Robert, I can recommend Dr Berguiga at Vision Future Nyon. Regards, Drew Meek
Blog
Recommendations for ophthalmologist (eye specialist) in Suisse romande
Fellow GIN members,
I hope that you are well and enjoying the summer.
I was shocked recently to find that I have cataracts and that I need an operation.
I wonder if any of you can recommend an ophthalmologist in Suisse romande.
My optician informs me that the operation is swift ( 5-10 min.) (almost ) painless without anesthesia and will clear my myopia ( short sightedness).
Thank you for any recommendations,
Robert O Riordan
Bike Ride – Gex, Vesancy and.. 25 July 24
I was recovering from the excess of Fizz the night before, and viewed the prospect of riding my VTT alongside two E-Bikers (Paul and MikeM) and a racing road bike (Bill), with some apprehension, perhaps trepidation. In the event it was not so bad.
Nothing had been pre-planned so we elected for the usual bike trail to Gex for coffee. The first stop is usually the water trough at Grilly where we rested and chatted by the clear sparkling water. The bike trail passed pleasantly in the shade and we were soon at Gex.
It was a fine morning, sunny but not hot helped by a cooling soft breeze from the north. Our usual choice for coffee is the Hotel Bellevue in the centre of Gex, but it was still closed for renovation. It was at this point that Mike became involved with a very friendly fellow who was commenting on the e-bikes. Only a bit later did we find that he was a 7th Day Adventist trying for new recruits. We asked him if he knew where we could get coffee, not realising that this sect do not drink it. Indeed he could not provide us with assistance in our plight, albeit he could help in other ways more spiritual. We extricated ourselves and biked a little way up the hill where we could see chairs and table under sunshades next to a courtyard.
We had reached the Crêperie du Jeu de l’Oie at 109 Rue des Terraux, where we could sit outside comfortably in the shade. It’s next to the police station so we did not bother to lock up our bikes. Coffee for 4 supplied with cold water on the side – all for less than Eu10!
Plans were agreed for the rest of the parcour. No lunch but a Bonmont. Happily our bikes were still there and we set off towards Vesancy. I was in the lead, but that was the last I saw of my colleagues.
I stopped near Huttopia and called Mike. He had a bike problem, Paul was helping. Bill had gone the wrong way and down to Divonne. We agreed that they would descend and head home and I carried on to Bonmont.
Very pleasant ride up Bonmont and then back to Coppet via Borex and Arnex.
I was sorry that I had lost my flock, I’ll try and do better next time.
The others did get home OK (at least Paul and Mike confirmed they did) and Mike wrote this to me later that day :-
“Hi Peter, I’m sorry we dumped you in the middle of nowhere. My bike had a flat tyre. I was able to fill it up a bit with the small emergency pump. But had to stop every 5 minutes to repeat. Made it to Crassier where I was able to fill the tyre up completely in a bike shop. So I had a cunning plan to ride to my bike shop in Nyon and leave it there for repair and service and go home by bus. However they could not give me a rdv until late August. So with still some air in the tyre I went back to Gingins as fast as possible using turbo power. Just made it to tell the tale. Cheers, Mike “
I logged 44km and 560m denivellation.
Wine Tasting 24 July 24
Mervyn hosted. It was a fine evening and he chose Fizz ! It was my initiation into this ancient and honorable section of our club (Terence Gale is writing an official history), and I was wondering what secret ritual would be revealed during the course of the evening. It was but I cannot tell you or I will be struck down with botrytis. I am told that there are no blogs of winetasting, so this is a first (and last?).
Paul, Brian, Stephen, Terence and Mervyn, and me with two late cancellations. There were thus six of us with six bottles and no spittoon….
My glasses (six of them) were XL large, for white wine, so I had got something right. Mervyn had prepared a comprehensive shart of the six unidentified (to him too!) bottles (how this is achieved is a club secret) complete with name and producer, price, shop of origin, grape variety, alcohol%, and tasting notes. By tasting we had to guess which was which and set out our order of preference. It was not easy, and required many repeat sips until the mists cleared, or perhaps thickened.
In the event the individual results of correct identification were 3,3,2,2,1,1 – ie average of 2 correct. I was told that this was a good score for a WT group! I scored 1 but I did pick out the one champagne in the group of six. Most popular was the Crémant de Bourgogne, Louis Bouillot, Nuit St. Georges, Eu9.79 from Carrefour.
Our host produced some delicious accopmanying food. Beryl took two wives to a restaurant locally.
A fun evening on a warm night with warm company. Thanks to Mervyn for his hospitality and bubbles originality – a first for Fizz apparently. And thanks to all for the fun, and making my initiation so enjoyable.
GIN Hiker – Barillette and round 18 July 2024
Attending – all at Divonne except Rob, Drew and Rodney(who biked up !!)
1.Nathan
2. Mervyn
3. Drew
4. Rob
5. Mark 2rs
6. Mark 2ts
7. Ross
8. Nicolas and Onyx
9. Bill
10. Philip
11. Rodney
12. Peter and Kobie
I had received apologies from several – Peter Strebel in the Engadine, David Colledge and Thatcher – both in Villars, Stephen Long – child minding, Richard Saynor – knocked out by therapy, Peter Drew – clubbing in Berlin, Larry – abroad, Paul – with guests, and I knew others were away, so I was pleasantly surprised when the list grew to 12.
Chapeau first of all to Rodney who biked up. I had done that the day before to check parking, and at over 700m to the Baraque a Kuffer at 1142m on the Barillette Road, I can attest that this is penible.
The following rather useless heart rate map shows our anticlockwise track – the Barillette tower being above the “g” of “green”, lunch under “w” of “watch”
The route – started at the red dot – my watch only turned on at the green.
To cater for the assembled punters this was planned to be not a very challenging hike, 9km and 420m, but in the hot weather I think most found it acceptably sufficient for the day.
We set off from the sign on the road under which we parked the cars and bike:-
It was a warm day – for shorts – but Nathan and Drew were protecting their legs from ticks. I use the hairy dog protection method, sending Kobie first through the jungly trails.
The initial track led us gently upwards to underneath the Rochers de Pierre Lente. Is this slow Peter, or slow stone ? – please advise if you know.
We traversed a scree slope and across to where the path forked steeply upwards in the forest. One member complained that I had not mentioned that there was a vertical section in the hike. In truth it was steep for a while but not impassable and soon the slope eased and we were ambling up through sunlit glades.
It was not long before the Barillette restaurant was encountered. I believed this to be the crux of the whole route, how to get 12 thristy hikers to walk past a terrace of beer without stopping? The sign “COMPLET” helped, and my thinking was that we had enough alcohol in our sacks – sadly I was mistaken.
I urged the team not to linger and we passed on up.
We reached the Barillette Mast and although the views to the alps were a bit hazy, being the top of the hike there was some good cheer :-
We meandered down across to the path that leads to the Col de Porte, and stopped under the shade of a tree on the fresh grass for our lunch:-
It was a pleasant lunch spot. We drank a toast to the health of absent friends, especially Richard, but in veritas there was not a great deal of vino to be had. (Note – for future picnic hike leaders to pre-encourage a little more of the fruit of the vine to be carried and tasted up out in the fresh air). Thanks to those who did supply us though, and to Rob for Scottish fluid and Mark2ts for his hot strong black liquid, Mervyn for milk. Conversation flowed – I can only remember that Mervyn was to be blamed for something… I believe the dogs behaved, but let me know if mine stole your sandwich. We had great views of the Col de Porte and the Dôle ridge.
Time to be off and we traversed down and round through a field of cows – without incident with our hounds, I always prefer a direct approach (and with Kobie not on a leash – so he can run off):-
The journey back down involved wide tracks in the forest, the first of which had been decimated by a huge logging machine, unpleasant. All went well, albeit I somehow lost my dog-chewn straw hat (I’ll try and go back to find it soon).
Just before the cars, there was a choice of steep shortcut down through the forest or a trail to the road and down, each taken by equal numbers, and we all reached the cars within minutes of each other.
These are the good days. May there be many more.
Thanks to all for coming, and to drivers. And for coping with our hounds – I think they behaved pretty well though. Next hike in two weeks.
GIN Lunch 10 July 24 Auberge de Founex
It was a warm and sultry day so it was good to be outside on the terrace at the AdF but under their adjustable sliding roof. In the event after some late cancellations and late additions, some 19 turned out for what turned out to be a very pleasant meal.
| GIN Lunchers | ||
| Auberge de Founex 12 noon | ||
| 10.Jul.24 | ||
| 1 | Bill Martin | |
| 2 | Chris Morris | |
| 3 | Dave Gwilliam | |
| 4 | David Bridge | |
| 5 | Gary Vannater | |
| 6 | Gerry Swart | |
| 7 | Hubert Pettingell | |
| 8 | Joe Kutzin | |
| 9 | Ken Forrester | |
| 10 | Mark Warren | |
| 11 | Norman Eatough | |
| 12 | Paul Sochaczewski | |
| 13 | Philip Jenkins | |
| 14 | Peter Taylor | |
| 15 | Richard Saynor | |
| 16 | Ross Linsley | |
| 17 | Trevor Davies | |
| 18 | Trevor Greenwood | |
| 19 | Wouter van Ginneken | |
It was good to see some new faces, along with the usual sterling stalwarts.
Starting with some rather nice cool beer, we ploughed through green salads, a choice between pork milanese with pasta or crevettes with rice. I tried to read out the set menu to the team and was roundly chastised by Norman for pronouncing ail as ale and not isle. Wines flowed too, and while some took dessert, most ordered coffee.
Later a brief speech by the organiser covered various things including whether or not the assembled lunchers were Unlucky to not be out on exotic holidays, or on the other hand Lucky to be living here in the Terre Sainte in nice summer weather. Absent friends were recalled, including especially a reference to a note from Alan Baker that had been circulated to all participants that morning. Alan is making good progress getting installed back in Blighty and requests that we visit him, especially if we bring Swiss cheese and wine.
With a final showing of hands for both NL and England adherents, England should win 5-1 tonight based on this GIN supporter poll.
Next GIN lunch – per Richard, Ralph Wares will organise – watch out for his e-mail – in August.
The Great Circle Route of Col de Marchairuz
The sign up for the hike on the 4th of July got off to a very slow start. Mark and I were beginning to think we were becoming the Millwall FC of the GIN group (Millwall is an English football club whose supporters are wont to chant ‘No one likes us but we don’t care’). Fortunately, the pace picked up and we were eight in principle but seven with a late withdrawal by Philip Jenkins. Hope you are feeling better Philip.
Getting to the Col du Marchairuz was not helped by a major redesign of the road network in Begnins which necessitated a fairly lengthy diversion. Worth bearing in mind if you are headed that way. Probably it will be one of those rush jobs beloved by the Swiss so like Versoix and Bellevue the road will probably only be blocked for a couple of years!
So Mark W, Nathan, Paul, Peter D, Rob, Ross and myself set off with Mike M and Nessie joining us for lunch. Rocco, my spaniel was planning to join but heard stories of fierce cows from Kobie and decided discretion was the better part of valour.
It was a brisk 15 degrees when we set off and, despite MeteoSuisses predictions, more than just overcast but actually raining. Fortunately the rain stayed light and eventually gave up altogether. We set off from the corner of the Hotel’s terrace, descending for a while before following the ridge south west. The vegetation was much remarked upon – dense was deemed insufficiently poetic, lush was considered but exuberant was settled on. The rain followed by warmth of the last few weeks has produced a huge amount of growth. The presence of snails and slugs was also notable and there was some discussion of snail farming. Photos exist of a bit of three way snail action taking place in the middle of the footpath but since this is a family blog with sensitive readers such as Peter T, I don’t propose to add them.
Given the plethora of elections taking place there was some discussion of politics. Rob professed optimism for the SNP’s prospects – plus ca change – while Mike H discovered that some deluded soul was standing in Putney for the ‘Rejoin the EU Party’ so voted for that. 288 people joined me in that and we came last! Rob’s favoured party did a little better (but not much!)
The route loops around south and then comes back north east towards the Hotel, in slightly better weather but not sufficiently better for us to consider eating outside. The interior dining room was packed and a good, mostly röesti lunch was had with appropriate liquid refreshment. This was followed by an historic apricot tart – worth the trip – was the general verdict. It was also agreed that a hike ending at a restaurant was a good plan with stiffened ancient legs having only the car park to traverse.
Much enjoyed by all participants and particularly by me since, for one reason or another, I haven’t managed to get to many walks this year.
All the best
Mike
P.S. When dropping Ross off in Coppet I spent 10 minutes in the Pas de Ian Fleming exhibition in the Mairie. There is not a huge amount there but it is interesting to learn of Fleming’s life in 1930’s Geneva, the use of Coppet as a location in the book Goldfinger and see contemporary photos. Closes soon.
GIN Bikers to Gilly 27 June 24
We had had some seriously heavy rains but today dawned bright and clear with a good forecast. We were lucky, bright sunny with some cloud and not too hot.
With a number of abstentions (and a late one from Mark2ts who had been collecting from the airport at 3am), we were seven gathered at Everness at 10am. Our esteemed BLeader (SL) was still unready to flex his new knee on his road bike.
Bill, Mervyn, Yvan, e-RichardF, PeterD, e-Paul and me PeterT.
My plan was to re-attempt the ride of 30 May, four weeks previously, when rain diverted us into Mike Muller’s café and taxi-hub, when he drove us to Gilly from Gingins for lunch. This time we would aim to take in hills up to Le Vaud and the fine run down to Gilly for a lunch at 1pm. There would be no need to take in Bonmont with legs as untested as ours’ so early in the season.
Passing Arnex without calling in on our BLeader, we rode steadily up through Borex and across Cheserex golf course and then also passed Mike M’s road in the fine sun. This time Paul was offering a coffee at the M bakery at Givrins – he had lived in this village many moons ago.
It was time to engage in the real meat of the day, the hill above Genolier past the Joy Clinique, and happily there was no big heat in the day as we pulled up the hill towards Le Muid and then to a rest on a welcome bench on a ridge overlooking the valley to Bassins. The winding swoop down into the valley of the Ruisseau de la Combe was as fine as the climb back out up the otherside to Bassins was penible. From there it is only 2km to the top out of the day at Le Vaud at 815m.
Here the ride becomes really pleasant with more long swoops down through to Burtigny and then over the Champs de Montagny to Le Molard with wonderful views out over the Lac, over 300m below. A final run down into Gilly is always a pleasure – when you know that a large beer will be waiting on the terrace.
The lunch itself was good too. Some choosing roastbeef and chips, others the slow cooked pork. It was not crowded and the service was good.
All too soon it was time to pay the piper and get back out on the road. Normally the route home is uneventful, not quite so this time.
Just before Dullier as we were saying goodbye to Paul who was heading to Nyon for his train back to Geneva, Mervyn pressed hard on his pedals and one came off the crank.
It was indeed commendable that PD was carrying his bike tool enabling Mervyn to be repaired in quick time by Yvan. Mental note – make sure more of us carry bike repair kits. I always carry a first aid kit, but not often kit for my velo.
Paul duly waved us goodbye, and the main team approached L’Asse, noting much Paleo construction. Here in Mervyn’s own words “I was following someone(?) through L’Asse and missed the right turn”. Richard told me that Mervyn had done this on a previous ride, so I was less than very concerned that perhaps his bike had fallen apart again. In the event Yvan and he got home on their own route, possibly through Nyon.
From my house this was a 61.3km ride and 648m denivellation.
As I lay on the lawn at home with Kobie, my legs began to cramp up. I managed to rehydrate without too much problem, I hope others did too, especially Bill with his supper at the Barillette restaurant.
Next ride 11 July; onwards upwards.
Gin Hikers to Carroz Hut
20 June 2024
This was going to be a bit of touch and go. The weather forecast was iffy as well as being uncertain, but then I’m not so sure.. some softness was expected at first and a great deal of softness later.
9 hikers turned out at the parking at Tancouez near St Cergue just after 10 am on the second longest day of the year. Despite the forecast, there were no late withdrawals. My plan was to hike up to the Vermeilley Hut, then to the Carroz Hut and down to La Givrine returning on the little red train to St Cergue.
In no particular order we were :- Mervyn, Ross, Nicholas, Nathan, Marks 2ts and 2rs, Richard F, Peter S and me Peter T, with hounds Onyx and Kobie.
It was spitting with rain at the start but nine (Ok eleven) were mostly smiling :-
We paid for the parking (I had thought mistakenly that it was free there) and set off. Almost immediatley we entered a field of Alpine meadow flowers untouched by cattle herds – we were transported into Arcadia. With lifted spirits the misty rain seemed to disappear a little.
Upwards and onwards across cow pastures past Les Agozats and into the woods. The Leader was marked down a little for leading the team across/through a wire fence which required some acrobatic efforts to overcome – at least it was not electrified.
Once in the woods the rain became less of a factor and we were swiftly up past Mont Roux and into a section on the map marked as Pible à Gaudin. (I looked up “Pible” in Google and Chat GPT – it stumped them). Some gates with large latches followed and we reached a section which the leader had previously forewarned was “a little sketchy”. Encouragement was given to not lose heart, and off we set up into the wilderness, off trail. In fact the worst of it was the wet leaves of the greenery on the less than obvious and rather unused and sketchy path..
We were however soon up then down into Combe Froide, in our case Combe Damp.
Passing a farmer who advised cows were ahead we leashed the hounds and skirted round the electric fence to the Vermeilley Hut at 1320m. This is a nice eatery in winter but in summer it’s just a rather smelly cow hut, and although it was just after midday, it was not a suitable picnic spot. Besides, misty rain was blowing in still.
I must say I was impressed that there was not much of a mutiny when I urged us all on for another hour in search of the Carroz Hut where we might find a more suitable lunchery. After a bit of a tramp up the trans Jura Road we passed the same picnic spot where we had lunched three years before in sunshine, and I recall a bank of snow for the white wine.
We successfully reached the Carroz Hut at 1508m at 1pm or so, finding a work crew there doing remediation inside. Outside there was a choice, either sit at the nice new tables but somewhat exposed to the wind, or squat round the back on a low plank. We nearly all chose the former. Indeed it was breezy, but not too cold and the rain had stopped. Heck even the sun began to make an appearance.
We toasted absent friends with white and red, the dogs had pigs ears, sandwiches were munched in the wind, and finally we were treated to a magnificent view across the Lake to the Alps. These are the good days.
Forecast heavy rain had not materialsed – for once (again..) we were in luck. Realising we needed to get moving to catch the 14.48 train at La Givrine, the party was assembled for the downward trail.
The first half of this section involves a 2km gentle walk down through the most beautiful forests that the Jura have to offer. This area is well worth a visit.
We reached the road that leads to La Genolière (another winter hut for food but just a cowshed in summer) and turned right easily down to the station where we arrived with over 18 minutes to spare.
The train ride back to St Cergue preceded a short stroll back to the cars. Thanks to all who attended and for your forbearance in holding out til 1 pm for the lunch spot at Carroz which did the trick. And to him up there who provided some sun for our picnic. The rain came in later..
I received apologies from 10 or so including Rob, Thatcher, MikeH, MikeM, Rudi, Stephen, Bill, Philip, David and RichardS – I may have missed others. Sadly you all missed a decent hike in fine Jura country and Ok weather. 13.2 Km and 560m (thanks Nathan).
Hike from St. Cergue to the Barillette restaurant
The itinerary suggested for this outing was partly in the forest and partly in open areas. The climb and distance were moderate from St. Cergue to the Barillette restaurant.
Eleven hardy souls met at the small car park in St. Cergue. Mervyn’s friend Stephen joined the walk but could not stay to enjoy lunch with us and Ross had to cancel at the last minute due to illness.
The weather forecast was good for the morning but slight rain was predicted for mid-afternoon. For once Météo-Suisse was spot on. The rain began as expected at 15:15 slightly before we reached the cars.
We had plenty of time, so we began the hike with a short detour along the path Balade de Béatrix to a picnic area with a lovely view of the lake and its surroundings.
After this short pause, Nathan started down a rather steep path toward the original itinerary. Stephen suggested a different path with a gentler slope which was immediately accepted by a unanimous group vote.
The walk proceeded with no notable incident through to our next stopping point where bottles of wine suddenly appeared accompanied with some nosherai. Many thanks to Mervyn and Larry for the liquid refreshments.
Afterwards we headed toward the last bit, just below the restaurant, which was the most challenging part of the climb. Everyone managed without a single complaint.
The lunch went well and the group seemed to really appreciate my enormous effort to have exactly 10 participants when the bill arrived.
We returned along the same path we had taken in the morning. About three quarters of the way down I was woefully derelict in my leader duties and did not ensure that everyone was following. A few of the group lost sight of the others and missed a turn. Happily technology saved the day. A quick phone call and we were reunited just in time for the rain.
It was a pleasant hike in spite of getting wet at the end.
We also bid farewell to Larry who will soon leave on his annual trip to Canada.
***********************
Participants: Mervyn Powell, David Colledge, Nicolas Ulmer, Mark Warren, Thatcher Shellaby, Peter Drew, Larry French, Mark Watts, Stephen Langton, Andrew Neivens and myself.
Walking distance: 8.2km
Climbing distance: 445m