Blog – Page 28 – GIN Club

Hiking 19 Aug 21 Col de Marchairuz

Mike Hempstead organised his fine debut-leader hike from the Col de Marchairuz followed by an excellent lunch at the restaurant terrace there.

The weather was not looking great – lowish cloud over the Jura, but it was dry and had the benefit of providing a very pleasant temperature.

Mike seemed to think we were ten, but in the event 11 of us turned up, one with a large dog/small golden bear. Despite following others, Mark W2tts took a holiday route to the start via Rolle after missing the Gland exit. He and Mark W2rrs were chatting intensely together.

Our leader arrived with his sports limo, but without his boots. In the event he cruised the route in his hush puppies. Rob had a close shave with the bear who tried to head butt his nose.

Attending : Mike H (Leader), Drew, David, Richard, Stephen, Rob, Thatcher, Philip, Peter (with Kobie) and Marks 2t and 2r. Apologies – Mervyn, Keith and others.

We set off on Mike’s planned 13km hike with 250m deniv – which in the event was more like 11.6km and 350m deniv – an anticlockwise loop to La Neuve and back. The going underfoot was mostly dry and pleasant, and with a fairly easy downhill start there was much crack. Kobie patrolled up and down the file of Gintleman hikers to keep us in order. The crux of the outward leg involved passing through two herds of cows intent on getting a close acquaintance to our small brown bear. Happily teamwork, fine dog-handling and some stick shaking prevailed and we hurried unmolested through the stampeding heifers.

We turned to return just before La Neuve, at which point Kobie decided to hoof off into the distance following a scent trail. That gave Mike the cue to provide some Swiss apéro wine to the patiently waiting team, while Peter went off to find his hound.

All reassembled, we headed back to the restaurant at the Col without incident arriving on time at 13.00 with a large table on the terrace for us all to fit around. Fine beer arrived. The usual banter included some reference to Scottish independence with the usual arguments. Indeed it was a most pleasant lunch with the majority going for Steak Tartare, even the sun appeared a little. Kobie managed to slip his leash and ran inside the restaurant to meet all the indoor diners, some of whom seemed to like him..

A fine day, nothing too hard but very convivial. A fine debut Mike.

Next hike – Stephen will organise a 700m ascent at Morgins if the weather allows on Thursday 2 Sept. With a mountain restaurant terrace lunch if so.

Happy Hound (Edited in Prisma app with Thota Vaikuntam)

Biking 12 August 21

A quick note to record that Peter Drew and Peter Taylor biked the three hills clockwise in good weather and before the heat on Thursday 12 August, followed by a fine beer overlooking the lake.

GIN walkers – Art en campagne – Ornex/Collex-Bossy – 11 August 2021

A dozen of us met up in brilliant sunshine in the parking lot of the Lycée internationale in Ferney and set off on the 5 km cross-border loop through Ornex and Collex-Bossy. It is the eighth time that this exhibition has taken place and 47 works of art were on display. Most of the artists were local, including some exhibits from school classes in both France and Switzerland. The materials used were very varied, but some of the more fragile pieces had suffered somewhat from the recent “intempéries” that have plagued us this summer. However, each one was carefully studied along with the accompanying explanatory boards, and various sage critiques were proferred.

Our path went through pastures, orchards, vineyards and woods and was actually a revelation to some who lived in the vicinity and were not aware of what lay on their doorsteps. It made us realise how lucky we are to live in such beautiful surroundings and in particular, the views of the Jura were superb against such a clear blue sky.

The standard of the exhibits was somewhat varied, but each showed a certain degree of imagination and inventiveness. In particular, three children’s swings made almost entirely from old bicycle tyres and inner tubes were impressive, as were a set of three collages using dead honey bees.

A short muddy section through the Ornex woods had to be negotiated with care amid the odd complaint that was completely ignored! We emerged from the forest onto the brand new cycle/walking path that led us back to the cars.

Eight of us then proceeded to the Rajpoute restaurant where for the first time for some of us, our health passes were scanned at the door, as is now the law in France. A copious and tasty three course meal followed, washed down by Kingfisher beer for some and a surprisingly fine Indian red wine for others.

Attending: Tom Boult, Norman Eatough, Mik Ferran, Dave Gernandt, Philip Jenkins, Rob Mackenzie, Mike Price, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, David Stieber, Gerry Swart and Mark Warren. Apologies from many, mostly because of being visited by, or visiting, families cut off by the pandemic.

GIN Hikers – Mont d’Hermone – 5 August 2021

‘Twas with some trepidation that we set out to tackle the Mont d’Hermone on 5th August. Partly, because we had to traverse Geneva with its early morning traffic and roadworks and partly, because the weather forecast was following this summer’s unpredictable pattern. Well, the former was not a problem at all and everyone arrived in good time at the small unpronounceably-named village of Reyvroz in the depths of Haute Savoie. The latter did become a bit of an issue but more later on that. Seven stalwarts were in attendance and we had the pleasure of welcoming Keith Wynn to the group.

The route that we would follow was included in Janette Norton’s book “Walking in the Haute Savoie (North)” and apparently was her favourite walk and the last that she did before she sadly died in 2013. It promised extensive views over Lake Geneva, the Jura and the Alps, so hopes were high, but somewhat apprehensive!

Using perfect Swiss timing, we left the village as the church bell struck ten and sauntered off in good spirits. We had hardly warmed up our muscles when we turned onto a steep, stony jeep track which ascended unrelentingly until we reached the ridge which forms part of the GR Balcon de Léman. Although it was dry when we started and we were afforded beautiful views across the valley, the rain started after half an hour and rain gear was quickly donned. The promised views from the ridge were completely obscured by the rain clouds so we could only use our imagination! The rain was quite intense and two of us were not too shy to use our umbrellas!

Apart from a few deer, this rhino (previously identified as a hippo) was the only wildlife we saw

We reached the chapel of Notre Dame d’Hermone in good time and considered our options for having lunch in the rain. There was a small ante-room to the chapel, the main part being barred by an iron gate, but as this was only a few metres square, it was certainly not conducive to eight burly hikers eating a picnic! Maybe it was the aura of the place, but the rains miraculously abated and we could stand outside around an (some said – sacrificial) altar and enjoy our well-earned lunches. These were washed down by Italian and Californian reds graciously supplied by Steve and Mervyn respectively and then, of course, Rob’s special whisky of the day.

Our goal – the Chapel of Notre Dame d’Hermone

We left the chapel, and three ladies who were the only other humans we saw on the whole hike, and commenced our descent. The rains started again and we cautiously picked our way down the rocky track. Perhaps it was the euphoria of feasting on wild raspberries, or maybe the yearning to walk on different surfaces than jeep tracks, but we made the decision to take a smaller side path from the prescribed route. Things then became a little tricky as there was a dearth of signposts and conflicting views on the direction we should head. Anyway, using maps, various apps such as Google Maps and Maps.Me and blind instinct, we navigated unfrequented and sometimes, barely discernible paths to reach our destination. Our route was not without our having to occasionally retrace our steps on some tracks which petered out and there were also a few slips on muddy slopes. The hike organiser accepted unconditionally the full responsibility for all the confusion!

Our first thoughts upon reaching Reyvroz were where we could quench our thirsts. The advance party questioned a local who confirmed that there were no such premises before Thonon, but he was kind enough to offer us a beer chez lui. When we told him that there were eight of us, he recoiled somewhat, although a neighbour called out that he wouldn’t mind one!

So we set off in convoy seeking some refreshment, but it was not until we saw a sign to the Port of Sciez some 20 kms away that our hopes soared. After negotiating the most tricky entrance to a car park we had ever seen, we were soon sitting around a table by the marina enjoying a well-earned “pression”.

Well, we got some good exercise, fresh air, fine drinks, good company, but unfortunately, not the extensive views that we could have enjoyed. Another time, maybe?!

Attendees: Bill, Rob, Steve, Mark, Mervyn, Keith, and Richards W and S. Regrets from the usual suspects, who were much missed.

PS. Distance was about 13km and dénivelé 750m

Continue reading “GIN Hikers – Mont d’Hermone – 5 August 2021”

July 28- GIN Walkers – Vich – Begnins – Vich

John Burley organised the walk from Vich to Begnins and back. Unfortunately, due to injury, he was unable to participate and Tim Goodyear and I volunteered to lead the walk so that it could continue. There was rain overnight before the walk but none was forecast for the day, so the walk was on. There were 14 participants. The route up to Begnins was through fields and vineyards on agricultural roads which did not present any difficulty from the rain but did require caution for cars when crossing the Rte de Gland. The path then skirted the cemetery with a great view of the lake and alps (wasted on the residents), then around the playing fields. Steps led down to the anti-tank fortifications at the La Crosette picnic area. We then followed the line of the Sentier des Toblerones beside the Serine back to Vich. The previous night’s rain meant the river was flowing well and there was a fresh and pleasant aroma to the forest. There were some muddy areas and tree roots to negotiate. Back in Vich after 1h:45, we went to the terrace at La Croix Verte for an enjoyable lunch. Paul to the opportunity of a nearby birthday to gift (and sign) some of his books to interested readers. There was a toast to John, wishing him a speedy recovery.

GIN Bikers – July 29th – The Three Hills

No gain without pain……

Three veteran manual bikers and two e-bikers (PeterD, Mervyn, Stephen, e-Paul, E-Thatcher) met at the Chavannes Hotel at 10h with the promise of a nostalgic 3 hills ride. For those not in the know, the 3 hills ride was devised some years ago by PeterD. This challenge attracted PeterT and Stephen, who then formed the origins of the GIN biking club. The ride includes conquering the Bonmont, Versancy and Mourex hills. On this occasion, Stephen decided that a warm up was required and led a circuitous route from Chavannes via Céligny, Crans, Eysins, Signy, L’Asse, Duillier until traversing to Gingins and the start of the 3 hills.

For some, this warm-up seemed a little excessive (1H30m), and on the way to L’Asse a break away group tried to take a short cut and had to be called back in line. A pause was also required at Givrins to top up on fluids having experienced the first uphill slope from Duillier. However, by the time we arrived at Gingins we were all eager to tackle the first real climb. The e-bikers realised that their role was to encourage the non-assisted pedal power and the leader carefully avoided telling them the exact route so that they couldn’t progress too far ahead. The statuary photo was taken at the top of the Bonmont hill:

Still happy after hill 1…..

Lunch was promised in Versancy at a new restaurant run from the château in the centre of town. The heat and the length of warm up affected some riders and the climb up to Vesancy was not as smooth as on some previous occasions. Exhaustion and lack of attentiveness also meant that PeterD and e-Thatcher rode past the restaurant and completed an extra hill before lunch. It was noticeable that only the e-bikers had energy to speak initially and we gained a preview of “scenes” from Thatcher’s potential autobiography. The lunch was magnificent! Paul ensured that our fluid levels were properly maintained as he generously picked up the bill for these in celebration for an imminent birthday. (note to future organisers: book a tour near August 1st and invite Paul). An impressive choice of lunchtime menus and friendly service also meant that calories were replaced and a general feeling of content spread amongst us. Unfortunately, after a lengthy lunch we realsied that we had to move on and tackle the final short bt sharp hill up to Mourex. Paul saw the potential of a way out as he decided to circumnavigate this hill and head in the direction of Gex as an effective way to return to Geneva.

The danger of eating and drinking well is that concentration is often impaired. Unfortunately, on the descent from Vesancy, Paul wandered from the tarmac, hitting the verge and ultimately tumbling onto the tarmac. Whilst PeterD and Stephen were unaware of this event behind them, Mervyn and Thatcher were picking up the pieces and washing down skin scrapes. Happily, Paul managed to return home by his chosen route and is not too much the worse for the incident. Ironically, he was the only one of us not to have imbibed at lunch. Is there a moral here?

Having conquered the 3 hills again, we dispered to our respectives homes from Divonne.

Statistics: Warm and sunny. Ca. 48km (>70km for Paul), saddle time: ca. 2h25m, eating (and drinking) time: 2h20m, elevation gain: 710m, average speed 19.4km/h.

GIN Hikers – Crêt de la Neige – July 22nd 2021

In the middle of a heat wave, a hike on the cool heights of the Jura seemed to be a good idea. Admittedly, the organising committee had taken a few attempts to arrive at this decision, much aided by Mark2Rs initiative…..the normal organiser being away on a summer break. Many of the other usual hiking members were also absent or otherwise engaged . So it was a select band of three: Rob, Mark2Rs and Stephen who met in Divonne at the old railway station at 08.30. Rob volunteered his car and with car SatNav and Mark’s help we managed to find the cable car at Crozet on first attempt, just as it was starting up for the day. The ascent was then easy up until Fierney and we happily watched from above some hikers plod up the long tortuous path from the bottom.

As happy in the télécabine on the way up as we were on the way down

At the top we started to follow the direction of the snow shoeing trail some 17 months earlier, albeit without snow. The initial plan had been to head towards La Catheline and then along the ridge to the Crêt de la Neige. However, the organising committee impetuously decided to follow an alternative track which seemed to lead in the right direction. This it did indeed do, but circumnavigating the base of the Crêt, much lower than anticipated on a very agreeable undulating floral track, via La Calame and Curson.

Beautiful alpine flower carpet

Not so beautiful hikers…..but not many of them

The final ascent to the Crêt de la Neige was not difficult and, once there, we realised how well our chosen path had taken us from the mass of day trippers.

Joining the crowds on the Crêt de la Neige

The real incentive for the hike was the promise of a rustic refuse, previuosly frequented and vetted by Mark and Richard. Reaching the Refuge de la Loge in summer did take a little longer than when visited on skis and despite some momentary doubts about direction, after descending from the main path between Crêt de la Neige and the Grand Grêt, we did indeed end up at the promised hostellerie, which lived up to it’s reputation. A hearty main dish of sausage, potato and beans (with seconds thrown in free of charge) and a few beers was followed by tarte aux mirtilles. This was rounded off by a small glass of herbal alpine spirit…kindly supplied by our host, Frank.

The first of two platefuls (and beers) and all for 14 Euro

We feared the return ascent, with attitudes more for snoozing than exercise, but as it turned out the ascent via La Catheline was not steep and the return down to the lift at Fierney brough back memories of our earlier snow shoeing adventures…..not least a cross-field section where the path we were on unexpectedly ended.

We rounded off our very successful day of ca. 15km hiking and 720m elevation difference by toasting absent colleagues at the télécabine base station. A walk definitely to be repeated.

GIN Bikers – July 15th 2021

“It’s raining, men, hallejulah…..”

The summer months have arrived, along with changeable weather, and an absence of many of our members. So, it was a determined residual 3 of PeterT, Mervyn and Stephen, fresh back from a lengthy stay in the homeland, who ventured out in a forecasted respite from the rain. A gentle pedal was promised along the base of the Jura in the direction of a terrace lunch and a gentler pedal home.

Unfortunately, the weather gods did not read the script and the heavy rain, due to begin at 14.30h, decided to make an early appearance. We met at the Chavannes Hotel at 10.30h and headed in the direction of Chavannes-de-Bois, through the woods and then crossing into France towards Grilly to pick up the old train track back into Switzerland. Rain attire had to be donned before we reached Crassier. The easy escape route back to the warmth and dry of our respective homes was shunned and we pressed on, with occasional stops to check tyre pressures, through Gingins and Givrins towards Genolier. At this stage there was an anticipation that the leader would head straight to the lunch booked at the Hotel de la Reunion in Coinsins. However, having been deprived of the hill challenges during his 6 week stay in the UK and with the need to compensate for over-indulgence in bitter, pork pies and fish and chips, he headed up the hill past the Genolier clinic. At the top of this road, the further climb to Bassins was rejected and we descended rapidly towards the hostellerie and a very welcome lunch and refreshments.

The terrace was fresh but nowhere near as climatically challenging as our first outing of the year when restaurant terraces were the only permitted means of eating out. The menus de jour were more than acceptable and between us, by all having something different, we managed to sample 60% of them (for the less mathematically gifted, that’s 3 from the selection of 5). Feldschlossen beer also had a beneficial effect.

The rain had eased somewhat for the stomach-heavy ride home through Trelex, Grens and Borex. At this point, the leader peeled off for the short ride home, taking advantage of his route and leaving the pack of two to the wet additional 7 km in front of them……

Ride statistics: Wet conditions, 46km, 2h15m saddle time, average speed 20.8km/h, 676m maximum and 441m minimum elevation with overall climb of 456m.

The walk on Wednesday to Le Vuarne. 2021.07.14.

The aim of the walk was to get a group of ten to fifteen men out on a two hour walk which was going through an area which would be of interest and was going to be easy walking for all, and then go to a nearby restaurant for a good meal and put the world on the right path in the conversations.

All turned up on time at the meeting place at the Camping des Cheseaux just west of the village of St-Cergue where there was plenty of parking along the roadside and we then started the walk along the road to the hamlet of La St-Cergue as the paths over the meadows were muddy after recent heavy rain which would have been to easy to slip and fall on, so we stayed on the road all the time.

The Vuarne is a dale to the north of the Barillette hill and the slope of the road there is much less than the earlier part of the walk. A feature there is a pond with a well built wall around it but with no entrance, and by the roadside is a stone with a small metal plate screwed on it and engraved with “La pierre à Vogler”. A farmer who had grazed her cows there had been asked about it but did not know anything about it. Maybe she was in a hurry to start milking the cows.

When we reached the path leading up to the pass between the Barillette and the Dole we turned back and headed down at a slightly faster speed than on the way up. We were lucky to have Philip Jenkins in the group who was able to point out different features of the wayside plants and these were then photographed by Tim Goodyear. When passing through the hamlet of La St-Cergue we were allowed to photograph a pack of sled dogs which were housed in the garden of a chalet there and were not in the least upset by our interest in them. A pleasant change from the guard dogs sometimes found in house gardens.

The restaurant we had booked was the Maison de Ville in the middle of the village and we were joined for the meal by Brian Allardyce who was not able to go on the walk as he is recovering from an operation, so that made the group up to twelve. We were all seated at a long table and were very well fed. At the end of the meal Alan Baker gave a short speech as walk coordinator and we then went out to our nearby cars. By this time it had started to rain so we were lucky with the weather on the walk.

The men on the walk were:

Alan Baker, Barry Armstrong, Tim Goodyear, Gerry Swart, Mark Warren, Mike Price, Paul Sochaczewski , Philip Jenkins, Richard Saynor, Rob MacKenzie, Wouter Van Ginneken.

Rob MacKenzie

2021.07.19

Rochers De Naye Hike

GINs Hike – Grottes and Rochers de Naye

8 July 2021

Rob had chosen an interesting and challenging hike for this mid-summer walk. Challenging for several reasons. 1. The weather was unpredictably dubious. 2. The drive to the start at the Col du Jaman was hair-raising for those with hair as well as those without. 3. The intended hike involved an ascent up a steep cliff on ladders. 4. There was still some snow about. 5. A steep descent, after a full lunch, was hinted at.

Attending Rob, Marks W and W, Richard S, Mervyn, David, Philip, Bill and Peter T. Apologies from several including Thatcher.

If truth be told (which it should never be in these pages) the weather was not all bad. Heavy rains were clearing as we arrived and had started again some 30 minutes from the end of the hike, with some while we were inside having a nice lunch at the Rochers de Naye.

Driving up to the start was interesting. At one point at a red light train barrier, a member of the car behind the leader’s car knocked on the leader’s window and had the temerity to ask if the leader knew where he was going. It seemed he thought he did, but he remarked later that this en-route questioning had been a novel experience and had been slightly unsettling for him. Google Maps had a wholly different routing from the leader’s SatNav.

Three cars driven by Rob, Richard and Mark W2ts eventually arrived at the start col after following wet, winding and steep, narrow roads in brightening weather. We were all exhausted but the drivers perhaps exceptionally so.

It was only 9.30am but the leader urged us to start and so we set off at regimental pace (nb without Steve, a Gintlemen in England now abed) across and up and across again to the misty cliffs guarding the summit of the Rochers de Naye.

Ignoring short cuts offered by Philip, one member decided to force a short cut across a large and steep snow patch that lay across the slope. Opting for a high path on the lip of the bergschrund his unsuitable cheap trekking boots could not get a grip and with flailing sticks and a merry shriek he accelerated down on an imaginary bum-board towards a rock below. Happily terminal speed was low and only pride was hurt. Sadly this episode was not caught on camera.

One member descended this snow slope on his backside

The route in summer – the grotto we visited is at the higher blue dot, the lower was encased in snow

What followed was outside the norm of our experience. A traverse across wet slabby rocks using a hand chain let to a series of long ladders following a steep line up the cliff. Mist swirled around and it was airy. In truth (see above) the party cruised this crux section with little problem. We passed the entrance to the cave of the Grottes de Naye, surprisingly partially filled with snow after a small entrance door.

With no time or inclination for extensive speleology, we continued steeply up and breasted the crest of the ridge into the promised land of open slopes and flowers. Except there was a lot of mist about. Within 40 minutes we were ensconced, 9 to a table, in the warmth of the restaurant at the top of the RdN railway, a full hour earlier than Rob had booked for.

Lunch was most convivial with beers and white wine washing down excellent and tasty Rösti Montagnards, sausage and chips etc served by friendly and efficient young waitresses. Oh, and Richard had a black burger. No mention was made (to my knowledge) of Scottish independence.

Wanting no dessert (other than coffee) and with little in the way of Scottish fluid in prosect, the time for dreaded descent had come and in view of the pitter patter of rain outside we kitted up for the worst. Oddly the worst was delayed for another 90 minutes and it was dryish as we descended the airy, rocky path below a herd of chamois, enjoying some excellent nourishment on the verdant slopes.

We were given tantalizing views through clearings in the cloud, down to spectacular green ridges below, finally to a window out over shining Vevey and the blue Lac with an approaching wall of grey rain still 20km away. A long, steep rocky gully was descended with little problem and we were soon speeding across the (sort of) traverse line back to the cars in order to minimize time in the inevitable heavy downpour we had seen coming. Bill spotted some cows so he was happy at last. A fit young lady with strong legs in dayglo hot pants passed us running up and many were happy at last.

Hikers nearly home – but before the rain arrived..

The rain finally caught us and we had 30 minutes or so of drenching. We said our farewells and jumped into our vehicles out of the wetness. A convoy of cars descended a longer but easier route down through Caux, headlights blazing in the dark cloud and rain that made 4pm seem like midnight. There remained a tortuous maze of back streets of Montreux and an uneventful but wet ride back home along the autoroutes. Mark W2tts was happy, Pakistan had been bowled out for 154.

Another memorable hike in great company. It makes the donated subscriptions that our webmaster extorts from us seem like real value. Thanks to Rob for organising such a super trip. He even carried poles this time, but never used them, so it could not have been that difficult a hike. Thanks again also to our three volunteer drivers for your heroic service. 700m deniv – or was it 880m ? 10.5km