Aigle to Col Des Mosses via Leysin

June 11 - 12 2011

The Hausmen Hikers, never having ventured into the canton of Vaud, embarked on the first two stages of the "Tour des Alpes Vaudois" as the ideal introduction, covering 24Km in two days. In all there are 8 stages of this circuitous route, covering a total distance of 130 Km.

Having timed our arrival at Aigle CFF to coincide with lunch, we popped in to the "Railway Buffet" - where else - for a swift drink and a bite to eat.

At only 405m, we knew we had our work cut out over the 8Km of the first stage as it finishes in Leysin at 1388m - a rise of just under 1000m or a 12 1/2% gradient! Fortunately the weather was on our side, being quite clear but refreshingly cool. Once out of the vineyards and in to the woods we then had the extra benefit of shade from the trees.

Not long amongst the trees we encountered an ominous sign warning us about the possibility of flocks of sheep wandering freely. This wasn't so much the problem as the presence of their guardian dogs, which we were told would take on lynx, wolves, foxes and anything else that threatened. We didn't rate our chances much! Our only hope was that any dog we did encounter would understand and stick to the "Code of Conduct" as fastidiously as we were instructed to!

We, by the way, were Jake, Ken and Norval.

As the path wound it's way inexorably upwards we had a chance to look back down to the valley floor. How could we have climbed so high and still not be at the top? It gave us some good chances of seeing the Dents du Midi range and Mont Blanc.

We struck gold on Saturday night with our choice of restaurant in Leysin. The Swiss in their inimitable way came up with the idea of calling it "Le Leysin". How very imaginative! Talking of imaginative, all three of us opted for Lamb dishes! From our table, in the centre of the restaurant, we could see the racks that Ken and Jake chose roasting away on the wood grill off to the side. They were done to perfection. Meanwhile, my "Souris d'Agneau", which I imagined would also be some kind of roasted meat similar to medallions, turned out to be a stewed Lamb Shank. It to was wonderfully tender, almost dropping off the bone just by looking at it.

Staying on the edge of town close to the start of Sunday's stage, more by accident than by design, we got off to a good start following a hearty breakfast of bread, cheese and jam - all those carbs being stored up for use later in the day. Just as we finally left the town we came across some of my fellow countrymoo-n!

Not sure which way to go, we took advice from some of the locals who pointed us in the right direction.

Nearly at the high point of the hike, we decided to take a quick break and have a bath. Disappointed we were tempted to hitch up and carry on upwards, passing some of the local wildlife on the way.

Finally at the uppermost point, we had a rest and got rid of the stowaways.

With lunch beckoning, just around the corner down there, and the odd snack on every leaf, it was onwards and downwards to Pierre du Moëllé.

Pity Francisco wasn't with us - he would have appreciated the patch of snow we encountered. Much to our surprise, there were people climbing up beside where we had just come down using ropes! What they didn't notice, nor were we able to take photos, were the incredibly quick ermine running around just a metre below their feet.

Once again back amongst the cattle, we soon realised that these would be the last of the "Highland" variety. Our destination for lunch was straight down.

With our lunch out of the way, we had some very nice "Apero du Maison" for the journey. Passing old Swiss Regimental markers and holes in the wall, we found ourselves back in the woods for a short while before passing through meadows leading to the road down to Les Mosses.

What a wonderful time, with great views and great food and great company.
Definately have to come back next year for the third and fourth stages from
Les Mosses to L'Etivaz via Chateau d'Oex.