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.
The wind had died down from the horrors of the previous day when we took shelter in the Founex Auberge for a GINClub lunch. PeterD organised this outing – a prize to him for 2 days in a row !
A new member attended (for the second day in a row), Richard Flett, or E-Richard as our BOOT-bound BLeader would call him, with connections to South Africa. Welcome Richard.
Attending – PeterD, PeterT, Paul, MikeM, Mervyn, Mark2ts and RichardF. Three e-bikes and four pushers.
We set off slightly into the wind on an anticlockwise circuit cunningly designed to have the wind behind us on the worst uphill section (Vesancy Hill). Tracking past Lac Divonne, skirting round Crassier in France, up to La Rippe and glancing at the Bonmont Hill before turning left for the traverse to Vesancy under the Jura forests.
Mervyn, PeterD, Paul, Mike, Richard and Mark at Crux Ave, Vesancy, the big hill behind us !
An almost good weather day which turned a bit chilly, and was slightly marred by the coffee stop in Vesancy being closed for Ascension.
So, we trekked on down to Gex before heading back up and across through Echenevex to Maison Blanche, avoiding the down-the-field approach.
Lunch was served at a fine circular linen-laid table – this is how golfers expect to dine. Mark had celebrated becoming Swiss the day before, and he was keen to buy the beers. Affligem from Belgium went down well but a second glass was needed to verify its excellence.
Pondering Ali
Conversation seemed to settle around religion, atheism, Dawkins, UK non-resident banking (Barclays is throwing us out), Darwin, memes and memeplexes (religion again), natural selection and mortality. Paul’s excellent new book on Wallace’s unheralded but vitally essential bird-collecting Indonesian assistant, Ali, is coming out shortly.
Paul tells us that he believes we have all must have had an “Ali” in our lives, getting us through to where we are today. Something for us all to ponder..
We drank the health of our absent BLeader, resting up at home.
The nems were excellent as were the burgers and triple fried chips. We actually met a couple of GIN members (well at least one – Werner) who had come in from their golf round.
All too soon it was time to take off back home via an interesting riverside path below Gex with a bike staircase, before saying farewell to Paul and exiting Gex on the beloved bike path to Divonne, as we pondered on “who was my Ali ?”.
Peter Drew organised a GINclub lunch in Founex on the day of high winds. Nearly everone turned out, including new member Jeff Shane, welcome Jeff!
Attending were a score of Gintlemen – and who in no particular order were :
Alan Peters (rumoured not to have arrived but was with us in spirit) Alan Baker Brian Hewitt Brian Allardyce Bryan Clark David Gwilliam Drew Meek Ken Forrester Gerard Swart Gary Vannatter William Hogg Michael Hempstead Norman Eatough Paul Sochaczewski Peter Taylor Terence Gale Steve Long Mike Price Jeff Shane Peter Drew David Colledge
A very pleasant lunch with a chance to catch up with our chums.
Jeff Shane on the left talking aero stuff with AlanTwo Peddlers
Thanks to Peter D for organising this. The food, beer, red wine and Founex Chasselas were excellent.
When all at once I saw a crowd A host of golden dandelions and buttercups
William 2Ws ish
Last year we hiked via La Dôle to Sonnailley to find the daffodils mostly spent. This year we were one day earlier and they were worse (spenter?). However our leader, me, had already lowered expectations and told the participants they would need to bring their imagination so all was not lost.
Seven of us plus a furry hound gathered at 10:00 at the parking at la Givrine on what promised to be a cold and wet day and Météo Suisse did not disappoint: we had some rain, sleet, hail and mist over the course of the hike. Fortunately not too much of any of these and it was even dry at our lunch stop. There may have been a little sunshine but not enough to be noticeable.
We arrived in 3 cars and spent the first couple of hours trying to master the intricacies of the newly installed parking meters.
That accomplished we set off up to the Couvaloup de Crans and onward to La Dôle going through a field of daffodils on the way up. At least the leader had the sense to avoid saying that an even better display awaited them at Sonnailley.
Once at the Dôle we had done most of the climbing and it was clearly time for an aperitif. So we stood in the lee of one of the buildings with a bottle of white and a variety of nibbles, finally washed down with a glass of Welsh whisk(e?)y. We raised a toast to absent friends, especially Stephen.
We met a Scottish beggar at the top, we had no cash so we gave him a bit of food
Then it was time to start the descent, along the ridge to the South West and down what is marked as a footpath but in reality is an invitation to fall and crack your head on the rocky path. Fortunately we all got down intact and to the road which leads past the Grand Sonnailley to our designated picnic spot. This road passes within about 10 metres of the French border and there was much discussion of (illegal) entente cordiale meetings there during the pandemic.
The picnic spot was a slight rise, mostly out of the wind, and with no rain. Unfortunately there were no daffodils either, but plenty of buttercups. Fortunately we have photographs from 2 weeks earlier when they were at their best.
Lunch was washed down with an excellent red, some Scotch, more Welsh and coffee. Then we we returned via the Sonnailley au Prince hut to the Couvaloup and thereafter down the road to la Trélasse (both closed so no opportunity for a beer) and back to our cars.
Present Peter T, Mervyn, Nathan, Rob, Richard W, 2 Marks, Kobie. 14 km, 690m denivelation.
Excuses ranged from ‘only got one working leg’ to ‘going to concerts in Prague’ to ‘wife reset my priorities’.
Quiet flows the Morges. Beautiful still life from Mark Warren taken from the little bridge as you enter Morges from the west along the Lake. Our knowledgeable guide, Jean-Paul Perrin, informed us that the word ‘Morges is derived from the celtic word for border or limit.
At the Château de Morges, built by Louis de Savoie in 1286, soon after the founding of Morges by the Savoyards. It now houses several museums, including the Vaudois Miliary Museum. This and following photos thanks to the skill of Tim Goodyear.
The main exhibition at this time is the illustrated history of the wars with Charles the Bold of Burgundy who had the temerity to attack the Bernois egged on by Louis XI, King of France, in the 1470s. After three battles the powerful Duchy of Burgundy was no more, in the dust with Charles killed at Nancy. Sic transit gloria mundi!
The port of Morges, one of the largest on the Lake, with the two guérites, watch towers?, that protect the port, now symbol of Morges. In the good old days a chain was suspended from guérite to guérite each night so the citizens of Morges could sleep easy.
On the Quai Mont Blanc, we are rapt in attention before our eloquent guide. He was facing dental surgery that afternoon. We hope all went well.
Beautiful photo of the stairwell in the wine cellar of the Maison Bolle. Jean-Paul explained that in the good old pre-electricity days a skylight served to illuminate stairwells and even cellars.
Thatcher in the cellar of the Maison Bolle in front of the canotier, a 19th century row boat with a huge canon in front filled with grapeshot in case the ducks in the harbour attacked. Don’t get any ideas, Vladimir Putin, Morges can defend itself.
Sign on the entrance to the lower level reception room of the Hôtel de Ville. Second marriage for Audrey, who lived in Tolochonaz nearby, and is buried there. She loved Morges, and vice-versa, and attracted personalities like William Holden and Yul Brynner, who also took up residence nearby on the edge of St Prex. Market Day in Morges has not been the same since.
Photo of the Passage de la Couronne looking south, about 1900. La Pinte du XXième Siècle, where we had lunch, is in the building immediately to the right.
The historic Grenier bernois, which now houses our library and meeting rooms. A treasure preserved by the foresight of the citizens of Morges and their leaders. We see that in 1536 the fearsome Bernois took over the region, peacefully, without firing a shot. They ruled Vaud after that till 1798-1803, when one Napoléon Buonaparte gave them the heave-ho, and Vaud became an independent Canton.
Can you believe it?? The Maison Bolle offered its best wines for tasting on the Quai Mont Blanc just before lunch, free of charge, to the distinguished Gentlemen of Nyon.
Our host at the tasting, Julien Pâche of the Maison Bolle, explains the origin of our exquisite Pinot Noir, le Servagnin. Several ceps were offered to Morges-St Prex by Marie de Burgogne in 1420 to thank the communities for hosting her to give birth in peace and tranquility to her daughter, Marguérite de Savoie. Her home in Savoy, Château de Ripaille, ‘the Castle of Festive Feasts’, was a bit over the top for a pregnant Duchesse. There were also rumours of plague nearby. Some 600 years later, the brilliant vignerons of St Prex and Morges resuscitated the one remaining cep in a garden in St Prex, and now produce the best pinot noir in Switzerland, dare we say, in the universe! And we had the privilege of tasting it!
On the wall of fame and history of our restaurant, the 20th Century, a bistro preserving the Vaudois traditional fare, whose owners, Thierry and Amanda Mundler, offered us a delicious repast! The sign was written in the time of the mini-verre Vaudois, that the Maison Bolle had offered us as a souvenir. Nowadays with larger glasses, the challenge is a bit less daunting.
Final photo by Mark. Are we happy or not?
17 valiant explorers participated in the Morges challenge: Paul Sochaczewski, Thatcher Shellaby, Jeff Crudgington, Mike Muller, Alan Baker, Mark Warren, Gerard Swart, Brian Allardyce, Mark Watts, Mike Price, Tim Goodyear, Colin Carter, Alan Peters, Gary Vannator, Trevor Davies, Wouter Van Ginneken, Larry French
Our guide was Jean-Paul Perrin, retired pastor and expert on the history of Morges.
