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Published: October 6th 2015
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The drive from Trevoux via Lyon to St Gervais, started by getting lost at the first roundabout. As you may imagine, this cheered your correspondent no end, as I looked forward to the rest of the four hour journey. Wendy the Navigator and Cusco the Chief Spaniel both denied any responsibility and to prove his innocence Cusco went to sleep. We knew we were heading into big mountains, but the route at first was just a slow meander up gentle hills and slopes, giving no impression that The Alps were imminent. Until, that is, we bypassed Geneva, headed east, went round a corner, joined Le Autoroute Blanche and knock me down with a bowling ball, there was Mont Blanc in all it’s gorgeous glory, surrounded by a ring of smaller but no lesser mountains. We even stopped in a layby to take photographs. Stunning.
By using signposts, satnav and a handy road, we made it to St Gervais-Les-Bains, which, luckily, was where our campsite was set. Your correspondent had read of a tram that started in the town and went half way up the side of the mountains. In fact, we got a first hand view of it, as I
wondered what the flashing traffic light meant, ignored it and almost smashed into the side of the aforementioned tram. The faces on the passengers of the tram showed they weren’t really expecting that. Wendy the Navigator and Cusco the Chief Spaniel denied any responsibility for the incident.
Arriving at the campsite, we were greeted by very friendly owners Stephan and Sophie and the most amazing views in every direction. Even Cusco stopped barking and looked around, although he was more interested in the stream right behind our pitch. To the side of the pitch was a lovely, small swiss style chalet. Now, you may ask, why has he mentioned that – well dear readers, it will become clear in the next blog.
Once one is in the mountains, there is only one thing to do, announced your correspondent who headed for the fridge and therein beer. Not so, argued Wendy who proceeded to look for many walks in the surrounding area. This was not going to plan, so I looked out for big rain clouds to come to my beer rescue, but just a stunning blue sky and huge sun greeted me. Asking at reception , we were
informed of a path by a river that took us in to the town centre, rather than following the straight, safe road, for one mile. Your correspondent took a look at the terrain and chose to wear his sturdy, walking boots for this trek, while Wendy – as it was sunny – chose her summer frock and a pair of flip flops.
Finding the path, it seemed my selection was more appropriate as it weaved through woods, by the river bank on uneven stone and dirt tracks. Cusco was rather despondent that we would not let him in the river, but sadly the river was in such full spate, if the hound got in it, he would be swept down to the town within about 2 seconds . The walk took close to an hour- needless to say, from then on in, we took the road into town.
Some big walks took us up and over hills across from the campsite, only getting lost once and adding on a few kilometres to the trek. Another day and our favourite trek , to a small hamlet called Le Champel. Again, very hot. Again very steep. Again all up hill.
Again, wondering what the bloody hell I was doing as there was beer in the fridge – but all worth it for the most spectacular views. We would return to this spot again in the next blog.
Further along the road, there was a great find for Cusco. A small campsite attached to an outdoor centre which included a lake and as it was off season, there was nobody using it except for a crazed blue roan spaniel who in a frenzy launched himself in a la superdog!!! He was in his element and spent ages swimming after sticks we threw in, until we felt how cold the water was and hauled him out before hypothermia set in. One happy, happy dog.
To be fair, we were all very happy here, especially when we boarded the tram and went high, high into the range. The carriages contained a mixture of people. Some, like us, just going up for a bit of a wander and the views, and some serious climbers laden down with ropes, pick axes and serious expressions. A picnic was held near the top and we sat with croissants, biscuits, orangina, taking in the scenery and
thinking how lucky we were. The feeling continued when we discovered Les Gorges de la Diosaz in Servoz. A wooden pathway has been attached to the side of the gorge to allow access. There were a few worrying moments when Cusco decided he wanted to take a more direct route to the end, but thankfully we emerged unscathed.
The following days were also used in preparation for the last week of our stay here, for things were about to change…
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Taffy
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St Gervais
Get on with it - you can't stop there. I also think one photo is not where it says but no doubt you will correct me.....