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With the deep cold we had think it would be a good idea to go feeding the Black Mountain's grayJays This short ride path was perfect for a very cold day riding. We left the trailer at the Petro-T in Notre-Dame de la Merci village and went north toward St-Donat It was still at -25C when we left at 10:30 AM. The trail pass directly on Ouareau lake and was mint We then took #33 trail west that was perfect and then the #317 as good. Directions are marked at junction for Black Mountain so it is easy to find. A bit farther the local trail to the right bring us toward the summit. The rising began... Just before the summit we took the short dead end summit trail to the right And got at the summit around 11:15 am. A strong wind insure us to not have any mosquitos or black flies around! Even with the deep cold, we ate up there and pass near 2 relax hours at talking with other sledders and playing with the gray jays. Those last ones were a bit shy at first but got quickly more friendly. We also had the visit of a Blue Jay (first time there) but it was way more timid and stayed farther. We failed the catch a quality pic but this blue bird was outstanding to watch flying between those pure white trees. I put together a short video of footage took at the summit. Those who watch till the end will see that the birds were not shy at all after getting used to us. We then got down the mountain... And took the #33 trail around Archambault lake. There is woodcutting operation in this area, this is also why the Mont Cenelle summit trail is actually closed. It is riding well but we follow and cross a forest road many times. Although 3 young peoples in a SUV that had decided to explore this forest road learned the hard way how important it is to keep on the road and not the trail... the small truck was solid stuck with the side pressed on trees. When we arrived they were just been told no towing company would get there because it was not a public road... We helped them in giving them the information for contacting St-Donat snowmobile club and secure the trail with red flag before the curve to mark the danger zone. They were not dress to walk miles in that weather but some of their friends were about to arrive with an other car to retrieved them when we left. We then continue on the #33 that was nice The #33 section between Coin Lavigne and St-Donat village was a bit worn but very acceptable. There was some toc tocs in the skis from time to time so the new snow on the way for tomorrow will be perfect to improve the conditions. The #310 toward NDM was also nice We had been back at the trailer around 15:30 PM with a small 70 funny miles on the dream meter, perfect ride for the weather we had Everybody here is waiting the tomorrow snow storm that should spread a good snow layer in a big part of the Quebec. We expect it will open up the whole trail network for our area and many other around in the very next days... let's get burry under snow!

Hello! Mrs. Ice here. Did you miss me? So we went out for a ride today. We wanted to go yesterday, (Saturday) but it was -34 C. So we waited for today, it was much better -31 C when I woke up! 🤣🤣Hahaha !!! I was excited to try on my new pants which finally arrived this past week. I tested them good, wore only my hypnose pants underneath. I guess I was ambitious, will need to add another layer when it’s below -25 C. Lover was proudly wearing his new FXR jacket as well and he wasn’t cold at all! Great purchase. We didn’t go very far, we took trail 3 west and a local orange trail to St-Louis de France. Then We reached 351 along the highway. This is one of my favorite place to rip it!!! 😆Just past Champlain. However, I had to be careful due to a lack of snow, some bumps and bushes sticking out. That shouldn’t be a problem after tomorrow’s snowstorm. (Supposed to get 30 cm) We made a left and took a local orange trail to St-Luc de Vincent. Back to St -Narcisse to rejoin trail 3. We saw more sleds today than during all the days in Gaspésie. But it’s ok, I ‘m glad people enjoy the outdoors even though it’s cold and restaurants are closed. That’s why we chose to do a short one, 2 hours it lasted. Trail took us back to Turtle lake, through Shawinigan to home. After Gaspésie we brought the sleds to Moto Thibeault, our mechanic. Lover had me installed some snow trackers because my stock Yamaha tuners were close to worn out. Now, I can steer even better. I told lover that I would gain speed because it’s easier to steer and it stays where I want it to be. Awesome! What a change! Also, Mr. Iceman let me ride in the front for a very long time today! Yeah! That way I have to stay on the right even more because I’m the first one meeting other sleds, so no warning coming my way! It’s fine! I can handle it! But it was fun to be the first one. I like it when it’s just him and I but with more people I feel a certain pressure to go fast enough so they don’t get bored behind me… so I’m comfortable doing my own thing in the back! 😉 It’s was a great short ride in this cold Canadian weather. 100km

We waited until the temperature got up to -22F before we left, which was around 9:15. We headed 13 north which was perfect, same as it was when we came in the night before. The cold temperatures are definitely keeping people off the trails. We did the 25 miles or so up to one of their orange secondary trails that connects over to the 53, it was groomed perfect also and in the past gets minimal traffic. We then jumped on 53 South and went 5 miles filled up with gas at Lunics, (this would make it so we did not have to go into Manawa to get gas). We continued another 8 miles or so until the 33 Junction towards Manawan. All of it was groomed absolutely awesome till we got within 5 miles of Repos, then it was fairly bumpy as to be expected. We did take the side trail which bypasses going into Manawan, as we didn’t need gas or food. The 5 miles south of Repos had taken a whooping also since we had been on it a few days ago. When the trail jumped on the first lake we took a left instead of a right and took the lakes all the way down until it intersects with 33 again. We then rode the trail for maybe 10 or 12 miles which was all unbelievably perfect , (so we assumed it was probably perfect all the way in to Saint Michel). We then jumped off 33 onto the Reservoir at the earliest possible possible opportunity and road to Reservoir all the way back to the hotel. Lots of folks out today on the Reservoir walking, snowshoeing, skiing, ATV, snowmobiling awesome day to be out. Time to call it a trip for this go around and begin to plan the next!

Cold but fun. Got home just as the real rush was starting. Nice test of the Mrs. new gear. Big snow they say tomorrow. Let’s hope so. Trails decent actually much better than I was thinking.

This works...forget the other nonsense.

Nice ride and report Mrs Ice. Lover must be so proud of you 😊

Dude, you got the perfect partner.

bonsoir !!! back from a short drive...up to ste marguerite ...then a few miles on logging rd !!! jean-guy

Got into camp yesterday at 4:20 (imagine that) LOL -22 F at camp this a.m first time ever my sled didn’t start. Battery is 3 years old now though. My buddies 1200 with a four year old battery did though, go figure. Found a new spot up on a hill overlooking Lac Chapeau-de-Paille this a.m. curtesy of the logging in the area this year. Never would have imagined the terrain in the area was like this and I have been coming here for 20 years now.

bonsoir playhard !!! ahahah excusez moi monsieur.....you posted a bit too late...quick in the gaspesie... look at my chickens , already riding everywhere !!!...beeep-beeep !!!😛 jean-guy

Uh huh! Way to go sista!

bonjour playhard !!! bienvenue !!! with those pics , im going to keep poulette frite kentucky busy for a while !!!...aahha storm started half an hr ago...hope to be buried '' full pin ''.....( to the max ) very nice outside !!!......-9c jean-guy

This past weekend Fer Cheval had Panini, & soup. Allowed 15 minutes inside to warm up and had the fire outside going Sunday stopped at Snowmasters favorite spot, Repos and all they offered was soup, pogo and various fries & poutine but were more friendly given extreme cold where one would consume it. Depanneur in Parent had selection and a few minutes inside Otherwise was gas & go and candy bar & Gatorade Trails were great but it was f... ing cold

The nick name is right. Giving someone snow trackers is the sign of true love..

No need for the random test at the border, we did this self testing every nite we were there.😃

Bingo no excuse with the technology today to not have some type of communication device especially in the backcountry all this could have been avoided.

Thanks, we were playing in your playground for some of it also today!

It’s a big help the curfew. Not saying no one is out riding, but very few after 10pm and it gives the trail time to set up nicely after it’s groomed no doubt. It is one good thing about curfew, that and when i get called out it’s like a scene from the walking dead (minus the dead walking) with no one on the road. I kinda like it that way.

It’s just a shit show and they have no clue what they are doing. The stewardess is in the pilots seat. Hang on. Seriously what a waste of time. Testing is bullshit.

Message from one of the sledders....... Details of the January 15 snowmobile outing. Normally in January we leave early to return early due to the short window of light available. Yesterday we left around 10 am due to the cold for a route that we thought was feasible with the weather we had. We were 6 experienced local snowmobilers and the ambition was to be back before nightfall. A non-remote loop route within 4 km of our cabins was on the menu. The first hours were challenging but the fun factor was very high. The sun pampered us, the terrain and snow was amazing. We had only one idea at the start and that was to complete this short route at the high level of difficulty without the option of retracing our steps. We had overcome some steep losses in elevation over very short distances and this is precisely what made us postpone the decision to turn back, fearing the significant effort required to overcome this elevation on the way up. Around 3:30 p.m. we arrived above a steep waterfall surrounded by huge rocks and dense wood. It was at this point that we decided that we were going to retrace our steps. From that moment we joined our efforts to come back... We shoveled, sawed, pulled and pushed together to overcome the most technical sections. At no time were we in danger, lost or injured but unfortunately we did not have our satellite devices to inform. In the event of frostbite or injury, we would have initiated a different scenario to request help and establish an emergency plan. We hydrated and helped each other as best we could to carry out the plan. At the exit of the creek, 3 locals had located us and helped ease our return. Lessons learned : - Even if the route seems short and feasible, always leave equipped with what you need to get by. - Always tell someone the area you plan to go to. - Despite our constant progress, a satellite communication device would have been used to inform that we were not in danger. So touching to see how important and fast the mobilization, solidarity and efforts have been. Thank you very much!!! From the bottom of my heart ✨🤗 Relay the chapel AIRMEDIC Ski Doo

Great place. Trailered to lac Blanc last Tuesday for a 4 day ride. Comfortable rooms, food is delicious( especially trout clubhouse). We made a nice loop, to kanawata first night, 83 west through parent to 100 lacs (another great spot) then down to auberge lac tareau then a 1/2 day back to La Blanc.

Thought we would have some more reply’s here. anyway we got back yesterday. Overall summary was conditions and accommodations were great. some more details for those interested. We rode temiskaming qc to ville Marie to Val dor then to r-n then back down to ville Marie. Trails were great. Some early season rocks/alders/sticks (actually a number of them) but no issues. More snow north of ville Marie so I would recommend staying in R-n or heading north if you stay anywhere south of there. we stayed at La bannik, and forestel (and north bay on the drive up). Accommodations were great as was the food and standard awesome QC hospitality. La Bannik is one of the best lodges to stay with great hosts, top notch food, nice accommodations, and lots to do. was real cold but to be expected. We didn’t see many sleds out on the trails (I guess too cold) but there were 20-30 at forestel we saw. would not hesitate to head up if you were thinking of it.

Air Medic is very cheap and if you get seriously hurt in the bush it may save your life and your fortune....everyone should have this

Yes I am glad for them they were ok, it was not a weather to stay outside an whole night without risking their life or severe frostbite The point a retain is that they involuntarily trigger a wide search /rescue operation in this severe weather at night involving helicopter and many peoples that have been put at risk and all this would have been resume to a simple text exchange ( or phone call) if they had bring a Bidirectional satellite communication device with them at first...

Careful what you ask for!!! LOL GutZ

top notch report with outstanding picture. Really enjoy it, glad you shared with us... sledding at his best 👍

Beautiful Pictures!

Waste of time and $.

He had said in the past that the day he disagreed with how things were being handled he would leave. The past few weeks before his resignation he was at the press conferences but, did not speak hardly at all. He stated in the past he would resign before he would lose his credibility. As for his replacement...yet to be known. Probably they will find a real puppet.

Hey Ice, what about that doctor that quit or got fired (QC Dr. Fauci?) Whats the story on him? The new guy gonna be any better?

We can blame Justin for alot of things but for this one it's our Quebec prime minister Francois legault that is to blame... Love your reports, keep it going through the cold and snow storm you are strong 👍

This is a great idea!!! If the tape is good you just kinda lean into it..... Zero effort!!!! If it lets go.....hmmmm.... Maybe I didnt think this through..... LOL GutZ

Historically correct Ice but our group is always blaming Justin for something….LOL i leave you with a pic of the men’s room at Marineau. It’s just us and two other guys eating their cold food outside so I knew I wouldn’t be interrupted. I peed in the middle one just out of spite.

I think it’s China’s fault.

Heading back to camp in a few minutes and taking off for 100 Lacs in the morning. We are going to try and get an early start (yeah right…) as supposedly it’s supposed to snow 12-16 inches tomorrow. Oh well….this is snowmobiling NOT vacation. will try and update tomorrow night if the good lord let’s us

Great trip reporting, super pics, and an awesome adventure ride mixing in the groomed with the ungroomed.

I can’t say enough good things about Notawissi being open again, now being owned by Sylvain, same owner as Meekoos, he is running a top-notch operation. The food is absolutely ridiculous, five course meal that you would get in the city or anywhere could not compete.

That reminds me I need to subscribe to the SPOT Tracker. GutZ

A group of went sledding for the day up in the Mont Laurier area. Heading back to Ottawa coming across the bridge around 9:30pm it was like a mass exodus leaving Quebec.

Thanks!

really great to see they are ok...could have been a different outcome at 35 below...sounds like some good experienced riders...even a small 4 km adventure can be a big deal to navigate in 4 or 5 feet of snow, going nowhere without snow shoes for sure

HAHAHA, turn the tables and say to the Marshal , you are making a "citizens arrest" .... but you'll go easy on them if they go home now,,,, GutZ

bonjour mikerider and playhard !!! cold and sunny this morning ...-20c ice circle start to build up because ,slow and spinning water there !!!.....et voila !!! jean-guy

Just back from our stay at Otis Nature. A few changes from the old place, but very nice. Got there late on sunday as we had 6 of us and 3 of us were still waiting for covid test results on sunday afternoon and we had to change trailer and vehicle plans last minute. Testing was much easier on the trip we took before Xmas. Across the border with 4 random tests, great. 24 hours to do the test, and weak to no wifi in the cabins, so we went to the resturaunt in the am and proceeded to go thru the 2 hour mess. All done and left the tests for pick up there, they will send some one to pick them up. They send someone next day, FROM MONTREAL??????? Cold morning, but the covid test gives us some time for things to warm some before we go. Trying to plan a place to stop thats warm for lunch as we packed a small lunch to take with us. Headed south to Mt Apica. The orange trails down to the 93 were great. LOTS of snow up here, never seen more. Less as you get towards Alma, but still good. Hit the 23 as it showed groomed last night. Got about 6 inches of snow last night and with the wind the fields, drifted BAD. Really made a mess of all the great fields down there. From Herbertville south, perfect. Stopped to warm up and eat at the warming shack on the corner of 23 and 368, nice. Back up the 23 to 83 and 383 to the River, perfect the whole way. Over the river and thru the woods to St Ambroise and the fields did not take the wind and snow well here. Turn into St Ambroise for fuel and closed? Covid hours? We should have enough to get back, but we have gas with us. Up the 367 and its wooded and pretty good, glad because its getting late and the temps are dropping fast. Pull onto the lake when we get back and it has dropped to -20f. Up early Tues morning, and its COLD. -35 and the sun has not crested the hill yet. We had 3 cabins for 6 of us, because of covid rules only 2 unless immediate family, they will get fined if they get caught. We all gather in one for meals. Eat breakfast and see if the sleds will start. 2 of them are brand new and after a few slow cranks they start. The other 4 no go, got 3 started with jump pack, but the 1200 with us would not go. One of the guys brought a battery charger and we put it on for a while and it finally went. Well its 1:00 now and its up to -32F. We refuel sleds with gas we brought and just about froze our butts off. Back to the cabins. we have food, we have booze, we will ride tomorrow. Wednesday AM, -25f. MUCH better, it will warm up today. Leave on the lake headed west on the 373. Head to St Ludger and stop to top off gas as we dont know whats open up here yet. The 373 is great, and it has warmed up. -10 seems great. Perfect all the way Girardville. Stop and eat a snack on the trail and gas up at Girardville. Hit the 93 est and it real nice. Have not been on 93 going this way in a few years and they have made some changes but its all good. Hit 373 in St Monique and its very good, Big snow over here. Back to the cabins, nice day, nice to be back. Thursday AM, -20f. They opened the trail over the mountain to Onatchaway last night. It has been closed for reroute for logging. We tryed to get over that way before Xmas but could not make it. Fresh groomed last night and perfect. All the way to the Bras Louis. They are putting in power lines so the road from the top all the way to the ski area is plowed and sanded with BIG rocks. They have done a great job grooming the side of the of the road, not the GREAT ride we know it can be, but not bad. Temps are up to single digits above 0 so it seems hot today. Up the 93 to the Chapelle, the are serving food take out and have a fire going outside. The birds have found that covid is a great source food for them, they are all waiting for food on the sled windshields. Back to the cabins the same way. Only a few degrees below on the way back. Fri AM, -20 this morning, but headed back today so no rush. The lake is open for sleds and the place will be open for meals. The menu is not as big as it was before but looks to be fine. Did not see any Love Cherrys on the counter though. Very nice staff, could not have been more helpful. And they have gas, but did not check price. Hope to be back in a few weeks, Try to leave from Vermont to Riviere Du Loup. GREAT to be back. And by the way, we are home and have not gotten our results of our random tests yet?

The picture of the Moise River; looks like what is called an 'ice disc'. Maine River has had one a couple years in a row. People come from all over to see it. mike

Mt Valin?? HAHAHA! GutZ

Would not take paypal, but listed it for payment. I guess to hard for scammers. So i guess no paper clips for me. LOL

This is DEFINITELY a repeat, however appropriate...