaves to the Ferme de Mont Mussy, which sadly has been closed as a restaurant for several years, and on through the woods to the summit of Mont Mourex at at 755m. The gods were kind to us as we had a blue sky with some cloud instead of the forecast rain. The views whether Jura or Alps were good but misty. All this augured well for a typical GIN pause with suitable beverages served with thanks to those who brought them. Entertainment was assured with the usual high intellectual conversation and the dogs chasing each other around the monolith.

With about 45 minutes to go before our restaurant reservation, we took a short cut through some thorny bushes to a main path which confounded some who turned left on it instead of right. Thereafter the group were error free and we walked fast on the well-trodden path to the restaurant, the Accord Parfait. Everyone took the menu du jour and the only complaint was that a better wine should have been chosen.

There were two options for the return to the carpark – five took the direct route via the Grande Source and five the longer route by the golf course. On arrival, the Scottish fluid was produced and enjoyed.

Thanks everyone – a most enjoyable day out. Various options are being considered for the next outing on 19 January depending on…snow.

Mark Warren

GIN Bikers -January 8th 2023

As the GIN Ski Group was confronted with insufficient snow and bad weather, the GIN Biking Group stepped into an empty Thursday and offered to replace downhill skiing on two skis with uphill biking on two wheels. Admittedly, the weather was not perfect for biking but it wasn’t raining and it was an opportunity to satisfy at least one of the New Year’s resolutions (where alcoholic abstinence has failed?).

Stephen, Ivan, Mark2Ts and Mervyn made up the group for a gentle warm up to the 2023 season. No-one was brave enough to wear shorts and e-Paul, the most likely to come so attired, had absented himself due to prior plans. In fact the clothing count was up to 5 layers. Mark 2Ts resplendent in his new high-vis top….a precursor maybe to the long expected new bike? Ivan had come prepared with spare pedal and correct tooling should he suffer the same fate as on the last ride before Christmas

We followed a mostly flat route from the Everness Hotel via Grilly to the old train track through Divonne and onto Crassier. At some stage there was a murmuring about a lack of coffee stop but the leader had a plan in mind and wasn’t going to be deterred. On via the farm roads, in sight of the slopes of the Jura to Gingins and, to the surprise of some, a Bonmont climb was avoided. This was replaced by a downhill ride from Trélex to Prangins and along the lake road to the Tennis Club at Nyon for lunch. The motivation for this venue was revealed as Stephen still had some unused club restaurant vouchers whose expiry date was fast approaching.

The set menu lunch choices at a very reasonable 21CHF were more than acceptable, accompanied by a couple of beers, proving no-one was keeping to January temperance. Service by the chatty staff was more rapid than the cycling. Discussion topics followed the usual diverse course from meat curing to Ukraine to the similarity of the pizza oil and Richard’s hiking schnapps.

A modest climb from the tennis club went on well-known routes via Crans, Céligny and then back to out respective warm homes. The ride lived up to expectations, gentle, enjoyable and for once no bike problems for Ivan. Long may they continue….but after a skiing break.

Statistics: ca. 50kms, 400m total ascent, 16.5 km/hr

“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 Hikers St Cergue-Cabane du Carroz-Jura and La Genolière 8.12.22

The weather dawned sunny and cold, perfect conditions for a last of 2022 season hike from La Givrine clockwise to Cabane du Carroz, and La Genolière. I had undertaken this hike the Friday before, in cold and freezing frost conditions. More snow had fallen since and the freezing frost had gone, but it was to be below zero out of the sun all day.

In the event 7 other brave Gintlemen signed up and turned out on time at La Givrine’s large newly surfaced parking area at 1207m. Attending were Stephen, Rob, Nathan, Andrew, Mark2ts, Philip, Mervyn and me, with Kobie as token protection from wolves (…).

The Route (roughly) was 9.7 km and 370m denivellation

Spirits were high. It was good to have Rob back with us again after a hiatus, but we missed other stalwarts who had various levels of excuses. Kobie was barking with excitement to start and off we went under the rail tunnel and up to the NW in bright sunshine on green grass.

Kobie, Philip, Mervyn, Mark2ts, Stephen, Rob, Andrew, Nathan

We had dressed for the cold (especially Nathan with his Canadian fur hat (in which Kobie took an interest later on)) but it was initially warm upward going, until we turned NE into a chilly combe.

Rob still needed no hat, but we all needed gloves

We gradually ascended into the light and into greener pastures, with fine views back to La Dôle.

Turning right up the summit slopes we met deeper snow, but nothing that needed a racquette.

It was not long before we arrived at a sudden right turn to the SAC hut the Cabane du Carroz Jura at 1508m, its terrace giving a fine view out to the alps with the Haut Cime and Matterhorn clearly visible. It was time (11.30 am) for coffee/wine/malt/schnapps or whatever your fancy standing in the sun – with thanks to providers.

Coffee stop – Nathan out of the picture to the right organising for his charity taxi efforts.

Kobie was behaving as was the party itself, and I can recall nothing occurring that could be described as untoward or mutinous. A very pleasant way mark on our route.

After we had replenished our tanks it was time to move on down the snowy trail through beautiful forest down to the road leading to La Genolière for our pre booked table for lunch. The hut dog Mousse was delighted to meet Kobie again (the third time in a week). It was so warm in the sun that we were able to order beers sitting outside in the sun, there being very few other diners that day despite the sunny weather.

Our orders placed we decided that the log fire inside was needed to keep warm and enjoy the croute fromages and röstis we had ordered from the friendly lady I had met twice before recently. In fact Kobie had met Mousse in the winters of 2020 and 2021 and they enjoyed friendly romps in the snow.

Those Croutes disappeared entirely in good time.

Selfie – no – I’m not wearing underpants on my head..

There was much lively discussion and we toasted absent friends. Scottish independence was back on the agenda as Rob was back, and it was a very convivial and lively lunch. Nathan informed us that he is looking for drivers to help his charity take old folk to appointments etc (please email Nathan directly). After desserts, coffees and digestifs it was time to amble back down through the snowy fields and forest to the cars at La Givrine with sun still in the sky albeit increasing cloud cover. A great day out enjoyed by gintlemen and dog in full measure.

The night saw the arrival of bad weather and a snow storm with a white mushy layer in my garden in the morning under falling snow. Handing over to Mark Warren now for the Snow-Shoe season must surely be starting.

I shall post a summary of 2022 hikes in due course. Thanks to all for being so accommodating of my big gentle hound. He loves you all.

GIN Bikers – December 1st 2022

The first day of December and the GIN Bikers were still keen to prove themselves. Even at 5C one die-hard arrived in shorts having e-biked it all the way from Geneva.

What do you mean cold? Real men wear shorts.

Eight hardy members signed up for this last official outing of the season. In the event, Mervyn had to call off due to teething problems….a 9/10 excuse. So it was Stephen. PeterD, a reluctant PeterT, Mark2Ts, e-Paul, Ivan (on his new, old bike) and newcomer e-Mike (immaculately turned out in brand new gear) who met at the Everness Hotel at 10h. PeterT’s lack of enthusiasm was due to a definitely non-Alfred previous evening. E-Paul was also not at his performance peak…..maybe due to recovery from the GIN Wine Group or maybe having to nurse a cold battery already diminished from the warm-up ride from Grand Saconnex.

We raced(?)off in the direction of Céligny, our leader making an ill-judged call to use a farm track which was water- (and mud-) logged in places. However, having now initiated any new and/or clean gear there was no need for subsequent caution. We followed the familiar road and track from Céligny to Crans, through Eysins, up to Signy and from there to Gingins. The peloton seemed a little sluggish and there was frequent need of “herding”. Regrouped at Gingins we embarked on the infamous Bonmont ascent. Our leader forged ahead trying to prove manhood and the ability to take on the e-bikes. 50% success with the latter, the former to be judged by others.

Bonmont heights……knocked that bastard off again.

After the customary photo shoot, we enjoyed the downhill ride to La Rippe.…although the wind chill factor was noticeable. As we prepared for the ascent to Vesancy, where a coffee had been promised at our favourite Ô Château restaurant, there was leadership concern about timings. Lunch had been booked in Divonne and we had been told to arrive before 13h. Backmarker, Mark, magnanimously offered the rest of the group to speed ahead and secure coffees. This seemed a solution and was gratefully accepted by the front runners. However, the Vesancy hill proved almost too much for the depleted battery of e-Paul and he manfully preserved the fading glimmers of charge by raw muscle power. The hill did prove too much for Ivan’s new, old bike. What was once the pride of the PeterT’s stable suffered from a detached pedal and a non-fitting alum key only provided temporary fixture. Hence, by the time the rear group arrived at Ô Château, coffees had been long drunk by the advance group and it was evident that the 13h deadline in Divonne was unattainable. Happily, the GIN Lunch the week before had generated much goodwill (and income) for the friendly waitress, who recognised the organiser of that event. His enquiry as to whether she could fit in an addition 7 for lunch was met with enthusiasm. It was just a question of cancelling Chez Mademoiselle’s, whilst maintaining the potential for a future visit there. Task accomplished. We happily settled down in the Vesancy restaurant, without time pressures and without any other diners to disturb our banter.

The menu du jour lunch was truly excellent, washed down not only with the usual beers (and some non-alcoholic drinks) but also with a PeterT sponsored Vacqueyras red wine, and a locally formulated “44” pousse-café.

Difficult to recall all the intellectual conversation around the table but it included subjects such as why e-bikes don’t have the ability to recharge the battery on downhill runs, the amortisation time of solar panels and whether this should include potential additional house value if you have no direct inheritors, karma and re-incarnation, the advantages of completing a PhD on Bhutan temples and erect phallus iconography, wildlife and vegetation under snow coverings, etc. As the meal progressed the conversation flowed, the subject matter diversified further and the ability to recall any of it diminished.

Iconography guru and student of one pedal biking

Replete, siesta imminent…….just a question of getting home first

Eventually, it was time to leave the warm, convivial bubble of hospitality and venture back out into the grey, cold afternoon. E-Paul was advised on shortest routes back to Grand Saconnex, with the hope of nursing the failing battery home. We unanimously agreed to avoid the Mourex hill and take the long, but downhill, road towards Gex. Paul parted ways as we reached the main road into Gex and for him onto Ferney. We assumed he found a successful route home (and have since learnt he did with 1% charge left). The rest of the group headed in the opposite direction, along the old train track towards Grilly. The Peters peeled off here to take the back route home. The remaining four cycled together as far as the Divonne Casino (supermarket, not betting tables) and they headed home across the border to Bogis-Bossey. This left Mike to escort Stephen back to Arnex before he made his solo way into Nyon.

A memorable ride although this blogger’s Garmin memory failed to record the all the data. It seems that we were too long at lunch and watch batteries, like e-bike batteries, sometimes go into shutdown.