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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.

I would like to propose a GIN lunch for October on Thursday the 3rd of November. Timing was never my strongpoint but the November date allows for the return of the abominable snow men, Mervyn and Mark 2TTs from Nepal. The Thursday date also allows the GIN bikers to disport themselves in lycra if the weather is sufficiently clement for biking by then. Indications of interest welcome.

Mike Hempstead

The GIN Biking season hasn’t yet started but the promise of another Spring day and shortage of snow on the slopes encouraged the B.Leader to suggest a gentle ride to blow out the cobwebs and get the gears back in action. An enthusiastic 7 responded to the invitation, although Thatcher had to pull out on the morning, leaving Stephen, MikeM, PeterT, Mervyn, Mark and Ivan to meet at the Everness Hotel. There were on display an equal number of uncovered muscular legs in shorts to legs in longer biking leggings and a 5:1 ratio of pure muscle power to e-bikes. Peter suggested an initial coffee on the hotel’s terrace or, at least, indicating that in the future we could meet a little earlier for a coffee on in order to ensure that we were in prime condition for the start. The danger would be that there wouldn’t be a start……

Participants took the description of a gentle ride to heart and set off at a modest pace through the woods in the direction of Grilly. From there the pleasant, slightly uphill, track along the converted railway line led us to Gex  followed by the first, more meaningful, ascent of the day up to Vesancy. The leading biker arrived in Vesancy just as the clock was striking 11h….the hour when our regular coffee spot opens its doors to clients. Our friendly waitress recognised us from previous GIN visits and happily unpadlocked the outside tables to allow us to relax and enjoy the unstrenuous part of the season’s first outing. Coffees came and went but there was no sign of the backmarkers. Phone contact with Mervyn and Mark was attempted but suffered through poor signal.

Eventually, Stephen set off back down the road and met the two, not too far away, upset that a puncture had delayed them but glowing with pride that, due to the benefit of prior more negative experiences, they had the necessary equipment to fix it. Mark was particularly pleased that Mervyn was able to share in the chain grease….an unavoidable consequence of fixing a rear wheel puncture.

The late comers were allowed a short recovery break before we set off again, enjoying the initial downhill ride before bracing ourselves for the inevitable Bonmont climb. On this occasion we took the classical (i.e. legal) route without having to encounter on-coming traffic, which previously had been known to be somewhat indignant that one-way guidelines were not being strictly followed. Unfortunately, Meteo Suisse failed us at this point and the rain-free day proved to be over optimistic. Happily , this was short lived and we also had the protection of the trees as well as the help of the uphill climb to distract us. Regrouped at the usual 777m point, we realised that our timing would be perfect for the 12.30h lunch reserved at the Auberge de Crassier. All that lay before us was the downhill cruise.

They say that lightening never strikes twice in the same place. The same cannot be said of punctures. Once again, the front runners were left wondering where the peloton was. Happily, phone signal allowed notice that there was an interruption to the descent. Sadly, the supply of replacement inner tubes had been used up and Mark had to wait for Linda to rescue him. Did we detect a little Schadenfreude from Ivan? The irony that he had a few problems with the bike Mark lent him last year did not go unnoticed…..

Peter, sipping his beer at the Auberge, was unaware of the reason for the latest delay but had used the spare time to reconfigure the restaurant to allow for the 6 of us to be seated (for some reason a table for 5 had been prepared). When we arrived, minus Mark, this had to be reconfigured back to 5 again. We ordered drinks and the plat du jour (fish with rice and asparagus) and waited to see if Mark and Linda appeared. They did, just as we finished the salad starter, but they decided not to stay and headed home to relax over their own plat du jour: sushi.

Conversation was wide ranging and lengthy. We covered topics such as: preferences of baths vs. showers, unchanging character traits from adolescence, political polarisation, the luck of living in Switzerland, Russian speaking in Ukraine and much more. The time drifted by, coffee came and went, and we reluctantly left the now empty Auberge to recover our bikes and the relatively short ride home (shorter for some than others).

A great start to the new season, although punctuated by unexpected stops, and a well worthwhile warm up for the year ahead.

Statistics: ca. 42kms, 19.1km/h average travelling speed, 580m elevation gain.

Parcours Patrimonial of Divonne les Bains

Twenty-one members and guests (we were twenty-three by lunchtime) of the GIN Walking Group met at the old railway station of Divonne under a sunny blue sky, which stayed with us all morning – the rain only starting as forecasted in the late afternoon. 

Mark explaining the route

All listening attentively

The Tourist Office has prepared an excellent brochure that describes the more important buildings and other items of interest that are identified by blue plaques around central Divonne and we followed this itinerary, starting with the old station. In the first half of the 20^th century, Divonne was the meeting place of trains from Paris (some carriages were direct) and Nyon, via Crassier, and walking from the station we saw that the actual Police Station was the Hotel des Etrangers. For Divonne in the late 19^th and early 20^th century was an important spa, attracting the wealthy from all over the world that resulted in the development of several hotels. We also noticed the bust of Marcel Anthonioz, mayor, deputy and tourist minister, who inspired many of the post-war developments including the casino. 

Continuing up the Avenue de Genève, we turned right down the Grande Rue that is everchanging with its major road works. Today’s major activity did not hinder our progress as we ticked off the three blue plaques on our way to the Place de l’Eglise, which includes the Villa Beaulieu, one of the few pre-revolution buildings and the only Divonne one officially listed as a historic monument.  Thereon, we took the riverside walk and onto the Casino, the 1904 theatre and two large hotels constructed for the wealthy curists in the early 20^th century. 

The hares arrived first…….

……..and then the tortoises

And then the arranged visit to the Moulin David. This Moulin is the oldest hydroelectric plant in France still operating on its original site. It was originally set up to provide electric power to the town’s prestigious hotels and spa and had been scheduled for demolition when a few volunteer enthusiasts headed by people from CERN lovingly restored it to working order. And several were there to welcome us and to give an excellent presentation and demonstration. The 1907 Winterthur’s thermic engine with its 3 tons wheel was particularly impressive – very much the icing on the cake of the visit and much appreciated by us old boys.

Our knowledgeable guide at the Moulin

Hi-tech electronics 

Watch those fingers

Spellbound!

Lunch was taken at La Truite, a 19^th century hotel and restaurant where Guy de Maupassant once stayed and which was the only one listed in the first red Michelin Guide ever (1900). The three-course meal was excellent value.

A much-appreciated cultural walk of approximately three kilometres. Thanks to all and especially to our Walk Co-ordinator, Alan Baker, who asks for volunteers to lead further walks this year.

Present: Brian Allardyce, Alan Baker, John Burley, Bryan Clark, David Colledge, Trevor Davies, Norman Eatough, Ray Fiander, Nathan Finkelstein, Larry French, Dave Gernandt, Philip Jenkins, Rob McKenzie, Mike Muller, Hubert Pettingell, Mike Price, Richard Saynor, Paul Sochaczewski, Wouter van Ginneken, Gary Vannatter and Mark Warren plus guests Hugh Pettingell and Dave Watson.

Blog written by Mark Warren

A group of GIN members assembled at Palexpo halle 7 on Thursday November 11 to assist Gary with his volunteer work. We were there to pack food into supermarket bags which will then be distributed to people in Geneva who are going hungry as a result of Covid.

The first thing we learnt was that we were not supposed to be there at all – all volunteers had been stood down due to the increased Covid incidence in Geneva. Gary had not go the message. So we went ahead and filled supermarket trolleys with shopping bags and filed past piles of food picking up an item of each for each bag. At the end of the line we unloaded the bags where other volunteers closed them and placed them in crates where they will be taken to 5 distribution centres in the city.

We actually did very little work and finished by 10 but we felt very virtuous. This was only the second time the GINs turned out for this, poor Gary does it most days.

Thank you for inviting me to join the Gin club. Gary Vannatter recommended your organization, as I very much enjoy golf, biking, boating, snow skiing etc…

I look forward to meeting you all.

With gratitude, Charlie Lamento

Here’s a sad sight. This was our agenda in February

And here it is for April, everything cancelled due to the social distancing rules