Blog – Page 17 – GIN Club

Walking group Divonne-les-Bains 7 March 2023

Parcours Patrimonial of Divonne les Bains

Twenty-one members and guests (we were twenty-three by lunchtime) of the GIN Walking Group met at the old railway station of Divonne under a sunny blue sky, which stayed with us all morning – the rain only starting as forecasted in the late afternoon.

Mark explaining the route

All listening attentively

The Tourist Office has prepared an excellent brochure that describes the more important buildings and other items of interest that are identified by blue plaques around central Divonne and we followed this itinerary, starting with the old station. In the first half of the 20^th century, Divonne was the meeting place of trains from Paris (some carriages were direct) and Nyon, via Crassier, and walking from the station we saw that the actual Police Station was the Hotel des Etrangers. For Divonne in the late 19^th and early 20^th century was an important spa, attracting the wealthy from all over the world that resulted in the development of several hotels. We also noticed the bust of Marcel Anthonioz, mayor, deputy and tourist minister, who inspired many of the post-war developments including the casino.

Continuing up the Avenue de Genève, we turned right down the Grande Rue that is everchanging with its major road works. Today’s major activity did not hinder our progress as we ticked off the three blue plaques on our way to the Place de l’Eglise, which includes the Villa Beaulieu, one of the few pre-revolution buildings and the only Divonne one officially listed as a historic monument. Thereon, we took the riverside walk and onto the Casino, the 1904 theatre and two large hotels constructed for the wealthy curists in the early 20^th century.

The hares arrived first…….

……..and then the tortoises

And then the arranged visit to the Moulin David. This Moulin is the oldest hydroelectric plant in France still operating on its original site. It was originally set up to provide electric power to the town’s prestigious hotels and spa and had been scheduled for demolition when a few volunteer enthusiasts headed by people from CERN lovingly restored it to working order. And several were there to welcome us and to give an excellent presentation and demonstration. The 1907 Winterthur’s thermic engine with its 3 tons wheel was particularly impressive – very much the icing on the cake of the visit and much appreciated by us old boys.

Our knowledgeable guide at the Moulin

Hi-tech electronics

Watch those fingers

Spellbound!

Lunch was taken at La Truite, a 19^th century hotel and restaurant where Guy de Maupassant once stayed and which was the only one listed in the first red Michelin Guide ever (1900). The three-course meal was excellent value.

A much-appreciated cultural walk of approximately three kilometres. Thanks to all and especially to our Walk Co-ordinator, Alan Baker, who asks for volunteers to lead further walks this year.

Present: Brian Allardyce, Alan Baker, John Burley, Bryan Clark, David Colledge, Trevor Davies, Norman Eatough, Ray Fiander, Nathan Finkelstein, Larry French, Dave Gernandt, Philip Jenkins, Rob McKenzie, Mike Muller, Hubert Pettingell, Mike Price, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, Wouter van Ginneken, Gary Vannatter and Mark Warren plus guests Hugh Pettingell and Dave Watson.

Blog written by Mark Warren

3 day ski trip to Tignes, March 4-8, 2023

Three fearless skiers: Mervyn, Ralph Wares and Mark, left Commugny at 08:30 last Saturday morning bound for Tignes. Sensible people might ask why we were stupid enough to be out of bed at that time – after all we had no dog to walk – but Tignes is quietest at weekends and we wanted to maximise skiing time on Saturday.

Ralph drove us in his fancy large newish car with everything working, even the navigation screen!!, after Mark had pleaded that his car was too small and Mervyn had pleaded something about the scrap yard.

We duly arrived in the Grande Motte parking and were ready to ski by 12:30, Mervyn and Mark revelling in their free passes while Ralph will have to wait nearly 10 years for his. The snow was remarkably good considering there had hardly been any precipitation since January and the sky was as bright blue and cloudless as it was going to remain until the end of skiing on Monday afternoon.

We celebrated the lack of crowds by immediately going up the Grande Motte to take the télépherique to the highest point in the whole resort at 3456m.

Great view, shame about the 2 old geezers

Then back down to Val Claret, up to the Aiguille Percée and down to the lowest point, Les Brévières at 1550m.

Sunday was over to Val d’Isère via la Daille and Santons. Previous experience and uncustomary common sense told us to avoid la Face (ice) and épaule (large hard moguls). Ralph managed to get wiped out on Santons – a lunatic going too fast who claimed that Ralph had reversed into him. With no permanent damage we continued and took the Solaise lift over to the next valley which we fully explored before hopping on the Leissières lift to the col d l’Iseran. This lift is a real treat as it goes up and over the ridge leaving you feeling weightless at one point. I could spend the whole day just riding this lift.

We even found some powder in this valley then had to race back to catch lifts before they closed and left us stranded. Mark developed a new skill of not seeing Mervyn or Ralph. I often skied right past them as they were waiting for me. Best was when I missed them at the Olympic lift out of Val d’Isère so that I was waiting at the top and they were waiting at the bottom. And this was a time when we had to get to the next lift before it closed.

That’s better, Tignes le Lac, Val Claret is over to the left, Mt Blanc is somewhere there.

Monday brought the crowds. There were queues at most of the lifts. Fortunately Mervyn demonstrated his true calling, pushing to the front on a ski queue. He left Ralph and I full of admiration as we followed sedately behind but never had to queue for more than a few minutes. We again went over to Val d’Isère and filled in bits we had missed the day before so that only a small corner on the bottom left of the ski map was left untouched by us. We then had the inevitable race back to Tignes and arrived just in time for a last run down Génépy from the Grande Motte – we arrived at one lift just 3 minutes before it closed!!

We’d eaten out so well on Saturday and Sunday nights that we decided to stay in Monday and just have a bowl of soup plus a little liquid refreshment. We were exhausted but more than a little satisfied.

Our ski group coordinator planning future trips.

Tuesday was planned to be a gentle 3 hour run home but the “I don’t want to work until I’m 64” brigade closed the motorway, leaving us, and the whole population of the Savoie, crawling at snail’s pace, or slower, through the back streets of Albertville. Eventually we got on our way again, Ralph and Mervyn did not have to crawl into their sleeping bags for the night, and we got home about 4 o’clock.

All agreed it had been a good weekend’s skiing. The snow was brilliant if a little old. No idea how far we skied as forgot to turn on the tracker but we covered most of the resort.

Snow shoe hike to La Loge 2 March 23

Mark2rs our SS Leader, chose this hike early “Due to the lack of snow both actual and forecast in the Jura, I am proposing our classic end of March outing a month early.”

Indeed there was a sad lack of snow but higher up the skiers seemed happy on the artificial stuff.

Meeting at Divonne at 9.30am were –

Mark2T

PeterT + Kobie

LarryF

NathanF

MikeM

RobP

MervynP

Mark2R

Three joined directly at the Crozet Télécabine at 10.00

RichardS

PhilipJ – but not for lunch

DavidC

It was a splendidly good turn-out for this classic (heck, the hiking outings don’t attract as many) perhaps lured out by Franck and Katy’s hospitality (esp. le génépi) at La Loge. Very little wind was forecast and although the day was cloudy, we could see the white of the freezing cloud on the trees high on the skyline and Richard promised sun even higher. The first question seemed to be – carry snow shoes or not? According to Mark “Katy advises snowshoes as there are areas with accumulated snow and it can be slippery with the negative over night temperatures” but some decided to leave them in the cars. For some it was wise advice.

So, to the télécabine (Nathan said that he had always hiked up until now but he seemed prepared to join us in the lift). With our tickets in hand “The télécabine costs €9; the return “free” offer is valid one year, so if the tickets are not punched on the return, keep them as they could be useful if we walk up to the Grand Mont Rond later and wish to take the télécabine down from the Petit Mont Rond – they are becoming sticklers there and could charge €5 for the down trip” it was a matter of getting Kobie (free for dogs but not us old-dogs) and the team up the metal stairs and into cabins. The stairs were easy but Kobie had to be pulled hard in to the moving cabin, others may have been pushed.

Artificially arriving onto artificial snow, Kobie shorn of his winter fur

Safely out onto the artificial snow at Le Fierney at 1300m after a ride up of 700m or so, it was a little cold as we were in the cloud. Dodging the zipping skiers we crossed the slope to pick up the track that would take us to the Col de Crozet. Normally snow-covered it was completely dry.

Starting out – Larry, Mark, Nathan, Rob, David, Philip, Mike, Richard, Mervyn, Mark

In order to avoid the ski-piste (dogs and skiers don’t mix well) we took a turn right up a grassy hill. There followed the need to cross a steep snow patch; this was our Hilary Step and it tested the mettle of the party.

Mettle tested, we were on our way across easier gradients as the sun began to shine through and we summited (mathematicians might disagree) the col at the viewing platform. Views indeed there were excellent including Mt Blanc in its/her radiance. Time for some sustenance and gold-flecked Sambucca and other things in flasks appeared, as well as a bottle of Luins, and we toasted our good fortune under a blue sky.

Richard had heard that a party of 14 had also booked lunch at La Loge, so we said our goodbyes to Philip who had an appointment, and steadily pushed on down past the top of the Lelex lift to the Ref de la Loge. In fact it was some while before we all arrived as Katy’s slippery paths materialised and slowed down some of the party, indeed snow shoes were utilised after three falls for one member (but no submission or knockout).

We sat out in the warm sun on adjoining then merged tables in an as-good-as-it-gets setting. Beers preceded wines (red and white excellent) and good food (chicken and rice, or cheese sort of en croute with salad, followed by tart and genepi). We toasted absent friends naming a few (well most of us seemed to be around the table) and our discussions covered the usual subjects; health, Scottish independence, Brexit, Northern Ireland, Boris, Trump, Ukraine, Putin, war, music, art, watches, rugby, dogs and the weather. Larry told us the secret to ageing well (it is a secret still).

Laos, the dog du Refuge was absent – not as we suspected down in Lelex with lady friends, but locked up to prevent that. Kobie did his begging rounds of the tables. There was much banter with other parties and with our hosts. Various members acted as serving wenches, one member using his flat-topped head. A large and friendly looking fellow came over to chat – he was the vicar of the valley. It was good to see such good humour in a man of the cloth, possibly helped by years of génépi. I liked his dog-question method of introduction.

The friendly local vicar. We did not need another blessing though.

How does an 87 year old look like a 40 year old mountain guide ? Wine and tarts the answer ?

All too soon it was time to revisit the terrors of the slippery traverse path back up to the col and then the amble back down gentle slopes to the T-Cabine where Mark2ts kindly treated us to his (black! no sugar!) coffee (merçi Mark).

Kobie had behaved and I think members almost did too.

Another splendid Franck and Katy Loge classic, not on snow shoes but with super weather allowing us to be outside in the sun. Thanks Mark for organising.

I believe Richard recorded 323m. I had less but I think my recording stopped. Between 6 and 7 Km.

Patek Philippe museum, Feb 21, 2023

A momentous occasion, the first ever outing of the culture group. This was organised by Mike Muller, one of our newest GINtlemen, who had not realised that the culture group existed in name only – up till now!

Mike wisely decided that a museum visit would be better on full stomachs so seven of us met at 12:15 at Le Lyrique for lunch and a good chat. We also wisely, and uncharacteristically, only chose soft drinks. We then repaired to the Patek Philippe museum for our visit scheduled for 14:30.

Mike had arranged a private guide and also somehow managed to keep negotiating the price down. We started expecting to have to pay over 40 francs each and ended up paying 23! Each time re received an email from Mike the price had reduced further – a week later and they would have paid us! The downside of this was that one floor of the museum was closed which was why they were not charging the normal 10 francs entrance fee.

The guide explained how Patek (Polish) and Philippe (French) came to be working together and also the development of the pocket watch then the wrist watch during the 1st world war. Each watch seemed to have more and more “complications” including perpetual calendars, correctly adjust date for leap years, and even one that will not count 2100 as a leap year but will count 2400 – if mankind exists that long!

Several of the watches were limited edition or even one off so adding extra value. One watch recently sold at auction for $31 million!

In 1932, during the depression, the company was bought by the Stern family who have run it since then as a family business. They have also bought back many of their watches which were previously owned by famous people and these feature in the museum.

A very interesting and educational visit, thanks to Mike for organising, despite there not being any free samples at the end of the visit.

Attending: Mike Muller, Paul Sochaczewski, Harry Leefe, Thatcher Shellaby, Drew Meek, John Burley, Mark Watts

23 Feb 23 Biking

Following the outing in January I considered that we needed to ensure we recorded a ride in February. The weather was mild and sunny and the turnout excellent. Mark, Peter D and me on push-bikes and Paul, Nathan and Reinier on E-Bikes. Several apologies were received of a variety of quality of substance – but we missed them all. (As we were now at 50% e-bikes, a record, it seems churlish to retain the e-moniker for those on e bikes). In the event it seemed to work well with the party managing to hold pretty well together.

Photos at the Everness start – 10.30am so not too early.

As many of us had not been out on our bikes for weeks/months, this was going to have to be a fairly easy ride, albeit we had little time to stop for coffee as lunch at Founex Tennis Club at 12.30 had been booked.

So we set off through the Bois de Ports, across the bridge over the Versoix River and up to Grilly to the bike trail which we followed to Gex. The usual road up to Vesancy was taken at a gallop (I think I recorded 134 seconds at over 147 bpm on the hill). No time for coffee so we carried on in the sunshine down through St Gix and the track at the Jura foot (the hills looked magnificent in the sunshine with mist on the tops). It was hard but I turned right to avoid a Bonmont and we descended to Tranchepied from the Creux de Chène, down to Borex and then Arnex-sur-Nyon (almost stopping at Stephen’s (where was our leader ?)) before turning back for Founex where we arrived on time at the Tennis Club.

Nathan turned off just before the Club as he had an appointment, but the remaining five enjoyed an excellent lunch (salads and saucisse and tagliatelle) courtesy of Ismael and his team. The beers were excellent too – it was good to relax after a first ride in the sunny (spring?) weather. There was much talk about watches after the recent Patek-Philippe visit. Time for coffee then off home for a siesta.

I recorded 36 km and 422m from my home. Thanks to all for a fine short outing.

Snowshoeing to Chalet Gaillard and beyond 16 February, 2023

Nine of us met at the Divonne lake car park and set off in a convoy of three cars to the designated What3words meeting point of “vowel.handle.scornful” above Bois D’Amont by the Forêt de Risoux which straddles the border between France and Switzerland. Temperatures of -6c were indicated in the cars at the bottom of the valley but had climbed to a balmy -2c by the time we reached Peter and Mike who had arrived barely a minute before us. They were, like Nicholas, sadly dog-less as we were entering the natural reserve, although we noticed a wolf-like hound running freely in some nearby gardens.

After booting up, we walked a short distance to the start of our steep climb through the forest but within 20 metres decided to don snowshoes. As usual, some acrobatic manoeuvres were required to accomplish this, but we set off at a rate of knots belying the age differential of twenty years between the members. Thankfully, even the youngest were able to keep up and we trudged up the first brutal ascent. Unfortunately, the trees were now devoid of the snow that Mark 2rrs and I had witnessed some 10 days before, but the trail was sufficiently snow/ice-covered to warrant the use of our raquettes.

We reached the Chalet Gaillard within 1 ½ hours and we confirmed our presence in the area to the hut manager. A young Belgian lady approached us whilst coffee was being consumed and told us that she was on a 10-day snowshoe tour through the Jura. We were impressed that she was doing this alone, whilst carrying an enormous rucksack weighing more than 15kgs.

Duly boosted by caffeine, we continued towards our goal of Le Roche Bernard. This viewpoint proved be at the top of an impressive cliff overlooking the dual lakes of Bellefontaine and Mortes which are in the departments of Jura and Doubs respectively. The vista North-West across the Jura range was breathtaking, and inevitably a bottle or so was cracked open to celebrate our achievement.

Stephen and Peter getting their breath back

Top half of group with Peter taken by local amateur

After the obligatory photos were taken, we hastened back to the Chalet reaching there just three minutes after our planned rdv time. True Swiss, or maybe Jurassic, timing!

The eleven of us squeezed onto a table in the small dining area and ordered our meals. The plat du jour, partaken by everyone, was a hearty bean and vegetable soup with lumps of sausage and generous helpings of grated cheese. Mark and I had eaten exactly the same fare previously and wondered if, in fact, it was the plat de chaque jour! Beers were ordered by some as well as a litre of red wine. The latter had a distinctly watery taste raising some possibly libellous suspicions. Some persevered with it, but Peter threw in the towel and ordered a (price unknown) bottle of Bordeaux which saved the day. Mike gallantly finished off the house wine declaring that he wasn’t up to a full-bodied red at that time of the day.

Philip wondering what on earth he was drinking

Conversations were as diverse as usual, but those of us at the North-West end of the table noticed some very animated cultural discussions taking place at the South-East end. Of course, absent friends were heartily toasted.

Deserts and coffees downed, we set off for the relatively easy stroll back to the cars. Steve decided that snowshoes were for wimps and elected to strap his to his backpack and leg it home. In the icy conditions, those following had cameras at the ready expecting some good photo opportunities but he is very sure-footed and kept upright.

GIN outings often have small, or larger, dramas (helicopters, etc), and this one didn’t disappoint. Two thirds of the way back, Peter, who was leading, encountered a(nother) young girl who had lost her family, and her way back to her starting point. She was from Grenoble, 14 years old, and was pleasantly named Ocèane. Having given her mobile phone to her mother and knowing that it was on mute, she was unable to get in touch with her. Fortunately, she finally managed to remember the number of her brother so she used one of our phones to try to call him. Of course, there was no network connection at that spot anyway, so rather than leaving this little defenseless maiden in the dark forest, we offered to take her back to our cars, about 1km away. We must have looked the harmless old codgers that we are, as she accepted our offer and later on was able to reach her brother’s phone, assuring him that she was in safe hands. When we got back to the parking spot, I drove down to the village and delivered her to her mother who was anxiously awaiting her. Then I went back to the rest of the group to say our goodbyes.

Present and correct: Marks 2rrs and 2tts, Peter, Mike, David, Stephen, Philip, Nicholas, Nathan, Larry, Richard. Mark informs me that eleven was a record for us, so well done, everyone!

Distance: a generous 12kms and 450ms dénivellation.

More snow, please, for the next sortie!

GIN skiers to PdS, February 9, 2023

The sense of danger must not disappear:
The way is certainly both short and steep,
However gradual it looks from here;
Look if you like, but you will have to leap.

Armed with these inspiring words from WH Auden, six intrepid GIN downhill skiers came together in Champéry on 9 February to attack the domaine of the Portes de Soleil.

Part-time Champérolain Nicolas and Mervyn were on hand to greet Steven as he motored up from his Morgins hideout; Peter, Mark TT and David braved the autoroute to join the expedition.

The team promptly proceeded to the Mosette lift in order to test their skills (?) on the more rigourous French Alps: zipping down Abricotine and then taking the chair to a snow packed road above Avoriaz. At this point there was some dissension in the ranks with Steven propounding a change in programme to ski in the ever white Dranse/Chatel domaine. The rebel faction won out and we were soon to find ourselves regrouping before the handsome chapel on the Plaine de Dranse (no GIN members were recorded going into the chapel to confess their sin and error, although several candidates came to mind).

This lead to a rather extensive morning ski exploration of the Chatel ski area, largely led by local boy Steve, who proved very knowledgeable as to all lifts and connections (including at least one that was entirely new to your humble scribe.). The team was consequently quite ready to sit for lunch by the 13h00 reservation.

Déjeuner à six was held at the Refuge de l’Abricotine, an establishment well known to Nicolas; alas the plat du jour of a brochette de viande was a bit tough and Steven was a bit disappointed in his croute de fromage. Nevertheless a convivial time was had by all, possibly aided by a pitcher of Côtes du Rhône and the suds that preceded it.

The afternoon was a bit less dynamic as the team took on one more French slope and then the long télesiège back to CH, where we proceed down to Crozet by the serene if unchallenging secret route. A prudent group headed directly back to Champéry by the benne—Steve and Mervyn were made of sterner stuff and skied down to Grand Paradis.

It had been prior announced that those who distinguished (or at least did not totally embarrass) themselves on the slopes would be invited for a libation at Nicolas’ Champéry chalet, with eligibility to be determined by secret council. As it happened the determination was made by a sole distinguished jurist and all participants made the cut. Surprisingly for a GIN Group most were quite abstemious, preferring tea to other beverages (with Steve opting for an Irish coffee). Indeed the group was happy but restrained, possibly recovering from their earlier exertions, or perhaps already gaining strength for their next sortie.

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.)))