With the hot spell ending the previous day (driving rain had ended my golf on the 18th hole ) the cooler weather was welcome for our hike mostly in open areas above Villars. Fortunately the heavy rain had missed Villars and the footpath from our starting point was surprisingly dry.
The drive up had been eventful. After collecting Thatcher, Stephen and Rudi we were met with a sign of closure of the A1 between Lutry and Chexbres. This to-gether with road works on the lake road delayed our start by 1 hour. Having met up with Mervyn, Mark2tts and John Horekens who had stayed in Villars overnight, the seven of us set out following plan B. This was essentially plan A albeit at a faster pace with some short cuts.
Our first stretch along an undulating path to the Col de Bretaye was accomplished in just over 1 hour, 10 mins less than the allotted time. Clouds had gathered on the summits as we approached Roc D’Orsay but as we progressed up Grand Chamossaire clear skies greeted us. Drinks were welcome at the top of a pretty gruelling 300m ascent.
The clouds kept at bay so we could enjoy the scenery whilst clambering down the ridge to-wards Petit Chamossaire with Leysin to the left and over the lac de Bretaye below. Not that we could enjoy views all the time; the descent required careful footwork.
Leaving the ridge, our path took us through both open and wooded areas down to Lac de Chavonnes.
Though 1 hour behind schedule the restaurant made us feel welcome. Beers soon appeared. Then just after bread had been passed round the table, 2 well groomed mountain goats jumped up to the table. One was too quick for Mark who lost his bread in one mouthful to the goat. Most of us enjoyed a traditional Roesti Montagnard. The accompanying banter covered mainly hiking exploits with Mervyn, Mark2tts and John shortly to take on the Himalayas.
A big thank-you to David for buying the beers on the occasion of his 80th birthday in a couple of days time (added by Mark).
Our return took us first alongside the lake before rising to Col de L’Ecreme being around 250m ascent. At this point Rudi produced a bottle of brandy that he had carried all the hike so everyone was duly revived. Walking conditions had been ideal until the last 10mins before Col de la Croix when we were met with light rain. All expressed appreciation for an enjoyable hike.
A Group of GIN Bikers normally stop for lunch and drink beer in glasses of 5dl costing 7 CHF each. On one occasion the restaurant had run out of large beer glasses and offered beer in 2dl glasses costing 4 CHF each. Assuming that the cost of the beer is the same per litre and that the washing up of the small and large glasses is the same, what are those costs? Assuming they drink 6dl each on average, how much should they deduct from the bill to compensate for having to use the small 2cl instead of the large 5dl glasses?
September normally marks the start of autumn but this year it is definitely the continuation of summer. The previous GIN Bikers outing had been cancelled due to heat….except for Richard who failed to see the notification in his email junk folder, and manfully did the tour alone. This Thursday, was again offering temperatures in the late 20Cs, so mild compared to two weeks previously but still hot for the uphill grind. Six riders responded to the call and joined Stephen in his suggested route from the Everness Hotel. The heat from his previous lonesome outing had impacted Richard’s reading ability and he needed some help in understanding the meeting point. In the end, this was clarified and we all arrived on time plus/minus at the designated meeting point. Travellers Mervyn and e-Paul, reunited from their east and west excursions, Mark2Ws, PeterT, Ivan (still with only 2 gears), e-Richard and Stephen.
The route involved an initial loop from the Everness through the cool woods and then back to the Divonne border before an early coffee stop at the Apania buvette near the Divonne lake. On the way, indications of a potential leadership coup were thwarted as Peter tried to initiate an unsuccessful breakaway group to take an alternative route. Refreshed and lulled into a false sense of well-being, the group then started on the more demanding part of the ride. Following the cycle track from Divonne towards Crassier we diverted just before the border to take the back route through the fields to La Rippe and from there a half-Bonmont hill, sufficient to test those legs before the more meaty climb to come. Ivan’s two gears did him proud, coupled with leg muscles which seem to strengthen with each outing. Or maybe it’s just that the rest of us are not at the same stage in life. Even the e-bikers, who enjoy exercising their batteries on the uphill were left at a standstill on the occasions that the red streak passed.
Half a Bonmont behind us still along way to go
It was tempting to have a second coffee stop at our favourite Givrins boulangerie but the Bleader had plans to use the time otherwise. The Genolier clinic hill beckoned and beyond that the potential for an additional loop from Le Muids to Bassins. However, by the time we had regrouped at the top of the Genolier hill, the e-bikers looked definitely in better shape than the traditionalists and those who had over-imbibed in US culinary excesses were probably suffering the worst. The careful planning had allowed for the Bassins loop, but a democratic vote indicated that this could have been pushing frendships (as well as bikes) too far, so the group opted for a rapid descent to the Auberge de la Reunion in Coinsins.
As it so happened, the one time that a lunchtime restaurant had been booked allowing for potential delays along the route, was the one time we arrived 30 minutes early. Normally, this wouldn’t have been a problem but as it was the Jeune Genevois, all those non-working individuals had packed out the restaurant and our table was not available until the reserved time. No real problem, as this gave additional beer time. We were ushered inside and beer orders were taken, to be delivered in the smallest glasses ever seen by a GIN Group (at the highest price per centilitre). Apparently, the other customers had used all the larger receptacles. Suggestions to provide a jug fell on deaf ears. Ivan was so upset that he left after his first glass, offering an excuse that he had to get home for predetermined reasons. The rest of us made the best of the two swig (2cl) glasses and waited impatiently for refills once additional glasses were available. Paul helped fill the waiting time with graphic stories of his recent exploits in Indonesia, including a seance to meet the Queen of the Southern Seas. Mervyn recounted the devastation he indirectly caused in North Carolina…shootings, fires, riots, etc…apparently all connected with his presence. The rest of us could only talk about more domestic things, like the cost of replacement cooking hobs in Switzerland, Spanish kisses, etc.
Not a normal size GIN Biker’s beer…or Ukrainian’s
He who has met the Queen of the Southern Seas and on-looker.
Our outside table was clear at the booked time and we orderedan excellent selection of plats de la semaine at reasonable prices: filets de perches and frites, pork in sauce with noodles, salade campagnarde. Only Richard still had room for a dessert……another advantage of e-biking.
Out into the heat and the bright sunlight, with stomachs full and legs heavy, we searched for the quickest/easiest way back home. The Bleader knew which way he was heading but only managed to attract one other, Mervyn. The rest of the group decided to do their own thing but unfortunately forgot to inform the advance group. No sign of the rearguard at Duillier, so Stephen and Mervyn backtracked and eventually made contact by phone. The decision was made not to regroup. Paul had already decided that a train back home from Nyon to Grand Saconnex was the best use of his reserves. The rest of us were looking forward to getting home and a cool shower and a siesta.
Statistics: ca 50km (dependant on starting point and route home), 625m climb, average speed 19km/hr
The summer heat was starting to dissipate, especially after the horror of 40C just the Thursday before. Sadly the sparkling weather only appeared on the Friday – the day after this hike – and we were faced with a cool and cloudy start with the prospect of lurking sun.
The plan was to start from the car park at La Givrine and ascend via my secret back route up to the Pointe de Fin Château, the Pointe de Poêle Chaud and La Dôle. Most of the ascent is through beautiful and little trod forest and the following ridges are airy with fine 360 views.
(I had checked this out the week before with Kobie on that hottest day of the year. We were cooked but survived…).
Eleven brave souls signed up, and with Nessie and Kobie we were a dozen plus two hounds. Attending :- Nathan, Mark2rs, Mark2ts, David, Richard S, Richard F, Philip, Bill, Stephen, Mike M (and Nessie), Peter S, Peter T (and Kobie).
Having negotiated the Easypark App, we set off from La Givrine in good spirits just after 10am. Shorts were being worn by a third of us, despite my warning of possible cool weather.
Sadly the start was not great for Kobie as he trod on an electric wire and received a shock that spooked him a bit. Cows in the Jura in summer are a hazard for the hiker and for the hound. Undeterred we escaped off up my secret path (which for the record turns left from the road up to the Couvaloup de Crans at W3W rooting.snuck.horizons). We were soon up into the very pleasant forest.
Team in good cheer on the way up
The good thing about this route is that it is shady in sunny weather and it delivers one out onto the ridge between the Pointes de Fin Chateau and Poêle Chaud. Stephen and I turned left to tick off the PdFC.
Selfie on the PdFC with Kobie and Stephen and with my sweater that I cannot wear at home..
Reunited on the ridge there followed a pleasant 100m ascent up to the top of the Pte de Poêle Chaud 1629m. Duly conquered, it was time for some apèro and Richard S extracted his bottle of many dubious potions and distributed what he told us was Aquavit – very pleasant it was too.
On the Pte de P CApèro timeView of La Dôle from the PdPC on the hottest day of 2023, the “dangerous path” is obvious
Suitably refreshed and fortified we set off down towards the Col de Porte looking out for chamois but seeing none.
Looking back up from the Col de PorteMark at the Col
The team split several ways for the final ascent of the day, with three brave souls tackling the open and “most dangerous” path of the Jura, while others and dogs went round the back.
Peter and Philip. Looking back to the Col de Porte.
We were soon at the Domes of the Dôle and Stephen and Richard established lunch camp on the edge of the precipice, with what would normally be stupendous views to the alps. We could not complain though; it was warm with little wind and the view we had over the Lake was superb.
Lunch in heaven
Interestingly two (Mike M and Richard F) of our party met their better halves at the top – they had hiked up from St Cergue and were lunching right next to us. They had probably done a bigger hike than us !
Kobie eyeing Ms FlettSpousal support for two of our teamLast of the summer wine
Stephen opened his rather impressive and heavy bottle of Salice Salentino, Epicuro, aged in oak, which went down rather nicely before some of Mark2ts’s Luins chasselas and some of my own Gruener Veltliner. We managed to remember to toast absent friends
With the team lined up as if to launch themselves over the edge and me behind them catering for a hungry Kobie, there was little opportunity for me to record conversations, but there was some talk of Spanish kissing. Happily I noticed nothing of Scottish independence. Kobie impressed me by being able to see half a dozen or so chamois grazing at a large distance below and to our right, and he took a keen interest in their progress before taking up his position between Richard and Stephen (see photo).
In due course David emerged his really rather excellent grappa and Mark2ts his strong black coffee. Thanks to all for their contributions.
Well sated, some took the opprotunity to grab forty winks.
Nathan and Stephen napping.
All too soon it was time to pack up and leave, an easy route down planned via the ski slope to the Couvaloup de Crans. Again this was slightly marred for Kobie by him touching another live wire as he went through the gap in the top wall. With that and the assorted herds on the descent, I had to guide him down and around through the forest.
The descent – note Mark’s natty braces (more anon)
Suitably ensconced on the outside tables at the CdC, the beer and panaché order went in and Richard F kindly treated us all to some restorative. Mike regaled us with a tale of self control (or lack thereof) when the appendage of a nurse somehow fell into his palm. There were other tales …
Resuscitating at the Couvaloup de Crans
All too soon it was time to saunter back down the track to the cars.
Not far nowBill Richard NathanPrize for best breeches goes to Martk2ts
Due to the current heatwave, it was with some reservations that I suggested a hike on the Voirons, that dark-looking ridge across the lake from Vaud. However, having followed the same hike some five years ago, I was reminded that much of the trail is in woodland so there would be a fair amount of shade. Five of us in two cars rolled up at the designated time at the tiny hamlet of Le Penaz near the pleasant town of Boëge. In the event, the skies were heavy with cloud and there was even some rain in the air.
We set off at a good pace climbing up steeply through the forest, even grateful for the light rain that fell occasionally. After an hour or so, we heard some gentle singing and came across a group of about thirty Girl Scouts who were camping in the woods. It was a good opportunity to stop and drink some water and listen to this delightful choir.
Girl Guide choir
Further on, we skirted the grounds of the Monastery of the Sisters of Bethlehem which was built in the 1980s and housed around 100 nuns. It had been my intention to take an extended walk along a ridge towards the Pointe de Brantaz, but the guidebook was quoting non-existent signposts so we proceeded to the Signal des Voirons, which at 1,480 meters is the highest point on the mountain.
Apart from the Guides, we hadn’t met anyone else on the trail, but at the Signal there were many people and among them was a family from Versailles that we had seen at the monastery. The father told us that he was visiting his sister who had been a nun for 20 years and this was the only time that she could have contact with the outside world. She was obviously relishing being with her nieces picking bowls of wild fruit.
At the Signal des Voirons
We had a little snifter of Armenian Brandy to fortify us and continued on our steep downward route until we reached the Notre Dame de Voirons, a five-hundred year-old chapel. There was an invitation to ring the bell, but try as I might, I couldn’t raise a clang. However, Mark must have been a campanologist in a previous life as his gentle touch produced a wonderful sound! Nathan had visited the area last year and remembered a good viewpoint further on that we could use for lunch. This proved to be ideal and we were able to perch on a large fallen log overlooking the whole Geneva basin and Jura beyond. Mervyn produced a very acceptable Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon and Nathan passed around his home-grown tomatoes. Dessert was available on the low-growing blackberry bushes all around us.
The best view?!
Suitably bolstered, we descended down through the forest on a very steep path that looked suspiciously like a dried up riverbed until we came to open country with great views of the Vallée Verte and the Alps. At the top of a steep bank was a Copacou, a cupule or cup stone. Apparently, this had been used for human sacrifices where the victim’s throat was cut and the blood flowed down the steep side of the rock. This naturally provoked a realistic enactment, but happily Mark was granted a stay of execution at the last moment.
The dreaded CopacouA close call!
We passed the 12th Century castle of Rocafort (not the cheese!) on our final stretch down to the cars.
Castle of Rocafort under renovation
The whole area is a nature reserve, but the promised roe deer, red deer, wild boar and lynxes were obviously on their summer break as there was little wildlife to be seen. The high temperatures had finally caught up with us and there was a general consensus that beers were warranted, so we repaired to Boëge for some welcome refreshment before heading home. Many thanks for the drinks, Peter!
Present: Mark 2rrs, Mervyn, Nathan, Peter Strebel and Richard S.
Hard to believe that another Thursday promised good weather. Despite the holiday season, 8 keen GIN Bikers signed up for a tour that was described initially as simply “lunch in France”. The BLeader once again asked for the meeting place to be at his apartment since his physio would be preparing his still repairing Achilles tendon and shrunken muscles for the ride ahead. Almost at the designated hour, PeterD, Mark2Ts, Mervyn, Ivan, e-Rudi, e-Drew and e-Richard appeared in Arnex. Admittedly, a couple of participants had to have last minute instructions to find the rest of group. Drew showed off his new car bike carrier whilst Rudi persisted with his more makeshift open hatchback and elastic tie. Ivan’s bike was intact (compared to the last viewing) although with a 33% loss in gearing. No changes in the rest of the group: from museum pieces to relatively recent acquisitions.
With everyone captive, the true extent of the BLeader’s plans were unveiled: direct to Bonmont hill, a short reprieve before the Vesancy hill and then another short reprieve until the Gex-Echenevex hill…..an unpleasant final climb before the rewards of lunch at The Auberge des Chasseurs in Echenevex. The choice of the restaurant was made by default, due to the French habit of closing down all hostelleries during August. However, this particular restaurant had been on his wish list for a time and it was with relief and gratitude that the BLeader discovered it to be operational. Not so for our usual coffee stops. The O’Château stop in Vesancy, which has been a favourite for coffee and lunch, now seems to be only open on demand, according to the website. Other potential beverage stops in Gex were also shuttered.
Anyway, I digress and am getting ahead of the true purpose of the day: the cycling. The e-bikers revelled in the hills, although 2-gear Ivan tried to give them an early run for their money, until his propelling muscles realised the enormity of maintaining the task. On the flat, the e-bikers were more reserved and conserved their batteries at the back of the group, whilst the muscle-powered bikes did the same at the front. Sufficient stops were made to regroup and check that there were no losses in personnel……which has been known in the past. Several participants did try to select individual routes but were brought back into the fold. Peter decided that continuity without stopping has merits and forged ahead alone up the Vesancy hill, getting to the summit first and ensuring the dotted jersey.
Bonmont Hill success – one down two hills to go
Trying the PeterT selfie touch
With the deficit of suitable coffee stops, we arrived at the lunch restaurant ahead of schedule, for once . Our table under the trees was ready and waiting, with a pleasant view overlooking the Alps and the Maison Blanche Golf Club below. Local brasserie beer was rapidly ordered and consumed before we settled into the 3-course menu du jour. The standard was high: fresh mushroom ravioli, crevettes in a coconut milk pasta curry, mirabelles and ice-cream. Somehow the economy of the set lunch was lost in the final bill once the drinks had been added. The benefit was our usual lively conversation covering an eclectic range of topics. The food and ambiance led the discussion towards obesity and possible remedies. Some thought that food intake could not be offset by exercise, others suggested metabolic rate variations resulted in different weights. Peter had the solution: stomach bacteria. If you get the correct balance then all is resolved. Those with the correct balance can benefit from their good fortune, bloating their bank balance whilst aiding physical thinning in others. Was this a load of crap? Apparently, yes. The use of body waste from a finely tuned individual can work wonders. Further details were lacking (happily) and the conversation moved on towards the return route home.
Happily installed and beers to hand
Thoughtful contemplation of the waistline impact
Now on a roll, Peter volunteered to find a route back to the disused train track. An previous outing attempt had not been 100% successful and he was keen to make amends. He got it mostly correct using his Swiss route finder (in France!), the rest of the group contributing their input where appropriate to ensure crucial decision points were successful. Once on the straight and narrow it was easy cycling to Divonne. A suggestion of a further beer stop at the Grilly brasserie was overturned as siestas (and grandchildren) beckoned. The group separated at Divonne, some on a mission to Carrefour, others realising that this was the quickest way home. The Arnex parked e-bikers followed Stephen through Divonne and onto the old train track to Crassier and back to Arnex.
Statistics: ca. 47km, ca. 600m of climb, average moving speed 17.2 km/hr
There was a lot of rain in July and August but the forecast for August 3rd was promised as dry and sunny. Stephen was in Morgins for the week and suggested a hike in his favourite territory, which Rob had volunteered to co-ordinate. 7 willing hikers appeared on the day, coming from various starting points. The early-risers of Rob, Nathan, Mervyn car-pooled from somewhere near Divonne, Mike gave his Renault Alpine an outing, David hopped across the valley from Villars and Nicolas, the closest, traversed the mountain from Champery. Detailed instructions had been given so that no-one would get lost on the way to the parking nearest Stephen’s chalet. Not surprisingly, the sporty vehicle arrived first, so far ahead of schedule that Mike was able to enjoy a coffee in Morgins before heading to the meeting place. David was next, 10 minutes ahead of schedule (yes, David!!). The car-poolers arrived also just ahead of 10h. No sign of Nicolas at 10h05, 10h10, 10h20….a search party of Mervyn and Mike went in search and waited by the main road. 10h30 came and went…..telephone contact had been made with Nicolas but still no sign. At 10h40 up rolled Nicolas from the direction the search party had headed, having done a full tour of Route de la Cergnat, passing Mervyn and Mike and generously allowing them to walk back up the hill as a warm up.
The walk itself started with a pleasant detour from the initially conceived route, to avoid the construction works for the new ski cabine in Morgins, up the path in the woods by the side of the Vièze stream in the direction of the restaurant at They. Normally, this would have been a suitable refreshment point but due to the late start (and, maybe more importantly, the fact the restaurant was closed for extensive renovation) the leader encourage pressing on up the hill. Quite some encouragement was needed as this ascent was indeed steep and longer than most of the participants had expected. “Not much further” lost impact on multiple use. However, we all emerged intact, if somewhat fatigued onto the grassy slopes of what is the famous Defago piste during ski season. Stephen was pleased that his repairing tendon had passed the test.
Emerging after the steep climb. Mervyn seems happy to see a ski piste, even without snow. More a sign of relief on the faces of Rob and David.
The gentler ascent from here was much appreciated with views down the valley until we reached the col at Bonavau when the whole vista opened before us, including the first sighting of the lunchtime restaurant. Such was the keenness of some of the group to be first with a beer that they speed down the slope . Unfortunately, they headed for the wrong restaurant. More haste and less speed comes to mind…….
A rest at the Col de Bonavau, 1759m
….and now to lunch, we know the way!
Stephen had realised that lunch might be delayed so rang ahead to warn the restaurant that we would be arriving late and our table was duly waiting for us. Beers were ordered and consumed and kindly paid for by Nicolas in penance for the late start. Food orders were considered and memories of the previous year’s feast at the La Chaux Alpage resulted in agreement to share platters of spare ribs and rösti as well as other selections. In the event, the food quantity did not live up to expectations even though the quality remained good. Obviously, austerity is present in Switzerland.
With the lift back down to Morgins out of action due to its replacement, we had to walk down back to the village. I say walk down, but the first part involved walking up again, over the col above Mazde. No so easy after lunch. Once there, the group were given the choice of a direct steep descent, through the woods or a longer, gentler and indeed more scenic route around the mountain. The latter was unanimously selected. More great views of the Dents du Midi and down to Lac Leman.
Eventually back at the cars, David had to leave but the rest of the group enjoyed a rest and some home brew beer on the Long’s terrace before heading back home. Another great day in the Portes du Soleil.
Overall, ca. 15km, 625m climb and a walking time of 4h30.
Note: Due to the happy addition to the Pashley family (and certainly someone who will no doubt in the years ahead be showing a lot of Scottish independence…at least with her family) Rob has been distracted and the writing of this blog put on hold. I have stepped in with my memories of the day. I leave it to the webmaster to sort out the order of the blog to be chronologically correct. SL
The BLeader contacted the group asking for support in his re-cycling efforts after almost 3 months in recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. PeterT, Mervyn, Mark 2Ts and Ivan responded to the call and the one e-biker, Paul, had to withdraw initial enthusiasm when he realised that he was not fully prepared for a long Asian tour starting the following day.
BLeader looking fit and ready to defend his jersey
So, unusually, a fully muscle driven group met at Stephen’s apartment at 10 o’clock, without an e-bike in sight. Ivan proudly displayed his own bike, renovated and repaired for the occasion….. the hazards of borrowed bikes now firmly behind him and the 3 gears offering sufficient variation for all tracks. Stephen had taken the precaution of a physio session prior to the ride to ensure the best for his damaged tendon and withered muscles. A gentle ride was promised and, for once, adhered to.
We made our meandering way from Arnex across the fields on farm tracks to Signy and up the well-worn track to Grens and Gingins. Ivan impressed with his ability to accelerate up any slope. Mark and Mervyn allowed the youngster to have his fun whilst protecting the back of the peloton. Stephen and Peter pretended to have reserve power should they choose to use it. Promised coffee at our usual Givrins stop spurred us on but not only was this closed for the annual holidays but the back up restaurant in Givrins also was closed. Peter seized the initiative and phoned Rob in Genolier suggesting that he might like guests to join him in his mid-morning coffee. Not only was he at home but he graciously accepted hosting the lycra crew. Mark secured the last ham croissants from the butcher in Genolier. A satisfied relaxation pervaded after the food and drink. A barbeque grill was eyed in the corner of the terrace and for a moment it was tempting to curtail the ride and stay through to siesta-time. However, the BLeader was on a quest to prove that he was on the road to fitness and rallied the group, encouraging them to head on the loop round through Begnin, Coinsins, Duillier to Nyon, with the promise of the famous Landi crossing.
Relaxing with coffee and croissant at Café Rob
As we progressed through Eysins, we were exactly on time for the designated lunch destination of the Nyon Tennis Club. However, there was slowing at the rear of the group which wound down to a stop. Ivan’s customised machine had sprung a leak and the back tyre was flat. Backpacks were emptied and puncture repair kits, spare inner tubes, levers, etc. were unearthed and dusted off. Unfortunately, no-one had the required spanner to release the wheel. The GIN network sprung into action as Dave Gwilliams was contacted by Mark. Once again, fortune shone on the group: Dave was at home with suitable spanners and only 5 minutes away. Off rode Mark. Peter and Stephen realised that too many hands does not make light work of puncture repair and, more importantly, beer was waiting if we got to our reserved table. Several beers later, or about 40 minutes, just as we were wondering whether to order food, Mark, Mervyn and Ivan appeared at the Tennis Club. Apparently, the first round trip to obtain the required spanner resulted in all but the correct size. A return trip to Dave was needed to get an adjustable spanner before repair could be executed.
Ukranian technology being repaired by Ukranian (and helper)
More beers later, food an coffee consumed, we were ready to head for home. An offer of more, home brew, beer at Stephen`s was graciously declined and we headed home in two directions: Peter, Mervyn and Ivan along the lake road with subsequent steep climb and Mark and Stephen up the gentler, but longer climb towards Crans away from the lake road. Subsequent reports from the larger group indicated that all was still not smooth: “..…more bits kept falling off Ivan’s velocipede, in particular a vital bit of the gear mechanism. Search party has so far failed to find it, lost somewhere in Founex Grand Rue….”
Oblivious to this latest twist, the BLeader was gently snoozing on his terrace, pleased that his re-introduction to the GIN Biking Group had, from a personal perspective, gone well. The siesta lasted longer than expected as his wife had inadvertently locked him out on the terrace when she went off to play tennis………
Statistics: 32-47 km depending upon starting point. Ca. 450m climb.
The weather forecast promised a dry spell up to Thursday so it was suitable for a hike up the Salève via the Grotte d’Orjobet and back down via the Grande Gorge. Five of us duly assembled at the parking Le Coin and set off shortly after 10:00. Mervyn, Nicolas, Mike M, new member Peter Strebel and Mark 2Ts. The ascent was totally in the shade from the trees so felt reasonably cool and we made good progress with the occasional ooh and aah as we came into a clear patch and saw the views below.
Great view, shame about the people in the way
Shortly after we were through the Grotte d’Orjobet with just a gentle stroll left until we arrived at our restaurant after a hike of almost exactly 2 hours.
Grotte d’Orjobet
We’d booked at the Auberge des Montagnards in la Croisette and they gave us a table with panoramic views over the alps. The food was up to the quality of the view and we left, well fortified, at about 13:30.
Our leader, me, then proceeded to get us lost, trying several descents from the plateau before we actually reached the Grande Gorge. Eventually, with the help of several phone apps, we found the correct path, further on than I had remembered and started our descent. This was as tricky as we remembered but we took it slowly, thought how much worse it would be when wet, and eventually got back to our cars at Le Coin where we replenished our energy with coffee, nuts and raisins before driving home.
A good day out, 12 km, 714 m height gain. All the ascent and descent in the shade from trees. Only the walk along the top in the sun, however this was longer than it should have been for which we blame the leader.
Wouter and Larry of the GIN walking group. July 14, 2033.
Tolochenaz, near Morges, where Audrey lived after her retirement from the world of cinema. Lucky encounter in the parking lot with retired head of public works for Tolochenaz, Hubert, who knew Audrey and had the sad task of digging her grave. Audrey’s home is 100 metres beyond the hedge in the background.
The wall of La Paisible, Audrey Hepburn’s residence for the last thirty years of her life.
Miracle! The gate to the residence La Paisible was open. A view of Audrey”s beloved garden where she spent much of her time.
Larry in front of the chapel where Audrey was buried.In the chapel where Audrey’s funeral service was celebrated. Memorable passage from Ecclesiastes, ‘There is a time and there is a season…’Wouter looks at home in the pulpit in the chapel. Gift of a broad and deep education.
The mural that adorns the back wall of the Audrey Hepburn Pavilion. Here for many years the memorabilia from her years’ modelling and acting were displayed.
Larry in the Salle des Mariages of Morges Hôtel de Ville, where Audrey celebrated her second marriage to Andrea Dotti, after her divorce from Mel Ferrer. They had a son, Luca, half brother to Sean Ferrer.
Lucky encounter on the Grand’rue in Morges on the way to lunch. We are in distinguised company – well known to Larry. Standing is Nuria Gorrite, former Syndic of Morges, former President of the Canton de Vaud, now Minister for Transport in the Conseil d’Etat de Vaud. Standing beside her is her father, Rafaêl. Seated to the left is Aristide, archiviste in the Bolle Museum, his wife, Jacqueline, then Salvatore Gervaisi, Director of the Bolle Museum, soon to be our host. Finally, Wouter, enjoying this fine moment. L’Hôtel de Ville with flags flying that we had just visited is visible behind Nuria.
The archives of the Bolle Museum, in the room dedicated to Audrey Hepburn. Director Salvatore Gervaisi gives us a lightning tour of the Hepburn Collection before we visit the new exhibition dedicated to Audrey, her life in comic strip form. The exhibition continues till mid-August. July ’24 will see an exhibition featuring the designs of Hubert Givenchy for the costumes and dresses that Audrey wore so gracefully.
Most of the regulars were Saas Feeing, mending bust legs, in foreign climes or had other feeble excuses so there were just 4 of us turned out for this ride: Peter D (leader)and Mark 2Ts (push bikes), Mike Muller and Richard Flett (electric).
We started at the Everness and followed a route roughly equivalent to the map below. Our leader had thoughtfully provided this in advance in case anybody got detached from the peleton, seems like a bit of history there!
We followed the old railway line up to Gex and then across to Vesancy to find the restaurant closed so we continued, coffeeless, through the golf course at Bonmont and onto Gingins. We decided to miss the usual Bonmont hill as the other Peter would be upset if we did it without him. At least the reasoning went something along those lines.
We made a slight detour at Gingins to see Mike’s new house, last week a hole in the ground, now about to put the roof on, moving in tomorrow.
By now it was lunch time so we dropped down to the auberge in Founex for well deserved beers and a great plat du jour.
A very pleasant ride and not too hot, at least at first.
