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Divonne- Mont Mourex-L’Accord Parfait- Divonne

As the leader for the day pointed out, snowshoes were not needed for this hike on Mont Mourex and Mont Mussy. The spring-like weather of the week before had reduced snow levels on the Jura and, despite some new coverage, the decision was taken to reduce altitude level to try and stay on relative firm ground. As it turned out the weather forecast for the day was unsettled and as we gathered in the car park next to the old station in Divonne it was indeed trying to rain as well as blowing a cold wind.

Eight intrepid GIN Snowshoers turned up on time (well almost) with two canine friends (Kobi and Rocco) happy to see each other and join in the circuit. Stephen (leader for the day) Mike H, Nathan, Richard S, Mark 2Ts, Peter T, Peter S and Ross made up the starting group. We set off through the Divonne housing in the direction of Les Crottes and onto the Chemin de Tir where the road melted into a track leading along the base of Mont Mussy to Mourex. Helpful “Deviation” signs showed us the way….intended for traffic but somehow seemed suitable for this group. Happily, any deviating individual had been properly admonished on the last snowshoe outing, consequently solidarity with the leader’s directions was unflinching.

Along the way, we experienced some unexpected hail and an attempt at snow but also some sunshine. Arriving at the road leading up through Mourex, several of the group, who are also members of the Biking Group, recalled the hard slog in the saddle up this hill from the old train track below. This forms part of the famous 3 hills circuit pioneered by Peter D. We followed the road up through the village until we reached the parking for Mont Mourex. At this point, our canine presence was swollen by a dog walking group of at least 8 dogs of various sizes and breeds. Extracting Kobi and Rocco took a little time.

We completed the hike up to the highest point (755m) where the vantage point and circular tableau offered not only a superb view but also a useful bar and table, albeit a little wet and slippery. The cold wind didn’t allow the Puglian Primativo to be enjoyed at it’s best and even the spirit bottle of many names was untouched in favour of Mark’s warm coffee. (That could also be due to the fact that it’s contents were unchanged from the previous outing and our memories of that tasting experience are still fresh). However, the increasing number of snacks that appear on these outings were happily consumed in an attempt to provide insulating fat and ballast.

Highest point – Mont Mourex

The “bar” in action

A happier Mike………amazing what abstinence can do

At this point the leader suggested retracing our steps to the car park to enable joining the track leading around the far side of the hill. Despite seasoned voices suggesting that there was indeed an alternative route to achieving this aim, not requiring backtracking, solidarity and compliance with the leader’s pre-determined route prevailed. As it transpired, this allowed a second encounter with the dog walkers and their canine posse, much to the delight of our two dogs.

With only occasional stops to ensure that we were taking the correct forks in the track, we arrived at the parking by the Ferme de Mussy. At this point Peter T, Ross and Peter S took the direct route back to the cars, foregoing the pleasures of L’Accord Parfait. In Peter T’s case this was probably due to concern that Kobi would ensure that he didn’t need a doggy bag as he would have benefitted from a tour of the restaurant and kitchen, sampling from any plate left unattended.

The five lunch-goers took the small meandering path to the back of the restaurant and arrived after a Tayloresque off-piste steep descent. Why there is no formal path down is a mystery. We joined Mark 2Rs who had arrived separately, recovering from a flu/fever but well enough to have ordered and consumed a kir prior to our appearance.

Beers were ordered and a bottle of Argentinian Malbec (at the correct temperature). All but Richard and Stephen opted for the menu du jour. This comprised of a salad and meat croute starter, sausage and mash, and an ice-cream dessert all for an amazing 19Euro. Richard and Stephen went for the more modest coquelet with fries, “modest” being relative only to the set menu lunch as Richard took half of his lunch away with him for later and Mike managed to find room for excess fries. Rocco behaved almost impeccably under the table apart from his penchant for destroying serviettes. He won over the waitress who ensured that he had adequate water. Conversation was varied and interesting, as usual, but don’t expect me to remember the details…..I was struggling with eating all that chicken meat.

Contemplation of the sizeable main course of the menu du jour…..the coquelet is arriving in the background

Lunch and dinner for one

The walk from the restaurant back to the parking by the old station was uneventful. It was a shame that the first part had to be along the main road but there was no appetite for a rescaling of the off-piste to the woodland path. Mark 2Rs took us on a shortcut alongside the chateau to enable not only seeing property in an unknown part of Divonne but also ensuring that siestas were not delayed further.

Consensus was that we covered ca. 12kms and climbed 365m.

There was much enthusiasm when I suggested one of our classic outings to Franck’s, but unfortunately several of our stalwarts were otherwise engaged, often apparently engaged in zipping up and down ski slopes.  Anyway, in the end, nine of us met up at the large car park at the Crozet lift station at 10.00.  We were very pleased to welcome a new member, Michael Matthews from Arzier who fitted the GIN mold perfectly. 

After paying our €9 lift fee, we left the grey and rainy car park which is at about 600m and took the Fierney cable car up to the top station at 1300m into a completely different world.  No question about whether to use snowshoes or not, so everyone buckled up quickly and we set off in our usual Northerly direction across the bottom of the ski pistes. 

The route was somewhat indistinct, there were no previous footprints to follow, but we had a fairly good idea of where to go.  It was quite hard going (for some of us, mostly me) through the reasonably-deep snow and we wound our way upwards. There were a few tumbles in the powder, but no harm done, fortunately.

At one point Peter and Kobie decided to take a narrow path or ledge above us and it soon became evident that it was perhaps not the best choice.  Peter adopted a hybrid approach with one boot and one snowshoe but soon had to abandon even that innovation and slide down to us.

The team strung out but we gathered at the table d’orientation at the Col de Crozet (1485m) and consumed coffee and who knows what from a small flask! 

The clouds were lowering as we left the viewpoint, and landmarks were disappearing so there was some discussion about the direction to take towards the Catheline lift station.  Peter and Nathan seemed confident and led us unerringly to the said goal.  We crossed the wide ski slopes and entered the small track through the snow-laden trees to cover the 1km or so to La Loge. 

Franck, Cathy and Laos, their Australian sheepdog, were there to welcome us and he (Laos) and Kobie were pleased to rub noses.  After an assortment of drinks, we were offered a choice of croute au fromage and salad or saucisse and lentils.  The, as usual, hearty meals followed by brownies and crème anglaise were washed down by various liquids. 

Franck went to some lengths to excuse the fact that there was no tarte au myrtilles as the Catheline lift had been out of action due to variations in snow cover, so supplies were limited.  He said that one day, a metre of snow outside disappeared within 24 hours and all became green outside.  No such problems today as we could see that it was snowing quite hard outside.  Many interesting discussions took place, often involving a certain Mr T across the pond, whilst Kobie did the rounds to check on anything edible for him.  Cathy told us that he was in the rubbish bin in the kitchen at one point! 

Franck then brought out the shot glasses and served us the traditional génépi from a large container.  When the bill arrived, this was offered as well as the coffee and we all happily paid the princely sum of €25.

Snowshoes donned, we trudged back to the Catheline through an even more magical forest and then followed the direct route back to Fierney at the side of the ski pistes, only being warned once by an irate skier to keep well away from him. 

We arrived back at the top station with less than a quarter of an hour before it closed, thankful not to have to walk all the way down.

Everyone agreed that the hike had lived up to its reputation as one of our classics and we were blessed with copious amounts of snow.

Personally, I struggled with my fitness on the uphill stretches, possibly due to my treatment last year, but possibly because I seemed to have developed a chest cold in the evening.  Whatever, I am really indebted to everyone’s patience and caring which illustrates the wonderful camaraderie amongst our GIN members.  Long may it continue!

Our hike was carried out under the shadow of events in La Cure whereby Chez Mamac was burnt to the ground on Monday night and the perpetrator was fortunately prevented from doing the same to the Vermeilley later on.  One of our favourite lunch spots lost, but happily one saved.

Thanks to everyone who sent photos – the 2 Peters, Mark 2tts and Michael.

Present: Peters S and T, Marks 2rrs and 2tts, Andrew, Nathan, David, Michael and myself.

Distance by my Garmin watch: 6.25, Dénivellation: 298 metres.

Would we or wouldn’t we?  There was some speculation on Wednesday as to whether we should trust the everchanging weather forecasts and proceed with the annual LdeJ hike.  In the end, six of us showed up, three (Mervyn, Peter S and yours truly) in Divonne and Rob, Richard W and Andrew met us at the parking spot at the Geneva end of the lake.  We had a few spots of rain on the way up, but it was dry at the meeting place.  Noting that the weather was only 5 degrees up there, most opted for long trousers except for our hardy Scotsman who had decided to display his bare legs.  We set off in a clockwise direction on somewhat muddy paths until we reached a boardwalk that one of our number tested the slipperyness of, thankfully with no painful results.  Progress was swift but we resisted the temptation to stop at the Bellevue Hotel at Le Rocheray for a coffee and ploughed on admiring the views across the lake.

The lake level was high and we enjoyed the rocky path right by the clear water. 

Stops were made for comfort breaks and photo opportunities on sandspits and then we climbed to about 100 metres above the lake where the inevitable refreshment was proffered, a very acceptable nip of Glenmorangie, thanks Richard!   A phone call was made to the resto to confirm numbers and timing and we set off past some bungalows of the charmingly-named settlement of Le Lieu.  Two chamois in the road eyed us cautiously followed by two more and as we entered the woods, a group of six were meandering around on the path. 

A few minutes later, we encountered a herd of about 20 grazers and shortly after, a larger group of 40.  It was certainly a record to see 70 chamois which included several very young “bambis”!

Our rocky and rooty path dropped down steeply almost to lake level and I needed to take a breather on a convenient bench.  Then our shorts-wearing member arrived complaining about a pulled tendon, so various piggybacking options were considered, and rejected.  Anyway, he soldiered on with gritted teeth and we reached our goal which was the Brasserie des Combières.   

Locally-brewed ales were ordered as was the plat du jour which turned out to be a very large entrecôte with all the trimmings.  I haven’t fully regained my taste buds or full appetite but I was assured that the meal was a definite  improvement on last year’s offerings (the resto is under new management).  The steak was far too large for me but I’m sure Peter S’s hound benefited that evening.

As usual, there was an eclectic range of subjects discussed, including postprandial naps, US elections and misogyny, hearing tests, doggy diets, UK politics, phone contracts, rugby, beer and wine barrels, and of course, how could we not – Scottish Independence!

After desserts and coffees, some  more Glenmorangie (courtesy of Rob this time) and some nocino di Modena from my magic bottle which startled the palates of the participants, there was little appetite to continue walking around the lake for another two hours or more.  So we repaired to the gare in Le Pont and caught the little red and white train back to Le Solliat, about a kilometre from where the cars were parked.  Our whole hike had been without rain and indeed we enjoyed quite a lot of sunshine and eventually, a balmy 11 degrees!  As I write this on Friday morning, I hear that it’s snowing in St Cergue – snowshoeing may not be far away!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow hikers for their encouragement and concern on what was my first hike for over 4 months, and also to all my dear GIN friends whose good wishes have helped me get through a difficult period of my life.

Our hike was about 14kms and just over 200 metres dénivellation.

Robert, I can recommend Dr Berguiga at Vision Future Nyon. Regards, Drew Meek

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

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

A “Tonic” outing on an “unofficial” GIN snowshoe day

To the minds of many, there is nothing like a gin and tonic with a good amount of ice. However, when the person who chooses the best gin is absent we have to at least enjoy a good tonic with ice. On this occasion, our usual leader Mark2Rs was not available and PeterT, who had suggested the outing, had fallen on the ice earlier in the week and damaged his knee. Happily, Rob stepped into the vacant leadership role to save the day and ensure this “tonic” snowshoe outing.

Eleven participants had signed up for the day…..a remarkable number given the weather earlier in the week. But Metéo Suisse promised better for this Thursday and, knowing that there would be new snow on the Jura, we were keen to dust off the snow shoes and start the season. In the event, we were a round 10 in number as our newest recruit, Stephen Langton, a friend of Mervyn’s, wasn’t able to come. He had kindly offered to host drinks in St. Cergue after the outing. Maybe, he hadn’t realised the numbers or maybe had heard of the insatiable thirst of the GIN members, but at the last moment had to pull out. Unfortunately, for him it was another GINjury: he as well had slipped on the ice, damaged his knee and was not up to the outing. So in the end Rob, Mervyn, Andrew, PeterS, MikeM, David, Nathan, Drew, Richard and Stephen met up at the now toll-free parking at Tancouex, St. Cergue. Drew was particularly visible in bright orange trousers….a practical advantage for anyone not wishing to be left behind.

Can anyone find Drew?

We all donned our snow shoes and headed off in the direction remembered from an earlier hike. It was a little overcast and certainly chilly. As we climbed, more blue appeared in the sky and more red in our cheeks. Despite some early uncertainty, Rob soon got into his stride and led us unerringly toward the Fruitières de Nyon, our first high point. Here we stopped to admire the splendid view of Mont Blanc and the Alps, across snow fields sparkling in the sunshine, and allowed a moment to catch our breath and for some of us to refresh ourselves with a little nip from Richard’s bottomless (and unfathomable), multi-labelled flask. There was some discussion as to the name of this vantage point but the signpost had the deciding vote: “Chalet Devant”.

The fantastic view from Chalet Devant, Fruitières de Nyon

From here, we walked down and then up, through untrodden snow past the refuge and towards Genolière. Stephen was encouraged to take the lead as the short steps of our vertically-challenged leader didn’t satisfy the needs of all the snowshoers in terms of providing broken snow at the correct frequency. (The same was said of Stephen, but in the other sense of frequency). As we emerged from the trees we had a beautiful scene of virgin snow and white, laden trees in glorious sunshine. Such was the euphoria, that at one stage Rob was seen running through the deep snow in his snow shoes…..he didn’t maintain that for long! Once on the main track, a short walk allowed us to reach our luncheon destination but not without a final surge by Richard through unbroken snow, seemingly a short cut but in reality a lot harder work for the front runners.

The hard climb up through new snow was well worth the effort.

All downhill from here

The Genolière was ready and waiting for our custom. A short discussion resulted in us deciding to eat inside, our years of experience suggesting that the deceptive outside warmth of the sun would soon dissipate once we were sat and stationary. Mervyn gave proof of the cooling down as he steamed in the draught of the open door.

Mervyn cooling off and in need of a beer

Beers were ordered and consumed. Stephen hoarded the empty re-closable ceramic topped bottled as a useful addition to his home brew beer storage. Charcuterie was ordered by Rob whilst 90% of us waited for fondue to be made (Nathan, the other 10%, opting for a rösti dish). The charcuterie took a time in arriving at which stage we could confirm that Rob hadn’t ordered the charcuterie when the waitress asked if we wanted some. A classic example of how a Scotsman can say “no” when he thinks he says “yes”……no wonder the confusion over Scottish independence.

Simple food in good company

As wine replaced beer (being the preferred accompaniment to cheese fondue) and was eventually replaced by spiritual offerings from Rob and Drew, we sank into a happy contentment and the usual diverse banter. Absent friends were duly remembered. We eventually realised that we would have to leave, as all other clients had vacated the premises, and a proposal was accepted by the majority to take the direct route back to the car park, across unchartered territory, as opposed to the easier walk to La Givrine and the train back to St.Cergue. A couple of wise renegades (Drew and Mike) preferred the Givrine option and headed off at speed in order to catch the hourly train. The peloton searched in vain for a path back down to Tancouex and so ended up following the leaders, at an even greater speed, in order not to miss the train. Happily, we all made it with minutes to spare, and agreed that this was the best option and that we must have been unduly influenced by the good food, wine and company into thinking of any other route.

Happy in the false believe that they could find a short cut down

A short walk, with snow shoes no longer needed, from the train station back to the car park, allowed time to reflect on the good fortune we have in being able to enjoy such a day with excellent companions. On this occasion, the “tonic” was epic, the snowy ice was plentiful and the official “GIN” nomenclature was not missed! The participants enjoyed a memorable first snowshoe of the season and could only feel sorry for those who were unable to join us.

On Thursday, 10 GIN snowshoers thoroughly enjoyed the first outing of the winter from St Cergue to the buvette La Genolière.  When I returned home, I had a message from my elder son Tim who lives in St Cergue saying he would pop in for a cup of tea.  During the course of our chat, he mentioned that Cristina, his partner, had been driving up the Route Blanche to St Cergue the previous evening at around 18.00 when she saw a long lead trailing in the road being passed on either side by drivers rushing home after work.  Nobody was around so being the caring person that she is and a true cynophile, she stopped and put on her hazard lights. Spotting the small hound she pulled over and parked by which time the dog had run into the forest.  She called the dog and after a short time it ran back to her and when she opened the car door, it jumped in!

Although the little terrier was very dirty and the car was going to be sold in two days’ time, Cristina settled her on the seat and drove the remaining few corners to St Cergue and took her home.  Tim’s dog Spencer, an Australian shepherd, was delighted to meet her and she was given a couple of treats to calm her down.  Luckily, there was a phone number on her collar so Tim rang it and the owners collected her within the hour.

Tim mentioned to me that the owners lived in Nyon and the dog had a long lead and was called Nessie.  This struck a cord with me and I asked if the lead was pink by any chance?  When I suggested that the owner was Mike Muller, he said “yes, it was”!  I was astounded as this was such an unbelievable coincidence because I had just been snowshoeing with Mike a few hours earlier! I did a video WhatsApp with Mike and showed him Tim and Spencer, when it suddenly twigged with him that they were Nessie’s saviours!  It appears that she had strayed from Mike’s wife at about 16.00 and must have travelled over 2kms up through the forest and on roads to where she was found.  Tim was able to furnish details of GPS trackers to Mike so that Nessie can be located in future when she decides to go exploring!

That’s one very lucky doggy and two very happy owners!

Nessie on her pink lead

Rain, rain go away, come back another day

The BLeader, in conjunction with Metéo Suisse, decided that the November rain was over and that this Thursday would allow a return to the saddle for the GIN Bikers. Three other members subscribed to this viewpoint or didn’t have suitable excuses to avoid the outing and Rudi made it clear that his participation depended upon dry conditions. So, Stephen, PeterD, Mervyn, Ivan and e-Rudi met at the Everness Hotel under grey, but dry skies. Rudi had taken the precaution of changing his bike battery and the rest of us relied upon the natural body reserves primed over the many years of our maturity.

The route followed the classical 3 hills, in reverse of the original circuit, starting with the gruelling Mourex climb, followed by the less demanding Vesancy ascent before finishing with the traditional Bonmont hill. The reward for all this was lunch at Ze Pinte, Signy, before the gentle meander home. All was well until the first unexpected spots of rain started on the Vesancy climb. However, Rudi still looked relaxed and magisterial on his “as much effort as you want” e-bike. 2-gear Ivan, adopted his, now usual, speedy bursts followed by a stop, allowing others to catch up and overtake before setting off again. Nepalese Mervyn was overcoming the effects of altitude, beer and insufficient biking but kept up a steady pace. Stephen and Peter initially vied for the front position until the effects of too much home grown vegetable curry for the latter, coupled by unforgiving uphill slope, negated the need for a contest.

The final climb to the Bonmont 777m was accompanied by heavier rain. So much so that some passing thoughts of attempting the 888m platform were shelved. It was then a downhill ride to lunch. Unfortunately, the rain persisted with greater enthusiasm and a cold wind joined the challenging conditions. It probably was the worst weather conditions that the GIN Bikers have undertaken and the back markers decided to ensure a place in the record books for hardiness by taking a longer route from the front runners of Peter and Stephen. Driving rain tested all the clothing….well, at least those who had brought waterproofs. The BLeader was living his promises and didn’t carry any wet weather protection, but then legs protruding from shorts are a natural barrier to water (if somewhat cold).

Still happy at the Bonmont 777m….the worst is yet to come.

The restaurant staff and the other clients eyed us with amazement as we arrived dripping and as we stripped off the wet clothing. Wet shorts and leggings remained in place to the relief of the onlookers. Habitual beers were ordered  by some, whilst the more thoughtful opted for hot drinks. Mervyn, realising the damage of his Nepalese beer intake, chose an alcohol-free wheat beer as part of his November abstinence. The menu du jour of salad/soup, schnitzel cordon bleu with chips and vegetables was agreed by all with everyone opting for hot soup. By the time the main course had arrived, blood was circulating again, bodies were warming and the conversation turned from weather to more topical subjects, such as British politics, and best local restaurants for GIN Bikers. By this time the sun was shining outside but most still felt that a little longer inside would be beneficial. Desserts and coffees were consumed. Rudi tried a last ditch attempt to dry his gloves by wearing them to hold the warm coffee cup.

We re-donned mostly dry clothes and headed back from Signy via Borex. Stephen peeled off at Borex to take the direct route home to Arnex whilst the others enjoyed the sunny, dry and drying wind on the last stretch to their respective siesta spots.

Participants were generous in their thanks to the BLeader for this leadership into the rain and cold. It’s not certain that they will trust his rain-free promises in the future. A memorable outing, if not all agreeable, but once back rested and warm the negative aspects retreat into the background and the memory of good company, good food and exercise comes to the fore.

Statistics: 46kms, average speed 15.2 km/hr, elevation climb 666m, saddle time 3 hours.