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Steve had chosen a fairly gentle 22 km and 600 m deniv hike for us on 23 July, albeit it was billed at 10% to 15% less than this. A hot morning and the forest trail up provided shade – and stickiness. Fine clear views from the view point gave way to terrapins, coffee and bells at St Cergue. A clockwise route up and through field and forest brought us to a lunch spot at the edge of the forest with a fine view above Arzier where some 40 kites whirled above us. We meandered down and explored the cool glory of the Bois de Chêne before downing some welcome and refreshing beer at Pashley kennels (thanks Rob!). Thanks also to our leader for a very pleasant outing.

Attending : Steve (leader), Rob (Beers), Philip, Mark Wn, Peter T.

Apologies from – you know who you are… sorry we missed you.

Several of our chums had sent apologies, including Peter at the 11th hour, but 4 intrepid musketeers met up at La Blonnière near Annecy on Thursday.  David had chosen the longer but gentler route up through meadows filled with wildflowers and fragrant pine forests.  As temperatures were rising, this proved to be the most sensible approach to the imposing limestone mountain that is Le Parmelan (1,856m).  Coming out into the sunshine, the going got tougher up a rocky path and we witnessed Stephen forging ahead with his usual élan.  The effort was certainly worth it as we attained the incredible lapiaz landscape and marvelled at the deep fissures, some of which still contained snow.

We stopped for lunch in a shady spot just before the summit and then enjoyed some welcome beers/shandies at the refuge.  The 360 degree panorama afforded clear views of Lakes Annecy and Léman and many of our favourite mountains in the Alps and the Jura.  On the way down, we had to make a choice and this time took the steeper but shorter Grand Montoir with its chains and ledges.  Apart from the odd slip and trip, and a manageable case of cramp, we descended safely to the cars.

Unfortunately, the bars in Dingy-Saint-Clair were all closed, so whilst the Vaudois enjoyed cold beers in Mervyn’s garden, your scribe had a large aptly-named GIN and tonic in Ornex.  Many thanks to David for organising this very enjoyable hike.

Present: David, Mervyn, Stephen and Richard

 

Our first real (non-borderline) meet of the season in the Vallée Verte. Richard had organised hot weather and a fine route. A motley crew of 4 Fr and 5 CH members assembled in the strong sun at 9.30 am in Villard for the 800m climb up through forest and meadows of long grass and flowers, while serenaded with birdsong to the Pointe de Miribel via Plaine Rouge. Our strength was sapped as we ascended the final hot and steep section, but there was a nice breeze to assist cooling as we were blessed by the final crosses below the summit. On top we took in the stunning 360 view to Lac Leman and the Alps, and settling to some wine and a picnic, we recovered in body and spirit, helped by some stronger Scottish and Italian potions.

A steep descent took us down through shady woods to the café at Villard for some panachés. A fine and challenging first hike. Merci to Richard for leading us faultlessly. Wherever did Philip leave his poles ?

Attending Richard, Mark Wn, Philip, Freddie, Mervyn, Steve, Rob, David C, Peter T.

For our second Swiss/French barely legal hiking lunch, Philip chose the Noirmont. The two parties ascended from their respective countries, again the Swiss team (David, Peter D, Peter T and Steve) was given the more challenging route and it arrive a little en retard, having commenced at La Cure and followed a question mark shaped line up around the Creux de Croue and the North Ridge. The French team (Philip, Mark, Richard), also attacked the N Ridge from the valley floor, less distance but a continuous rise.

At the summit gathering the chosen wine was suitably Negroamaro, and we spent a pleasant and sunny 90 minutes lunching and catching up on news and views, with 360 views over the Jura hills. There was elation in the elevation. Too soon we had to part, this time the CH team had an easy direct descent, while the FR team tussled with their vertige.

Apologies from Rob, Mervyn and Mark W (possibly others).

With the border still closed, we on the French side of the border have become frustrated with the Hiking Group steeling a march on us, starting their exploits last Thursday 14 May.

So not to be outdone, the “GIN and French” sub-group group (Mark, Philip and Richard) went on an outing on Wednesday 20 May from the Chapelle de Rianmont, Vesancy up to the Baraque de Touppinet, a relatively easy 12 kms return walk with a height difference of 565 metres but given the state of fitness of at least this writer (Mark), that was enough of a challenge at this stage of the season.  Fabulous views, superb weather, passable picnics.

We are in contact with our Swiss friends and hoping to arrange a hike where we can meet up for a picnic while respecting social distancing and our common frontier.

Leader Rob Pashley steered the first Post CV19 hike through initially foggy trails above Arzier. “I have run up this track” he announced as we looked on and pondered this incomprehensible feat. Nevertheless we managed the struggle up and along to Mt Roux for a fine lunch with whisky and ouzo with a grand view out over the lake to match. It was great to be back out with chums again, although we missed our cross border amis. The news came out the evening before, the border looks set to be open on 15 June. Bravo! Attending (with social distancing) :- Robert P, Mervyn, Drew, Steve, David C, Peter T.

New diary entries made starting on Thursday 14 May, every two weeks, leader/organiser David College.