Blog – Page 2 – GIN Club

GIN Hikers Annual Lunch 21 January 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Errors and omissions accepted)

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

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

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

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

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

Onwards upwards

Peter

GIN Ski Day – 15 January 2026, Portes du Soleil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cold e Porte and Couvaloup

8 January 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Col de Porte 1 – cold but not actually precipatating

Col de Porte with all attending Gin Members

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

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

Looking down – at least it was not snowing this time

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

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

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

PeterS, Mark2ts and Ross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11km and 500m or so.

Snowshoe ? to Le Vermeilley Dec 12, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GIN Ski Day – Flaine, 9 December 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GIN GOLF End of season lunch 2025

Four of us had signed up to play our usual round on Monday 8th December, but like many Mondays this Autumn, the course was closed due to water logging. However, we and nine others did meet at noon that day to enjoy our end of season lunch at the Manchette golf club. It was such a pleasure to see a few members who although they are on the list of players, have been unable to swing their clubs this year. However, one of our number was very much missed and at the start of the meal, we raised our glasses in memory of Bryan Clark who sadly passed away in late November.

We enjoyed a few glasses of Chardonnay as an apero which were very kindly offered by Eric, the Father of the House! The sound level was quite amazing with lots of lively chatter but luckily, due to the weather, there were no other golfers in the room, and things quickly quietened down when the starter of fish terrine was served. This was followed by lasagne and salad, apple tart and a few bottles of Côtes du Rhône. The idea of a last bottle before coffee was abandoned as many of us would soon be behind the wheel.

Marie gave us a short briefing about the changes that would happen at the club, which is probably being purchased by a wealthy family. The cost of maintenance equipment has become prohibitive, so the future of the club seems to be assured.

By this time, the sun had come out and a few other players were teeing off as Marie took photos of our merry bunch.

Snow-Shoe Heaven 27 Nov 2025 up and over to La Genolière

A journey through a winter wonderland. La Givrine to Cabane Rochefort and La Genolière. 10Km and 300m denivellation.

Billed as a hike it became clear that this was going to be a snow-shoe affair, filling the first of Rob’s calendar for the 25/26 winter season.

Rob had still not recovered so I ended the hiking season with this fairly easy snow-shoe. It looked like the weather was going to be good and perhaps the snow too, but we were (at least I was) astonished at the 35cm or more of powder lying on the Jura top, while our gardens were still green. Ross had been pounding the powder for the past few days and posting photos so he knew about it.

Apologies were received from several, simply to record that they were missed, and they missed a good one. It was uplifting to hear from Larry but we were sorry to read that he is still in Canada struggling with some health issues. Get well soon Larry!

In the event 9 and a dog turned out at La Givrine (1207m). Nathan, Mervyn, PeterS, Mark, Mark, Stephen, David, Ross and me with Kobie. Conditions looked perfect with bright sun, cold, and no wind. I had booked a table at La Genolière for 12.30pm, but had to revise this by phone with a delay to 1.30pm – we were slowed by raquettes, age and deep snow and by the apèro stop.

Mervyn and Kobie – who found the snow depth troubling at times

The author, David, Mark2rs, Nathan starting out

We set off on the ski du fond piste but branched off on the snow-shoe trail to Les Pralies, followed by the Route de Combe Grasse

David enjoying the conditions, and his condition was good too

The trees were loaded with snow – perhaps better than at Schilligers

This route was straightforward as a vehicle had passed by earlier. Stephen set a steady pace through Combe Grasse with Kobie following in his wake. Ross was pleased – this was a new route for him – and he seemed surprised as if he thought that he had traversed all the trails above La Givrine.

At 1271m exiting the forest into Combe Grasse.

The Combe itself is a depression which acts as a fridge, cold misty air hung in its bowl as we ploughed through the deep powder, aided only by a trail laid by four snow-shoers we could see ahead. I was lost in my thoughts, amazed to be out in such conditions – albeit we have been here before in similar…

Crystal fields on either side – magical conditions

Stephen up ahead – he was trying to lose the 5 kg that he put on during his Antartic cruise.

We turned sharp left at 1316m just before the right turn to Chalet Devant at the Fruitières de Nyon and then sharp right on up to the Cabane Rochefort 1385m.

Looking back towards the Barillette on the way up to Cabane Rochefort

Big views to Mt Blanc and the whole alpine chain

It was time to reward ourselves with some apèro at Cabane Rochefort where we found the seating in the shade still and cover in 30 cm of powder.

Mervyn supplied a welcome bottle of chilled white wine.

While we took in the view, over the F de Nyon, Lac Leman and the big alps

Just as Mark2ts was about to offer us all some black coffee the leader (me) decided that we had better press on; we were now trying to keep to a 1.30 lunch schedule. My offer of a straightforward route or scenic route was met with short shrift, and the easier route was decided.

Descending into the Grande Combe towards the ski trail and SS route

Kobie revelling in the powder and forging the trail ahead

It was not long before we were ensconced outside at our reserved table(s) and drinking some excellent beer – I thought I had reserved inside but we were all happy to be in the sun.

Mark’s panachet was a beer and a bottle of lemonade

Ross reckoned this was one of his better photos, so I have included it…

Ross had decided to eat his own provisions and it was not a problem for him to sit with us.

There were quite a number of other visitors, luckily not annoyed by Kobie

The dog in the suit was Una (see story) with Moos

A nice lady introduced herself to me and said that she had met me and Kobie in Divonne in 2022. She so much liked Kobie, and the Cobberdog breed that she and her partner got one from Denmark in 2023. Una sported a full length-legging suit. They were very pleased with their choice, so seemed Una!

Enough dog talk. A rather good fondu for 4 was ordered as were röestis and croutes, helped down with a bottle of house white. We drank to absent friends, Larry in particular, also our leader Rob, but also Richard who was missed for his bottle.. Surplus to requirements, I donated my bottle of Chilean Cab Sauvignon to Maria, the proprietress and Moos owner.

Over lunch Mark2rs and I reflected on the fact that this is perhaps as good as it gets. Perfect snow conditions, no wind, sun, fine views to the alps (we could see Mt Blanc), hot cheese, cold wine, great company and only downhill to come (in life perhaps too, even if not always with our ski leader). Given that we were still only on 27 November when rain and wind is more the norm, we were very thankful for our luck.

We finished with apple and cream tarts and coffees.

We donned snow shoes again for the easy stroll back down to La Givrine and the cars.

I reckoned 10km and 304m denivellation. A truly magical walk in the Jura at its very best. Thanks for the company everyone. Kobie slept well that night.

GIN Hike, Le Môle 13 November 2025

Another beautiful autumnal day, another hike.

This one was organised at short notice to capitalise on the unseasonably warm and clement weather. In the event eight of us were seduced by the idea of the annual amble up Le Môle, some old faithfuls and some for the first time.

Those participating: Bill, David, Mervyn, Mark 2Rs, Michael Ma, Nathan, Philip, & Ross.

Apologies for absence received from ten more, including the hiking team leader and several of his deputies. You were all missed.

The day dawned bright and we assembled at our usual muster station, the Divonne Lake parking, at 9am, all except the honorable member from Arzier who was waiting at the parking on the other side of the lake. (Note to the organiser: spell it out more clearly).

We loaded into two cars to travel the one hour journey to the start of the hike at Chez Béroud 1160m, a few kilometres beyond St Jean de Tholomé. Le Môle had been visible, a lone peak, for almost the entire journey, but from the car park was now obscured by thick forest,

The path up starts wide and stoney and with a moderately steep and steady gradient. This warmed everyone up and we were soon shedding excess layers. At a junction we wrestled with the choice between steep and very steep. Being without the “A team” members we opted for the former and in less than an hour later we reached the isolated farm at Le Petit Môle 1534m for a photo stop. We had got tantalising glimpses on the way up through the forest of the Vallée de l’Arve far below us, but now we had reached open pastures with a clear vista of the distant alpine peaks from Mt Blanc and stretching west.

The broad south facing grass covered mass Le Môle now stood before us with several path options leading to the summit. They all looked steep but the ground was dry so we headed up the middle at various pace. The breakaway group reached the top, 1863m, at 12:30 and set up camp for lunch at our usual spot – the Wine Bar (see photo). Only one bottle of Côtes du Rhône between eight this time and no sign of the GIN bottle of Many Spirits; almost a temperance hike! It was quite windy but the visibility was superb and the anticipated 360° panorama did not disappoint. This really is an exceptional vantage point and banished memories of our ascent in the fog a year earlier.

The descent took us by way of the lower summit cross, along a narrow ridge and then down a steep and rocky path. There were vestiges of snow clinging to the north facing flank, which seemed incongruous in the prevailing warm conditions, but perhaps a reminder that winter is not far off. Upon reaching the Petit Môle we retraced our, by now weary, steps to Chez Béroud. We had noticed at the start a café which one of our number with sharp eyes and an optimistic outlook thought might open at noon.

It was by now 4pm but, perhaps……….?

Yes! It was. Beers and panachés were ordered and quickly downed by us thirsty hikers as we sat outside watching the late afternoon sun set behind the trees and reflecting on a grand day out – perhaps the last of the excellent 2025 season?

Distance 10km (24,500? steps for some)

Denivelation 740m

Beers courtesy of Nathan (for which many thanks)

Raid on the Ptes de Fin-Château and Poêle-Chaud – 6 Nov 2025

We had hiked last week but as I had planned to be absent on 13 Nov, I chose to organise an impromptu (tonic) hike up the two peaks north of La Dôle.

A large number of excuses and apologies with varying levels of credibility were proferred, all were accepted – I’m a generous soul (I think). Six of us turned out, eventually at the starting point.

This is not a place for a dispute as to the location of the start of this hike. I will simply relate the following.

My Flyer stated :-

“Meet just after 10 at the parking above St Cergue at Couvaloup de St Cergue (W3W ///piglets.decency.duke), for an ascent of the Pointe de Fin Chateau and the Poêle Chaud.

Ross has done this with me earlier this year but I believe no one else has ever been up the path which goes directly up to the P de Fin Chateau. It’s not much above 400m of up but as it is steep I would rate it as moderate-hard.”

In the event one of our vehicles struggled a little to find the parking – and first tried the “Couvaloup de Crans” – a totally different place. We were indeed starting at W3w ///piglets.decency.duke (Michael found that piglet.decency.duke is in a Moscow suburb).

Why I also referred to the start as Coutzet

The parking is actually at 1151m at the “Refuge de la Barillette” the large black building in the photo above. I would own that there is a board at the parking which indicates that one is at L’Archette, but that does not tie with the maps, L’Archette is up the hill.

We finally got sorted though. Michael Mathews came on his e-bike, and by car came Nathan, Mervyn, Peter Strebel, new initiate Chris Newton, and me and Kobie.

Mervyn, PeterSt, Nathan, Chris, Michael with Kobie and keen for the trail

We were swiftly underway, the vibe was good, the weather set fair with a bit of high cloud and intermittent sun expected later, temperature reasonable, little wind. The team were guided onto path Code-Red. Large splodges of red paint signalled the narrow path upward through pine and deciduous forest at a persistently steepening angle. We stopped a couple of times for short breathers but the trail relentlessly led upwards until finally one emerges into the open pretty much at the top of the Pointe de Fin-Château, 1556m. We had made the 400m in not much over an hour.

Arriving at the PdFC 1556m Time for some revitallisation

VIew to the SW with the Poêle Chaud and La Dôle in the background

Fabulous views across to the Alps, and we could also see far into France profonde

It was good to be up on the heights again

Once we all had recovered our breaths and rested it was time to leave, wandering down then on up the grassy ridge in still air to the Pointe de Poêle Chaud 1629m.

The Leader with his owner – you choose (see previous photo too)

We enjoyed a very pleasant 45 minutes or so, sheltered from the slight breeze below a summit mound. Côtes du Rhone oiled the sluices and I did not have a choking incident. We drank to absent friends, one very far away, one with health issues. I was pleased that newly-retired Chris fitted in so well with our hike culture of reasonable effort and Last of the Summer Wine. I was also pleased that Kobie did not succeed in nicking anyone’s lunch. It seemed a very convivial affair, as are nearly all of our mountain picnic lunches.

It was all too soon time to pack up and return to the parcours. A unanimous decision was taken not to hike up La Dôle, we have all been there many times this year.

Michael trying out his new iPhone17 on an artistic log/dog.

Starting the descent of the Col de Porte

Descending to the Col de Porte (1557m) we headed down the trail towards the Chalet des Apprentis. All of a sudden a large herd of chamois appeared ahead up the slope to our left. Kobie decided to make their acquaintance and he scootered off up the hill in pursuit. The herd tracked back across our PdPC skyline and they dislodged a large rock which came tumbling down above me. Happily I could judge that it would miss me by a few metres and I watched it bash noisily into an old tree stump. We watched fascinated as the bulk of the herd traversed the Col de Porte and danced swiftly across the steep ledges underneath La Dôle seeking escape from their lumbering golden pursuer. Kobie soon could be seen returning down the path we were on, sensible lad. He needed a lot of water to quench his chase.

The Leader had decided that the more interesting return leg would be over La Barillette (1528m), albeit one of our party decided on the more direct route to return to the cars – perhaps for a sleep (etc). We were soon there having taken the skirting path to the right avoiding the steep ascent from the Bent Tree.

Barillette – more great views to the Alps

Always a privilege when we get such conditions

From the tower the route tracks down the road to the Barillette restaurant (closed – much to the chagrin of an old couple who had just driven there- they said that the internet indicated that it was open…).

During the descent one gets a view of the morning’s ascent.

We were soon back at the cars, rejoining the member who had taken the easier descent option for a snooze. We were back before 3pm and siestas were the order of the day at home.

I really enjoy this parcours and it was made infinitley better by fine company and really nice November weather. The views were stunning and the whole day will linger in the memory into the dark depths of winter. I think Chris enjoyed himself too, new and younger life for our club.

I had recorded 9.1km and 559m – my watch/iPhone Session said – “Moderate”, albeit I had had 31 minutes above Zone 1 heart rate (112bbm).

Thanks to you all for the company and for putting up with me and my hound. Kobie slept well that night, no doubt with vivid dreams of chasing chamois to no avail.

Gin Hike : Marchissy to Cret de La Neuve – Sentier du Coq

The hike last week was cancelled owing to persistent rain. So this Thursday with the BLeader being in the South Atlantic no biking was arranged and instead a delayed hike was organised. Following Mrs Pashley finding the excellent, recommended and newly made “3 villages path” (above Bassins, Le Vaud and Marchissy) recently, Jill and I hiked it and I spotted a possible new section of forest to explore upward of this. Hence 6 of us with 2 hounds assembled at Marchissy (883m) at 10.15 am ready for an ascent to Cret de La Neuve (1494m). I had reckoned on 611m of up (simple math really).

Attending : 6 :- Peters Strebel, Solomon and Taylor; MikeH; Ross; RichardS; with dogs Kobie and Rocco. I had apologies from many, some ill, some away, some busy, some just chilling.

Happily the paths above Marchissy are now well mapped and signposted and it seemed that my target of Cret de la Neuve was reached simply by following the Sentier du Coq, then heading NW up the ridge.

The trail up – gently up in most places with a bit of tarmac

The forecast was good, and so it was a little disconcerting to be starting in the mist, the cloud had yet to lift. We set off in good cheer though following the wooden Coq signs, gently upward through the autumn forest colours.

Eventually we rose high enough that the sun reappeared

At one point we had to leave the Coq path and take to tarmac as loggers with noisy chain saws had closed the trail. It took about 2 hours to reach the top of the Jura ridge at the Perroude de Marchissy hut, with tell-tale (and very small) signs of the snow that had fallen recently. We turned right and wandered up the sunny slope to our old favourite lunch spot at the Cret de la Neuve.

Arriving in the sun – let’s have lunch !

Ross and PeterSl with the sign of the cross

Dogs were given chews but soon tried to explore our sacks

Richard in his element. Note – we were just above the cloud level

View to the Alps, sometimes obscured a little, but mostly magnificent

Hike Leader with his hound (nice pic Richard!)

This is a really convivial spot for a glass of vino and a sandwich

A bottle of Bordeaux helped to relax the party and stopped me from choking on my sandwich. One hound perhaps ate too many of my chews too quickly and made an offering to Richard, which he then consumed (again). We met a courageous young lady (from Paris) there who was cooking up her lunch on a stove. Her pack included a tent and she was solo en route from Marchairuz to St Cergue.

Topics at lunch were many and varied. We toasted absent friends and one member told his favourite Margaret Thatcher joke – when visiting a care home she asked an old lady in a wheelchair – “do you know who I am?”. The old lady replied “I don’t know love, but if you ask at that desk over there they will tell you”.

Richard dug out his famous bottle and several of us benefitted from some Russian vodka.

The cloud rose as we moved to go and it suddenly got chilly.

Beginning to leave under a hazy sun. Notice the Swiss flag.

The descent, after a first steep section, was long and uneventful, easy angled with much walking on wide trails and some tarmac and the sun came back. At least this enabled plenty of chatting, and we were soon back at the cars, well before 3pm.

Fabulous views at the car park looking over Marchissy

A fine view of Mt Blanc courtesey of Peter Strebel

I think we all enjoyed this one, visting an old haunt (for some of us) from a new angle, moderate hiking, in fine autumnal weather. My measurement today was 616m denivellation and 14km. Thanks to attendees and to those supplying photos.