The weather forecast promised a dry spell up to Thursday so it was suitable for a hike up the Salève via the Grotte d’Orjobet and back down via the Grande Gorge. Five of us duly assembled at the parking Le Coin and set off shortly after 10:00. Mervyn, Nicolas, Mike M, new member Peter Strebel and Mark 2Ts. The ascent was totally in the shade from the trees so felt reasonably cool and we made good progress with the occasional ooh and aah as we came into a clear patch and saw the views below.
Great view, shame about the people in the way
Shortly after we were through the Grotte d’Orjobet with just a gentle stroll left until we arrived at our restaurant after a hike of almost exactly 2 hours.
Grotte d’Orjobet
We’d booked at the Auberge des Montagnards in la Croisette and they gave us a table with panoramic views over the alps. The food was up to the quality of the view and we left, well fortified, at about 13:30.
Our leader, me, then proceeded to get us lost, trying several descents from the plateau before we actually reached the Grande Gorge. Eventually, with the help of several phone apps, we found the correct path, further on than I had remembered and started our descent. This was as tricky as we remembered but we took it slowly, thought how much worse it would be when wet, and eventually got back to our cars at Le Coin where we replenished our energy with coffee, nuts and raisins before driving home.
A good day out, 12 km, 714 m height gain. All the ascent and descent in the shade from trees. Only the walk along the top in the sun, however this was longer than it should have been for which we blame the leader.
Wouter and Larry of the GIN walking group. July 14, 2033.
Tolochenaz, near Morges, where Audrey lived after her retirement from the world of cinema. Lucky encounter in the parking lot with retired head of public works for Tolochenaz, Hubert, who knew Audrey and had the sad task of digging her grave. Audrey’s home is 100 metres beyond the hedge in the background.
The wall of La Paisible, Audrey Hepburn’s residence for the last thirty years of her life.
Miracle! The gate to the residence La Paisible was open. A view of Audrey”s beloved garden where she spent much of her time.
Larry in front of the chapel where Audrey was buried.In the chapel where Audrey’s funeral service was celebrated. Memorable passage from Ecclesiastes, ‘There is a time and there is a season…’Wouter looks at home in the pulpit in the chapel. Gift of a broad and deep education.
The mural that adorns the back wall of the Audrey Hepburn Pavilion. Here for many years the memorabilia from her years’ modelling and acting were displayed.
Larry in the Salle des Mariages of Morges Hôtel de Ville, where Audrey celebrated her second marriage to Andrea Dotti, after her divorce from Mel Ferrer. They had a son, Luca, half brother to Sean Ferrer.
Lucky encounter on the Grand’rue in Morges on the way to lunch. We are in distinguised company – well known to Larry. Standing is Nuria Gorrite, former Syndic of Morges, former President of the Canton de Vaud, now Minister for Transport in the Conseil d’Etat de Vaud. Standing beside her is her father, Rafaêl. Seated to the left is Aristide, archiviste in the Bolle Museum, his wife, Jacqueline, then Salvatore Gervaisi, Director of the Bolle Museum, soon to be our host. Finally, Wouter, enjoying this fine moment. L’Hôtel de Ville with flags flying that we had just visited is visible behind Nuria.
The archives of the Bolle Museum, in the room dedicated to Audrey Hepburn. Director Salvatore Gervaisi gives us a lightning tour of the Hepburn Collection before we visit the new exhibition dedicated to Audrey, her life in comic strip form. The exhibition continues till mid-August. July ’24 will see an exhibition featuring the designs of Hubert Givenchy for the costumes and dresses that Audrey wore so gracefully.
Most of the regulars were Saas Feeing, mending bust legs, in foreign climes or had other feeble excuses so there were just 4 of us turned out for this ride: Peter D (leader)and Mark 2Ts (push bikes), Mike Muller and Richard Flett (electric).
We started at the Everness and followed a route roughly equivalent to the map below. Our leader had thoughtfully provided this in advance in case anybody got detached from the peleton, seems like a bit of history there!
We followed the old railway line up to Gex and then across to Vesancy to find the restaurant closed so we continued, coffeeless, through the golf course at Bonmont and onto Gingins. We decided to miss the usual Bonmont hill as the other Peter would be upset if we did it without him. At least the reasoning went something along those lines.
We made a slight detour at Gingins to see Mike’s new house, last week a hole in the ground, now about to put the roof on, moving in tomorrow.
By now it was lunch time so we dropped down to the auberge in Founex for well deserved beers and a great plat du jour.
A very pleasant ride and not too hot, at least at first.
A fine day in prospect saw eight of us and 3 dogs assemble in the car park at Divonne for a Jura hike. Sadly Richard S and Peter Strebel withdrew at the last minute and were missed. Almost immediately it became clear that Mark Warren and I had the same idea of how to approach the Barillette restaurant – booked for 12.30pm; by driving up to near the Chalet de la Dôle and traversing the mountain clockwise. The alternative would have been a long slog up nearly 800m from Florettaz – one for another time/team.
Attending – Marks W1 and W2, Nathan, Mervyn, Larry, Mike H and Rocco, Nicolas and (Tiray Pas) Onyx, and me and Kobie.
It did not start well when Onyx followed Kobie into the Divonne fountain pond.
Safely up at the parking at 1418m we set off to scale La Dôle (1677m) passing the Chalet with all dogs leashed. Cows and chamois were abundantly evident, as were hares.
Passing the Chalet de la DôleFresh mist around our summitSomething odd at the summitThe steepest part
It was a fresh start with initial cloud on the tops and a nice breeze. We stopped a few times and then at 1632m on the ridge to allow stragglers to catch up. That was the last we saw of Nathan before the restaurant (where he arrived on time at 12.25pm, whereas we arrived after 1.12pm).
Larry and two chamoisKobie looking for lunch on the hoofThe hard part done, Kobie eyeing up chamois still
So we meandered up after Nathan and stopped at the top in the look out pen hemmed in by cows, looking up at the work in progress maintenance work being done on the radar ball.
Cows – a challenge to us dog walkers – and why Nathan went on ahead thinking we would skirt the summit altogetherCloud base obscuring the AlpsMen and dog penSelfie
We decided to escape (slip past) the herd and take aperos on the broad ridge descending to Col de Porte at 1660m.
Larry brought Petite Arvine and nuts, Peter some Chardonnay and dog bones
We toasted absent friends which at this time also included Nathan. There was some jolly banter about Niagra Ice Wine and other delicacies. Then suddenly we realised that we had 20 minutes left to get to the restaurant on time, but that it was at least an hour away.
Peter went back to the summit pen to retrieve his stick, and we wended down past the Col de P and down and up across to the Barillette mast.
Looking back to the Col de PorteMaster and his faithful companion at the Tower of Power, followed by another couple of contenders
We arrived safely at the restaurant 45 minutes late but with no worries as Nathan had indeed arrived à l’heure. Happily there were few other diners and we chose a table out on the terrace for the dogs and us to be the happier.
Not much choice other than sausage and chips/potatoes
Initial beers were excellent and Larry chose the wine – to celebrate his 87th birthday the previous week.
We chewed the fat while the dogs chewed the bones. The conversation glided over many subjects, including paedophile poets, and we were soon into coffees and not inflicted by a man with a bottle of strong and oddly-labelled potion, nor another with his flask of strong Scottish stuff.
All too soon then, with most of us and most dogs behaving well, we set off back up and down to the cars, passing a potential new GIN recruit as we left the restaurant.
Gently down to the Chalet de la DôleLarry made it safely through the electric fencesLooking back Drinking Mark 2t’s coffee at the carsThe sun had come out and it was hot when we got back down
Thanks again to Mark 2ts for the coffee and Mervyn (or was it Mark too?) for the milk.
An enjoyable hike with dogs that mostly behaved, nice lunch in great company that also mostly behaved, fine weather and some nice wines, good sausage, excellent frites, and some fabulous views, chamois and hares, and, er, cows and electric fences.
10.5km and 480m denivellation.
PS – When I got home Kobie slept in the basement immediately for 6 hours – he’s still there…
PPS Thanks to Nicolas for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame T Shirt !
All the regular B-leaders were either ginjured or away so Mark 2Ws led this bike ride. Five of us met at 10:99 by the ice cream hut by the lake in Divonne: Mervyn, Ivan (with another new old bike), Paul and Richard Flett (both on e bikes), and Mark. Ivan had brought this bike from Ukraine so does not have to rely anymore on Mark or Peter’s old bikes.
Built by Ivan and just imported from Ukraine
No deraileur, just 3 speed hub gears but young legs.
We set off up the old railway line to Gex and then to Vésancy, arriving exactly at 11:00 when our leader had confidently predicted the café would be open. Sadly it wasn’t so we proceeded via St-Gix to the camping above Divonne where we again failed to find any coffee. On to La Rippe and Bonmont (by the legal route) for the inevitable photo call.
Then Gingins, Grens, Borex, Arnex, Céligny, past our old meeting point, the god spot, and onto the sports centre at Founex where we met Nathan now almost recovered after his fall.
Conversation included: details of where a previous outing had lost and then abandoned Nathan, Wagner group in Africa, China’s belt and road success, and many other subjects.
Then the group dispersed to all wend their ways home, Paul had the furthest to go at 19km but fortunately had a powered bike.
44km, 484m elevation gain, beautiful sunny day with little wind.
The weather forecast was not promising with severe weather warnings over most of Vaud so the leader of this event decided to keep this “hike” low and with opportunities to escape if necessary.
Just 5 of us assembled in the parking in Morges: Larry, Bill, 2 Marks and an Irish interloper -Arthur Grifith. Surprisingly none had walked the full path before. Despite the forecast, which was changing by the hour, the day started out dry but not sunny.
Larry French, Mark Watts, Arthur Griffiths, Bill Westermeyer. Mark Warren behind the camera.
We started along the lake, past Préverenges to the Ile aux oiseaux which certainly lived up to his name. This was new to many of the participants and now includes two powerful, and free, telescopes to watch the birds at close up.
After many of the birds had been identified, but not by me, and the information panels scrutinised, we continued on to St Sulpice. This is the only section of the walk where the path leaves the lakeshore, just before and just after the church.
We would have walked past the church had Mark 2Rs not insisted we visit it and what a treat it was: built in Romanesque style in the 11th century and looking inside as if it is all original. This is a true gem and well worth a visit, thank you Mark.
Shortly after St Sulpice the path returned to the lakeside and we continued on to our lunch spot at les Berges de Vidy. By now it had started to rain so we donned waterproofs or raised umbrellas which miraculously stopped the rain.
Conversation, at lunch or on the walk, covered Irish reunification, the siege of Troy (Paris killed Achilles who had killed Hector), Philip Larkin and his Whitsunday poem, places to visit in Northern Ireland, whether we would be in time for the boat back from Ouchy and many other subjects which I’ve forgotten but will add when the participants remind me.
We left Vidy planning to catch the boat back to Morges and arrived at the quay in Ouchy just as it was pulling out.
Wait for me!!
So we originally decided to walk up the path from Ouchy to Lausanne station but there was a metro train already waiting for us at Ouchy so we caught it in order to just miss the next train to Morges. Eventually we sorted out tickets (the most stressful part of the day) and caught a train back to Morges and returned to our cars.
A very interesting, and even cultural, walk if not too strenuous. About 15 km with essentially no height gain. The storms came to nothing (but were violent during the evening) and the only serious rain was while we were in the restaurant.
In the event, six intrepid members of the biking group assembled at the Divonne Lake (ice-cream shack) starting point: Bill, Ivan, Mark, Mervyn, Paul and a late-entry – our man from the mountains, Peter T.
Several apologies for absence had been submitted exhibiting varying degrees of justification (no names, but you know who you are!).
Monsieur Météo promised to be benign – warm, dry and no wind. So, it was agreed to accept my proposal of a ride through the open fields to the relative shade of the Jura hills up to the 888m point on the infamous Barillette ascent. It wasn’t long before Peter (then Ivan Ed.) took over the lead as we headed onwards and upwards. We suffered varying degrees of pain and fatigue as the gradient increased from a modest 5% up to a more daunting 10.5%. e-Paul once again demonstrated the clear advantage of bike battery technology over raw lung and leg power as, with the mere touch of a button, he showed at least one fit-looking young interloper a clean pair of heels (or in this case, pedals).
The team at 888. It’s all over now..Plus that guy again
The investment of all that time and effort on the ascent was rewarded by a swift and exhilarating descent down the sweeping bitumened bends, where Ivan demonstrated impressive slaloming technique, to Gingins and thence to Trelex and finally Prangins.
This passed not entirely without incident as, no sooner had bits started to fall off Mervyn’s bike, than Mark decided to do a mini-Nathan and part company involuntarily with his machine. Thankfully only pride suffered a minor injury this time.
A table with seven places laid out awaited our arrival at Les Abérieux restaurant down on the lakeside at Prangins.
Beers were swiftly ordered and consumed before the mystery missing diner – our BLeader, Stephen, no less – made his welcome appearance, fresh from 15 minutes “re-education” on a stationary exercise bike. Now that’s solidarity for you, in the “I share your pain” sense!
BLeader makes his appearance in time for beerStudents of menus
Lunch-time banter covered the usual old chestnuts plus a intriguing discussion, initiated by our resident man of letters, Paul, on what constitutes the toughest sport. Cycling uphill in the heat of the midday sun, notwithstanding, other candidates ranging from mountaineering, ultra-marathons and competitive saunas were proposed. The common denominator seemed to be utter madness.
Time to roll home
With that we dispersed and wended our ways back to our various starting points in the Terre Sainte and beyond.
Vital statistics: 44 Km, 580m deniv. 3hr in the saddle (+2hr lunch)
Author: Mervyn Powell, faithful member of the peloton and frequent lanterne rouge.
Impeccable logistical cooperation enabled today’s nine hikers (Peter Taylor, Mervyn Powell, Larry French, David Colledge, Richard Saynor, Bill Westermeier, Peter Strebel (new member – welcome Peter!), Ralph Wares and Mark Warren) to leave the rendezvous point at the Gare de Noiraigue on time. The day was sunny, sun hats made their appearance and the forecast (not the one I read – Ed. PT) was good to the extent that some of our party didn’t see the necessity to bring any wet weather gear.
Hardly a cloud in the sky – first sight of the CdV
The trail up to the Creux de Van is straight forward and not particularly difficult, but it does go up some 750 metres which is a challenge in itself.
All shorts the start line – David, Richard,Bill, Ralph,Mervyn,Mark (Leader), Larry, Peter Strebel
After leaving the village, there is a steady incline for longer than one thinks, even for those who know this trail well, before a left turn at the start of the famous “sentier des 14 contours”. This path meanders up the slope in serpentines with frequent great views of the rock basin; trees at each turn are numbered and after number 14, we found ourselves at the top with its magnificent view over the cliffs of the Creux de Van, including a recent rockfall, and a welcome glass of champagne in celebration of Richard’s birthday.
The heart of the Creux, or the Crux of the matter, as we supped champagne
We then started to hear thunder in the distance and feel the odd drop of rain. The prudent hikers with rain gear put it on while the others accelerated for the 45 minutes’ walk to the restaurant, La Grand Vy – yes, La Grand Vy and not La Grande Vy! No one could explain that grammatical oddity.
Richard and PerterS – with rain gearRain in the CreuxMervyn showing David somethingCreux vieux
Those suitably protected hikers took time to saunter round the ridge, looking at the views, watching a passing ibex and noticing others hikers sheltering under trees, some with picnics. Some told us in a despairing tone that the restaurants were full, so it was just as well that we had a reservation.
Reading the menus by phone in the half lightThe Red TableReally excellent fromage en croute with egg, after a very good salad
The restaurant was cosy and had good local mountain fare which was washed down with the odd beer or glass of wine. Several took the pudding option of an ice cream flavoured with the local eau de vie – absinthe. Richard’s famous bottle contained an excellent Armenian cognac. We toasted absent friends, especially the GINjured.
Bill and PeterS on the White table as the rain fell outsideThe unjust Red table ordered Absinthe dessertsView from the envious White TableHiding from Richard’s Armenian Cognac behind a local A poster of questionable taste Saying goodbye to La Grand Vy
The rain was falling quite heavily after lunch, but there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. Which was exactly the problem for some of our party who had over relied on the weather forecast (or read the wrong one) as some three or four did not have rain gear. Our experienced hiking group organiser came to the rescue for two as he had three sets of rain gear with him. As a result, he himself wore a bright green poncho, which earned him the nickname of the Jolly Green Giant.
Ralph with the JGG
Even though the trail back to the Gare was easier and shorter than the one up, there were some slippery parts that challenged some of our group who realised their age a little bit as young children overtook them hopping, skipping and jumping. As we approached Noiraigue, the rain stopped.
A lovely hike, already a favourite for some and newly discovered for others.
At the picturesque spot of Chavannes de Bogis, seven adventurous bikers gathered at the renowned Everness hotel (to GIN bikers at least). Their mission: to embark on an exhilarating ride along the old train track leading to Gex onwards to Versancy, Bonmont and finally Founex for lunch. Little did they know that this journey would be filled with unexpected turns, lost companions, and tales to be shared over a memorable lunch.
With hearts brimming with excitement, the group set off from the Everness hotel, their bikes gliding along the old train track. The promise of scenic vistas and the thrill of exploration lay before them, beckoning them to embrace the open road.
As the bikers approached the charming town of Versancy, their bodies yearning for refreshment, they stumbled upon a delightful surprise. Ivan, our eighth companion, welcomed us having sneaked up through Divonne. Thereafter most of us indulged in a delightful selection of alcoholic delights. Amidst laughter and camaraderie, Richard offered to pick up the tab which was much appreciated.
As the sun approached its zenith, the bikers set their sights on the renowned Bonmont hill. Alas, for some, fate had a different plan in store. Nathaniel, inadvertently veered off course and vanished from sight. Concerned but undeterred, the majority of the group, led by Peter and Mervyn, chose to proceed after stopping to observe a rather beautiful field of poppies.
Following the floral intake most of the group decided to conquer the reverse Bonmont route, some without the assistance of electric power. Meanwhile, Paul opted for the thrill of the mountain route, and was not seen again until lunch. Peter T, desiring a less challenging path, ventured towards the easy route, meeting up at the traditional Bonmont photo op location.
Amidst breathtaking views (of trees) atop Bonmont, the group celebrated a significant milestone: capturing the 500th (or so) photo of the group.
With spirits soaring, they began their descent down the hill, opting for the most direct route towards their well-deserved destination—the Founex Tennis Centre, where a delicious lunch awaited them. Along the way, they passed God’s Crossroads, a symbolic reminder of the serendipitous encounters that colored their adventure.
Seated around a table laden with large beers, the bikers engaged in lively conversations that spanned an array of topics. Tales were shared, including humorous anecdotes of waterlogged water boots while serving in the fire brigade and humorous accounts of Peter T’s driving skills as attested by his car (much to the amusement of his wife who already new about this). While the food was generally satisfying, the frites drew a bit of critique, inspiring laughter and banter among the riders. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, Peter D promised to provide a route for their next outing, fueled by the hope of keeping their missing companion, Nathaniel, (not to mention Paul) with the group.
As lunch drew to a close, the bikers reflected upon the incredible journey from Everness to Gex and beyond. They marveled at the unexpected turns, the bonds forged through shared experiences, and the enduring spirit of adventure that united them. They eagerly anticipated their next outing, with hopes of uncovering the whereabouts of Nathaniel and creating new memories that would enrich their friendship and love for exploration.
The plan was to start walking at 10am from the Col, and ten adventure-minded members turned up on time for a quick coffee at the restaurant before moving off. Our favourite parrot was unfortunately missed as it was having a rest at the home of one of the restaurant servers.
Peter D, Mervyn P, Andrew N, David C, Mike M, Mark Warren, Richard S, Richard W and Robert P. Richard W, Ralph W and myself set off on the dot in true Swiss style. As is usually the case with hikes or indeed snow-shoe outings led by our Scottish leader, as soon as we started the clouds disappeared and the sun shone for the rest of the day. It wasn’t long before most were disrobing to cope better with the rising temperature.
We managed to stay together for about a third of the way to the Buvette two of the group decided to take the official route at the Cabane du Cunay while the rest of us tried a much longer shortcut.
Consequently, those who knew better had to climb over a numbers of walls and cover some rough terrain and we ended up with three separate groups, with the leader leading diligently from the rear. It was a bit of a climb reaching the top of Mont Tendre at 1679 m and the three groups came together again for fabulous views into forested France and the Alps. Two of the team were sent on to the Buvette so ensure a suitable table was found and the beers were already in the fridge waiting while the rest of us admired some high-tech Swiss German mountain bikes resting at the summit.
The Buvette was very welcoming and all heartily tucked in to mainly Rosti based meal with added cheese extra eggs and sausage, however the waitress was having quite a difficult time keeping up with the beer order. But we all managed.
After some traditional toasting with some Scottish liquid and some Danish stuff (that some suggested had some strange sexual connotations) and dire coffee, we paid the young lady of the Buvette and started off on the 8k or so hike back to the cars. The temperature had risen and it turned out to be a slightly more difficult and longer return route, although we all kept to the official paths. The quality of the chat, though, diminished as tiredness fell upon us, or maybe it was just the beer as the few that weren’t drinking beer seemed to talk more sense.
A couple of the team held us back at the re-visit to the summit of Mont Tendre having some polite conversation with two young ladies. They eventually caught up with the rest of us.
One of the advantages of starting a hike at Marchairuz is that you can relax at the restaurant at the end of a hard day’s hike. We took some well-earned refreshment there while congratulating ourselves on our hiking prowess, amongst other things. After all, it was a 16.8 km, 734 m déniv hike.
