Blog – Page 20 – GIN Club

Walk along the Rhone between Lignon and Vernier 08.10.2021.

Mike, Tim, Mark (2ts), Hubert, Norman, Philip (Photographer: Mark (2rs))

Seven of us ( Hubert, Mark Warren, Mark Watts, Norman, Philip, Tim and myself) set out to explore the banks of the Rhone (see the map below for the route). We started walking downstream at the Moulin des Frères. With a small parking area and a picnic zone this is a favourite spot for weekend sailors – there is also a stop for the pleasure boats that travel between the lake and the Verbois dam. As we left the area Norman pointed out the site of the old leper colony. This was one of the many ‘maladières’ administered by the diocese of Geneva (which covered a large area between the Jura and the Alps).

The first part of the walk was along the riverside – the sun filtering through the trees was very pleasant. The path, like those on the rest of the walk, is well maintained. Before long we saw signs of the Givaudan factory: boundary fences and (clean!) effluent flowing into the river. This factory, founded at the end of the 19^th century is a world leader in the production of fragrances for products ranging from washing-up liquid to expensive perfumes.

Soon afterwards we crossed the Passerelle de Chèvres. This footbridge (which takes its name from the nearby village) passes over the remains of the dam of a former hydroelectric station. The plant, which was the first in the Canton de Geneve, functioned from 1898 to 1943, when it was superseded by the one at Verbois. The dam and the associated buildings can be made out quite clearly on the 1904 map. (By the way, I stole the maps from https://map.geo.admin.ch. You can find full set of modern and historical Swiss maps there.)

Turning left after the footbridge we continued upstream through wooded countryside crossing several small streams. At a point about halfway between the Passerelle de Chèvres and our starting point we turned right and, after a short, steep climb, headed inland. From this point we could see the massive buildings of Le Lignon. Constructed in the early 1960s Le Lignon is one of the largest apartment complexes in the world. In contrast, the area we were crossing, Deuxfonds, is surprisingly rural sandwiched as it is between the two arms of the Rhone and largely inaccessible to traffic.

We soon reached our second footbridge, the Passerelle du Lignon. This footbridge was built in the 1970s by Sappro, a pipeline operator. The footbridge supports a pipeline transporting petroleum products from France to the Vernier storage area.

Norman and Philip about to cross the Passerelle du Lignon.

Back in the woods we continued downstream towards our starting point. The weather gods, apart from bestowing a couple of showers on us, had been kind. We all agreed that the area is surprisingly rural and isolated despite being so close to the town.

Mark (2ts), Mark (2rs), Tim, Philip, Norman, Huber (Photographer: Mike)

After some further adventures we met back at the Auberge de Vernier for a very welcome beer and lunch.

7 Oct 21 GIN Biking

With Stephen playing up in the hills this promised an easier day, and the e-bikers were sadly absent too, only three men were on the bummel on a windy but sunny and cool-ish day setting out from Everness. Peter D, Mark 2ts and Peter T.

We lurched off into the wind for ravitaillement at the plage at Prangins, now sheltered from the Bise and with a number of ladies taking the plunge for us to admire while dipping croissants into our coffees.

A tough bike ride needs an easy start – here the peloton tucks in

All to soon we were forced to face the fact that this was not a GINclub sunbathers event, so we set off up past Prangins Airfield, through Trelex, and Gingins to Bonmont (where else if Peter T is leading?), with the wind now in our sails.

At the Bonmont top – all downhill from here

After almost losing the peloton on the descent (they lost me!) we arrived in Divonne and settled upon La Truite for lunch. It was busy so not a fast service but the beer was good and so was the food. Three fine courses for Eu 19.50 (our coffees replaced the dessert course). Recommendable.

A very pleasant short day out, but some of us had errands to run. I clocked 45 km and 490 m deniv (from Coppet).

GIN hikers Crêt d’Eau 30 September 2021

After our somewhat wet outing two weeks ago, it was a relief to awake to clear skies and importantly, a favourable weather forecast for the day. Assembly points had been arranged at Divonne and Val Thoiry and we all met up in the church car park in Farges on time at 09.30 (five out of nine of us in shorts). Three early birds had managed to grab a quick coffee and pain au chocolat before we all headed off up the forest roads to our starting point at 1,254m. We hadn’t got far before the lead car had to stop whilst Andrew removed a tree trunk and branches that had fallen across the road. Our cars survived the potholes over the 12km and we set off in good spirits up a jeep track taking advantage of a couple of shortcuts.

Once we had cleared the forest at about 1,400m, we started enjoying the wonderful countryside and views along the Jura. Shortly after passing the Chalet du Sac, we espied the Dent d’Oche peeping above the morning clouds across the Léman basin. Our path was not too clearly defined and despite the dearth of signposts, we attained our first summit – the Crêt du Miroir. This merited a small celebration so a nip of grappa was offered to all. There were still a few clouds around and a cool wind and we were grateful that the sun’s warmth cancelled out the low temperatures.

Another unnamed summit beckoned which gave us a view over the not-so-beautiful town of Bellegarde and the more attractive rolling hills of the Jura westwards. We then headed for the Crêt du Milieu and we tried to resist the temptation for more celebratory drinks as we could see that our lunch spot was not too far away. However, a bottle of vin blanc miraculously appeared and quite quickly, the contents disappeared! As is becoming our custom, any fellow travellers on a mountain-top are offered a glass of wine and three delightful ladies from Paris were duly supplied. We were later thanked with a large piece of local Tomme cheese.

Our next stop, the Crêt de la Goutte, is the highest point of the Crêt d’Eau complex at 1,621m and the orientation table there made an excellent bar on which to place the various bottles that had been kindly provided. As usual, the orientation table showed all the peaks through 360 degrees, as well as distances to various famous cities.

However, the only explanation offered as to why Brighton was the only town in the UK mentioned was that it was Mark 2rrs’ birthplace! On such a clear day, we had wonderful views and according to Wikipedia, we could see:
la haute chaîne du Jura, le lac Léman, le lac du Bourget ainsi que le lac d’Annecy, et les massifs du Mont-Blanc, des Aravis, des aiguilles Rouges, de la Chartreuse, du Vercors,
des Écrins, des Alpes bernoises, et de Belledone.

Lunch and a number of excellent Italian reds were consumed and what – more excellent grappa! Somehow, the Absinthe provided by Paul earlier was untouched and lives on for another day. We then swarmed down the mountainside reaching the strangely-named “Pierre à Fromage” which just seemed to be a faded wooden signpost

After that, maybe because of a strange lassitude, the route instructions became somewhat vague and with no discernable paths, we decided to go cross-country in the general direction of the cars. After reaching the ski installations that rise from Menthieres, we descended on a long ski slope that could be classified as red, or possibly black, finally reaching the Chalet du Sac where we rested a while in the warm sun with some of us in T-shirts.

We retraced our steps back to the parking spot taking the two shortcuts we had taken on the way up, although David and Mark 2rrs took an additional one which took them below the cars. A few phone calls and whistles later they appeared just as Mervyn discovered thathe had lost his fleece with his car keys and credit cards. After much discussion, it was thought that he had left it at the Chalet, so David kindly offered to ignore the no-entry sign on the rough jeep track and drive him back in his 4×4. We were extremely relieved to receive a triumphant call to say that said garment had been found intact!

It was a splendid hike of some 12 ½ kms and 760m with magnificent views, visiting an area that few of us knew well. There was much evidence of diggings by wild boar, but no fauna was spotted other than other hikers enjoying the area. However, the famous Jura nudist, seen a couple of times previously by one member, failed to make his presence felt. Many subjects were discussed as usual and a unanimous vote was taken on a certain independence issue. We lamented the absence of some of our regular hiking camarades.

Attendees: Peter, Mervyn, Marks 2rrs and 2tts, David, Stephen, Thatcher, Andrew and Richard
(leader)

Next Hike – 14 October 2021 – Le Salève (weather permitting) -leader Mark 2tts.

GIN WALK DIVONNE-CRASSIER-DIVONNE 22 SEPTEMBER 2021

On exactly 10am 16 GIN walkers set off on the “wild side” (expression from Alan Baker) of the Divonne river – direction Crassier. After some time (see the two pictures on the bridge – taken by Tim Goodyear). Norman Eatough gave us an interesting explanation of the origin of the area, notably the Canal de Crans which we walked along, and which supplied water to the Château de Coppet.

He also told us that he went to the Divonne Tourist Office two years ago saying that the path was very muddy. The Office took his advice and now the muddy parts are covered with splendid wooden decking. According to Norman this must have cost them a small fortune, which Divonne taxpayers, such as Mark Warren, John Burley and myself, have helped financing. We also visited the viewpoint of the “Marais des Bidonnes” (see map) and even saw one cow (see picture) of the “aurochs” herd that lives there.

Our group then split in two: one going on to Crassier and visiting a local pond (see picture) and the other returning to Divonne on a path next to the old railway track, which is now converted into a bicycle-cum-walking road. This stretch of track had continued to Nyon, but was not paying for itself and when the Geneva-Lausanne autoroute cut through it, that was the end of it.

At about 12:30 everybody met up for our lunch (see picture) at “Le Bon Accueil”, which provided us with a delicious and well-presented three-course meal. At 14:30 we all went home – after an enjoyable walk and lunch, which gave us the opportunity to get to know each other better and to benefit from the Divonne environment.

Wouter van Ginneken (with help from Tim Goodyear and Norman Eatough).

GIN Biking – September 23rd 2020 – Urban Crawl

A glorious day beckonned, once the early morning mist had lifted. PeterT, PeterD and Stephen met at the Chavannes hotel ready to head for the busy streets of the city before trialling a new route out to Satigny and lunch at the Auberge Communale. The plan was to follow the Swiss cycle route 50 from Chavannes (or where it passed close by), join briefly with the cycle route 1, before heading along the Rue de Lausanne to Cornavin station. At this point we would pick up the signs for the meandering cycle route 102 out to Satigny. Stephen was confident that signs would be more than adequate to indicate the appropriate tracks. En route, we met with e-Paul near the Vireloup CH/F border; he having an unusually light cycling day without the usual pedal out and back to the Chavannes hotel meeting point.

The stop/start of the city traffic increased with the increasing number of traffic lights as we neared Cornavin. However, we realised that our progress was better than that of the other traffic as we cycled past Lambourginis and Porsches in our cycle lane. Only one slight detour during the way into Geneva had to be made, due to inadequate Route 50 signalling, as we followed the small roads through Chambésy. However, the route on the 102 from Cornavin was less well indicated in several places and we had to make some seemingly risky manoeuvres in order to rectify over-enthusisatic directional optimism. Local cyclists helped show us the way as they darted in an out of traffic and past red lights into hidden passageways. PeterD was the back up navigator, frequently referring to the Switzerland Mobility App, when we truly lost the signs. The 102 route was indeed an eye-opener for all of us, taking us to localities that we did not know existed in Geneva. Once we started getting away from the city centre the vistas openned up and the vines of the Geneva wine area appeared over the thinning suburban roof tops.

We arrived at the Satigny auberge ahead of schedule, which was a benefit as the restaurant terrace soon filled other hungry clients. An early disappointment at lack of a menu du jour was replaced by very friendly service and a good choice of burgers, pizzas, salads and carpaccios. Paul encouraged (successfully) to have his frites “bien croquant”. This led into a discussion about Tom Kerridge’s famous triple cooked chips and from there a small leap to Ganesha…..and, importantly, the imminent publication of Paul’s new book….and other diverse topics (which somehow escape this blogger after a generous offering of limoncello by the waitress).

Contentment is well-fried chips.

“How the hell did we miss that turning?” “We were following your bright top.”

Interesting how food (or alcohol?) energises some people and for others it is a prelude to rest. PeterD pedalling rate increased 50% on leaving the restaurant whilst Stephen was struggling to move up the gears. Paul opted out of further competition (not that an e-biker needs to) and from Meyrin headed the short route home. The remaining 3 cut through Ferney before re-entering Switzerland and followed tracks through field and wood before re-emerging at the Chavannes hotel starting point.

A good lunch, who care’s how we get home? One day PeterT will remember to reset his route tracker after lunch…..

The full route: GIN bikers route Sept 23rd

Statistics: Distance ca. 54km (Chavannes-Chavannes); 2h35m saddle time, Average speed 21.2kmh; 370m elevation; Average fluids: 1.75 beers, 1 limoncello, water? (not sufficient)

Wine-Tasting Group 2021

We have been very fortunate that there has been good support for our group in these challenging times……though who can resist a glass or two of wine to talk of many things, as the quote goes by Lewis Carroll, from the Walrus and the Carpenter ‘the time has come the walrus said, to talk of many things, of shoes and ships, and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings’…….

So on June 30, we were kindly hosted by Paul Sochaczewski and his wife Monique. Paul provided 6 varying red wines from Italy, whose labels were conveniently covered by the traditional ‘socks’ donated by Hamish McCombie some eons of time ago…..the highest score was 3 out of the 6 correctly identified.

On July 13 our hosts were from Morges, Ian Cappin and his wife Anne. The choice of wines that evening, were from different regions of Spain, whose most well-known reds are the Rioja wines……. again the highest score was 3 out of 6.

August 27 was our latest wine-tasting evening hosted by David Gwilliam and his wife Paddy. Again we were confronted by wines from Italy, which all seemed to be ‘ruby’ red with rich plum aromas and cherry fruit flavors…..and difficult to differentiate. Highest score was only 2 correct…….

OF note: Our wine group consists of some 25 members, and we like to have at least 6 participants with a maximum of 8 for a session to be held…….the ladies generally organize a restaurant for themselves and are there to drive their husbands safely home………!

Our next wine-tasting will be hosted by Tony Raeburn with the theme ‘lesser known European reds’ on the 30 September at 7.30pm……. 6 ‘winers’ have already signed in…..

GIN Hike L’Isle up Jura

16 Sept 21

This hike was advertised to run come rain or shine. And in the main that was what happened, with perhaps much more rain than shine. Attending were 8 :- Richard S, Mervyn, Andrew (Neivens, welcome to the group Andrew), Rob, David, Mark 2rrs, Stephen, PeterT (leader).

We assembled à l’heure at 10 am at the parking at the station at L’Isle, a place worth visiting for its magnificent chateau. First then some culture:-

“Also known as the “Petit Versaille de l’Isle”, this magnificent château was built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, a Lieutenant General in the Swiss Guard. It was the first regional monument of classical architecture.

Built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, the Château de l’Isle is a monument steeped in history. Originating from around 1700 during the classical era in France, this building greatly resembles that of the architectural movement of the time, where the Château de Versailles was built.

The, “La Vénoge” river has enabled the Château to benefit from a beautiful French garden, as well as a river basin bordered by two tree-lined paths. At first the Chandieu family lived in the old residence until the end of the 18th century. François Louis Roulet of Neuchâtel was the first to live there in the 19th century, and then it was handed down through marriage to the Cornaz Family of Montet Cudrefin.

In 1876, the commune of l’Isle bought and restored the château. Today it houses the municipal department of housing and classrooms. Since 1941, the château has been a listed building.”

The weather forecast seemed not too bad but as we skirted the lawns of the fine Château we donned anoraks, only to remove them soon after. A gradual line of 7.5 km and 750m deniv or so, making it roughly a 10% slope which would lead us in a WNW direction just south of Combe à Berger past Grand Chardève to the Chalet de Châtel at 1400m for lunch. (Yellow path).

Passing the water Source for L’Isle (members I think were more intent on beer sources), we skirted pasture land and moved on up into the forest.

All to soon the rains came and all but Stephen re-donned anoraks. Had he painted himself with some form of water repellant ? In any event he got to 1400m in persistent rain in a green T shirt.

Mark, Steve, Andrew, David, Mervyn, Richard, Rob.

Andrew, Stephen and Richard. Note the assorted rain gear.

This was the first rain after a long dry spell, and the autumnal leaves were beginning to appear underfoot.

Unexpected image but it captures the essence of the morning.

We made steady progress up the 10% trail eventually turning left in a southerly direction on the final slopes to the chalet. Andrew was finding his sugar levels on the low side at this point and Richard provided some essential glucose. We arrived on time at 12.30 at the Chalet, dripping wet but inside it was warmer and our table was set out in a pleasant and newly furbished room with sound baffles in the ceiling. We each showed our COVID certificates and then were allowed to move about maskless.

Mark arrives in from the rain – note everyone else seems to have driven up.

Cold beers soon arrived. From Appenzell.

A clear 50/50 split between those having Fondue and those having Röstiflette was established and we proceeded to enjoy a very fine lunch indeed, white Tartegnin wine supplementing the beers.

The fondue set drying out in the warmth.

Our discourse followed the usual threads. Scottish independence, the possible definition of “woke”, problems of nasal hair, anti-vaxxers, what pivoting means, roasting absent friends, dogs, enjoying a meal with wet underwear, Boris, future hikes, etc, all the while checking that it was still raining outside. A fine camaraderie persisted among the damp diners.

The Chalet was short on their dessert of the day, tarte aux framboise, but there were 4 left so we partaged and very tasty it was indeed. Time for some furtive absinthe and Scottish fluid with our coffee before we flowed out into some unexpected but reviving sunshine.

Weak sun greeting departing damp but happy diners

On the descent – no rain ! So Stephen puts on his rain gear.

We traversed the ridge to the N towards Mollendruz then pivoted back down towards L’Isle. It kept dry despite ominous grumblings of thunder to the south.

We arrived back at the cars reasonably quickly, the time seemed to pass quickly anyway, perhaps it was the digestifs…

Thanks to all attending. Sorry we missed Mark, Thatcher, Philip, Richard W, Peter D and others who missed a fine meal with a gentle hike, oh, and er, rain.

GIN Lunchers Recommence

The Rudi brigade restarts. GIN lunches stopped in Feb 2020 but restarted today at L’Imperial, a super Chinese restaurant in Etoy, organised by Alan Baker. Clearly it was going to be good to travel that distance, and indeed it was.

All you can eat, any number of visits to the buffet, fresh food, Chinese delicacies and all the usual menu and sauces, all for chf 23, washed down with some fine beer and coffee. This is a really good value for money eatery. Many of us said we would be taking our spouses back there..

Friendly service and it was not too noisy inside (the weather was iffy) so we could hear easily across the table. Paul showed us a draft copy of his latest book about the Ganesh images and statues that he owns. It looks a must have.

The location was a tad distant, but quite quick to drive to and great for parking and for Aldi, Qualipet, Pfister, Hornbach, etc. etc. shopping afterwards.

Alan had written to us

“The occasion may also be used to discuss the future of GIN Lunches, other GIN groups having possibly diluted interest in them amongst the current 73 GIN Members. (Mark Warren’s recent observation that “GIN Lunches are an integral part of GIN for getting us all together and discussing issues” is worth considering). Rudi Pluss, the current GIN Lunches Coordinator, will kindly provide further past, present and future input for us.”

We duly discussed future lunches and the next three now have organisers.

I think I can say that we all ten of us thoroughly enjoyed the event and that GIN lunches are now firmly back on the agenda.

NEXT LUNCH

PETER TAYLOR WILL ORGANISE A LUNCH AT FOUNEX TENNIS CLUB IN MID OCTOBER.

Attending STEPHEN LONG, ALAN BAKER, RUDI PLUSS, DAVE GWILLIAM, BRIAN ALLARDYCE, TERRY GALE, PAUL SOCACHEWSKI, DAVE GERNANDT, MARK WATTS, PETER TAYLOR

THATCHER SHELLABY AND DREW MEEK (Apologies RECEIVED ) There may have been many others.

Biking to Genolier 8 Sept 2021

Peter Drew organised a bike route on this fine day, seemingly at the near end of the Indian Summer. Four bikers turned out at the Divonne Lake, sorry five. Mark 2RRs had thought the start was at 10 am and not 9.30am.

Mervyn, E-Thatcher and two Peters spent the waiting time usefully discussing cleaning products and vacuuming machines.

Once Mark had finally arrived we set off on this excellent route in a clockwise direction.

The initial phase from Divonne to Gex was spent on the very pleasant bike path built over the old railway tracks. Up and right through Vesancy our leader declared we had time for a statutory Bonmont so we duly trundled up the down road.

Having dispensed with the elevation element what followed was a gentle ride down and across to Givrins and then Genolier. The Trois Tileulles has an excellent terrace spoilt marginally by the traffic noise at the crossroads. The gourmet plat du jour at chf 25, included stuffed mushrooms, tender beef filet with noodles and green beans, and some form of mango crème anglaise. All washed down with excellent beer and coffee. On nice white linen (nb good cleaning product used). Indeed a high point of our bike dining this year.

Sadly Maarrk moved as I took this pano, as did Meervyyn.

The subjects of our intercourse moved through faith and religion, or our sad lack of it, weddings, quantum field theory (Mark is rereading pages 1 to 3), absent friends, travel, vaccines, E-Bikes, dogs and cleaning products (part 2). (I may have missed key sections).

It was all too soon time to depart and we rolled back through Trelex, Grens, and Divonne. A great ride with fine weather and company. Missing a few of our regulars and hoping they will be back with us soon. I clocked 50 km and 536m from my home, but Peter D says it was 42.5km and 585m (from Divonne).

GIN WALK 8TH SEPTEMBER 2021

For Norman Eatough’s first GIN walk, the weather was perfect: sunny, around 25°.

Meeting at Les Gravines restaurant, we walked upstream close to La Versoix, which always manages an impressive volume, even after days without rain, as several remarked. Norman ventured an explanation: in the limestone region of the Jura, rain dissolves the rock and forms big underground lakes. These release water progressively, evening out the flow.

We arrived at a timber mill and its millrace, where Mike explained that the water used to drive a turbine, providing street-lighting for Versoix many decades ago. This was closed down and could only resume if a fish-ladder was built. It was not possible to peer over the steep slope to see whether this requirement has been implemented.

Norman explained that the notice deviating walkers up the road and through the woods, which we ignored, was due to the collapse of a wooden footbridge further up the millrace; we suddenly arrived at the further metal footbridge,
and he realised that the broken footbridge had been totally dismantled since his last visit. It doesn’t seem likely that the wooden one will be rebuilt, as the metal one suffices perfectly. A scramble up a steep slope ensued, survived by all and we climbed further, accompanied by soothing Water Music (acknowledgement to G.F. Händel) until emerging on to the Collex-La Bâtie road:

Mark Warren Mike Wouter Rob Gary Richard David G Garry Norman

We progressed to the Bossy road on a track mercifully dry of its usual trying mud and relaxed for 15 minutes on the benches of the recreation area, where a charming circle of tinies and their teachers greeted us.

We crossed La Versoix over the Pont de Bossy and turned immediately right along a pretty path down the right bank, where a photo was taken at a little beach:

We emerged into sunlight for the 5 minutes down to La Bâtie and the much-regretted Auberge des Chasseurs, whîch a few of us remembered in its heyday.

The assembly was invited to peer down and observe the Prise d’eau/intake of water from La Versoix into the Canal de Versoix: photos below. This was built around 1766, to supply water when France conceived a plan to rival Geneva commercially by building a new settlement 2 km North of Versoix-le-Bourg (where La Versoix enters Lac Léman), called Versoix-la-Ville. Voltaire pointed out that the Pays de Gex produces nothing and needs supplies from Savoie. The canal descends imperceptibly until entering the Lac du Léman beyond Montfleury: it is an engineering triumph. Despite a new dead-straight road being built to connect Versoix-la-Ville to then-French Meyrin and thus Lyon, the project never really got off the ground, only one factory and a couple of houses being built, and was abandoned when France’s Foreign Minister, Le Duc de Choiseul, appointed by King Louis XV to organise the project, fell into disgrace (sadly no details were supplied in Norman’s Histoire de Versoix).
Versoix became Swiss and Geneva was connected to Switzerland along the lake after the Napoleonic wars in 1815.

A short stretch of tarmac brought us to the charming path along the shady canal, with dappled sunshine adding to the experience. Crossing a final footbridge, we arrived back at Les Gravines after 2h15 actual walking, there to imbibe a refreshing canette or two and enjoy a very fresh green salad and either the plat du jour or a pizza: two comedians had clearly preferred the tastier inner delights thereof:

Norman was profusely thanked for his outing, which was new to the majority, then intellectual conversations rocked the place.

Norman