Snappy Hank

Good morning Alain, Another great report by you and the Mrs.! Glad to see you were able to get out. However, I saw a post from someone yesterday, that Real had passed. Have not seen anything official, however, if you could confirm this, and possibly post the obituary, that would be great. My condolences go out to Nancy and family, such great people, and such a beautiful spot they have there. It’s always a pleasure to go there, as you say, their food is outstanding, very kind staff, and great accommodations. Real can be very proud of his accomplishment there! Thanks, Hank

Went by Laglaciere on Friday a.m., corral was packed with trucks and trailers Hank

I was there on Thursday afternoon for dinner around 5pm. I didn't ask what their schedule is, but someone at Lecabanon said they are open from Thursday thru Sunday. Probably the best way to find out is to give them a call, and then you will know for sure. Snappy Hank

Nice report Alain. We probably crossed paths that day as we did almost the same route. We encountered a big moose between the 23/350 intersection and Laglaciere! Couldn’t tell if it was male/ female as it was going away from us. We waited a few minutes, and it went off the trail, so we proceeded with caution as we couldn’t see any footprints. Biggest one I’ve ever seen!! We made our way to Coin Lavigne and then down 63 through Domaine Bazinet, over to Mandeville and back up 343/350/23 to Real Masse for dinner, and arrived back to Lecabanon around 6:30 with 145 miles on for the day. Met up with the groomer as we got back on 23, for smooth sailing back in. Due to the FREE WEEKEND I left for home on Friday a.m. Hank

I take the pledge also. Additionally, you should have seen the short video when you applied for your trail permit.

Nice report Alain! I arrived on Sunday and had a very good week. Unfortunately the sun and daylight hours are quickly taking over the road crossings, definitely need wheels. Still a huge amount of snow left, and grooming continues. Snappy Hank

Oxygen helmets are reportedly going to have a built in communicator system next year. Price point for the helmet is going to be around 1000 bucks U.S. Pretty pricey with too much technology to go wrong. Maybe that’s why they’re offering 30% off, trying to get rid of all the old stock.

Where is this located?

I find that I must speak out about this topic because in all fairness, this goes on in this country as well. As an example there were 600 vehicles stolen in Monmouth County NJ in 2022. That’s just one county out of 50 states. Portland Oregon is being ravaged by car jacking and vehicle thefts right now on a daily basis. We really need the teeth put back in our law enforcements hands with stronger and stiffer penalties again. We don’t know all the circumstances of this latest theft at Lac Blanc. Very difficult to think keys were left in vehicle. I would like to know the statistics or percentage of sleds and vehicles stolen in Canada. Personal security must be taken with the utmost importance wherever you travel. LOCK UP YOUR BELONGINGS, DO NOT LEAVE KEYS IN VEHICLES OR PERSONAL INFORMATION!!

Nice picture! Enjoy the ride!

Hey Snowmaster! we are looking for info update on the new owners. I haven’t been up since Covid. I’m looking forward to getting back to my favorite corner in the dining room by the bar. I understand that Frank is no longer there, who is cooking and waiting on tables? I’m still up here in Big Moose Lake, (near Old Forge), hoping things are getting back to the old norm up there. Snappy Hank

Hoping that Towing will chime in here with any news from Lecabanon. Hank

Does anyone know if you have to use the Canada app, if you possess a NEXUS CARD? Hank

It was announced overnight that the U.S. border will open sometime in November. This is promising news! Hopefully there won’t be any nonsense attached to it! Hank

This was a 2014 Spring order sled, all Canada miles, prestudded track,and heated seat. Completely serviced by dealer. This sled is in excellent condition. Reason for selling is I no longer need it, as I also have an 18 Viper, 19 Winder, 21 Winder and a 22 Winder on the way. I can send more pictures if need be, just contact me. Asking $6400 US, or best reasonable offer. I can be reached at 518-926-9700, you can call or text me anytime. HANK

The joint venture between Yamaha and cat, was a win-win for both players. Parts availability from both brands, at a Yamaha or cat dealer.Cat always made a good chassis with good steering and suspension, Yamaha on the other hand has a bulletproof engine. I don’t miss mixing gas and oil and the smell of two strokes. The longevity of the four stroke Yamaha is well documented, no replacing piston rings at 5000 miles. You don’t need to adjust the valves for 20,000+ miles. The arctic cat chassis is easy to dial in when doing your initial set up. I started buying Yamaha‘s when the RX - 1 came out and never looked back. Just my personal thoughts. HANK

I “second” that idea, I also am YAMAHA all the way. That’s the exact same one I ordered. I will have 3 Winders and 2 Vipers. Will likely sell my ‘14 viper. Hank

Well I pulled the trigger today, for a 22 YAMAHA SIDEWINDER LTX - GT, ink blue/regal gold, with EPS. I’m banking on the fact that the border will open this fall, hopefully sooner. It was a very disappointing season, as I was only able to get 370 miles on my 21 sidewinder LTX - GT. I will be posting pictures shortly, of a 2014 viper LTX -DX for sale. just wondering how many other people have SPRING ORDERED new sleds. HANK

Hey Iceman, Check out the April 8th issue of Snowgoer magazine! Looks like a nice economic boom for shawinagin. Looks like they are going to manufacture sleds and PWC‘s in a new facility to be 340,000 ft.² . They are claiming production of up to 80,000 units per year, in a couple of years down the road. Sounds exciting for the industry. Hank

This is a very unfortunate situation. There must be some sort of a steep enough fine to get their attention. You’ve got to hit them hard in the pocketbook. I’m talking about fines starting at $2500, for first offense, impound their sled, take away their riding privileges, and possible jail time, for second offense. I know this seems harsh but the farmers and landowners are in control of the right of passage. They need to be protected at all costs. I understand that policing is very hard to do, but something has to be done to step up enforcement. Bottom line is we loose our riding privileges! just my opinion, harsh action has to be taken! Hank

Good morning Alan, Thanks for another excellent ride report, and congratulations on achieving 25,000 miles. I’m trying to remember what model year your venture is. You must be starting to think about a new one. Snappy Hank

Nice photos Don. I’ve been riding in Quebec since ‘93, had no idea the bridge was that new. Hard to visualize but it looks as though the crossing gate house was there back then. How long have you been a Quebec resident? Hank

Probably a politician, because they always tend to talk from both sides of their mouth!!! HANK

I was confused , but now I know for sure, I am confused!!!???

Hope you and your staff are safe. It must be very difficult working under this situation. I ride all winter out of LECABANON and enjoy following your adventures with SNOWMASTER CHRIS. He always stops by my table for a visit. Where are you in Massachusetts? I’m just across the state line from you in Hudson Falls, NY. Hank