Jackstraw

I have never thought the owner had much of a personality. Half thought it was because we were English.  That said,  have stayed there on several occasions and sometimes down in the bar at night is an excellent atmosphere and he seemed quite hospitable.

Lets just say the 597 was in steller condition heading to Murdochville! Lost a cylinder

Lets just say the 597 was in steller condition heading to Murdochville! Lost a cylinder

Had a new shortblock installed at the dealer in Chandler on my MachZ. Less then 24hrs and the block came from Amqui on a bus over night! Under warranty. $40 for the bus

Let's just say the locals like to drink! They have a small area in the back to park the sleds. Went out to have a smoke and there was a super drunk local girl smoking a cig. As soon as i passed she proceeded to trip over the ski and did a face plant into the snow. She managed to save the cig. She was apparently looking to make some cash back at your room. She was way over the legal weight limit for that! LOL!

Let's just say the locals like to drink! They have a small area in the back to park the sleds. Went out to have a smoke and there was a super drunk local girl smoking a cig. As soon as i passed she proceeded to trip over the ski and did a face plant into the snow. She managed to save the cig. She was apparently looking to make some cash back at your room. She was way over the legal weight limit for that! LOL!

Let's just say the locals like to drink! They have a small area in the back to park the sleds. Went out to have a smoke and there was a super drunk local girl smoking a cig. As soon as i passed she proceeded to trip over the ski and did a face plant into the snow. She managed to save the cig. She was apparently looking to make some cash back at your room. She was way over the legal weight limit for that! LOL!

Had a new shortblock installed at the dealer in Chandler on my MachZ. Less then 24hrs and the block came from Amqui on a bus over night! Under warranty. $40 for the bus

Had a new shortblock installed at the dealer in Chandler on my MachZ. Less then 24hrs and the block came from Amqui on a bus over night! Under warranty. $40 for the bus

Yes it is quite the experience! Stayed there a few times!

To get the Chibougamau experience in its totality,  staying downtown at the Hotel Chibigamau is a must.  You and your friends will come away with great stories to tell your grand kids, and you will receive a decal proclaiming 'I survived a night in Chiboug'.   A five star experience.

Day#4: Matane/Forestville
A day that started early to be on the wharf around 7:15 a.m. for boarding the 8:00 a.m. ferry to Baie-Comeau

Once boarding done we go upstairs in the passenger section for a 2.5 hours to relax. We had plenty of time to visit this infamous boat which has caused so much talk for the wrong reasons, but in our case everything went well.

It is therefore a little before 11:00 am that we begin our snowmobile ride on the north side of the St-Lawrence river.

and we went west on #3 trail

The Manicouagan River footbridge is very impressive

Very high in the air, it offers us a very nice view of the surroundings (to be seen in the video)

We stopped at Chute-aux-Outardes for lunch and then continued on #3 trail, which we kept for the rest of the day. Being a mountains, lakes and rivers lover, I really like the north coast.


The famous section of #3 trail in the Pessamit sector which was closed for almost 2 seasons is now reopened and apart from a few 50km/h signs we barely recognized it and realized that we had already passed when we arrived at the Betsiamites river bridge

We continued to Forestville where we arrived around 4:00 p.m. with 181 km on the clock to spend the night at the EconoLodge
I put together a fairly complete musical video memory of this fourth day that I share with you below. Set sound on and quality to 1080 for best viewing.
 
Day#5: Forestville/La Malbaie
We start our ride at 8:00 on the trail from the Econo Lodge in Forestville because we had a good day ahead with a gray weather and a little snow.

Beautiful mountainous and wooded sections on trail #3

We decided to not going down south to les escoumins to keep the day's milage reasonable and cut through by the local trail bypass

Approaching Tadoussac

We ate there before taking the ferry of the Saguenay River.

Here, leaving Baie Ste-Catherine

It was more snowy in the afternoon but it was riding well

We took trail #378 which goes further north instead of keeping trail #3 which went down along the river. The route is beautiful but it was more bumpy on the 2nd half, we regretted it a bit.
Arrived at the petit Manoir du Casino around 4:30 p.m. with 290 km on the dream meter

The services on site are very good and the 2 spa areas, especially the Spa O'Quartz with its tropical decor and its many pools and waterfalls, is an exceptional place to relax after a good day on the snowmobile.
I put together a fairly complete musical video memory of this 5e day that I share with you below. Set sound on and quality to 1080 for best viewing.
 
Day#6: La Malbaie/Quebec
An outstanding sunny day awaited us for the last day of our trip, seen from the hotel on our way to breakfast...

We stayed closer to the St-Lawrence river to continue west taking the locals and trail #378


Here's the view at Baie-St-Paul

We took #3 trail further west. The trails were all very nice.

We took a lunch break at the Relais Ste-Anne, happy to see that it survived the covid's time well.

We resumed after lunch for the last segment, still on trail #3 west

Here crossing the Montmorency River on the west side  of Quebec city

As we expected a little, the trails were more bumpy when crossing Quebec city, especially west of this small bridge (St-Charles River I believe) where my wife seriously think of just walking through it !

But it got back to normal maybe a 12km further just after Val Bélair and we quickly returned to our starting point a little after 3:00 p.m. with a little less than 220 km for the day.

We were impressed to see the foot of snow accumulated on our van and trailer and had a good snow removal job to do, but despite the 2 hour drive to do, we came back home for dinner very happy with our trip and to relax in our stuff.
So an another very nice trip for us without problems which filled our heads with beautiful memories that I try to keep even more present with the help of my videos that I put together for each day.
Here's the last one, Day#6 La Malbaie-Quebec which is very nice with the beautiful sun we had. Set sound and quality to 1080 for best viewing.
Hope you enjoyed the ride!
Alain
 

Kelly and I made a second trip to the Gaspe after getting frozen out a couple weeks back.  We clicked off 690 miles around the Gaspesie on fresh groomed trail for all but about 25 miles.  It is like catching the Holy Grail if you can make to loop all the way on freshly groomed trails. 
Started from Pointe a la Croix as usually, fresh groomed right out the door to past the cable bridge where Snowmaster 2112 caught up to us with his group. We chatted on the side of the trail then continued to the Albertville gas for breakfast. Met Snowmaster and his crew there again, but there were heading out to beat a storm on there way home.....we all know how that ended.  Thankfully no serious injuries. Kelly and I pulled out and took the local trail right before Lac Matepedia to St Adeleme for a break, lots of people there.  We then headed to Grande Nature, perfect trails till we got about 15mi before the turnoff above Cap Chat.  Good into Grande Nature. We had called about a week before and all that was left was a Scandinavian cabin. Have never stayed in one of those before, always up in the main building the cabins are awesome. The food there was incredible and the atmosphere is great. Left the next morning and had about another five or eight miles of rough stuff until we got to the Saint anne Des Monts turn off from there freshly groomed again right across the whole North Shore. Road through to the town of Gaspe and stayed the night at the Hotel Plante.  We went to supper with Northbound and Sandra it was a great evening. The next day we headed out again on freshly groomed trails all the way into Perce where Kelly wanted to get the iconic picture in front of the Rock, every snowmobiler has to do this at least once. In and out of there still on fresh groom trails we went through Chandler and got gas and stopped for lunch at the Chandler clubhouse, very busy there they were having drag races. Pulled out after lunch and sailed into New Richmond that evening, stayed at the Fin Gourmet. Next morning again out on freshly groomed trails and road back to the truck in Pointe-à-la-Croix.
Been riding in Quebec for 22 years and have never run so much freshly groomed trail before, the gods of grooming were smiling at us. Here is a few pics from our excellent adventure.
 

Some pics from Mark
 

Day 6 March 1st
Alright, today was the last day of my big Gaspésie tour. I knew it was my biggest day of all, I was prepared mentally. I slept ok, there were Don's friends singing along with him from  other rooms at Copper last night. 😂

Poor Jacques, he's having problems, the employees aren't showing up for work. The day we arrived, his friend and him were doing rooms because two cleaning ladies didn't show up and this morning the truck driver was our waitress while the waitress was cooking for us. He also had to close the restaurant to people yesterday (no lunch) and accept only his guests due to lack of help. Not easy nowadays. 

We left around 8:10, there must have been at least 35 sleds parked at hotel Copper last night. We headed on the local trail to La Cache through the Chic Choc, one of my favorite. However it was very grey today couldn't see the landscape very much.
It was groomed a good part of the way until we caught up to the groomer about 30 km before La Cache. But the rest of it wasn't too bad. The way I remembered that trail from January  last year was with more twists and much narrower than what I rode on today. It went pretty fast. 

By 10:10 we were putting gas at La Cache. We said hello to everyone and we were on our way. 

Then, I was leading most of the way today, again, getting more experience in the front, being the first one facing the sleds coming our way, watching out.
At some point, I see two sleds stopped on the side, the first guy waved to slow down, I'm thinking there is a moose or something. But no, I kept moving forward but really slow. There it was, a guy towing another sled with no one on it. Oh and he was totally on my side and the sled being towed in the middle. 
After La Cache, according to the tracks it seemed like we were the first ones heading that way. Fresh groomed trail just for me since I'm in the front.
However, I've been studying these tracks on the ground heading the other way, and let me tell you, I guess I'm lucky to cross path with these sleds where it happens, because sometimes one corner after I look on the ground and there it is, all over my side. It would have been a crash.  It's one thing to be on your side, but when the others aren't, there is nothing you can do. It's scary to think about it. 

We did cross path with few sleds today.  Oh and we saw another coyote. 

Then we rejoin trail 5, got lunch at the relais St-Adelme by 1pm, the girl needs a break you know. 😁 Only 30 km left to go to the hotel which was rough a little. 

By 3:00 we were loading the sleds in the trailer and John and Mark showed up behind us. Had a nice visit outside catching up and we met again for dinner. Great time catching up with them. 

Little anecdote, in Shawinigan,  Don and I cheer on for the junior hockey team Cataractes. Lover likes to wear their t-Shirt which he had on today. As he was getting snacks from the vending machine, the bus from Moncton's team pulled up, the coach walked in and told Don, hey wrong shirt! 😂😂 He came to get me, because I taught to one of the players years ago, the goalie. So I stood there to catch up to him. He loves his life in the Junior hockey league. I was happy to see him. 
Overall, I had an amazing time in Gaspesie as always! Couldn't ask for better weather and better trails than that! Plus I have the best trail guide!
See you next time Gaspésie!

 

Day 5 Tues Feb 28
You have no idea what a great night sleep can do to you. I'm ready for my day!!! 💪🏼

There were lots of sleds at Motel Rodeway last night. We walked next door for a breakfast at Tim Hortons. 
Off we went on the 5 to 597. The trails were smooth and I enjoyed riding the white highways. We stopped and discussed about going to the Perce rock, but decided to skip it. I've been there in the summer already. 
We continued on  and decided to stop to have a quick lunch at the snowmobile club instead of into town to encourage the relais in La Grande Riviere. The vegetables cream was unbelievable! 
I  like all the bridges, not always easy to go on and off them, like that one today was very icy to get on. Lover told me that with all the bridges they don't worry about the rivers being frozen or not which is a good point. They also need those bridges for the ATV in the summer, so win win! 

I truly enjoy the fast ride on the 597, it was both our first time on this new section since it was modified. Don said  it's much more open and wider than the previous trail. 
We saw two coyotes... at first I said, Oh look a dog! 😂😂 My first thought since we had seen people walking with their dogs on snowmobile trails before... not the best place but you know how it is. Yesterday and today we saw someone cross country skiing on the trail, I guess you never know what you'll see. 
 
In my trip so far I've seen a mouse, an American marten, deer and two coyotes today. 

Day 4 Mond Feb 27 

Monday was a rough day for me, since the one and only lover who calls me Petunia, sweet pea, sweet heart, sunshine, lover, mon amour, honey, Caro, Caroline (that's it you got them all 😂) decided to sing his high pitch song all night long. Unfortunetly I didn't get my well needed beauty sleep. So my driving skills weren't as sharp as I like them. 

However we made it to Gaspé safe and sound. 
We were leaving Mont St-Pierre heading to Gaspé. We took the only trail to get there, you know, #5. 

I want to thank Julie and Patrick at the Delice. They are really nice people. 
The trail condition was excellent the whole day. Again lots of  twists and turns and ups and downs like the day before. I'm working on getting my throttle thumb on point when I get downhill. Sometimes I got it, other times not at all. Work in progress I guess. 
However, again some spectacular views with a big bright sun for amazing pictures on top of Mont St-Pierre and all around. 

Bad timing at the gas in Mont St-Louis, we picked the wrong one... Had to backtrack to the first gas station since the second one which is off the trail by 6 km had no gas when we went. The clerk was waiting for his gas delivery. 
We also came across a nice relais from Club du Rapide Blanc. I'm always happy to see a place where I can use an indoor restroom. You might not realize it, but for us, ladies, it's different! 😏Although, If I gotta go, and it needs to be on the trail so be it, just not my first choice. 
I had a candy bar lunch in the gas station at Riviere Renard because most places are closed on Mondays. 

In Gaspé we stayed at Motel Adams now called Rodeway Inn. Seems to be a lot of black top to get to the hotel, but at least I got wheels! Automatic ones, lover puts them down for me.
10/10 for bed comfort, squishy pillowsss and comforter. The St-Hubert in the hotel parking lot was closed (supposed to open today) but in a walking distance there is also Maestro pizza, Dixie Lee, a pub and Tim Hortons which we had for breakfast. 

Let me tell you that it was an early night for me to catch up on my sleep. Took two of my Pure rest pills and 8:30 I was ready for bed. 
 

Tuesday 190 miles 
We went to Perce via 5. Trails were all good (except the local in).
On the way out 5 to 597 and orange local to Gaspe were the best of the trip so far. We made good time.
 I am feeling beat. Going to make this short.

Left Amqui on TQ5 down to Albertville clubhouse. What happened to the snowmobile decoration stick out of the building? Its gone. Did Groomer take as a retirement gift?
587 loop was simply amazing, wide, flat and fast.
Back onto 5, topped off gas at Matapedia since its right on the way instead of backtracing at PLX or Nouvelle.  
Took the orange loop trail (entered the loop 6 miles west of Nouvelle) that goes north to the airport, best trail of the trip so far. However on the east side of the loop, ran a plowed icy road for about 8-10 miles before jumping back into a new trail that was not on the map, was ungroomed and beat up, but we survived. That led back on the map to a smooth ride down to Carlton. 
At gas, crossed the street and went for a ride through the summer campground
on the peninsula to get to the frozen beach for,some photos before going to Baie Bleu hotel.
Crunchy salmon for dinner, great stop here.
Place is extremely busy, full os snowmobilers.
 
Tomorrow plan is through La Cache, Murcochville, then to Mt St Pierre for smoked chicken wings.

Dropped at Select Inn Mont Laurier Sun the 19th. Off to Auberge Lac Taureau for Mon night. 63 was absolute dog shite the whole way. Was looking forward to a good start as have ridden it many times but it was trash. Anyway, straight to the bistro on arrival as beverages were deserved and a snack was needed.....smoked meat and ceaser(s) were tres bonne. Biere blanche was good too. Now being partially recovered from the days beating off to the room we went with travelers in hand to get showered up for dinner. Bottle of Vin rouge ordered minestrone soup arrives which was very good. Off to the buffet next.....sadly not good. Bland lamb chops same for the pasta primavera and chicken pas bon! Deserts...fudge, creme brule, eclairs top shelf but would not recommend meal package as food in bistro was much better but kitchen there closes at 4 so load up if you take that route. Breakfast buffet next day was good.  
Off to Lac a L Eau Claire after the buffett. Groomed right from the door to Cabanon so were there lickety split. Decide to goof around on some locals as its still early and Eau Claire isn't far and find ourselves at the Glacier for fuel. Pull up to the pump, fuel up and our 22 xrs decides its had enough for the day and electric start does work....just clicks like a dead battery. Well that was the 1st tabarnac of the trip. Staff is super helpful with booster battery etc but sleds having none of it. Alrighty then off with the cover and old school the primary with rope and she lights right up. No more pissing around ...straight to Claire. Pull up to big garage and attendant asks if we want to put the sled inside and we banish the bad one to the garage and thinking its a battery issue arrange to get a new one which one of the staff picked up that night. 
Into the hotel we go for you guessed it.....adult beverages. Great spot all round, food was super, lovely rooms and staff was great. Up early, head to garage. Sled fires right up.....monszeeee! Change the battery anyway, stick the old one in the saddle bag and off too Windigo we go. 
Get about 1/2 hour down the trail and time for coffee purge, son shuts sled off and ..... yep NO GO again. Well tabarnac NO WAY we head to Windigo with his sled acting up so off to Brp dealer is St Michel Des Saints off we go after roping the primary again. Trails are great but beaucoup traffic, fuel at Cabanon with sled running then straight to Haute Matawine Brp. Get there around 1pm, place is slammed. Stroll up to service counter and explain to the fellas the my francais nes't pas tres bonne, they say pas probleme as their english sucks...perfect. Guys says what happens when you press starter Button....I make click click noise he says je comprende click click click. Grabs tester and out he goes to ck sled...pas bonne. Forklift appears and into the shop she goes. Back out front and running in less than an hour. Loose ground on engine. Parfait...give the boys a healthy tip for looking after us and scoot over to Hotel Central for the night. Been a while since I've stayed there and was happy to see the rooms (at least #47) had been nicely updated. Day of goofing around cost us Windigo so off the Fer a Le Cheval we go early next morning. 63 is pancake flat and tight....flipper is pinned. Make it to 33 junction in a blink. Stop for a minute and son says.....doesn't sound right DAD and he's right. Sounds like belt, clutch issue. Off with the panels  and belt cover.....nut is backed off and spacer loose on clutch TABARNAC rollers are fried. U turn and nurse it back to dealer....bonjour mes neuveau ami's ces't nous encore 🙂
Place is really slammed today....nous somme au plain. I say all good anything you can do for us would be appreciated...owner is standing right there I tell him how good his team is and how they treated us yesterday and he's beaming. Machine disappears from front of shop about 10 mins later and re-appears less that an hour later ready to rock. That shop is great.
Saddle up at noon......pull into cheval at 5pm. Trails were good... 33 is a ripper especially across the top after Repos. Was drooling all the way along that stretch thinking of a couple of all dressed chen chauds at LU-NIC but arrive only to find out that kitchen is shutdown for good. Fuel, grab a drink and punch out the last 80k or so to Cheval. Pull in ...have a couple of ceasers while we register and freshen up for sup which was great as per usuual. Nice touch with the new valet service. Breakfast spot on as usual also. Mount up and head back to Laurier
Ripper out of cheval and good all the way to St Anne du Lac. Tight in spots on lower portion of the ride to St Anne as most would know and clowns still not staying right but we are always super cautious especially just outside of St Anne du Lac so we made it unscathed. Stayed on 13 below St Anne which was stupid as its tight and almost always whipped and the 322 is much better. Anway decent run despite the issues with the 22 which will be down the road as soon as I get a 24 ordered. 
Ride safe and excuse my butchering of french as mon francais nes't pas tres fort 🙂
Cheers
Gowser

Day 9
Fresh grooming out of Matane, stopped at the Chap Chat clubhouse for coffee. Trails a mixture of quality as we moved on.  Stayed in Mont Louis, a new place none of us had tried before.  It was full of sleds that night.  Certianly recommend Auberge l'Amerre. 
Day 10 
A short day but beautiful, down through Murdochville (40 sleds lined up out front) for breakfast, LA Cache, to New Richmond and the Fin Gourmet for the night.
Day 11
New Richmond to the truck, 100% fresh groomed all the way. Had to take the picture of the train crossing with lights on the sled trail.  I did stop here last year for a train.
3500km  Trails anywhere from plowed road to 10/10 as you would expect.

Mini Tow Truck got er done