A swim in the Versoix

June 17th

Start: La Rippe; finish: Meyrin customs post
Total distance: 33,4 km, of which 7 km by kayak
Walking time: 5 and a half hours, plus one and a half by kayak
Vertical distance: 90 m uphill, 200 m downhill

After leaving late from our house in Grandvaux (to avoid morning traffic), Neil and I started at La Rippe. After Crassier we attempt to cross the marsh of Les Bidonnes: we emerge with wet shoes and with legs blackened with mud, but the alternative was 2 km walk on a main road.

Sally, ever faithful, is waiting at the Chavannes-de-Bogis customs post, where I start out in the kayak. Calm up to Sauverny, the Versoix now begins to gain pace. The descent is made more difficult by the many tree trunks across the river. Finally, after 7 km, I am surprised by a small rapid and capsize. The water is cold! I get to the edge, retrieve everything, empty the water from the boat and try to get in touch with Sally and Neil – I had my GPS and my mobile phone in a waterproof bag. Fairly soon, Neil comes running and canoes the last 2 km, which I do on foot. All’s well that ends well.

There remain some 14 km on foot with Neil, through fields and the commercial areas of Ferney-Voltaire, along the airport fence (see photo), to arrive at Meyrin, where Sally is waiting. An adventurous day.

Savoie Hôtel, St-Julien