We had a very pleasant bike ride which included lunch at Givrins today, sheltering from the storm (OK showers). 
Photos came out sideways, as did we…
Blog
Hiking, Crête de Vuache, May 16, 2019
Our hike started from Chevrier taking a steep footpath through trees and rocks almost 500d to reach the crête at 980m. After 1.30hrs walk along the crête taking in view points on the south side
we descended more gently down to Chevrier taking in a chance encounter with a lama; altogether about 3.30hrs followed by a very reasonable lunch at Restaurant du Vuache.
A good start to the hiking season with snow hanging around higher altitudes.
Peter Drew, Mark Warren, Mervyn Powell, David Colledge
GIN Walking Group – Bois de Chênes, 23 April 2019
12 members of this fast expanding group celebrated St George’s Day in style by penetrating this large mixed deciduous and coniferous forest at a
perfect time of the year. Leaves were bursting forth their spring greenery,
tracks were dry and we had the expanse of the Bois de Chênes almost to
ourselves. Whilst no Sangliers made an appearance and bird song was rather scarce, our group and its various conversations made up for whatever nature did not provide.
As always, the Auberge de Coinsins – one of GIN’s favourite lunch locations
– offered us a wide-ranging selection of lunchtime and a la carte meals,
enjoyed outside in the sun, on their large terrace.
Watch the website for news on forthcoming walks, all of which are of course open to all our GIN members. Also, do offer us new ideas for future
expeditions, please. Alan Baker”.
GINs powdered at Glacier 3000
Thursday 5 April saw Mervyn, Thatcher and I venturing up to Glacier 3000 to try out the half a metre of powder that had fallen the previous day. A pity that I had not practised powder for quite a number of years. Perfect conditions but less than perfect powder technique. We skied every run. Some twice or more. A brilliant day.
GIN walk, March 27
Fourteen of us on a little known walk from chateau Voltaire in the centre of Ferney to the airport perimeter fence and back by a different route. Ably guided by Richard Saynor with Mark Warren as sweeper. Most then had lunch at a nearby restaurant.
GIN lunch March 2019
Great lunch at Vieux Bois in Divonne. Attended by 27 members. Is this a record? Organised by Mike Price. Total cost €17 including a tip!!
CHESS anyone ?
CHESS
Does anyone want to join a chess group? Let me know if you are keen, beginners or grand masters welcomed. Let me know.
CheckMate Taylor
Downhill ski team hits Portes du Soleil 21 March 2019
Three intrepid skiers (Mervyn, Thatcher and Peter) attempted to follow Steve Long around his home resort in perfect weather and snow conditions to match. 23 lifts and a lot of ground covered with a superb lunch at the to-be-recommended Rhodos Restaurant.
GINs XC Ski Report
Feb 20
Fantastic snow and fun at La Vattay. Steve reacquainted himself with classic skiing and we circulated around pistes La Vattay and the Plateau in hot sun. Crisp earlier but warmed up nicely.
Peter and Steve finishing
A hike 3 years ago
Just upgraded the web site to WordPress 5. This gives a more powerful editor and much easier to use, so they say!!
Thought I’d test it by inserting a blog from a hike we did 3 years ago. Thursday May 19, 2016. This was led by Jonathan Harle with Rob, Thatcher and Mark.
GIN hike May 2016, Col de la Faucille, 
GIN hike May 2016,
It was pouring with rain when we left the parking at Divonne and snowing heavily when we arrived at Col de la Faucille. Not the sort of weather we expected in May. Still a great hike, even if it was a bit short because the weather deteriorated so much that pretty soon we could not see the trail at all. All the trail markers were covered in snow or obscured by the mist. There are some steep drops we wanted to avoid so we headed due North until we crossed one of the ski lifts and got our bearings. Then we were able to plot a route back to the restaurant for a warming coffee.