Blog – Page 20 – GIN Club

Gin Hikers to Frank’s – La Loge

18 Aug 2022

The earlier forecast for this Thursday was for heavy rain but things changed and in the event we stayed dry and happy. What also changed was the line-up. Mark 2rrs had galvanised 9 punters to brave the elements and savour Frank’s croutes and genepi. In the event only 4 of us turned out – the excuses and apologies of others ranged from genuine to tenuous – but all were forgiven, they were sadly going to miss a treat.

Assembling at the Crozet lift, we spent the Eu 9 for return tickets and set off on the first lift. That is we got into the first bubble and then they started the system up. They turned it off after we got out at the top at Le Fierney.

Mark provided us all with chocolate croissants so we were fired for the gentle hike up to the Col de Crozet.

Easy up the snow shoe path in fresh conditions

It was in no time at all that we found ourselves at the Table d’orientation du col de Crozet. And there was no lack of liquor as Richard produced some Lakka, at least that’s what it said on the hand-written label.. It was only 21.5 proof and for a Finnish spirit it had a sweet and fine finish, definitely more refined than the Saynor usual decouvertes.

It was very pleasant in the sun, but the cloud was soon to arrive as we heading across past La Catheline lift (nb others with health issues could have driven to Lelex and ascended this lift and wandered across Frank’s/La Loge).

We headed off in a SW direction traversing the hill but ascending on a path towards Sur le Crêt. The cloud started to envelop us and the going over stones and roots was damp and slippy. There were some fresh smells, welcome after all that heat.

In view of the slippery conditions and with beer in mind, Marks 1 and 2 opted to turn around shortly before the Crêt while Richard and I soldiered/sauntered on up for 10 minutes to the cloud-swept broad ridge.

On the ridge with Crêt de la Neige somewhere far behind

We did not linger and indeed passed the Marks on the way down to La Loge as the heavens began to spit. Laos the Australian Shepherd was with Frank and Katie who greeted us warmly. Inside it was warm and cosy and I recalled our snow-shoe visit during the pandemic, with tinsel and christmas lights.

We were soon drinking beers and toasting absent friends unlucky not to be with us.

Laos – he can open the door to come in, but not to exit.. Laos is known down in the valley in Lelex where he goes for the opportunities. Folk put him back on the Catheline if he is knackered.

A very pleasant lunch finished off with coffee and Frank’s memorable genepi.

Frank providing his genepi – a genial and welcoming host

It was all too soon time to leave before we could play any chess. There remained the easy path back to Catheline and thence up to the col before an easy tootle back down to our cabin ride at Le Fierney. We stayed dry, which could not be said of the temperance aspect. May there be many more.

10.27 km and 530m or so. Moderate. To be repeated (again) in winter !

GIN Bikers 11 Aug 2022

Another hot day forecast, over 30C, so we met early at Everness for a foray out, the first for some while allowing us to take it easy. This was also possible because our B leader was out of town somewhere, so the mice could play.

Apologies were received from Paul and Bill and others, and only four of us were out to play. Peter D, Mervyn, Mark 2tts and myself, slightly the worse for wear after a canicular BBQ the evening before.

Our aim and single goal was to arrive for lunch at Founex tennis club shortly after midday and before the big heat. With that in mind we set off through the forest across the V river to Gilly and up the bike track to Gex, the latter providing welcome shade. The grinding heat up to Vesancy was quenched by a pleasant coffee/beer at the Château – mercy to Mark, also for the photo.

We moved on towards a beckoning Bonmont in fine sun, but it was hot, our BLr was away and with time short and now feeling no need or desire to ascend the B hill, we turned right at La Rippe. PedroD led us down through a new lane towards Vésenex and thence to the bike path to Lac Divonne, then left and eventually to Petit Coudres where Mark left us. He had had Covid positives in his family and did not want to run the risk of infecting the rest of us over lunch, so he dutifully fell on his sword.

PD, Mervyn and I enjoyed some fine beers and lunch courtesy of Ismäel and his crew at Founex Tennis Club restaurant. Carpaccio de thon was excellent with chips allumettes.

Not sure how high or how far, but a nice ride to start the season.

GIN Hikers – July 21st 2022

Sentier des Toblerones – Gland to Bassins

Chocolate doesn’t fare well on hot days, so it could have been a very sticky day given the current weather. However, the Sentiers des Toblerones from Gland Golf Club up to Bassins is mostly in very pleasant wooded shade and the earlier than normal start meant that we completed the hike in time for lunch and a subsequent siesta at home in the real heat of the day.

Summer is upon us and many of the usual GIN hikers were away or engaged with visitors. So, once again, it was a select group, this time of Stephen, Rob , Mark2Ts and Drew who subscribed to this outing. Careful planning identified that we would:

not want to descend during the warmer part of the day and that we would
be in need of refreshment and revitalising at the end point of our hike.

This ruled out making it to the formal end of the sentier at La Pessette (see below). Bassins, however, offered the possibility of an Auberge Communale and parking to leave a car, ready for the drive back after lunch. As it turned out, a notice on the auberge door indicated that it had decided to take a vacation and so an alternative hostellerie was selected at Le Muids, a short car ride away . At 08.30 they happily assured us that there would be a menu de jour but that what it would be was still undecided. Rob and Stephen then descended by car to meet up with Mark at the parking near the Gland Golf Club. From there we walked along the well-marked sentier towards a suitable pick up point for Drew near to his apartment in Gland (the high rise building where he lives being a significant landmark and famous for a severe fire a few years back…happily now repaired). The only glitch in the arrangement was that mobile numbers had not been exchanged but this was overcome by the resourcefulness of GIN members (and the fact that some of them leave telephone numbers in emails).

Amongst the group, knowledge of the correct route was well covered, some used to heading down and along, others ascending from a half-way up starting point, and some with just a vague sense of direction from earlier walks. All of us though re-acquainted and added to our knowledge of the sentier and covered new ground along the way. A short stop at La Cézille, at the once famous ham and gratin restaurant, now changed hands, allowed us a coffee break (all 4 black, no sugar…what a healthy lot!). From there it was a short but nonetheless meaningful last ascent to Bassins to cover the ca. 350m overall climb from Gland and 10.5 kms, arriving just before midday.

The short drive to Le Muids, in the car left at the Bassins parking, brought us to the promised set menu lunch, now finalised, of salad, sausage and chips (or couscous) but more importantly, perhaps, to a couple of refreshing beers. We remarked on the agricultural nature of most of the clientele amongst other wide ranging discussion topics.

Four happy hikers at the end of the climb with an open restaurant and ready for the beer!

We agreed that the timing, length and severity of the hike had been just what was required, giving a sense of fulfilment without heat exhaustion. Nevertheless, this blogger for one, appreciated the afternoon siesta.

Tob-1-1 Download

GIN Hikers – July 7th 2022

A morning stroll in the Portes du Soleil

For our first Alpine outing this year a seasoned band of 4 congregated on a fine sunny day at the car park, near to the church, in Morgins (1303m) at 09.30. It also happened to be the day that Boris finally threw in the towel. There had been some predictions during an earlier walk and I think that David College might have correctly forecasted a July departure for Boris. (Whether this is valid if he stays on longer as PM……).

Several excuses had been received from absentees from visiting relatives to summer travels leaving Richard, Mervyn and Rob to take the challenge set by Stephen. This commenced by zig-zagging up towards the source of La Vieze, across the 28 rustic bridges through the woods. Along the way we passed the Cantine de They (1483m), site of annual Heren cow fights, where Stephen had helped sponsor the local, Caprice, to third position in the National “Reine des Alpes” competition in 2014.

Interesting as it might have been to linger and admire the scene, our leader suggested getting some altitude behind us before stopping for refreshments. So it was at Torvoissière (1689m) that a short first stop was permitted, a couple of the hikers opting for their first beer of the day, whilst the other two settled for luke warm tea…..all kindly sponsored by Richard.

When is Peter going to give the selfie-taking class?

From here the route continued steeply uphill, made more hazardous by groups of fast descending mountain bikers, illustrating that the marketing of the Portes du Soleil as a biking haven has indeed taken root. A number of these bikers were clearly of anglo-saxon origin due to the understandable expletives issued on hitting large lumps of earth in the terrain at speed. It was decided that this would not be a suitable outing for the GIN Bikers. By the time we neared the spot marked by a cross called “Portes du Soleil* (1950m) in the Portes du Soleil, there was drifting cloud, wind and threatening rain. This encouraged Mervyn to think ahead to the next ski season and take his place on the strategically positioned télésiege seat (we didn’ like to tell him that it was unattached to the télésiege). Happily, the rain didn’t materialise and Mervyn left the seat before the next ski season.

Old friends with an old friend (Haute Cime)

From here an undulating path gave us a great view of the emerging Dents du Midi and a panorama down to Les Crosets and across to the Dents Blanches. As we neared the outskirts of Champoussin, it became evident that timings for lunch were optimistic and the selected alpage restaurant was informed that we would be behind the planned schedule and that the punters would be hungry. Indeed, there were signs of sugar lows and unuttered “how much further?”. The former was aided by some dextrose tablets from a well-prepared participant (Rob) and the latter deflected by the leader who encouraged that a little more effort now would pay dividends in a shorter route after lunch.

So it was that we arrived at the Alpage La Chaux at about 13.30 having completed 15km and ca. 770m uphill. (There were notable differences in distance and elevation from the various electronic devices present. However, since this blogger had the most recently purchased device and this also showed the highest figures, we’ll go with that). The sun came out and the wind died down allowing us to enjoy an open air lunch with a view.

Beers were rapidly consumed and the food ordered. Unusual to find truite meuniere at altitude, so this was ordered by the fish lovers whilst the true mountain men stuck to the more heaty offerings of spare ribs and rösti La Chaux. There was some debate as to whether the ribs were spare at all. All meals were well appreciated and the restaurant noted for future outings. To help the digestion Richard had found some professionally labelled grappa in his back pack and was keen to share this around and lighten his load for the return. We duly obliged but questioned the authenticity of the labelling. As usual, we had a lively banter on a range of subjects which surprisingly did, fleetingly, touch upon Scottish independence and the impact of the departure of Boris. As usual, I can’t remember any outcomes to the discussions.

A dubious looking labelled liquid not to mention the person behind

True to the leader’s word, the after lunch walk to the chair lift down was less than it could have been at a different restaurant but still necessitated a steep uphill stretch to bring our total climb for the day to ca. 870m. Everyone was happy not to have to walk down the 600m. It was a short walk from the chair lift station to the parked car. Richard, Mervyn and driver Rob headed home after a tiring but enjoyable day and Stephen returned to his chalet for R&R.

GIN Bikers – June 30th 2022

“I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike……”

Six die-hard cyclists subscribed to the latest outing with a promise of a long slow uphill ride, avoiding the usual Bonmont climb, but substituting the Genolier incline past the clinic up to the heights of Le Vaud. A ca. 55Km round trip from the Everness Hotel with a high elevation of 820m was promised with the lure of lunch at the Auberge Communale in Gilly, PeterD’s favourite hostellerie. In the event, Bill had to back out due to mechanical failure of his motorised transport on the Italian Autostrada near Verona on the way back from Croatia. PeterD had indicated a prior engagement with the dentist even though we started at 09.30 and not at the dental time of 14.30 (tooth hurty!….for the uninitiated, this is a Taylorism).

So it was Stephen, PeterT, Mark2Ts, Mervyn and e-Paul who accepted the challenge. There seems an increasing desire of the group to rate absentees on the validity of their excuse on a scale of 1-acceptable to 10-fully understandable. e.g. open heart surgery – 10, needing to collect dog from kennel the day before -1. More of this to follow in future blogs, I’m sure.

The weather was set fair and we meandered along the Swiss route 50 cycle track, having picked this up at God’s crossroads (another Taylorism). This took us up familiar trails through Arnex, Borex, Signy, Grens, Gingins and onto Givrins where we decided to postpone our coffee until past the worst of the climb. Such is the keenness of the group that everyone wants to perform at their peak. Indeed, Peter had had a sleepless night worrying about the Genolier Clinic hill and wanted to get this under his belt before enjoying any stop.

As the gradient increased, the lack of cloud cover made it hard and perspiring work. E-Paul drifted effortlessly from the back to the front, stopping on occasions to marvel at why the peloton didn’t also have e-bikes. We eventually stopped for coffee (or other refreshment) at Le Muids, kindly sponsored by Mark. He reflected on how much easier it would have been had he moved to Le Muids, as was under consideration a few years back. However, no time for long contemplations as bleader (bike leader) Stephen was aware that lunch was booked and there was still road to go in order to get there on time. A short stop at Bassins, with heads cooled in the local fountain before the less strenuous slope up to Le Vaud, our high point of the day. We recovered our breath before enjoying the long downhill through Burtigny into Gilly, helping us appreciate each of those 620m climbed.

We arrived at the Auberge Communale exactly at the booked hour. Beers were rapidly ordered and 4 of the 5 seated at the table ordered the menu du jour of salad, cheeseburger with frites, followed by an usual but palatable banana soup. Not for the first time. Paul challenged the kitchen to produce “super croquant” frites. The challenge was accepted and the chips on his plate did seem to arrive with a slightly darker colour but judgement was reserved on as to whether they actually fulfilled the brief. In any case, the meal was well up to standard. As usual, conversation drifted widely from politics to opera to TV shows with a new category of notable quotes from famous people such as Winston Churchill, Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde. Typically, more beer was drunk and no conclusions were reached (are the two related?). Absent friends were toasted.

Eventually, we had to accept the inevitable and leave the restaurant. Our legs heavy on the pedals due to absent blood which was currently engaged on digestive duties. Stephen’s plan was to follow the Swiss cycle route 488 from Gilly to Vich, avoiding the main road. Peter volunteered the use of his stylish, if somewhat loose, handlebar mounted smart phone to navigate the way. Unfortunately, the electronic guidance diverged with the road signage, which itself was somewhat sporadic. So we did end up for a while on the very road we tried to avoid. Rerouting was decided at Vich and we headed via Coinsins to L’Asse. At this point, e-Paul realised that his uphill antics had damaged the longevity of his battery support and he opted for a return to Le Grand-Saconnex on the train from Nyon. Schadenfreude for some reason comes to mind. The rest of us continued to battle the headwind on raw muscle power, following the farm tracks through Signy to Arnex and somehow missing the intended crossing of Landi’s car park. At Arnex more beers were offered chez Stephen but declined as other, more important, tasks had been planned by some for the rest of the day.

Hike to the Barillette 23 June 22

With some members (including me) not at peak fitness, I decided it was not yet time to head to the Alps, and quite a few recalcitrant members were away and/or were providing apologies and a range of stories. So we stuck to the tried and tested Jura and the St Cergue train.

The dawn rose fine with some cloudiness over the hills, at least allowing for relief from previous very hot weather. Storms were forecast for later in the day – we had had a big one the night before – so it was essential to keep to an early finish, albeit this might require some chivying for the 13km and 940m denivellation. We started at Trelex forest parking, necessitating a hike across from the Givrins station to close.

The red line going west from the Green Marker to Barillette and then NE to St Cergue shows our track, with the short traverse back up from Givrins.

Kobie was obviously so keen to join me that I reversed an earlier decision to leave him at home and along with Mervyn we arrived at 9.20am at the start at the 600m contour and where Marktt, Markrr, Stephen and RichardS were already getting booted up. Thus 6 and a dog set off on time up towards the start of the trail at Les Allévays. This is a straight-up trail with few zigzags and we have ascended it several times before. There are several distinct stages which get progressively steeper until the 1250m level.

Looking back down the steepest part of the trail

We made good progress with an obedient dog and hiking team. Although the temperature was pleasant we did have a Putin stylist.

The forest changes continually – in time and elevation – and we were blessed with some wonderful greenery.

Kobie struggling to keep up with Stephen in the greenery

Dry going despite heavy rainfall the previous evening

This team needed little encouragement to keep the momentum up and it was at 11.45am that we crested the terrace at the Barillette restaurant at 1432m. Heck – that works out at an ascent of 370m per hour average, including several rest stops for water. Not bad for a group with an average age of 7*+.. Some of us needed to change our shirts.

Beers and panachès – even Kobie got in this selfie

Kobie behaved – what a well trained hound !

Various forms of sausage and potatoes arrived

We toasted absent friends, especially Philip lying in intensive care in Geneva – may he be back with us very soon.

After an excellent mountain restaurant lunch, including home made tart, coffee and digestifs, washed down with fine conversation and banter, it was time to head down to catch a train.

We were very soon back in the trees and passing by Guinfard. Realising we had some time to spare in catching the 3.02pm at St Cergue, Mark2ts produced a flask of coffee, 6 cups, a flask of whisky and some Stanley cups, and we were fêted by a log pile.

Suitably fortified (merçi Mark!) we were soon into St Cergue and across to the station. The train was on time and a restful but amusing 23 minutes later (barking dog (not Kobie) and noisy children) found us spilling out at Givrins where it was hotter, but it was only another 25 minutes and we were back at the cars at 3.50pm.

We had missed the rain – it duly arrived at about 5 pm – and had had a brilliant day out. No Ginjuries, Kobie had behaved and I believe that we all enjoyed the exercise, lunch and company. And the Jura hills are wonderful at this time of year. Thanks to attendees for being so kind to Kobie.

Next hike July 7th, Stephen will lead a circuit at Morgins (on the opposite side of the valley to last year he tells me).

GIN lunch, La Table du Lac, Divonne-les-Bains, 22 June 2022

Sixteen members* of the Club enjoyed an excellent lunch on 22 June at La Table du Lac in Divonne. It was a chance to discover the latest version of the restaurant – previously Le Rectiligne – and its well-known chef Bruno Pucheu. Some 20 or so years ago, Bruno was the patron/chef of the restaurant Le Chanteclair in Ferney Voltaire, before opening Le Rectiligne. He has now returned to Divonne, this time with a lunch menu that is likely to be extremely popular and an evening menu for those who like to enjoy a meal “gastronomique” (and therefore a bit more pricey).

La Table du Lac is located in the splendid surroundings of the lake in Divonne, opposite “le petit port”. We were all delighted with the lunch and many said they would return. The weather promised to be difficult but fortunately it behaved itself. We ate inside, however, just in case.

Judging by the noise, the conversation was lively and a good time was had by all, it seems. Many thanks to Peter T for the photos.

*Brian (A), Alan, Bryan C, Peter D, Norman, Dave G, Harry, Mike, Richard, David S, Peter T, Gary, Wouter, Mark Wrr, Mark Wtt and John.

24 June 2022

GIN Bikers to Founex 16 June 22

A hot day was forecast so Leader Stephen (bike leader or Bleader as he is sometimes called under uphills gasps) arranged for us all to meet earlier than usual at the Everness Hotel (autocorrects as Evenness) at 9 am. Bill in particular was a little sleepy as on arrival he had forgotten that his shoes were clipped into his pedals with the usual result, but not too serious. In all six of us, our Leader, Mark 2ts, Clipped-in Bill from Boulder, E-Paul, Mervyn and PeterT. We had brought along our excuses which ranged from :-

recovering from Covid
not done any exercise in weeks
too much wine last night
I’m only here for the beer

but our Leader brushed them all aside and after an encouraging and enthusiastic team pep talk and we set off up to Gex via the bike trail. On the way we stopped for a breath at the water tanks in Grilly and met a vivacious lady chilling her dog in the wash tub. She gave us a short history of the watch industry in Geneva (where she was a guide) and other cultural insights, before mentioning that she had heard of GINclub. It seemed our reputation is intact.

All too soon we were off into the shade of the old train track and at Gex via a slick underpass were soon heading up the (supposedly) gentle rise to Vesancy. It was too early for Castle Coffee and without a halt we sped on down and across toward the dreaded Bonmont. Our Leader confirmed that were were to ascend illegally up the down road, and in the event we were consecutively chastised and almost run over by irate descenders by bike and car.

The worst is over for Bill, Mark, Stephen, Paul, Mervyn

And me – I must show Richard how to do this

It was getting hotter by the time we arrived at La Givrine (renamed from Givrins by our Leader) for coffee at the excellent bakery. Thanks Paul for your sponsorship. There was much discussion of world affairs, corruption, war, recession, Covid, and inflation but the main thing on our minds (mine at least) seemed to be beer and lunch.

I confirmed our reservation at the Founex Tennis Club with Ismael who is getting to know us, and with time passing we needed to speed off via Genolier, Dullier, Prangins, Nyon Riviera (where the majestic Vevey paddle ship was gliding into the jetty). Up past the Nyon tennis club and across to Celigny and CpC, before our Leader left us five (he to become an airport taxi) to wheel across to our lunch, and large cold beers. The first swig is the most memorable…

Filets de Perche – Excellent indeed for four of us and the frites were good too

We missed our leader and drank his health and that of all other absent bikers. E-Paul girded himself for his 17km ride home while the rest of us pottered home for a shower and a siesta. Another memorable ride, 51km, 600m denivellation. Conditions – hot and sunny. (33C after lunch). And although I got cramp later, my dodgy knees felt better afterwards.. 🙂

GIN Hiking Group – Thursday, June 9th 2022

Genolier to Chalet Basseruche and beyond

What a difference a day makes. Friday, June 10^th was a glorious sunny clear day….just perfect for a hike on the Jura. The forecast for Thursday, June 9^th was overcast with some possible rain. In the event, the intrepid six of Stephen, David, Richard, Mark2Rs, Bill and new recruit Rodney met at the Colonie parking in Genolier in the pouring rain. It was quite an initiation for Rodney’s first venture out with the GIN Group, Richard’s first back hiking after his injury and for Bill back in Europe for the season. Mervyn had the sense to nurse his cold/flu in protective warmth, whilst PeterT was sweltering in Corfu, Mark2Ts was still in pork pie land (gaining insight on Scottish devolution?) and Rob was chancing his luck with the weather in Lenk. Others also found suitable excuses not to test their wet weather gear.

However, spirits were not dampened and we set off up the official yellow-signed path towards St-Cergue. This being notable only due to the fact that recent hikes on the Jura seem to have avoided official tracks and, on occasion, any track at all. Stephen had stepped in for the usual leadership of PeterT and his hound and, not-knowing the paths so well, kept the group on those that are well-trodden. Consequently, good progress was made and frequent stops permitted in the rain without jeopardising the arrival time at the restaurant.

Rodney, a frequent trekker in this area, led us on the only detour of the day…..around the back of some houses in St-Cergue and up to the Basseruche.

On entering the restaurant we realised:

How wet and cold we were. Richard’s son (a local to St-Cergue) was summoned to bring dry clothing (just for Richard!),
How unnecessary the reservation was since we were the only table occupied,
How many bells Swiss cows seem to need.

There was a unanimous vote for fondue to help with inner warming. This was preceded by beers and a meat platter. White wine was prescribed to help digestion and the meal was rounded off with further digestive aids and a toast to absent friends. There is something about a fondue that encourages conviviality and we certainly confirmed this again. We left the restaurant with spirits renewed (in all senses) and all political discussions unresolved.

Richard wisely decided that he had done more than enough on his first outing since injury to take the short route home via the St-Cergue train. After a short deliberation, the rest of us rejected the downhill route on slippery paths and opted instead for a further climb up to La Givrine and catching the train back to Genolier from there.

Overall about 11km of walking and 700m elevation gain.

GIN Divonne walk 2 June 2022

“WOT – NOT ENOUGH WATER?”

Mark Warren’s plan to lead the GIN Walkers to and possibly through lesCascades d’Hérisson on 2 June 2022 had been postponed for a rarely encountered reason – the spring drought had deprived these famous waterfalls of adequate water to show themselves off in their full glory.

In the circumstances, a cheerful band of 8 Walking Group participants (Mark, Alan, Bryan C., Richard S., Nicolas, Paul, Rob, and Tim retraced our steps along the bank of the Divonne River to and from the Swiss border at Crassier. New decking avoided much of the mud encountered during our previous walk along this route.

Another excellent Lunch was then enjoyed at Le Bon Accueil in Divonne, during which we added our own toast to the many others ongoing that day in celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.

Thanks again, Mark, for your patience in planning and then needing to changethe location for this walk. We look forward to sharing in the postponed visit to the “Hedgehog Falls” in the not-too-distant future.

Thanks also go to Tim Goodyear for the photos.

Alan Baker. 3 June 2022