Blog – Page 3 – GIN Club

GIN Bikers – September 18th, 2025

The biking gods offered us an autumnal day with blue skies, perfect temperature and clear views. What more could be done to entice out any reticent bikers? In the event 7 of us signed up for the ride with Mike H happy to join for the lunch, if not repeat his one and only earlier group participation some years ago.

Stephen (BL)
PeterT
e-Paul
e-Thatcher
“first outing” Pete (great to have a new member!)
Mervyn
e-Philip

Once again the e-bikers are making inroads in the group. Pete look resplendent in his aged but appropriate cycling gear and, as we found out during the day, he is not a novice for those inclines. The performance statistics of the group has gone up by a few points. Mervyn had just returned from some days in Provence trying out e-bikes with his alternative biking group. Peter, waiting for either Mervyn or Mark2Ws to crack in terms of a switch to electric power, felt some optimism that this event is getting closer. Mervyn explained the problems of power anxiety and the weight of an e-bike without electric motor assistance. Peter’s wait continues.

The leader had promised:
“The usual mixture of up, down and refreshment points. Lunch at the Auberge Communale de Gilly, which has been advertising a menu AVS for 25 CHF for 3 courses and a glass of wine….sounds too good to be true! So the plan is to meet at 09.30 at the Everness Hotel and drift down by a circuitous route to the lake road by the tennis club, a little flat cycling before starting the climb through Prangins, Trelex up to Givrins for our usual coffee spot. From there we rely upon the caffeine to get us up past the Clinic in Genolier to Le Muids, on to Bassins and Le Vaud before descending to Gilly for lunch. After lunch a slightly longer ride than customary, but mostly flat, return to our respective homes.”

The fresh and eager starting group

We met on time at the Everness. Philip had to start earlier than anticipated due to a faulty fixture to carry his bike on the car and so he cycled the 19km to the start point. However, he already felt that the full circuit would be too much for him (power or condition anxiety?). Stephen started off the “circuitous” route to the lake road by heading in the opposite direction to the intuitive one. Peter keenly took on the theme and led us a much more devious route than originally planned but with the advantage that we could all view his house in the distance. Stephen redirected the group onto the lake road.

It’s been a while since the group tackled the path up from the lake road through Prangins, Changins, up to Trelex and then the last hard push to the path joining Gingins to Givrins (and coffee). It is quite a demand for an AVS lunch group and it took it’s toll. Along the way, even e-biker Paul was seen doing arm exercises in transit as his grip on the handlebars had obviously caused muscle fatigue. Peter said that he would stop at Givrins, saying he was done for and blaming a hard uphill walk the previous day with Kobie (isn’t that usual?). Co-incidentally, Peter’s wife passed in the car with Kobie on route for a tamer walk. Philip confirmed that he too would head home after coffee, his residual power rating lower than other e-bikers. The rest of us looked shaken but not broken although apprehensive of the hard part of the ride after coffee.

Happiness is a coffee stop….

The Givrins coffee shop always does us well and we enjoyed the refreshments and rest in the sunshine. Philip studied the map for the way home whilst Peter seemed to be wavering, although the final decision to go on or not would have to wait until Genolier. We said farewell to Philip and the remaining 6 of us cycled on to Genolier. 5 of us arrived there and waited for the unusual back marker, Peter. Bets were made and we felt sure that he would take the downhill route. However, manly resolved overcame the easier option and, without missing a rotation of the pedals, he cycled past us and up the hill towards the clinic. Actually, that unstoppable determination continued all the way until we eventually caught up with him again in Le Vaud at the highest point of the day. The rest of us took frequent rests to allow recovery at various points on this long uphill slog. By another co-incidence, Stephen’s wife passed us in the car just before the clinic. Now one wife is a low probability but two?….where was our resident mathematician when we needed the odds to be calculated?

Le Vaud, 815m elevation. Uphill over, time to recharge the batteries.

The reward awaited. Not only the economical AVS lunch in Gilly but the long downhill sweep to get there. This was glorious with spectacular views of Lac Leman and the Alps as we (mostly) free-wheeled the long descent to lunch.

On the way down…..lunch bells ringing!

The ache of the climb was forgotten and we settled to the first beer of the day at our table on the terrace. Mike’s arrival was not up to Swiss timeliness but we respectfully waited until we were all present before ordering the food. Unfortunately, the consequence (in reality due to fact that we had booked at 13h and not 12h) was that the meat option on the menu had already been depleted. However, the alternatives of salmon or pasta, following either soup or salad was more that acceptable. Our “free” glass of chasselas was poured and more beers ordered as required and the table revived with lively conversation. This was meaty discussion ….maybe spurred on by the lack of physical meat or maybe due the presence of a non-biker who has spent too long with just a dog for company. We covered topics including the referendum on rental values of property and whether we should take a personal of “for the benefit of the greater good” positions. Somehow the later was contorted to fall in line with the former. Inheritance tax in the UK came under scrutiny as well as tax generation in a broader sense for desperate governments. We also had a lightning update on Thatcher’s explosive home electronics. Desserts and coffee were ordered and despite the attraction of a longer stay, we realised that there was a way to go home and siestas cannot wait until dinner time.

No meat but the beer option is still available….

Although the ride from Gilly is flat or on average slightly downhill it always feels a long way, which is true. The lack of blood circulation to the legs after lunch hampers easy progress. Thatcher and Paul left us just outside DuillIer to make their own way back. The remaining 4 of us cycled the paths through Asse, Signy and Borex until Arnex was in sight. Offers of a refreshment stop in Arnex were declined and the remaining 3 headed as directly as they could to their home armchairs.

Electronic measurements differed slightly but, taking the higher values, we covered 66kms and ca. 800m ascent. A great day’s outing in ideal conditions.

GINclub Walk Around Grilly – 17 September 2025

We were a football team – 11 people – setting off this morning at the “Ecuries du Bois Clos” in Grilly in the “Pays de Gex”. It was a glorious, sunny day – with clear skies illuminating the lush green fields and horses grazing peacefully between the Jura and the Alps.

Our journey first led us to the Bridge of Grilly (see photo) – on the border between France and Switzerland. Just over the border we observed the early stages of the land fill operation. This project has attracted significant criticism, and, as of our visit, the final decision regarding its future had not yet been reached.

We continued along our route to the Mill of Grilly (see photo), a charming spot situated beside the Divonne/Versoix river. The walk was both refreshing and scenic, allowing us to take in the natural beauty of the area.

Our excursion concluded at the “Taverne des Ecuries”, where we sat outside under the high roof, shielded from the sun (see photo), and enjoyed a delicious meal. For many of us, the highlight was finishing with a classic Tarte Tatin.

We walked almost 6km – with an estimated 40m height difference.

Our participants were: Brian Allardyce, John Broadbridge, John Burly, Philip Jenkins, Mike Miller, Robert O’Riordan, Thatcher Shellaby, Paul Sochaczewski, Rudolph Staehelin, and Mark Warren.

Hike to Mt Tendre 11 Sept 2025

Rob’s kingdom lies North of the Col de Marchairuz, while MikeH claims the South. Rob’s note went out :-

“For the upcoming hike I propose that we hike from Col Du Marchairuz to the Alpage Du Mont Tendre. The plan is we start at the Col at 9:30 am and take an alternative route up to the Alpage, with a return by the usual route.

The Col to Alpage route is 10.4 km, 465m denivelation and takes approx. 3hrs
Return to Col is 8.3km, with 300m denivelation and will take approx. 2hrs 30min mostly downhill.
I will arrange a booking at the Buvette for lunch.

The proposed mapped routes are attached.”

There were quite a number of apologies, some of which were apparently accepted. In the end seven and a dog arrived at the Col du Marchairuz at 9.30am on a cool and breezy morning. I entered the restaurant with Kobie who grew immediately very excited at seeing Rob, RichardS, Ralph, Rudi, Nathan and David, quietly enjoying a coffee. So excited that I had to take him out straight away without even checking to see if a new parrot had been installed.

Luckily I had an iced coffee in my car, so we were all soon caffeined-up and ready to go for this mammoth outing.

Rob last led this hike on 25 May 2023 when the following attended : – Peter D, Mervyn P, Andrew N, David C, Mike M, Mark Warren, Richard S, Richard W, Ralph and Robert P.

Re-reading Rob’s blog of that outing it seemed that he found it a bit difficult to keep the team together. There was to be no such replay today, well almost.

As can be seen from the first map above, the outrun involved one of Rob’s long shortcuts. Sadly loggers were in place so we had to slighly shorten the shortcut, but only by a bit.

The team, kitted out for the cool breeze. See below for an explanation of Rob’s thermal gear.

Happily the wind was behind us and we sailed along in intermittent sunshine.

Spring (well almost) in the air and in our steps

It was not long before we attracted some doggerel companions.

Kobie found 3 chums; it took some effort to discourage them from joining us

Just before Cunay, Nathan decided on a shorter shortcut and we found ourselves on very steep ground attempting to reach the main ridge.

By this time it was becoming clear that we were entering the cloud base, with some moisture and a chilling breeze.

Rob leads on, happy to be on the right track again

Looking back into the wind from Mt Tendre summit. See below for how this view changed

We finally knocked the 1679m b—–rd off so it was time for some summit apèro – Chilean Cabernet Blend, el Parron, with some healthy nibbles.

We were soon ensconced inside the Alpage at a reserved table, with room for Kobie by the door, beers were ordered and very welcome Old Boxer arrived.

A very enjoyable lunch with much banter. Some politics, not much about Scotland. We solved a few of the world’s problems though. And Kobie at least had behaved acceptably well (I believe).

On exiting we found that the weather had changed – for the better

Time to face the wind, but happily the sun had come out and the wind seemed less cold.

Summit on the return. Kobie seeks and gets attention from admirers

A much improved prospect from the summit

The way back is “mostly downhill” according to Rob (see above). It does not always feel that way, still another 300m up to go. But we were well fortified and somehow I had avoided the Saynor potion bottle. And the sun was nice.

For those of you who have done this it is indeed a long way back and we strode on with fortitude.

Very pleasant strolling home. Its a long way though.

Therapy dog given therapy at a rest stop

Looking back down an up bit – but only 20m

The trail goes on and on, but after 8.3km we finally made it.

I think we were too tired for final refreshments at Marchairuz, so we simply said our farewells and left.

Before finishing I promised an insight into Rob’s thermal protection, allowing him comfortably to wear shorts in cold and windy weather.

Natural Scottish protection for Kilt wearers

A super day out 18.5km and 750m. A fine lunch and great company. One of our longer and more challenging outings. Well done to those who made it. Sorry for those who were not able to come.

Thanks Rob for leading us again through your kingdom.

GIN Hike in the Sixt Cirque du Fer à Cheval – 27 August 2025

The forecast of bad weather for our normal hiking day of Thursday necessitated a change to the plan, so Wednesday 27 August was proposed instead. The venue selected was the magnificent Cirque du Fer à Cheval at the end of the Vallée du Giffre beyond Sixt. This drew eight enthusiastic participants and an equal number of notices of absence.

Five of us, Bill, David, Mark 2ts, Mervyn and Pete, duly assembled at the Divonne Lake parking for an 8:30 getaway to rendezvous with Mike M, Peter T, Kobie and Ross at the parking lot at the Cirque. This was achieved by 10am with Mike and his trusty co-driver Nessie arriving in a sleek dark blue Alpina somewhat later.

Unfortunately the organiser had failed to inform the two dog owners that new regulations were in place which prohibited dogs from venturing into the Reserve Naturelle itself. This meant that the planned hike beyond the area of the valley floor up to the Bout du Monde and perhaps beyond was somewhat compromised.

In the event we all set off up the Giffre valley via Giffrenant as far as the Buvette du Prazon.

Muller Style looking into the End of the World

En route the threatened afternoon rains began far ahead of schedule (no thanks to MeteoFrance!) requiring the donning of multi-coloured rain gear, frequent pauses under trees for shelter and a welcome coffee stop at the buvette.

Parting of the ways as the Lost Team heads upwards

Thank you Mike for treating us. The patronne informed us of more rain to come and that the path higher up was exposed and the rock underfoot very slippery and dangerous.

This became the parting of the ways for the dog-owning duo and the rest of us – who were intent on venturing up into the Reserve Naturelle.

See Below : Peter’s dog blog.

Back to the exploits of the main group: By now we were entering the area of spectacular waterfalls descending vertically hundreds of metres on both sides of this glaciated valley.

Waterfall appreciation team -it’s behind you !

Not as dramatic as during the spring melt but impressive nonetheless. Under continuing rain we climbed higher on a path, in parts liberally strewn with sheep shit, until reaching a large dryish cave in the cliff face under a waterfall where we took shelter and enjoyed our picnic lunch. Peter had generously offloaded pretzels and a bottle of Côtes du Rhône, which was consumed appreciatively. A surprising number of hikers/walkers including kids had made it this far on a wet Wednesday, some shod in distinctly sub-optimal footwear.

A little further on from our cave refuge we reached the Bout du Monde 1222m itself with a gate and signpost indicating destinations further and higher: Refuge de la Vogealle 1902m and thence to the Lac de la Vogealle and the Swiss border. We had neither the time nor the enthusiasm to “cross to the other side”.

The afternoon was dry and even partly sunny and the path back down to our starting point, which was over a shaky 30m passerelle and on along the other side of the river, took us two hours. So we were a little behind our estimated meeting time with the doggers. However we couldn’t resist a celebratory beer at the cafe just above the parking area.

Mike had already departed but Peter waited to take Ross back since Mark’s car, capacious as it is, could only seat five. The journey home was swift until we encountered the early evening traffic on the airport to Coppet section of the autoroute. Our thanks to Mark for once again bearing the driving burden.

Technical details: Distance 14.5 Km, denivelation 550m, humidity high (from external rain and internal perspiration)

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Peter’s Dog Blog

Mike Muller and Nessie with me and Kobie had to turn around at Prazon after the coffee stop. Dogs cannot enter the Reserve Naturelle which starts 2.5km up the main valley (and encompassed the area on the outside of the valley bottom from Sixt). I had checked out the trails on Outdoor Active, which had not identified the Reserve, but I had an inkling that this was the case. Mervyn’s “dogs allowed” was not going to work. No worries, as we had had a good start to the coffee stop in the woods to Prazon and by which time water was falling from the sky.

Dog wallowing – clear river that turned grey after the rain

Nothing for it but to circle back down a different, but what seemed like the main tourist trail to the Plan Des Lacs Centre with its nice restaurant Chalet du Fer-à-Cheval. There were plenty of folk about, many with no rain gear.

We entered the Chalet with Kobie barking in excitement, and thus we were offered a suitable table outside, happily under large chalet eaves and which suited us perfectly. A fine glass of IPA for me, an iced tea for Mike and a superb lunch of burger, chips and local sausage ensued, with desert of chocolate mousse and cheesecake. And good and friendly service.

Mike and I had a good chat in the spectacular setting as we watched the rain falling and we felt a bit sorry for our colleagues (Lost) up at the “end of the world” and out in the heavy rain. Kobie and Nessie were well fed with chews and burger bits, indeed Kobie swallowed my chicken wrap (lunch) from the Volg in two goes – without choking.

Mike decided to head back home so Kobie and I headed up to Prazon again in the rain (and this time I put Kobie in his new yellow (Temu) raincoat which I had earlier left in the car) but the downpour eased by the time we got there.

The new raincoat worked but was put on too late

No sign of the Lost so we headed back down the main trail to the car.

Blue sky coming so I took off his coat. Stunning cliffs hereabouts.

It was not long before the Lost became found and Ross and I wended our way back via Tanninges this time, only hitting the slightly heavy traffic before Coppet. A fine walk for us, and I was only marginally miffed that we missed the main hike, but the lunch and shorter hike was great compensation – and our views were stunning too -and K and I were indeed a bit tired from a 900m hike the day before. I think Mike and Nessie were happy too.

I made it 10km and 210m for us.

Yvoire to Nernier and back

To my knowledge, this is the first time a GIN walk has involved a boat trip which requires the added challenge of not missing the boat!

Bravo to all participants – John Broadbridge, Tim Goodyear, Philip Jenkins, Robert O’Riordan, Richard Saynor, Nicolas Ulmer, Ralph Wares and Mark Warren – for being at the Nyon jetty in time for the departure of the MB Valais at 10h55.

It was a lovely day and the lake was calm, so we arrived in good form at Yvoire. Our walk was slightly extended following a request to visit the centre of Yvoire with its crowds and commercial activities, including many restaurants, before returning to the Porte de Nernier for a group photograph.

The walk itself of some 2 kilometres each way is straightforward with minimal height difference and welcome shade. Nernier is smaller and much less commercial than Yvoire; even so it has several restaurants, one of which, the Restaurant du Lac, gives onto the port. There have been mixed reports about this restaurant but its location is ideal and for us at any rate the food and service were excellent; we all chose the filet des perches (from Ireland) and many the café gourmand for dessert.

With our clear view of the jetty, we noted that with the boats stopping at Nernier, including the PS Montreux, there was no real need to walk back to Yvoire. But walking is what we did, visiting Nernier again by boat on our return to Nyon.

An enjoyable and convivial trip.

Total distance with diversions about 5kms with a height difference of 20 metres.

Mark Warren

GIN Bikers – August 21st 2025

To ride or not to ride, that was the question…..Meteo Suisse forecast was not looking hopeful for Thursday. After an exchange of emails with the GIN Biker community, some of who were half in, some half out, some taking the mean position and some the median, and some definitely excusing themselves, the Bleader said that a definitive decision would be made at 08.30h on the morning of the outing.

The evening before everything looked pretty gloomy with an over 50% chance of rain but by the following morning PeterT felt compelled to wake up the Bleader at 07.20h with the news that there was a window of possibility. A couple of strong coffees later and after studying in detail the latest reports, Stephen agreed that it did indeed seem as if we had a rain free morning with a storm predicted over lunch and then a chance to get home in the dry. The message went out to the eagerly awaiting Bikers that it was indeed a cycling day. Silence from the ether in way of reply apart from e-Paul who had sensibly (in view of earlier weather reports) organised alternative activities for the day.

So a slighty greater than averagely keen threesome made an appearance at the Everness Hotel at 09.30h: PeterT, Stephen and rather unexpectedly Mark2Ts, who, although he had opted for the mean position on decision whether to cycle or not, had not responded to direct contact attempts an hour earlier. A suggestion to make it a short sharp ride with the famous 3 hill circuit was unceremoniously quashed and replaced with one hill, the Genolier climb, with the motivation of lunch at the auberge in Coinsins.

The Bleader led the poorly populated peloton on a zig-zag course through Celigny, Crans, Eysins, Signy and Grens towards the foot of the Bonmont climb. Excitement and habit got the better of him at this stage and he suggested slipping in an additional hill to the previously agreed plan. Mark2Ts was definitely reassessing his position to participate to the lower quartile whilst Peter compensated by moving to the upper quartile….the mean stayed constant. (What about the median? In fact, what is the median in this context?). A compromise was found where Stephen and Peter completed a short Bonmont (up to the first junction before heading downhill and not completing the full 727m elevation) whilst Mark rode on the relative flat to the boulangerie at Givrins, where we would meet for coffee.

Over the coffee and croissants, kindly supplied by a relaxed looking Mark, an updated weather review took place. The animated forecast showed a 50 minute window to complete the Genolier climb and get to the restaurant before the heavens would open with an almighty storm. Even buoyed by caffeine this seemed too much for Mark, whose resolve to continue slipped to the zero percentile. He left on the quick route home.

A relaxed moment before difficult decision making

Peter and Stephen conquered the Genolier summit and managed to get to Coinsins before the threatened downpour. Two beers, two steak and frites and two coffees later we were still waiting for the storm. A difficult decision was made to make homeward dash for it as the alternative was more beer (and dessert?).

Weathering out the impending storm

We needn’t have worried, we managed the full itinerary via Duillier, Asse, Petit Eysins and the Landi car park crossing, Eysins and back to Arnex in the dry. Peter also made the additional 7kms back home without needing raingear….although he subsequently reported he did need magnesium salts for severe cramp.

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune were kind to us. Those with less than mean/median weather optimism missed a good ride in the dry of just under 14kms with an elevation difference of either 600m or 1065m depending whose electronic device to believe.

GIN Hike: Dent de Vaulion from Vaulion, 14 August 2025

Eleven hikers (Andrew, Bill, Mark 2Rs, Mervyn, Nathan, Ralph, Richard, Stephen, Peter Solomon, Peter T with Kobie and Peter S as leader) met at the parking lot at the entrance to Vaulion (932m) a little after 9:30am.

PeterT too with his sunspecs that Ralph did not manage to pick up, now lost in the hills (Jill is happy)

The forecast for the day was sunny and hot with a high of 29 degrees. The trail started on the south side of Le Nozon stream then crossed the road to begin the ascent on the east side of the Dent de Vaulion.

Vaulion village and Dent de Vaulion top left, showing the hot hillside we traversed

After crossing a field, the path (marked by orange dots) entered the woods and up a steep incline with some unusually big steps.

Exiting the forest the hikers adopted Kobie’s strategy of hurrying over sun exposed areas to reach the next patch of shade for a water break.

A large Norway spruce provided some relief and an opportunity for Mark to take a photo of the “shady group”.

After successfully crossing an enclosed meadow marked “Taureau!” the group clambered up a steep section of rocks to reach the top of the Dent de Vaulion (1483m).

About to enter the Nature Reserve below the Dent de Vaulion

Mervyn brought out a bottle of chilled Chardonnay to better appreciate the 360 degrees view over 4, or was it five, lakes (Lac Leman, Lac de Neuchatel, Lac de Joux, Lac Brenet and ?).

Commencing the descent – Lac de Joux and Lac Brenet on right, lunch chalet on left

There was a short descent to reach the Chalet de Dent de Vaulion for lunch under a partially functioning umbrella. The much-awaited glasses of Boxer pression were graciously passed down the table only to find out that it would take a while for the next round to arrive. This practice soon stopped when the croute aux champignons, pates du chef and mixed salads arrived. The dessert menu included ´tartes du jour’ (abricots au pommes) which were enjoyed with coffee.

The route down went past Cabane de Orny II SAC and tracked back below the Dent de Vaulion.

Although somewhat more in the shade, this path included an unwelcome incline before reaching the track down the ridge on the east side of the Dent.

Kobie and Stephen enjoyed the spring water in the only water trough along the hot and sunny descent.

A sweat drenched group of hikers and one panting dog reached the car park around 4:15pm to complete a hike of 14km, 680m denivele with a hiking time ~4.5 hours.

GIN Walk 8 August 2025

Crozet to lunch at the Refuge de la Loge and back

This walk of some 8kms and height difference of 240m was more challenging than most GIN walks and took place on a Friday since the télécabines from Crozet do not operate on Wednesdays, our normal walk day. Even before we started, requests were made to include some wives who are members of the IWCN, but us being Gentlemen considered their club should be the ILCN. Despite the warning of “more challenging”, fifteen people signed up but to be fair several of those were also of the Hiking Group who were attracted by the lunch chez Franck and Kathy at la Loge. Franck himself was a bit taken aback by the numbers coming as it is principally only he and his wife who run the place. The logistics were further complicated by one person meeting up at La Catheline and another directly at la Loge following his early morning start from Crozet (620m) for a walk (trek, hike?) via the Crêt de la Neige (1720m), no doubt to give him an appetite.

So, thirteen of us and two dogs (Mike Muller and Nessie, Robert O’Riordan, Mervyn Powell, Richard Saynor, Rudolf Staehelin, Peter Taylor and Kobie, Wouter van Ginneken, Ralph and Pat Wares, Mark Warren, Mark and Lynda Watts and Bill Westermeyer) took the télécabines up to La Fierney (1300m).

There are several trails to the Catheline, none signposted. Apparently signage isn’t allowed in summer but is in winter, for reasons I don’t understand. One of the trails is a pleasant hike up to the Crêt de la Neige, another is extremely steep, another follows the ski track and another, the one we took, is mostly on jeep tracks to the Catheline with a steady slope upwards for about two kilometres following the contours of the mountains up to the table d’orientation at the Col de Crozet (1485m).

But we made good progress, if a little strung out.

We made good time to the Catheline (1445m), where we picked up Gary Vannatter, and onto la Loge (1436m) where Nathan Finkelstein was waiting.

In view of our numbers, Franck wanted us earlier rather than later over the lunch period. In the event we were there around midday and had two tables suitably protected from the sun by parasols, and beers and other cool drinks were rapidly consumed and reordered. A recent recruit to GIN was a bit confused as to who was Mervyn so everyone on that table called themselves and him Mervyn. Meanwhile, the real Mervyn was on the neighbouring table. It is difficult to give a resumé of the various conversations given there were two table and the GIN secrets act (anything embarrassing or slanderous said in GIN stays in GIN). However, discussions about where one member drank his first Leffe took us to the Roi d’Espagne in Brussels and onto the Duchy of Burgundy.

A table of Mervyns; almost an Eistedfodd of Mervyns

On a more sombre note, we drank to two former GIN members, John Webb and Barry Amstrong, who have recently passed away. John sent an email back in March after reading a blog – “Many thanks for keeping me in the loop even though I cannot participate. A great reminder of lovely times with a great bunch of fellows.” That about sums up our objective.

A table with a single Mervyn, and some welcome members of the ILCN

There was the usual choice of food produced meticulously by Franck and served by Kathy; Laos, who had welcomed us, kept watch with Kobie on any other walkers in the vicinity; and following the tartes aux myrtilles and coffee, Franck produced fifteen glasses of genepi to set us on our way.

Patrolling docks in a stick-watering routine

Franck starts to perform the Genepi ceremony

Kobie sniffs genepi as the nectar is delivered, sadly only one each and not 15 as we might have hoped..

A roar of approval and the ceremony is almost over. Bottoms up everyone!

La Loge is indeed a refuge not like any others I know. You take them on their terms, which are great, and enjoy. And we did.

We all left together for our return journey, leaving Gary, who generously offered to take up to three people back with him but had no takers, at la Catheline and onto La Fierney by the same route.

Mike and Nessie lead Kobie back to the Chatelaine

It seemed even hotter going back down – it was…

GIN biking 7.8.25

Once again we were without the planning and execution skills of our Bleader, who, quite understandably chose the relative cool and tranquility of his mountain hideaway over the hassle of organising this week’s bike ride. So it fell to the peloton to come up with a plan.

This involved assembling in the relative cool of the morning at 09:30 at Everness and taking it from there. The participants were: Bill, Mark, Mervyn, Peter D, Peter T e-Paul, e-Richard. For his second outing with us, e-David B also joined, having travelled from Troinex to Coppet on the Leman Express with his bike for the princely sum of 2 CHF (Can that be right?)

Luckily Peter D had hatched a plan and we set off to Grilly, this time by way of paved roads. There Bill, riding his thoroughbred road-racing bike, briefly left us to continue on tarmac to Gex while the rest of us rattled along the voie verte.

Gex, once again, didn’t fail to disappoint as we found not just one but five cafes closed in our abortive search for a morning coffee. These Gexois(es) really are a peculiar breed.

So, with just a water stop, it was on up to Vesancy, swiftly down to La Rippe and then the long hot push up to Bonmont. We all made it, with the e-bikers looking very self-satisfied.

Lunch had been reserved for midday at L’Intemporel in Founex where we all duly gathered, with Peter D arriving uncharacteristically late for his first beer of the day.

It was very pleasant to sit on the terrace in comfortable chairs under the cool of an enormous sail/awning and reflect on our morning’s exertions. Plates of fish ‘n chips, burgers and linguine were ordered and enjoyed, washed down with copious quantities of the amber fluid. Paul regaled us with more information on the remarkable life of his hero Alfred Russel Wallace and for once everyone’s favourite anti-hero, the felon-in-chief DJT, received hardly a mention.

Wth the mercury now climbing towards the mid-30’s we all departed from Founex on our various ways home with the two Geneva residents heading first to Coppet station.

Once again a good ride, excellent conditions, enjoyable lunch and great company. I clocked 46km and 630m denivelation.

GIN Hikers – July 31st 2025 – Bellevue, Morgins

The last GIN ascent of the Bellevue in Morgins was in September 2021. Memories from that occasion has meant that a repeat has been discussed many times since. Stephen was in Morgins for August 1st celebrations and so this seemed like a good occasion to ask the weather gods to be kind to facilitate the taxing straight up/straight down hike with the reward of a 360 degree panorama at the summit.

Despite heavy rain a few days earlier and cold and misty weather leading up to the planned date, July 31st started sunny with blue skies and little cloud as PeterT (+ Kobie), Mervyn, Mark2Ts, Ralph and Nathan set off from the Divonne car park. There were apologies from David and Thatcher who preferred to stay across the valley in Villars, several people claiming to be out of the country, one declination on grounds of excessive inclination and unfortunate withdrawals from RichardS and Rob on medical grounds.

Stephen could enjoy a leisurely morning and saundered down to the arranged meeting place for the 09.30h arrival. The core crew arrived ahead of schedule but the planned parking spot had been cordoned off due to Morgins’ preparation for the Fête Nationale, so some rapid arm waving was needed to redirect the cars to a suitable alternative. The group now gathered made a beeline for the local boulangerie for a coffee/tea to give time to mentally and physically prepare for the impending climb.

For those who had already been on this walk before it didn’t take long for the relentless uphill climb memories to come flooding back as we set off up the road. There was a fair amount of car traffic: a reminder that we hadn’t chosen the easiest means of ascent. However, we reached the Col de Culet base camp in good time with our backmarker taking his role seriously.

A break in the clouds with emerging Mark

Base Camp – Portes de Culet 1787m

The weather seemed to be taking a turn for the worse and even though there was no rain, the clouds were moving in and visibility was decreasing. By the time we reached the top after ca. 720m climb, admirably in under 2 hours, the panoramic tableau served only as a useful table for the refreshments and snack that people had brought.

Final push to the top and a false promise of blue skies.

Point de Bellevue (2042m) not living up to its name….. but a useful table

Cava and a Chilean Viognier served as useful lubricant to an assortment of sandwiches, crisps, nuts and some unusual dried chili mango. A toast was raised to our absent friends. A red wine was also available but was left untouched (are we becoming more sensible in our increasingly mature years?) and had to be transferred to a different rucksack, to someone with stronger knees, for the descent. Actually, knees and other bodily ailments were, as usual, a dominant subject of conversation during the day. Top athletes have been known to medicate for increased performance and this group was no exception….PeterT doing it overtly.

3 bad and 5 good knees heading down

On the way down going up.….

The clouds were starting to separate and we caught glimpses of the Dents du Midi with fresh snow on their peaks from recent days as well as the surrounding mountains. Stephen’s promise of “stunning views” was partly fulfilled. The decent down to lunch was steady and less severe than some of the climb and we arrived at the Ferrage alpage almost exactly at the booked time of 13.30h. The multitude of other clients were well into their meals and the car park indicated that most had missed out on the physical exercise pre-cursor. Beers were ordered and consumed and we relaxed in the knowledge that the hard part was over and that it was “mostly downhill” from now on. The Ferrage is not known for light meals and whereas some opted for the substantial fondue and röstis, even the light salad that Mark thought he’d ordered turned out to be sufficient for at least two. Natham probably was wisest in his choice of omelette.

Replenishing the calories

Small omelette, lots of chips.

Happy with his fondue

Yes, the Dents du Midi are over there

Desserts looked meaningful but with the prospect of tarte and biscuits at Chalet “Les Longs” we opted just for coffees before departing.

The descent in Morgins from the Ferrage always surprises tired legs and full stomachs with an uphill section and with a steep road section down to the valley before a final climb up again to “Les Longs”. These ensure that the total climb for the tour passes the 800m. Kate was waiting for us with tea, coffee and promised edibles soon prepared whilst Stephen found some of his homemade beer for those brave enough to try and not driving.

A final stroll back to the village centre to find the cars and complete the circuit. Electronic devices agreed that the total ascent was 814m, exactly the same as 4 years ago and just over 14km. Unlike Mont Blanc, the height of the Bellevue has not changed…..to be reconfirmed in 4 years’ time?