Blog – Page 25 – GIN Club

Snow Shoes to La Loge 6.1.22

Mark promised 8km, 400m deniv, mixed weather but great food and a warm welcome at La Loge and we were not disappointed. Assembling at the Crozet lift at 9.45 am saw Leader Mark, Guido Richard, and punters Philip, Mervyn and me. We packed snow shoes, emergency gear and not a lot else. We wore our warm gear and sunglasses and after the Eu 9 tickets purchased by Philip we ascended the lift to the station at 1300m in bright sun and blue skies with a potential for a cold N wind higher up.

Recent snow and below freezing temperatures portended excellent conditions and indeed we immediately donned our raquettes to head off rightwards away from the ski pistes and up an icy track dusted with blown snow, heading for the Col at 1560m.

A nice steady rise on perfect white stuff

We made good progress in the bright sun and we soon in sight of the summit for the day enjoying magnificent views in the cold air.

This was a very pleasant and yet mildly strenuous ascent.

It was not long before we reached the viewpoint summit col.

Richard arrives at a super drinks table – already iced

At this point Richard brought out some strong liquid which he served in cracked cups – we need to invest in some Pashley goblets. Rum from Guatemala (sic) had us dancing in the wind.

From the viewpoint it was an easy descent down the other side past the Lelex lift and snow blowers across through snow laden firs to La Loge 140m below the col.

We received very warm welcome from Franck at his window from which he served us aperos outside on the banquettes.

Suitably revved we entered the Loge’s warm and welcoming saloon. Christmas lights and a large warm stove, a friendly smile from hostess Kate underneath her mask and we we soon tucking into sausage and Jurassien Croute washed down with some suitable red. We toasted absent friends – they were sadly missing a really great lunch, and outing, as we missed them. We also toasted to all of us still being the right side of the sod.

There were only a few other diners and we were treated right royally, taking our desert tartes around the stove, even playing a game of chess – Richard’s first in several years and he played a blinder.

Not quite Magnus Carlsen, it’s Richard Saynor

Franck came over with a box of Genepi, mental note for shopping list. Right. We were ready for the off.

Which of course required an ascent back up to the col. Where had the sun gone? Instead of blue sky we were in cloud and a freezing wind. But we were suitably fortified and were soon back at the col and descending powdery slopes on the way home.

Looking forward from under the blanket to the valley of Shangri La

Altogether one of the best snow-shoe outings I have been on. La Loge is highly recommended and it is reachable with not a lot of effort. Thanks again to Mark. Here’s to many more.

Mervyn’s First 21/22 Season Ski Blog

Blog for the GIN Downhill Skiing Section

Ski-day – 16 December 2021, Villars

First outing of the 2021/22 Ski Season

The weather forecast last week was promising sunny clear-blue skies above 1,000m and so a hastily planned ski outing was proposed for that Thursday to profit from the recent heavy snowfall a few days earlier. In the event only David and Mervyn were available for selection, the other stalwarts either being in the wrong country (Steve, Rudi, Michael and Mark), injured (Peter) or otherwise occupied (Thatcher and Nicolas).

So Villars (aka David’s back garden) was chosen for the inaugural outing of the season to test our equipment, our legs and the current covid restrictions*

Indeed we profited from perfect snow, cloudless skies and sunlit pistes, the only disappointment being the lack of lifts and runs open much beyond the Bretaye area. The morning was spent reacquainting ourselves with the effortless joy of mechanical transportation uphill and the somewhat more physical downhill slaloming and schussing.

A classic fondue lunch was taken on the terrace of the newly renovated restaurant at Col de Bretaye where our convivial table companions turned out to be the restaurant owner himself and a member of the Villars town council. Complimentary vielle prune was offered and gratefully accepted and David and his companions will be welcomed back on future occasions!

The post-prandial session was circumspect and cautious and we celebrated reaching the bottom station with a cleansing ale to toast this early start to what we hope to be a long and enjoyable ski season with aforementioned absent friends.

NB. *Covid restrictions were 2G for the restaurant (proof of complete vaccination or recovery) and masks on the telecabine, but not the chair-lifts it seemed.

Mervyn Powell

Ski Leader

Snowshoe outing 9 December

It was grey when eight stalwarts (Richard S, Paul S, Mervyn P, Drew M, Philip J, Bill W and the two Marks) plus new boy (Nicolas Ulmer) set out in falling snow from the Givrine railway station on the well-marked, and familiar to most, trail to the Vermeilley Refuge. But that wasn’t how it started. It was sunny on the way up to St Cergue with the trees covered with the previous night’s fall of snow but soon after, into the clouds we went. There were hardly any other people, the fields were covered in smooth and untrammelled snow and even the path was free of the usual hundreds of footprints indicative of its popularity. Our leisurely ascent was disturbed by two motorised sledges carrying supplies to the refuges – the first, the Genolier, was closed but no doubt preparing for a weekend opening. Kobe’s friend from last year was running around happily. So, on we trudged leisurely to the Vermeilley which, as we knew, was open. Here Richard left us to return to meet his son for lunch in St Cergue (this was less leisurely as it only took him 50 minutes).

It was lovely being back in this Refuge; in fact, it was almost like being back home since we had it to ourselves until one and then a second individual arrived. The beers flowed, then the charcuterie, fondue (what else!) and apple tart. In the absence of Rob, Drew kindly offered the Scottish fluid.

The return was too easy for some, with one Gent doing the “angel” in the snow requiring help to get up which had his helper sprawling in the snow in his turn.

Wine Tasting

September 30, 2021

Our host for the 30 September 2021 wine-tasting was Tony Raeburns. Seven of us enjoyed sampling and trying to identify a selection of ‘Lesser Known European Reds’ coming from France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. As usual our tastes varied but a score of 3 on 6 was achieved and was highly commendable.

November 23, 2021

Stephen and Kate Long were our hosts for this month’s wine-tasting on November 23^rd. The title ‘Swiss red varietals’ was intriguing and included a selection of 6 different grape origins ranging from Syrah, Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and the well- known Pinot Noir……. Again 3 out of the six reds were correctly identified……

left to right: Terry Gale, Ian Cappin, Steve Long, Tony Raeburn, Martin Vaughan, Dave Gwilliam, Gerry Swart

Wine-Tasting for 2022

January —————

February Martin Vaughan

March Terence Gale

April Rudi Pluss

May Stephen Long

June Ian Cappin

July Tony Raeburns

August David Gwilliam

September

October Gerry Swart

November Brian Allardyce

December —————–

GIN Golfers Xmas lunch

The golfing season is drawing to a close and a lunch was planned at the Manchettes clubhouse in Bretigny to follow our regular Monday morning 9 holes on 29th November. Unfortunately, snow overnight meant that the course was closed, but we all met up at midday for apéros, kindly offered by Eric, and an excellent lunch prepared by the staff. A terrine followed by a superb boeuf bourguignon and apple tart washed down with a bottle or three of Côtes du Rhône went down very well. GIN golfers are probably unique in the club as 100% of the 13 members attended the end-of-year event as evidenced by the photo below.

13 strapping menfolk! Left to right – Mike Price, Bill Hogg, Mark Warren, Richard Saynor, Trevor Davies, Eric Williamson, Daan Rademaker, David Jacobs, Stephen Long, Rob Pashley, Bryan Clark, Gerry Swart, Mik Ferran.

We have played around 35 times this year, meaning that we have only had to cancel about half a dozen times due to bad weather. Several members have claimed birdies and many more have scored pars, but that elusive hole-in-one is still awaiting! We don’t keep a record of our scores and do not always strictly follow the established R&A rules but just enjoy being out in nature and starting off the week with some gentle exercise. Inevitably, the odd beer is enjoyed on the terrace after our efforts!

GIN Hikers Xmas Lunch 2021

26 November 2021

Founex Tennis Club

It was a dark Black Friday before the expected snows that the hiking section held its Xmas lunch at the Founex Tennis Club. Ismaël the manager did us proud again with filets de perche at the Friday price of chf 22 (!).

In the event 23 turned out (12 Gintlemen and 11 better halves) albeit Mervyn happily arrived for a coffee at the end. Apologies were received from Peter D (in Gomera) and Thatcher (Thanksgiving).

We all enjoyed a fine lunch along a long table in an almost separate room to ourselves.

PeterT gave a short speech welcoming the usual suspects with some new faces, and listing those giving apologies (some better than others). He referenced the 17 hikes of the year (see the attached list) and with a cumulative 235 kilometres and 12,408 metres denivellation. All in all a good year with only one safety incident (that was resolved speedily). We have had many fine temperance lunches and wine tables with perhaps the highlight being Mervyn’s champagne bar on the Môle. Peter hoped that next year we would see more forays into France. He thanked the all leaders and drivers, Rob for his medicinal Scottish fluid, Richard for his exotic potions and Mark2RRs for his coffees.

We now look forward to the start of the snow-shoe season, but with perhaps one more hike on the cards next week.

We toasted absent friends and for some great hikes in 2022.

Here with a selection of PeterT’s and Richard’s photos.

GIN Bikers – November 25th, 2021

The hard core duo of PeterT and Stephen turned out on a cold, grey November day for the last organised outing of the season. Anticipation of a third participant was thwarted when Mark decided at 01h13 of the day to recover from the late night and catch up on delayed activities. As the duo prepared for the cold, we realised that this was not a bad shout. PeterT was also close to cancelling at the last minute when contact lens malfunction caused more than casual concern.

However, having met at the Chavannes hotel meeting point, we were eager to get moving and generate some blood flow. We agreed on a gentle, non-competitive ride along familiar tracks, taking us via Grilly, the old train track to Divonnes and then onto Crassier, before cycling up through Borex and Tranchepied to the inevitable climb above Bonmont. We even separated temporarily, taking slightly differing routes to the usual high point; Stephen opting for the shorter, steeper ride and Peter for the longer but, on average, gentler slope.

Bonmont man

Bonmont men

At the rest point, we realised that cold was rapidly seeping through the layers and so we hastened via Gingins to Givrins and a welcome coffee and snack inside at the boulangerie. Earlier thoughts to lengthen the challenge were rapidly revised and we decided upon a direct route home. This took us via Duillier and L’Asse, across the busy main feed road to the Nyon motorway, through Petit Eysins before a last Landi car park crossing for this year.

We parted company outside Stephen’s apartment with the warm glow of satisfaction that we had gone where other GIN bikers had declined and happy that we could soon bask in that feeling in the comfort of our own homes…..for Stephen, some 7 kms earlier that for Peter.

Statistics: Saddle time 2h06m; Distance 42.72 (Chavannes to Chavannes); Average Speed 20.4kmh; Elevation difference 500m.

GIN Hikers – November 18th 2021

Being late in the season there was a little concern on how the weather would hold up for a hike to 1561 meters with a 660m ascent, all was fine though. It was a beautiful and sunny day, on the cool side but excellent for hiking. This hike was in the Jura, a round trip from La Cure or was it La Coure or even La Coor, who knows but it was that place on the border with France just up from La Givrine. Yes definitely La Cure. The planned route was to climb to Le Noirmont, down to Le Croue and onwards to L’Arziere and back to La Cure. All in all 14.4km and 660m of an ascent.

A motley crew of 8 (Peter D, Mark W, Michael H, Stephen, David C, Mervyn, Richard and Rob) met at the parking in La Cure only to find that it was time limited, so we quickly drove over into France to park nearby and proceeded to march back into Switzerland in the full gaze of the border guard …… nothing to declare.

Many had completed this hike before, often on snowshoes, although not in this direction so we all set off in good spirits and in the knowledge that all was well on a well-trodden path. The climb wasn’t too bad, although some heavy breathing was heard, but classic Jura terrain with some of which on the Noirmont ski piste. We did encounter our first snow of the season and had to occasionally duck from the ice pellets falling from the trees, but we braved on.

There was a quick stop near the top for an aperitif of grappa where the discussion was of interesting spreadsheets and alcoholism before we moved on to the top of the Noirmont for a picnic lunch where we had an excellent view of the valley and the lac des Rousses below, in France. No one on the golf course below though. There was some excellent Spanish wine with the usual digestive on offer to accompany the good cherry chocolate dessert shared by Michael.

As they say in all good sports commentary, it was however a game of two halves, with somewhat more excitement to come.

Descending towards Le Croue was tricky in that the ground was wet, deceivingly muddy, and frequently covered in slippery rocks and tree routes. Taking our time, we managed to find our way down most of it with a few minor slips all round. The viewpoints though were quite unique for the Jura as we descended into some nice pasture valleys.

Then came the unwanted excitement just short of the end of the descent where Rob slipped while holding on to a tree branch and fell not too far down the path, but with an arm still attached to the branch. As the teller of this blog so far, I can attest that it was painful, so much so that he was unable to continue hiking. So halfway through we were stuck. As a group, we decided to call in REGA air rescue mountain accident support (some of us, including Rob, were members). A truly excellent service where the helicopter support with medical assistance arrived just some 15 mins after being called in.

As the blogger, I can attest that as a result of the superior support from the GIN hikers, from REGA and the accident team in Nyon hospital, Rob and his dislocated shoulder is now on the mend. A real big thanks to the GIN hikers for all that they did to get me out of there safely.

Then there were seven hikers with eight rucksacks returning back to La Cure somewhat later than planned.

GIN Biking – November 4th 2021

On a cold, damp, grey autumnal day, many of the usual crowd had decided that an away break after the school vacations was a better way of spending the week. Hence, it was only the stay-at-home duo of Stephen and PeterT who met at the Chavannes Hotel, wrapped up in warm cycling gear and ready to face the elements (and any hills put in the way).

A gentle 3 hills “lite” ride was agreed upon, taking a route across into France at Grilly, along the disued railway track to Gex, up the back road to Vesancy (unfortunately, the Chateau was not open for a rest and a coffee) across to La Rippe before the required attack on the Bonmont hill. Half way up the hill, just as legs unused to such exercise were flagging, Peter spotted a dog walker with 4 Afghan dogs ahead and decided that he should introduce himself and Kobie (remotely by photo, in the latter’s case). The lady in question was somewhat aggressive initially, complaining about dog walkers who let their dogs off the lead and disturbed her troupe. Having reassured her that he would immediately attach Kobie to the lead in the event that they encountered each other, she took on a friendlier tone and became very chatty. At least 10 minutes later and with legs well recovered, the final ride to the top seemed unusually easy.

The wind-chilling descent via Gingins and Signy to Arnex was bracing but rapid and we parted company outside the floral balcony of Stephen’s apartment. We had earlier agreed to forgo the usual lunch in the interests of health and time.

Statistics: ca. 38km Chavannes Hotel to Chavannes Hotel, 1h56 saddle time, 19.9kmh average speed, 499 elevation, 0 beers.

Dog Blog : Doggers First Outing – Genolier Forest

2 Nov 21

A new activity started today. Dogging. Or walking with dogs. Four fellows with 5 dogs turned up for our inaugural outing. Rob, Mike, PeterT and Ed Giradet – potential new GINclub member. With dogs Syrah, Rocco, Kobie, Tess and Hope.

We set off in squally rain from the Genolier parking carrying flasks of coffee, croissants (thanks Rob), dog treats and with much barking from one of our members (happily scaring all fauna away). Once past the train-line we let slip the dogs and were off up Rob’s trail by the ruisseau in paw weather/heavy rain. We all seemed to get on well and the dogs did too, with much cavorting and with Rocco doing his usual thing.

It was good to hear of Ed’s activities, in particular in the Med with an old boat and young folk studying the changes there to the environment and culture over the years. (website link). There was time for some dog talk too. At times though we were at risk of being bowled over by rampant playing dogs, not something I am used to.

Coffee stop – Kobie almost got my croissant

Much romping later, and after the long gully up, the rain stopped and the sun came out. We reached a clearing in the sun for our coffee stop with our canine chums making their presence felt in the treat-request department. There were some fine but limited views out over the Lac, and the fall colours were good but perhaps just past their best.

L to R : Rocco, Hope, Syrah, Kobie, Tess, Rob

We wound our way doggedly back down on the wide tracks in the sun, solving the world’s problems (except Scotland’s), with our charges happily frolicking about and slightly older Tess remaining above the fray and deploying an overview position in the rear. Leashes were on well before the train-line. An enjoyable inaugural outing for all, with (some) good canine control (and no straying or lost animals). 270m and 5 or 6 km. 2 hours.

Dogs : Tess, Syrah and Rocco – Spaniels; Hope – Golden Retriever; Kobie – Australian Cobberdog.