Category: Hiking

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.

Seven intrepid hikers (David, Frank, Mervyn,Paul, Rob, Werner and myself) met last Thursday at Les Bioux by the shores of the Lac de Joux and set off on an anti-clockwise direction around the lake.  The weather forecast had not been too promising, so we were all equipped to complete the circuit in comfort.  The path follows the shore very closely and is a mix of asphalt, grass, rocks, shingle and in places, wooden duckboards.  Being on schedule, we stopped for a welcome coffee break in Le Pont and then headed off towards our lunch destination.  After a short time, we were treated to the sight of a herd of chamois, who seemed quite unconcerned at our approach.

We arrived at Les Esserts-de-Rive all intending to have pizzas, but in the end, some of us had fillets de perche and the others, pasta with chanterelles.

The sun shone for the final push back to Les Bioux where cold beers were awaiting.  We had covered 23 kms and according to my GPS, had climbed a surprising 250 metres, considering that the path was relatively flat. Thanks to those that drove – David, Frank and Rob.

This was the last planned hike of the season, but hopefully we can squeeze in another one before the snows set in.

Mervyn had organised a challenging 3-day circuit anticlock-wise of the Dents-du-Midi starting at 1600m at Chindonne, an Auberge above the Valais. Eight of us gathered on the Tuesday 17 Sept, in promising weather, at 8 am, five of us had spent the night at Chindonne (some slept better than others).

Mervyn had assembled a crack sauntering team. Sadly missed were our hiking leader David C, Thatcher and Mark W1, Mark W2, and Peter D. In all then we were; Mervyn Powell, Philip Jenkins, Steve Long, Frank Ekman, Robert Pashley (Treasurer and keeper of the purse), Richard Saynor, and Peter Taylor. 46 km and 2600 m denivellation were promised, but I think the deni was higher, especially for three of us who ascended the Haute Cime.

Day 1 comprised a long traverse along the N side of the DdM, ascending and descending quite a bit (Nepali Flat). The path was narrow in places, some fine bridges were passed, the Dents loomed high above us, the views were sublime and the company was clearly in fine spirit. A chamois was spotted close to the path. Spirits were not dampened (much) by the surprise that the lunch-spot eatery was closed. As we descended in hot sun before the final 500m climb to the Susanfe Hut, Frank decided (wisely) that he had done enough and retired with dignity towards Champery and home. That final climb was impressive and quite tough involving narrow ledges and chains. An exhausted crew of 7 slumped into chairs at the hut at 2100m with welcome beers and a trio of sheep-dog puppies to play with, before a fine meal of soup, spaghetti carbonara and a dessert, washed down with some decent red wine that our Treasurer (as always) assured us we had the funds for. We toasted absent friends. Pass the Pig was played and Steve scored a big zero, Jeremy and Mervyn winning the rounds, but Richard scored highest in total.

Day 2. An early start after a good breakfast gave us access to the desolate Col de Susanfe some 400m above the hut in partial sun. Here the team split with 3 electing to try the ascent of Haut Cime up 765m to 3257m. The saner 4/7ths descended to the hut planned for that night, the Auberge de Salanfe at 1900m where they tucked into a large lunch (despite having packed lunches from the previous Cabane) and telephoto’d the HC team on the summit. The HC team had struggled up the steep, loose and seemingly precarious trail to the top for spectacular views and the spotting of a bird unkown to Philip. The descent was not as bad as we expected it to be and we met a biker hiking to the top with his machine. Meanwhile the Auberge team spent the afternoon at the arsenic mines, wondering what use the arsenic was mined for. They also played trains and speleo’d the mine a bit. After beer and hot showers we sat down a feast of pork and pasta, washed down with some excellent wine our Treasurer payed for. Pass the Pig was won by Grand-Hog Rob, winning both rounds, the second in one turn.

Day 3. Morning before dawn, the fog was dark and dank and we set off up to the Col de Jorat 400m above.  We caught glimpses of fabulous views through the spilling fog, out across the cloud blanket of the Valais, and up to the sunlit soaring towers of the Dents. An endless switchback path 1100m down to Mex challenged our limbs, but the coffee and tart we took there compensated somewhat. Oddly we were ahead of schedule, this had not been a day of pure sauntering. Too early for lunch we set off on a 3 hour and 600 m hike up back to Chindonne. Peter forsook the short-cut (for a change) but one member took it. Congratulatory beers were taken before a fine lunch provided by Edward the friendly American owner of the Chindonne Auberge. Thanks to Mervyn for organising impeccably, to Rob for keeping our finances regular and to all for their fun and good company.

Photos with more to follow from the team

Peter’s iPhone :  https://photos.app.goo.gl/scsF2ANn9sq7bC1u5

Richard’s photo selection : https://photos.app.goo.gl/sD8XJVhcfb3HrYAc9

 

 

 

29 Aug 19. Richard Saynor led a fine hike up almost 1000 m in fine weather from la Chèvrerie. Our team with Richard comprised Mervyn, Philip, Frank and PeterT. Lunch on the summit of the Pt de la Chalune (2116m) gave us a fantastic view across atmospheric mountains. A circuit of the peak concluded we enjoyed a welcome beer at the hostelry. Magical day. Thanks Richard.

Summit photo. Peter, Philip, Richard, Mervyn, Frank (in front)

 

15 Aug 2019. A team of six started out on the 720m ascent from Noiraigue to the Creux du Van (in the Jura above Lac Neuchatel) on a day promising mixed weather. In the event a pleasant hike, masterminded by our intrepid leader Peter Drew, up took us to a superb overlook and the start of the Creux itself and where we were joined by the general populace who had walked over from the upper car parks. A quick shower (which brought out some interesting gear) refreshed us and we were soon back down into the dryer forest and a very convivial and warm lunch at Ferme Robert, where all but one of us had saucisse rôti and röesti but where all was washed down with the usual fine beers. A very pleasant visit to this Swiss treasure.

Peter, Mark, Peter