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So tonight we’ll shake things up a bit, you’ll read about our today’s adventure through Mrs.Ice’s eyes. Hope you like it. 😁 After hearing Mr.Iceman’s melodies all night long, we opted for a late departure since we’re only riding to the mummies and the surroundings to be back at Quality Inn for a second night. 10:30 it was. Started on 5 to 591. At the beginning, near the hotel, I have to admit that we’re missing some snow. However, only 10 minutes up the mountain and it’s much better. Snow is somewhat loose, so a little shaky but for sure rideable, I just need to adjust my driving. I don’t know about when you’re riding, but I love to look around at the nature, see the fresh snow in the pine trees and sitting on all the branches. Oh, how I was spoiled in today’s sightseeing so early in the season. I kept stopping to take pictures for me, for you, so you see it for yourself, but a picture never truly represents what your eyes can see on the spot. Anyway. I guess I was stopping too much... someone’s patience was challenged, hahaha. 😅 Trails were really great all the way to La Redemption. Only saw a few sleds, you know when you can count them, but lose the count because they’re too far apart... gotta love to have the trails to yourself. 👌 I realize that I dislike to be tilted on one side due to an incline on the terrain, we were in the fields at that point, good to ride on, but lack of snow to ride straight on flat. Lover said it was good practice for me. I guess. But I also need to tell you that I do not enjoy big downhills, but I did encounter a few on Cote Nord last week and I’ m sure will see more this trip. I’m getting used to them slowly, gaining confidence each time. I get good advice. I know i’m In great hands. 591 to 587 now. Got to see the beginning of the mummies’ formation, how nice it was to be in winter’s wonderland. My Hands froze up there because I took too many pictures, Oups. It was worth it though, so beautiful. I can only imagine the look in February. Wow. Then, we saw a sign marked canyon about one km off the main trail, 587. Up we went, It was impressive as well. Sketchy trails for us to get there, but we managed. Lover said there are tracks, we can go. Afterward, we came to a point where I was asked if I wanted to go back the same way as this morning or this other trail, little longer he said. Apparently was 30 minutes, 40 some km more. I said you pick. Junction of 591 and a local orange trail. It goes towards St Paul. So off we go on that new trail. Some narrow and twisty parts, which I don’t mind because it warms me up. Then here it it, some sort a wide trail on a dirt road. Perfect to go a little faster, just a little. 😉 It brought is all the way back to trail 5, we completed our loop from the east. We made It to home base near 4:30. It was a good 240 km. Overall, it was a lovely day, not as nice as it was in Escoumins last week, but for January 2nd, it has advanced pretty well, can’t complaint. Forgot a thing or two that I will add here. We do have radios to talk to each other, lover warns me for things to look out for and sleds coming. However, if we’re too far apart I’m on my own. So I’m working hard for my turns to be sharp and tight on that right. I try to be more on my right than him. 😜 not easy. Last, we came back in the dark, it has been a long time since I rode in the dark. I was flashed by another sled once no clue why, until lover told me I had big lights on. 😬 Mrs. Ice

Arrived at Cabanon yesterday evening. Place pretty full. Border was easy Peasy like others reported. One in our group of 6 got tagged to do a secondary covid test. Cabanon has spotty Wi-Fi so he did his test via video while in Montreal and was given a place to drop it off. As of now have not heard back on result. Did a easy route today to Mattawin. Trails freshly groomed and slot car shape as it was -10f when we headed out this morning. 150 mile sunshine day. So glad to be back in Quebec. Last year was first time since 1985 I missed coming here.

well across the border yesterday no problem. at roqumont getting ready for our first burn of the year up to relays 22. it's-8 right now plenty of snow to ride. last night for dinner we had menus in the room and called down with our order and they brought it to the room. was actually pretty quick and easy. we are a group of six and they did not have a problem with us being in one room hanging out. but not allowed to do it in the hotel area.

We are having breakfast in our room again. I guess we have to get used to the new norm. Bring your Danish and donuts. A little chilly today, -18̊ C. Dress warm Sandi. Our last day. We won't make it too long. We have to pack up tonight. Lets stay on the south side of the Saguenay River. Out to 83 and turn right. We are heading to the Delta. The few centimeters of snow covered up some of the snirt but not all. 83 was groomed last night. We stop at the Delta and we make reservations for the week of Feb 6th and the week of Feb 20th. I know February will be busy so I want to get our room now. That is done and we continue on 83 west. Some good some bad. Some clean white snow and some snirt. All in all the trail isn't too bad for early in the season. It will only get better as more snow falls. We get to Relais Grenouille at the top of Kenogami and the groomer has just made a pass. There aren't any tracks on the trail yet. Go Sandi. Follow the groomer towards St Bruno. At first the trail is fine but as we get into the fields, we realize how thin the snow is here. Well smooth snirt is better that rough snirt I suppose. Lets keep going. 10 miles and we are at the south end of St Bruno. The groomer kept on going but we have to decide. If we continue up thru Alma and get on 93, we will have to take that bad section thru St Charles or we can turn around. Lets turn around. We know what it is and its OK. A u-turn and back to the Relais Grenouille where we pick up 83. Across the top of Lac Kenogami. A few sleds here and there. Not a lot of traffic. Still on the cool side but a nice day for riding. We pass the Delta and head back to the Sag. We turn left onto the spur and as we cross the railroad tracks and round that first turn looking at the back of the Ultramar, we see a lot of emergency vehicles at the intersection of 175. Slow down Sandi. What is that? A vehicle on it's side, in the parking lot to the right of the Ultramar. The color of the vehicle is safety green. That's an ambulance Sandi! Wow! The ambulance appears to have been heading into Chicuotimi with the Ultramar to its right. There must have been a vehicle or two in the intersection or pulling into the intersection and with nowhere for the ambulance to go. Avoiding the intersection, the ambulance went to the right and then rolled over on its side into the parking lot. Hopefully there isn't a fatality. Traffic is backed up and the power is out to the businesses. Wow! Back at the Sag, we park the sleds for the night. It was good to be riding again since covid closed everything down last season. We hit some good trails and some not so good trails. Changes have been made to the trails but that happens every year. I hope the restaurant take out only mandate is lifted before the end of the season. Like MikeRider said, the social life is a big part of snowmobiling. Until then, we will have to bring our food and drink and have small gatherings in our rooms. Maybe we will see you in RDL Jan 11th. Take care of each other. Jack & Sandi

I for one like the change. She sure is easier to look at than her hubby.😀 Sorry Don.

Really enjoyed the reports Jack and Sandi. Thank you for sharing. We need to have a go fund me and get you a camera. lol

That was a great write up... looking forward to more. The best take away from your write up was learning that Iceman’s nickname is Lover. 😜

Going up Sunday, will report what we find.

bonsoir !!! colder tonight ....-19c.....finally , sunshine !!! jean-guy

Hi Steve, we were on Kenogami yesterday. Many tracks on it. No signs of wet spots anywhere that we were at. We ran the tip of the lac for 83 to Relais Grenouille. RR & Je me souviens, thanks. Part of snowmobiling is sharing it. Maybe I was able to put a smile on someone's face. Northbound, we will be at the Delta. You can tell us about your boat adventures. SnomoGary, you and Pat will have the most hoops to jump thru to get here. I know Pat is nervous but has it all under control. You on the other hand are sitting back, waiting for the "Come on Gary, we will be late!" To everyone else, thanks for following along. Jack & Sandi

Great report mrs.ice love all the pictures.

Trails look good for early season. Thanks for taking us along!

Pics

This was December 30th, 2016.

Great report, wait till you see the rest of the Gaspe! I'm sure lover can't wait to take you!!

Brava Sista! Great job with all of that, the riding & reporting & respecting! Y'know, reading along is really-really valuable therapie for us armchair-riders! Muchas gracias!

I just looked at the grooming map. A lot of activity here. If the snow comes towards the end of the week, some of the ugly stuff will disappear. Happy trails.

Very nice ... Mrs Ice ! 🙂

Jack, thanks for taking the time to share real time info. Safe trip home for you and Sandy. Hope you get good news from your shoulder doc. We are hoping to see you in feb. Jeff and Sandy

Thinking it's a Google goof

That’s EXACTLY the mindset everyone should be having moving forward,that’s what me and snowmaster did and had one hell of time doing it.

bonsoir zrtkat !!! merci ... jean-guy

I agree with Bob. The social aspect of the sport is very important. I really enjoy the stops at the relais's for coffee and food and rest, as well as going out to dine at night and hitting the hotel bar at night. l

I have to ask…do the business owners protest and express their displeasure as well as the people who have had enough or what is the response from them? Hopefully this is short term and after the new year weekend celebration they will ease back up. Happy New Year !

Great to hear you had no issues at the border. Hope you have a great ride.

may your trip and ride be filled with nothing but awesomeness !!!! Ours was last week and hoping to get back up on the 15th for another smack dowm.

Thanks for sharing Jack, love reading you're reports safe trip home and hopefully see you on 7th February...

Headed up on the 9th, thats what we did. Rented 2 cabins. Bring food and booze, cant go wrong!!!!!!!!!

Heading to the Delta on 1/9 …as long as the trails are smooth and gas stations are open …I can pack a sandwich…

I rent a lot of VRBO places for hunting and fishing trips the last 2 years and with 3 or 4 friends it has really worked out very nicely

Leaving LeCabanon at 3 a.m. tonight as we want to get back home early tomorrow. What an INSANE 4.5 day trip it has been. Cobra and I had an unbelievable adventure together and got in some of the best early season riding in years, we both agree. When we rolled in last night we had 1013 miles from 3.5 days of riding. Today Cobra went out and did an 83 mile loop and got the snot kicked out of him on 3/4 of it. I however had a relaxing do nothing day around the hotel. The groomers all just left awhile ago so I might go out for one last evening whoha and catch the magic carpet. The key this week (and usually most of the time) is get out of here early. Like first ones on the trail early. Not hard to do at LeCabanon as 7:45 and your almost guaranteed to be first. Head north, north, north and you will be rewarded like we were. Kanawata and north you couldn't distinguish between Christmas week or Valentine's week as far as snow depth and trail conditions. The 83 HAS been groomed but they turn the GPS off as they don't want to encourage travel up there until after the holidays when they are more prepared. Casey has a new place to eat and stay. It's called Camp De Base. They are opening up this weekend. No "forfait" yet but possible in the future. They are "Yurts" and have two twin beds each. We were the very first persons to eat there last night for dinner. Host Norman & Diane are great people. Also spoke to "Noar" the owner via phone.

Cant miss it really. It's on the right at the last bridge before the airstrip. As your crossing the bridge you can see it on your right.

Sounds like rent a house to do local loops and do your own cooking and/or get takeout. Or saddlebag and eat in your room.

Master, great report. Is place in Casey easy to find? I remember once in early 90's going to a trailer in Casey, husband and wife cooked meals daily and he had fuel. We were there at 6pm in a storm with 1 dead 900 Cat. Long Day/Night

Better... but you can only go 88 Miles..... GutZ

You are the second person I have heard mention a check point. There must be a push on enforcement this winter. I certainly hope you get back up this winter, maybe we can cross paths again. Enjoy your evening ride!

Steve That's EXACTLY why I got up here and did what we did when we did it. Sure hope I get to use my 300 dollar pass more. BTW.... got check pointed on first run Sunday out of LeCabanon at the park entrance. Only second time ever there for me. And I've been thru there a lot

OK, here's some info for all. It's no secret my disdain of a certain place 80 miles north of St Zenon that starts with the letter "R" and I have been recently been bashing them because their gas was 2.24 and Kanawatas was 2.00 That was Tuesday. On Wednesday Kanawata price JUMPED from 2.00 to 2.35 My belief was Mario over heard me bitching about it and figured he was shorting himself. OK guy over the years but never on the hospitable side. He's aged 10 years since I last saw him in March 2020 and got real gray. Word is its finally going to change ownership VERY soon. Just like LeCabanon as Dennis will know in the next week or two. Who's behind these owners?.?.? Word is BOTH Chinese backers. Go figure. We are heading to a nice steak dinner now and then I'm going on a solo evening run. Peace

I use a small soft side cooler , it only holds 4 bottles of water and they do not freeze.

ahahah...first attempt , your legs were dead 20 mins from top ... and always great to do that ....with a few beverages great memories !!! btw, snowing lightly since 3 30 pm jean-guy