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I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils

Two days after the official ending of the winter GIN season with an excellent buffet lunch at Mervyn and Deborah’s in glorious sunshine, the GIN Hikers were sufficiently recovered from the alcoholic and gastronomic excesses to attempt an ascent of the Dôle. The weather had remained amazingly warm and sunny for this early in the year and our leader, Mark2Ts, taking over the reins from the absent PeterT, promised us a hike of about 15kms and 700m climb with lunch amongst the wild daffodils. His earlier reconnoitre had identified the exact spot at Sonnailley where he wanted to lead the 9 keen GIN Hikers for a picnic lunch with refreshments.

The group consisted of Mark2Ts, Mervyn, Mark2Rs, David, PeterD, Andrew, Rob (re-armed and poles in his rucksack), Nicolas and Stephen. The latter being the last to arrive at the new La Givrine car park, albeit exactly at the designated hour, but late enough not to park near coaches which had chosen to disgorge their mass of  day-outing school children exactly the same spot as the other parked GIN Hikers. We were delighted to welcome Nicolas to the hikers, it always being a pleasure to have new discussions and opinions to add to the usual banter. After a brief uncertainty as to whether we had all of the signed up group, our leader lead us rapidly away from the mêlée, across the fields in the direction of the Cuvaloup restaurant. For some unexplained reason, there was no outcry at the lack of a stop for an early coffee and we transitioned to the uphill part of the hike in the direction of the Dôle. Ski pistes originate from the top of the lift and in summer the grass pistes lead upward to the same. As for winter, there is a choice of difficulty and steepness. Inevitably, there are always those individuals who wish to prove themselves and opt for the more challenging routes. The GIN Hikers are no exception and a breakaway group of 3 didn’t follow the leader (who admittedly was some way behind) and chose the fast track to the top. On the way up, we passed an amazing display of daffodils, covering the hillside and dwarfing the crocus challengers. If this was a foretaste of the luncheon spot, we were in for an excellent day.

The party regrouped at the top, admiring the vista from the Dôle, even though a little haze blurred the distant Alps and a chill breezed rapidly cooled the sweat from the ascent.

From here we could see the downhill direction to the promised Wordsworth worthy golden daffodil fields and the signage promised that we would be there in 40 minutes, an ideal timing for lunch. The path was stony and uneven and separated again the group, based on foolhardiness or comfort.

At the subsequent regrouping point, the leader’s judgement was put in doubt as we were surrounded by fields of golden buttercups. Could his ability to identify flowers need perfecting? We pressed on, passing an earlier meeting point on the Swiss/French border during early COVID times where a glass was shared over a forbidden border. From here we followed a road to the plains and indeed more flowers, including the much heralded daffodils, gentians as well as the occasional orchid. Some could say that the daffodils were past their peak but that would be unkind as our leader had fulfilled his promise.

Lunch was well up to expectations with samplings of fermented products of varying strengths from several countries aiding the digestion and enhancing the conversation. Have the Irish election results increased or decreased the likelihood of Scottish independence? This story has further to run although the main proposer admitted a disillusionment to UK politics (don’t we all?). Golfers also thought that there was a business potential for a new course at Sonnailley….plenty of fairway for any wayward shots. Talking of shots, unfortunately, there will be an absence of Absinthe at future outings as Paul’s long lasting bottle has finally poured its last drop….just as we were starting to enjoy its subtle pleasures.

The saunter back to La Givrine passed uphill through a wood where the track had been blocked in several places by fallen trees.

We were soon back in the open and found ourselves back descending the pistes and arriving back at the Cuvaloup. This time there was no doubt that a stop was in order and a sizeable order of the amber fluid was made.

There was a gentle stroll back to the Givrine car park where for the first time of the day our leader was actually ahead…..the crowd like sheep having followed the front runners on a longer path.

Another truly enjoyable outing at our back door on the Jura. How lucky we are.

A group of 8 and a large hairy dog had signed up for this ascent of La Dôle via La Pointe de Fin Château and La Pointe de Poêle Chaud. We did not have to wait too Long for all the party to assemble at the parking at Le Coutzet (1160m) above St Cergue, in bright sunshine and promising a warm fine day, and once together we set off after the leader (PeterT) had wished good luck to each attendee. On being questioned why, PT explained that he had not actually reccied the path up the PdFC.

There was a preponderance of shorts (5-3) worn on the legs of the optimistic punters. Attending :- David, Mark2T and Mark2R, Mike, RichardW, Rob, Stephen and PeterT and his Cobberdog Kobie (on a leash all day, gamely held by Stephen most of the way up).

It was not long before we hit the first of the snow patches, nestling in the shady side of the mountain, and soon the path began to fade and the line became a bit sketchy. The trick seemed to be to read the lie of the land and not to attempt too steep a slope. Gradually a forested ridge was ascended reaching a steep snow patch which required a delicate but forceful approach. Kobie led the way and pulled Steve up into the sunshine just below the PdFC.

A nice ridge, not too airy led to the flat top of the Pointe de Fin Château (1556m), followed by a short descent to a hollow where a herd of chamois were sunbathing.

Kobie was held in check and it was not long before we were on the Poêle Chaud (1628m) itself with its Chamois king.

A leisurely descent followed to the Col de Porte (1557m). At this point Mark2rrs mentioned that the next section of path to the left and above the precipice was the most renowned for accidents in the whole of the Jura as we watched children being led up it. As such some of the party elected to take the right hand path to the west and avoid the rubbly precipice risk.

We were soon at the Dôle (1677m) and set up a lunch circle out of the breeze in a grassy hollow. Italian reds seemed to sandwich the Luins, but it was all washed down with some stronger stuff and coffee from M2T. Absent friends missed a nice lunch, and we missed them.

All too soon it was time to be off and we heading south before turning east then north. The descent was a little steep, snowy, damp and muddy and required care and it was a little while before we passed Le Chalet de la Dôle (1439m)

The return to the cars followed the easy path over the col, another snow patch and then the road in the valley below our first two peaks of the day.

A fine second hike of 2022, in great weather and fun company. And even Kobie enjoyed himself. 12km (OK a little further than billed) and 680m. No serious injuries reported.

Next Hike in 2 weeks time (I shall have to miss it).

Six and a dog to St Cergue 14 April 2022

The day dawned bright and clear. Harry called in to apologise. Which left Richard W, Mervyn, Mark 2ts, Philip, Mike and PeterT. And Kobie.

Shorts 3, Breeches 1, Trousers 2.

We assembled at 10.30 at the Trelex woods parking and set off across to and up the Trelex River.

In short order we were up to the level of the Gorge, and the weather being gorgeous and with time to spare we elected to inspect it. Sadly although there was water in the upper river, the top source itself was dry.

Kobie was behaving, because he had mostly to be kept on a leash, and we made good progress as he pulled me up to a short coffee/water stop. The worst bit was to come, rising up steadily in hot sun, then across to the Parapente Seat for a further stop. There were fine views across to Mt Blanc just visible in the haze, and the Haut Cime (heck we did that!), as well as the Jet d’Eau. It was warm.

Mark getting out the Luins

It was at this point that Mark decided to lighten his load by inviting us all to taste the latest chasselas from Luins, which indeed slipped down nicely.

Unfortunately at this point one of the party began to feel a bit feint in the heat with the wine and was swiftly revived with water. We were nearly there so we continued carefully across the cliff top path to the train station at St Cergue where lunch was taken with some suitable red provided by Mervyn.

The afternoon thunderstorm was threatening and so we duly elected to cut the walk short and descend to the valley having had the best of the day and the scenery.

There followed the excellent red train descent down the Jura enjoyed by men and dog (half-price tickets for dogs).

The party split at Genolier with half continuing to Givrins, from which there is a short walk over the river (and another dog paddle) to the cars.

I reckon about 8 km and 573m for the Givrins party, 485m for the Genoliers. A fine first day out with a good way down for those with squeaky knees. Kobie enjoyed it – thanks to each of the party for being his friend.