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3^rd September

Oh no! Thousands of British people driving on the wrong side of the road out of Calais, this could be hairy, but we make it through leaving the booze cruisers behind, and are soon speeding down the road to Lyon and then on to the Jura to meet up with good friend Mourad.

Mourad lives in Naz Dessous, near Gex in the foothills of the Jura over looking Geneva and onwards to the Alps, Mont Blanc is visible on a clear day. As we were being guided towards Gex our imaginative friend the Sat-Nav decided we should take the route through the Jura. To say this was a dramatic drive would be an understatement, with the mist rolling in over the mountains and the rain lashing down, as we worked our way up it became just a little testing but all this was to be forgotten.

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As the weather cleared we came over the top to see many small villages in the foreground, then Geneva laced around its lake with the Alps providing the backdrop. What a place and what a first destination!

Mourad and his brother Maruan cooked the most fantastic Egyptian meal to welcome us and we were very soon to bed – hiking tomorrow!

4^th September

After a typically satisfying and prolonged French breakfast we marched up into the Jura, the stunning views unfolding, Mourad and David clambering like accomplished goat herds, and sweaty L’Anglais following in their wake, having trouble with the altitude we say – possibly too many beers the night before being a more reasonable explanation.

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After a meeting with the local wildlife photographer at a fantastic natural amphitheatre formed by the sliding glacier I guess (we took history), we stood and watched the wild goat or Chamoix for a while and then continued up to a small chalet used by the local farmer, and any passing walkers or skiers depending on the season. A fantastic lunch then followed with the best of views onto the Southern Alps and Mont Blanc (the pictures do not do it justice believe me) and we were ready to work our way back down the slopes. I imagine this place is awash with wild flowers in spring and is a must for anybody who likes their hiking without the accompanying horde of ramblers. After another great meal we were exhausted but ready to get down south while the weather is still good. Cheers Mourad and family – you are always welcome with us (whenever we have another home) and we’ll speak about the trip to Morocco or a weekend in Granada if we can’t afford it.

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Tim and Lottie