We were lucky with the weather. The morning was bright and clear but with a cold Bise blowing. Sixteen of us assembled before 10:00 in the Arboretum car park for a coffee and chat before setting out on the walk.
Unfortunately all the magnolia blossom was killed off by the hard frost the previous week, which nullified the declared intent, but we still enjoyed a very pleasant stroll of about 5km through this beautiful park. The total denivelation was about 200m, more than usual for the walking group, which led to some grumbles which were completely ignored by the leader.
We all got back to the cars and set off home by 12:30. Some of us apparently enjoyed the route so much that they then tried to retrace it by car!! They know who they are!!
The team
Left to right: Rob Mackenzie, John Burley, Philip Jenkins, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, Dave Gernandt, Bryan Clark, Alan Baker, Thatcher Shellaby, Michael Hempstead, Tim Goodyear, Drew Meek, Brian Allardyce, John Webb, Mark Warren, Mark Watts (behind the camera).Tarn with blasted magnoliaSense of balance requiredAubonne’s electricity sourceSome usual suspects
April Fools Day. But the weather did not fool us and it was a sunny and warm start for four of us from the parking in the forest above Trelex. Rob, Thatcher, Mark Warren and myself. Having read that the IWCN rules require members to arrive 15 minutes early, I arrived well before 10am, as did the others so we set off at 9.58am. Unhappily however, Stephen had mentioned during a beer after an exhausting bike ride 2 days earlier that he would also join the hike, but I had forgotten this as I had no paper work in front of me. After 7 minutes along the trail I got a call from the slightly late Mr Long. Rob went back to fetch him and after apologies from the leader for being an April Fool the five of us started up the dry and stony trail through stunted oak and beech towards a distant St Cergue.
The initial sparsely wooded ridge allowed expansive views across the forested valley to Genolier and back in the other direction to Geneva and the Alps. Not a cloud in the sky! It was T shirt weather. The unvaccinated among us had our vaccine dates fixed so we were in good cheer. Life was good and the banter steered clear of Scottish politics. Some worries surfaced of the impending French lockdown and its impact on upcoming golf plans. Passing 10 minutes on the sturdy commune bench allowed us to gird ourselves for the steep hike ahead. The leader had only a sketchy knowledge of a middle section resulting in a “holiday-route” up though brambles and some words for the leader, but we were soon back on the trail. We encountered large boundary stones with “SC” and “N” carved on either side (answers on a postcard). A path to the right then skirted a cliff and led up to the under-girth of St Cergue. The cone of snow cleared from St Cergue streets blocked the track but we were soon past and had an encounter with three chamois. There followed an enjoyable picnic lunch on benches overlooking the valley out to Mt Blanc in the distance. Johannisburg, NegroAmaro and Lagavulin were on the drinks card.
Our descent commenced along the cliff to the parapente overlook and the usual amazing view. Rob provided impeccable guidance back down trails he runs up and down regularly, and added a fine detour through the gorge. We were soon back at the cars – a good first outing 2021. 580m denivellation and 12.5 km.
Apologies : Peter D, Richard, Paul, Gerry, Mark, Philip and others – who missed a sunny and pleasant hike.
Thatcher, Mark, Rob and Stephen ready for the hill behind them.Stephen leads us towards St C. Thatcher ascending. Edited in Prisma app with Thota VaikuntamStephen serves the redRob serves Lagavulin. Edited in Prisma app with Thota VaikuntamReliving rock – the first move only
A bright day dawned again as promised as a team of 7 plus one very junior and furry non-member arrived at the empty parking Col at Givrine at 10 am for a circuit into the Jura. Captain Mark Warren inspected the conditions near the start and declared that snow shoes were not essential nor even recommended and so we all left them behind and set off into the unknown heading up past the Fruitière de Nyon and up to the Rochefort CAS Cabane. Kobie the Cobberdog was attending his first GIN outing, and for it not to be the last, Peter was keen that his copy-book would not be blotted such that the (rather untrained) hound might not be banned from future outings. Still ungroomed at 9 months, he rather resembled a small, or perhaps large, furry yeti. Used as therapy dogs, Peter hoped that his happy countenance would fit in with the fun spirit of the members.
After an hour or so of steady progress with the yeti seemingly under control we reached a hut on the Route de Combe Grasse with a sunny facade and some useful logs for stools. A coffee stop was declared and curtesy of Mervyn’s thoughtful generosity some good hot dark strong stuff was passed around with fresh croissants. It was going to be a challenge to keep the yeti from whipping our pastries, especially for Rob to whom Kobie was particularly attracted and who had an elevation challenge. In the event Kobie played the coffee cup game to keep us amused.
My recollection of the discussions on the hike remain clouded by doggy thoughts, but I believe we recovered the usual ground of Scottish (in)dependance, whisky subtleties, vaccination politics, French and Swiss mismanagement, Trumpism and world struggles. I recall one member saying that in order to ensure he got a high place in the queue for vaccination he might claim obesity and “stick his stomach out at the doctor”. Another member commented “you don’t need to bother doing that”.
The trail led us on up to Cabane Rochefort and we spotted two chamois scampering across the slope ahead. Kobie was sinking into the heavy snow off the trail and even if interested had no chance. At the CAS hut we sprawled out on the outside picnic benches in warm sun and in shelter with hazy views out over Lac Leman. Perhaps the level of dog control could be improved at lunches in future and I apologise here to attendees for any inconvenience or nibbled turnovers. This time convivialities started with Stephen’s Prosecco and moved on to white wines before grappa and some of Rob’s flask contents. A very pleasant picnic indeed.
All too soon we had to part and the hound led us out toward the Chalet du Haut Mont and the Chalet de la Genolière. In places snow shoes might have been useful but we managed successfully, finding the coffee stop (thanks Stephen) at CdlG most welcome, as did Kobie who frolicked merrily with the resident terrier.
We were soon back at Givrine after a very pleasant 10km and 300m hike on snow without raquettes. The verdict on Kobie seemed potentially positive…
In attendance:- David, Marks Wn, Mervyn, Peter, Richard, Rob, Stephen, Kobie.
PS : The next day Kobie was exhausted and we started to groom him. Training awaits too.
Onwards to the Hiking season proper.
The outward trailCoffee stop. Mervyn distributes coffee and croissants. Rob saves his croissant from a yeti.Kobie plays the coffee cup gameLunch at Cabane Rochefort. Richard enjoys a chicken and leek turnover, er, handover..Lunch crew readying to leaveOne man and his yetiKobie waits for the team to catch upThe home strait
It is my privilege and honour to be taking over the hiking lead role from David who has valiantly led the group for several years but has now passed it on to me (we should have a celebratory lunch in his honour). It was a difficult year for hiking but we managed some good outings last year. Let’s home for a decent unlocking and for more happy days in the sunny uplands.
As before the schedule will involve alternate Thursdays with perhaps a longer outing in mid September, with volunteers stepping up to lead as they choose. There is so much to aim at and perhaps with varying levels of challenge and difficulty to suit the capabilities and desires of the electorate. Before the pandemic we used to meet up at the Divonne Lake carpark in France. Maybe we could return to that sometime soon. We shall also aim to include lunch terraces where this is possible.
A key feature of our hikes should be safety. I will be carrying a first aid kit. We shall consider plan B escape routes where needed.
I have put my name down for 4. Please feel free to let me know if you will lead a hike (or two) of your choice with selected date(s). Ideas for the Long”weekend” in September are also welcome.
Outline Schedule (If the forecast is poor then we may postpone etc or abandon as fits).
April 1 Peter (to be advised late March) April 15 April 29 May 13 May 27 Peter June 10 June 24 Aug 5 Aug 19 Sept 2 Peter Sept 16 (Long “weekend”) Sept 30 Oct 14 Oct 28 Peter
It is likely that Stephen will choose the other alternate Thursdays for bike outings.
I will send out a separate list of ideas for possible hikes, shortly.
Looking forward to a safe and virus free year in the hills.
A fine day for a rapid hike up the “secret” and secluded path from low (648m) down on the St Cergue Road, to the Barillette restaurant (closed in the pandemic) at 1447m. 800m then. No need for a picnic, this was to be a training “raid”.
Mervyn called off for a valid reason and Peter D is not available Fridays. All our French crew were locked down. Others were isolating. So a small band, Mark Watts, Rob, Steve and myself launched up the trail.
It was sunnyish but cool weather, with a fresh dusting of snow above 1100m that made the upper forest look like Schilligers before Xmas. We made it up in 1h 45m and down in 1h 20m. We were back home for an early lunch. It was good to feel the snow again and even better to sip some Scottish fluid at the high point. Now the secret is getting out, about this straight-up training trail – to try to get fit on. NB – sticks are useful.
Leaving the track for the forest pathThe seat of the powderSteepest sectionAt the high point (I had cleared several centimetres of powder from the seat).At the high point 2.Team starting the descent.
A short hike to take advantage of the warmer weather and get the CH contingent out on the hill, sadly missing our French chums in their second lockdown.
A group of six assembled at La Givrine (1208m) to attempt an ascent of our local peak by a little-known route, via the Pointes de Fin Chateau and Poéle Chaud. Peter T’s luck held as he found the right combination of unmarked paths (to Paradise) up through remote woods to the ridge near the PdFC (1555m) emerging to sunlight and magnificent view. The clear air allowed views for miles and miles to far mountain horizons. We meandered up to the Pointe de Poéle Chaud (1628m) from where we spotted 5 chamois disporting themselves in the autumn light. A warm wind was blowing and Peter D was indeed brave to be up and about in his shorts (this is November !).
A traverse of the Col de Porte (1558m) allowed a final pull up to La Dôle (1677m) from which the view was even more magnificent. We sat out of the wind by the huge golf ball eating sandwiches and supping the necessary beer and wine; Mervyn excelled himself by carrying a bottle of Dôle to the summit of La Dôle with not a drop passing his lips – he is attempting to achieve a dry November. Chilled white was followed by warmer reds (the Dôle and a Montepulciano), a fine temperance hike for the rest of us – albeit the Scottish fluid was not in evidence. We raised a glass to absent friends.
After picking out distant peaks including the Matterhorn, we eventually gathered ourselves together for the relatively simple descent back down the ski run and forest trail to Couvaloup, then getting very close to the quiescent locked-down border, meandering in warming sun back to the cars at Givrine. An early return allowed time for chores, me to help with gardening and make a déchetterie run. Attending : David C, Mark Watts, Mervyn, Peter D and Peter T, Rob.
We reach the ridge and the sun.View from the ridge to the Alps on or way up to the Pointe de Poéle Chaud. (Colledge)And another
Looking back to the Col de Porte and the Pointe de Poéle Chaud from the Dôle ridge.
Doling out Dôle on La Dôle by dry Mervyn.Usual shotSurveying paradiseEssential kit for a serious temperance hike. (Powell).
Leader Mark Watts had proposed a challenging day – ascent by the Orbojet Cave, lunch at the Auberge des Montagnards at La Croisette, traverse of the Salève summit, descent by the Grand Gorge and return to Le Coin.
Refreshingly perfect weather saw 10 (Mark W and Mark W, Mervyn, Steve, David, Rob, Philip, Richard Wiley, Drew, and Peter T) of us assemble at 10am at Le Coin, minus Arthur, honorary member, who had apparently had to isolate after some of his family (or their contacts) tested positive for Covid. Next time Arthur.
We rose steadily up the switchback path, mildly damp in places from previous days, but with not yet many fallen leaves. Steve and I went ahead to research Le Coratterie, while the main team explored the Orbojet cave at leisure.
Spectacular views of the Alps and the valley of Geneva at the top were revitalising with not a cloud in sight and hardly a breath of wind. More revitalising were the beers and convivial lunch, beef, frites, quiches and tart myrtille. In view of the impending difficult and somewhat arduous descent of the Grand Gorge to come, perhaps as a nod to safety, little Scottish fluid was evident, albeit it could be found.
Setting off from the Auberge, although some missed recognising them, the main group encountered Pamela Harris and Alan Norton. Well met, Pam signed a couple of our guide books. On the summit plateau sleepy cows framed the Alps while large white sheepdogs jealously guarded a large flock of sheep and goats.
So to the bombe surprise, the Grand Gorge proved indeed a long, tiresome, steep and somewhat tricky descent, with endless slippy switchbacks. Eventually however remnant stragglers meandered safely back to Le Coin under swooping parapenters in glorious sunshine. Philip even got a ride in a Porsche. Between 700m and 800m deniv, and 14.5 to 17 km according to variants. A great day out which required hot bath followed by Scottish fluid or similar to effect a start to recovery. Merci Mark!
Orbojet explorersOrbojet advance/variant partySteve on the Coratterie variantSteve and GenevaTart timeTart 2Tart 3Not the Swiss flag…Cow summitCow summit 2Summit party with Mark WattsSummit party with Richard WileyStarting the Grand Gorge descent – some roads lead to pain…Parapente afternoon – looking back up. Shame we could not finish with a beer.
Steve recalibrated this hike after the weather forecast seemed to preclude Morgins and the higher hills. Instead he chose the Barillette attracting a further 9 of us who signed up for the promise of a good hike and the possibility of a tasty fondue. Initial attempts to find the right trail were frustrated by loggers and at one point we descended back 60m downhill on the trail of pain. Happily Steve found the trail to paradise and even the sun came out. About 1000m up and about 3 hours of gently toil saw us at the mast for reasonable views over the lake.
Lunch at the Barillette was indeed worth the hike and we shared the cheerful room with a group of Swiss trekking tennis players who included a Swiss horn player. After beer, wine and a fine fondue (for 80% of us), and some Scottish fluid, we were serenaded to some fine horn playing/wind music. Tarte maison, coffee slipped down well and we fell out into some wet weather, but actually it stopped pretty soon and we enjoyed a pleasant descent to the cars at Bonmont (albeit some Bonmont regulars did not recognise the Bonmont cycle road and attempted a repeat ascent). Attending Steve, David, Philip, Mark W and Mark W, Mervyn, Peter T, Richard, Rob and Thatcher. Apologies from Drew M and Peter D. Total up 1030m. Distance unknown to me. Just in time before really bad weather came in, including snow to 1200m predicted.
Sun comes out on the ascentApproaching the summitThree hour before the mastFondu full aheadWith ChasselasThe Schublig and chips end Mark dips in Horn corner concertoFilming the hornThe Hornli Hut..Mike Horn ?Actually Pascal Loutan loutanp@gmail.com – Cor Des Alpes, Architecture, Atelier Proteger
Message from our leader.
Thanks for your patience as I considered the similar-looking roads to paradise or pain (and sometimes made the incorrect decision). However, we reached paradise (the Barillette restaurant) at the alloted hour and managed to avoid the pain of the real storm that hit later in the evening. We lost electricity for half an hour in the evening after one impressive lightening strike. As you say, a memorable walk for the turn out, the restaurant, the alcoholic consumption and, of course, the alphorn playing. Looking forward to reading the blog! Regards to all,Stephen
A motley crew of 8 led by Rob Pashley started off from the Col du Marchairuz 1448m in fresh mountain air at 9 am in fine sunny weather. David C, Drew, Mark (Watts), Mervyn, Richard S, and two Peters D and T were in attendance. Fresh dew and sparkling light saw us swiftly across to Mt Tendre 1678m in regulation 2.5 hours, after much up and down. Spotting the Chalet du Mt Tendre a kilometre further away and 60m down we arrived for an unexpected terrace lunch involving beer and various versions of rösti, assisted by Canadian, Italian and Scottish firewater which helped the coffees go down, as well as speed the return traverse. On the way back, Rob’s pork pie which was beginning to get legs of its own was torn apart by voracious hikers. Great views and a fine hike were rounded off by beers and panachés at Marchairuz. Memorable again. According to Richard, grosso modo, 17 km and 700 m denivellation.
View back from Mt TendreLiquid end of lunchLunch Chalet du Mont TendreDavid looking cool Rob’s pork pie gets devoured Mervyn, Drew, Rob and Peter. Last of the summer wine.. It all ends with beer Local surveillanceSummit photo Drew, David, Mark, Mervyn, Richard, Peter, Peter, Rob
A small team of 3 assembled at 9 bells on the Col de la Columbière in fair weather, promising heat. Our route in Guide Franck was described as 618m dénivellation, and 3.5 hours. We had a suspicion, proved correct later, that it was closer to 980m and 6 hours with stops. We left the crowds at the Col (oddly, all going up the other side of the Col from us) and after a pleasant traverse we headed up through la Combe des Fours (with distant bouqetin) and on up left on a narrowing flower-filled crest to the Pd’A. Over 30 lammergeiers were whirling in front, behind, above and below us as we gazed out on fantastic views including the dominant N face of Pte Percée and lady Mt Blanc in the wings. Returning via the same route then up towards Tête d’Auferrand where we took lunch and some reviving Scottish fluid. Fine views of the Jalouvre from the top of the Td’A gave rise to an interesting descent to the Col and large panachées. Attending and suffering from leg cramp – Richard, Robert, Peter. August apologies – from the rest of the team.
The hike in Guide FranckTraverse from the Col de la ColombièreOven like heat in la Combe des FoursFlowery path to the Pt d’AlmetThe summit view back to the flowery path on the right of the forepeak. Notice large drop…Summit view. Col des Ânes, Pte Percée, Aravis, and Mt Blanc. With lammergeiers. Richard descending from the summit. Wider view of the ridge back to the Pd’A Descending the ridge.Lunch remotely captured.Col de la Colombière with Jalouvre and Pt Blanche. Interesting descent coming, followed by welcome Panachées.
