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This is Ken Casey's daughter Julie. Thank you all for such kinds words and memories about my Dad, I think I used to belong to this organization online to check the trail conditions for him. He wasn't too computer savvy. When he wanted to go snowmobiling I would look up to see if certain trails were closed. It was probably towards the end of the season and he wanted to get in every ride he could. I knew he was a legend in the snowmobiling world and this proves it. Again thank you and if anyone wants to contact me it is JulieMomOtter@aol.com

Watch for these!!

Yeah in 2007. Middle of Feb, -40, short windshield and no gauntlets on an 06 Rev. 50 mph right down that rail bed. My hands where cooking on the inside and froze on the outside. To this day I don't know how I survived that run. Tall windshield and gauntlets, don't leave home without them.

never too late to do well ,finally found pic , i had hard times with external hard drive !!! pic of mr casey taken at the bottom of the hill with antlers, february 7 th ,06 ....early morning !!! remember him taking pics of the groomer ...first time for him to see a sur-trac groomer !!! jean-guy

Friday Day 5 Definately winter judging by the temperature. Wicked cold this AM. Left Auberge Dilligence and headed up 93 Direction Girardville. Just a dream besides the cold. But it's because of cold like this that these trails stay like white aspalt. Icey Likey. Bring it. We hammer up 93 and turn left "down the middle" onto 815 another one of our "go to" trails. She is a goer. Love it! I'll tell you right now if you are waiting for pictures give up now cause no way I was taking my hands out my gloves today for puctures, sorry gang. We run down to where it joins 373. We spin around and roll back up the same way we came. It's a whole new trail this way. Halfway up I'm having issues. My shield is icing up. Not good. I stop I mess with it, i go, i stop i mess with it I go. It's gonna be a problem. Return to 93 and into Lac Jim. Take "5". Thaw helmet grab some heat. We leave and its better but mostly cause i am riding with it cracked open. Not terrible it is a bit warmer but not much then this AM. Down a fresh groomed 93 not a mark on it. It is White Asphalt. That's why we come here. 93 is awesome we go to the right turn Local 716 well well, it's like they knew we was coming. Groomed new no tracks. We cruise up another of our favorites and into Restaurant Chef for a gas stop. A gang comes in from the other way. We gas and go, out the back and back on a still beautiful trail wicked fast. We arrive at 93 and again it's spectacular all the way to La Dore where we leave 93 for Local 712 we run it up and back to 373. Another awesome trail. However the shield .... I have had enough. Back on 373 and we go toward St Prime. Here 373 is showing some use. Bumped up in the corners and getting ripples. Down to Local trail 715 to get to Extreme Powersports in St. Prime. I am certain a new shield is a long shot. I get a tester from them just to verify that the power is good. No problems with wire or jack. Shield is done. They have a few older HJC helmet shields but not one for me. Oh well. I check out hus clearance shelf. Bingo! Find a whole new helmet with electric shield and has the other shield that flips down for sun. Sweet. And only $120 hook me up, Ice needs to see where he is going. I get my new buddy Steve to box up my other Helmet as it has all my Radio Coms in it. And mail it to My Yamaha Dealer in Cap de Madeline. $12 bucks for this, such a deal. Off like a prom dress and back to 373 toward Roberval. We go left on 711 local and its much nicer then 373. Up this and we Join back onto 83. It's groomed nice and it's tempting to head down a bit just because but it's getting to be flat light and temps dropping. We run 83 to 373. Up 373 and we try the Local and get to Motel Roberval(with St Hubert) we wanted to get to the Lake and try to run the Local to Chalet Spa Chambord and loop back to Roberval. But I guess that trail is no more. So back to 373 and we deal with it all the way back to St Prime just because. We turn around run back and into Hotel Chateau Roberval. Before dark, another play day for us. 210 miles or 338 km tomorrow we make for Chez Iceman. 373 to 83 to 355 to 360 and 23 then into Shawinigan and the run home on TQ3. Until next time

Maybe you can try one of the new snow bikes

With sadness, Ken Casey, known as 'Yellow Boots' or in French, Bottes Jaune, has passed on to the Snow Gods and off to start a new chapter in all that the afterlife has to offer, which hopefully is more snowmobiling. He was 93. Ken started snowmobiling in the '60's on his beloved Boa Skis. After wearing out Maine's trails, he ventured into Quebec during the '70's. He eventually spent years riding the Lac St. Jean area before moving on to the Gaspe where he would spend each winter going around and around the Gaspe. Often he would do these trips solo. He had thousands of photos from his trips. He had enough misfortunes on some of these adventures to fill a book and make our misadventures often seem trite. He was so excited one winter when he found a Boa Ski museum in Quebec. One year during the '80's I believe, He and a couple other riders left Washington State by sled and rode to Maine. What made this interesting was a disagreement amongst them caused Ken to decide to leave the group in Yellowstone and finish the trip alone to Maine by himself. His obituary mentioned that in order to learn French, everything in his house had a label identifying it in a French term. I remember riding with Ken in the '60's and '70's. I was 30 years younger and far faster on a sled. Ken never went over 40 mph, but never stopped. I would go off ahead. 75 miles later we would arrive at our break stop at the same time. Several years ago I ran across Ken at a snowmobile show. He told me he was hanging up the boots. He had a great run but it was over. His wife asked he no longer ride, she needed his company during the winter months and she was too worried about him traversing Quebec at his age. It was the first time I saw sadness in his usually sparkling eyes. Ken always wore those yellow snowmobile boots. He knew very early on that the trails in Quebec and the Quebec people are a part of life to be treasured. Rest in peace, Ken. And keep it under 40!

Damn! Doesn't Snowhorse let you have a Snickers or NUTHIN?!

Only way to go. ...Having fun. That's what life should be

The 4 stroke is a "good Recovery Program"...you hardly ever go back to 2 stroke!

local trails !!! cold and windy ....-20c !!! jean-guy

RIP On a trip around the Gaspe in 2006, And at one of Kens favorite gas stops in Le Martre

sad news !!! met him twice , at dealership in amqui while he was talking with my oldest brother ....then one early morning ,fixing the corner at the bottom of the hill with antlers on tq 5 !!! and like jg and revct ,2 weeks ago , while grooming ,thought of him !!! rip mr casey !!! jean-guy

I met Ken in 1991 in Jonquiere. I still carry his business card with me that he gave to me that evening. Great man. Thanks Mike for letting us know of his passing. RIP Ken.

Thank you Julie for checking in. I seem to remember that way back when, your dad stayed with me at my camp a few times in Eustis, until he eventually built his camp down the road. In his later riding years I would always be so glad to catch him at his camp and see the latest Quebec riding pictures and hear the latest riding adventure stories. But not only was your dad a snowmobiling legend of Quebec, he was truly a wonderful person to spend time with. mike

Saturday Day 6 Up super early for us and on the sleds pulled out of Roberval 7:30am. It's Saturday and we got to be moving on. Down 373 just as it was yesrerday no grooming here last night, but it's not shabby. To 83 and its a bit nicer. We run down to 355 and well well, fresh groom white asphalt. We make tracks on down on a perfect trail to Lac Bouchette. Gas topped off and we go. Hey Now! Lookey here! This grooming goes on. Down 355 (i did not look at Grooming this AM) this fine operator layed us down a ribbon of white Asphalt all the way to Lac Edouard. I must say this trail has sure grown up in the last two weeks. Branches ripped back nice and she's bigger and wider. Very nice. We passed to 2 ups heading to their camps with their toboggans. Then saw no one until about 30km from Lac Edouard. On down and no 355 for us we continue straight to Co-op and gas there. Back over tracks and onto Lake. Here we run south for the far side. Closer to south end here comes a gang of sleds up. They are on my side of sticks. Well i aint moving or slowing down. I move right close to the sticks and head straight at them. Someone gonna learn a lesson here. Sure if no traffic use whatever but when there is oncoming sleds get the hell on your side. It was just as smooth over there. I was over there till i seen them way down. Then I moved over. It don't take a PHD to figure this out. so i think. They are still coming and on my side. I hold my line. About 100 yards apart I guess the first guys realizes i aint giving it up. He goes right into the deeper stuff between two lanes up and down. Super but his buddies are in his snow dust riding nuts to buts. Well hello there stupid. Scared the hell out of them and they followed their genius leader over to the right. There was that so hard. Tough sh*t get over. Down just near the end of lake here comes another 3 same thing. WTF, i know it's Saturday but are we sitting on our brains today too? Oh well school is back in session. Same action same result. Head right for them they get the point quick. Trust me. Down 355 to 73. Here i see 73 is open again. Logging there must be finished. Detour signs down and trail groomed straight thru. Traffic has been fairly light. Trails are softer south of Lac Edouard not the frozen tundra trail of the north. Good trail just different. Left turn on LT2 and back to 355 we see 2-4 more headed north. Surprisingly trails are very nice but it's early still not even noon. Down to 360 and into St Joseph. No stop here we roll. Coming down 360 I come around a left hand sweeper and Hello SQ. Police. Well hell is waving but i look down and i aint even doing over 70km. Well if he wants me come get me. I drive on. His partner is not far behind and gives a friendly wave. We light it up. They gonna need magic to catch us if they had any intention of it. Down to new section of 360 and here big new signs posted by club. Brand new right of passage is in danger of being lost. This trail cost the 25k to excavate, now its in danger of being closed. Did not say why. But we took it slow through there I've seen the guys there working on the plantation so we show some respect. Down to 23 and its still all good. Thru St Tite to Local M5? I think to Lac a Tortue. Gas at Petro Canada. Back and to TQ 3. Rough a bit through Shawi. They are tearing it up. Cruise on down TQ3 and into Chez Ice. At 1:30. 6 hrs. Done for now. 1550 miles for this 6 days. 258 miles average per day.

I know I should probably be on the right, but I ride the smooth side until I see another sled.

Florida Snowman, Have stayed at Togwotee in the past. This year we decided to stay in Jackson Hole where there was more night life. Stayed at Spring Creek Ranch, Highly recommend the place. Excellent two room suits and a great bar/restaurant on location. Always go to Brooks for one of the days lunch stop. The rest of the time we pack and eat out in the snow.

Hi, the medium skidoo linq bag easily holds 4 quarts of oil. And I would take that. I've done longish tours and bought oil wherever I find it, and leave the ones I brought only for emergency. Oil consumption on the new 850 not as good as the 800 I find so better to be safe. And absolutely tape the lids. They will leak even if unopened which can be a real pain.

Hi Groomer. I'm impressed that you could find a picture you were looking for. You must have 1,000's of pics to look thru. I know, your secretary found it for you. Jack & Sandi

Some may feel that's the greatest trail on earth. I remember in my early twenties being fascinated with that section. the fact you can go Wide open for so long (minutes) and still ride safely was just something special. The bed is elevated and so straight u can see the curvature of the earth on the horizon. Large wild life, like the kind if u hit will kill u, and on coming traffic are removed from the equation. The "Throw em the Bird" type I don't mind unless they have been shivering for quite some time. Another reason to have a high Windshield.....Those were the days I was concerned my sled looked cool and have since grown up.

Thanks for checking in Julie. I was hoping someone from the family would read this and see how many people "Dad's" friendship and influence touched in the snowmobiling world in Quebec and Maine. Jack & Sandi

One of the main reasons I now wear heated gear, ride all day at any speed. http://www.warmnsafe.com/

will be there sat nite myself with 420,and crazy snow doonali we'll look you up, nice to put faces with names

Lac William here we come!:)

Ever been when it was -40? Sure is like the End of the World on days like that.

Remember it well, spent the next day between the tub and the bed sore as hell. BJ most likely heard about it we spend a lot of time behind glass. I was pretty sure you will be riding a Doo but W T H just having some fun.

Oil 2S oils mix, don't get sucked into the hype. BRP oil is available in many, many places, Parent, Mont Apeaka, towns with BRP dealers. When you see it, buy 2. Expect to pay $20 per L. The $5 CasterOil mixes fine, as does the other synthetics.......

I would guess yes, but you are asking the wrong guy. Sorry. I'm in recovery from 2 strokes, going on 10 years clean. Always a pain to have to search it. Bring it is best bet.

Ray, where did you ever find that? Is that a Columbia or a Schwinn? You spend way too much time on the computer! Jack & Sandi

View from dining area of Tourelle du Fjord. Great place to grab lunch

This morning up until about 2PM was a spitting image of yesterday, cold, -10F up to -2F, blueberry skies and great trails. Then around 2 the clouds came in. Rode down to St Rose of the North, lunch at Tourelle du Fjord and then back to the Delta. St Rose

Now Phil you know better than that. I remember you on a rental 660, non turbo, that you had on the door handles one afternoon. Do you remember or do you want to forget it never happened. Bet BJ was never told about that.

I always hoped he would write about his trips. I just hope his extensive photo collection is preserved and maybe one day can be shared. Thanks RoadRunner for sharing your pics and Mikerider for letting us know. Funny how we lose track of time. I didn't realize he was over 90. RIP Ken. May your adventures continue.

Thanks RoadRunner for posting the pictures. I never met anyone like Ken who so enjoyed every inch of every journey. You could see him taking it all in as he rode along the trail. mike

http://obituaries.pressherald.com/obituaries/mainetoday-pressherald/obituary.aspx?n=kenneth-oakley-casey&pid=183904692&fhid=5906 " The rest of the story" RIP

We met Ken taking the ferry from Matane to godbout. We got to spend some time with him on the boat ride. He spoke of his hand made moccasins that he wore under the " yellow boots". RIP " Yellow Boots"

I had the pleasure of meeting "Yellow Boots" once RIP my friend. We had the same riding philosophy slow and steady! Andy

I never met ken, however heard many stories of his adventures. He is a true Quebec snowmobiling legend. RIP Yellow Boots

hi jg !!! not time to talk about traffic jams...my blood pressure went way up !!!lost 2-3 mins on the trail !!! hahhah always fun to see a few !!! i just saw that about that storm...won t hurt ...grooming same snow since a week !!! time to see my pillow !!!! ahhaha jean-guy

hi tom and phil !!! new bridge should be ready next tuesday !!! great weather for riding in the morning , few snow clouds entering town + caught in a traffic jam !!! grooming local trails tomorrow !!! -16c right now !!! jean-guy

JG, I'm with you. On our way home in the truck Tuesday (Jan 31st) Sandi and I were talking about this snowmobiler dubbed "yellow boots". I don't think he has come to mind in years and Tuesday he was there. How strange a thought will come up. Jack & Sandi R.I.P. to the "Quebec Trail Inspector"

I saw him riding solo in the late 90's but never got to speak to him. Truly a legend in the Snowmobile world.....RIP Ken This reminds me of a woman I met at Relais 22 a few years ago who was on tour by herself with a little dog zipped inside her coat.

R I P Mr. Casey, he did it his way.

I believe his business card said 'Quebec Trail Inspector'

Yes we met him once in the gaspe couldn't believe he was riding alone at his age and if I remember right he told me he had a satellite phone

Ken Casey, Bottes Jaune, was a true Quebec rider, I had the great opportunity and honor to ride in the Gaspe with him several times. He will be missed! A true early ambassador to snowmobiling!

Day 3 Wednesday Well rested and ready. We hit the trail at 8:30. We are headed back on 93 toward Chibougamau. 93 is just awesome here. Frozen nicely and super fast and smooth. Not far from Chapais we encounter a big group headed west at least 8 sleds. We wait at the road as they come up the road over the bridge, no room for two sleds in traffic on the road. We roll over to where the first Local trail goes to Chibougamau. We are definitely always looking for the road less traveled and have passed by this trail too many times to count. Today is the day. We turn left and it's perfect. We cruise on. It's a nice trail not asbig as 93 but i like the twisty stuff. Anyone can go fast straight. We run this trail 35km from 93 it brings us in right across the street from the Sonic station right before Nordic. We top the gas as we know what is next. Down the Local trail and up across the road in town. Hotel Chibougamau will not see us this trip. We head up and out back into the woods and onto the Local trail there. We head up and find just what we expected. A freshly groomed trail with no tracks (the I-Motoneige app don't lie) Mistassini here we come. Now this trail starts out all innocent and if you did not know any better you would be thinking "man this is gonna be a long 100km" oh contraire, after the first 15km it opens up. BIGTIME. It's like the Railbed part of 93 but has elevation changes and much more sweeping turns. We ran 100km in just 1hr and 6 minutes. We arrive in town and go get some gas. We turn and burn. The way back we do it in 1hr. Back into Chibougamau oh how we hated to leave our private trail. Only our tracks up and back. Sweet. Back out to 93 and we hit the Petro Canada to top it off. 93 South direction Sciere 54. We have seen no sleds since the group headed west this am. We fly low down to Barriere du Nord. The trail is in great shape. We push on about 20 miles from mill, groomer is headed back north. We pass him and trail is perfect for 3 miles, then its destroyed. WTF? I'm seeing tons of ski marks so this is a big group. One or two seem to stop and just randomly hammer the gas leaving giant berms in the trail. I know they are not too far ahead. We hammer down to mill. We find the culprits. A tour group getting gas. 7 Strong. This is gona hurt our moving average waiting for these guys. No choice we need some gas. We wait our turn and the gang heads into the Cafeteria. Thank you little baby Jesus. We head on out. Uneventful beautiful run back to La Dore. Gas up and down to 373 and into St Felicien at Du Jardin at 5:15. Great Day. 342 miles or 551 Kilometers take your pick

Spent today getting my sled accident squared away. Insurance company is sending me a check and I sold the wrecked sled to a salvage company in Alma. Now I have a nice sum of money towards a new one. Thanks to Daniel for his help. If it wasn't for him it would have taken me 3 days to get it done but with him 1 day was enough.

Nice pictures! Trails look great