snowfarmer

I was disappointed to have missed the Easter weekend to ride but it is sometimes like that... but now that everyone thought sledding was over in my area mother nature sends us another surprise, a good one this time: One foot+ snow drop all over the north of my area on wednesday 4 April
Several clubs had already announced or planned their closure. Riding up to April was already good in my area and I must admit that  earth started to come out in some spots even in the north. I would like to Thanks all the snowmobile clubs peoples who rolled back up their sleeves and took their groomers out again for this last weekend in the north of my area, especially the Snowmobile Club of St-Michel des Saints, the Club du Royaume (Cabanon), the club Mattawin (Marineau toward Mauricie), the club of Notre-Dame de la Merci and all others that I could have forgotten.
Having that large amount of new snow with mild temperatures,  we did not expect perfect trails. It was not groomed everywhere and where it was the snow was  very soft and the conditions have changed all the day but we had played in the snow under extraordinary weather conditions and scenery and got a real treat.
Here is the approximate trail path we rode Saturday, April 7 2018 totaling 236 miles




Here starting from La Glacière in St-Zenon  at 9:00 am Saturday morning under a cloudy sky with -4C with our friend Steph



We took the #350 and then joined  the #23 north which were both freshly groomed



We had an overnight new snow bonus of a few inches  like the ice on an already generous cake



We passed by the Cabanon where we made a fuelup  before continuing toward the #345



The #23 had been groomed after the storm but contrary to what we had read on Facebook, beyond the #345 north had not been but several sleds had passed.



The problem in those conditions is that the trail get narrow on some spots because everybody tend to pass in the same line which can get scary to cross other sled especially on a wooded twisty trail so we chose to go toward the Taureau dam. This segment of trail had been even less used but was taking us sooner on the #360 which is wider with better visibility. Two-up on a touring machine in a canal like that is not easy, especially for the stress level of my best half on the back but we had not long to do it



And soon we were at the Taureau dam that we crossed to join the #360 trail on the other side



Again only one track wide but no sled had passed since the last overnight 3-4 inches of new snow so it was a lot easier because I was not tracking in the skis tracks of the others before. I am not sure that the stress level of my darling had decreased much but on my side I had a real blast!!! The venture tossed alot snow in this spot and I admit that I probably have a few more miles on the dreammeter vs the gps because of that segment!



The scenery that was already very snowy became even more


Here at the #360/#345north junction (toward pourvoirie du Repos).



For ourself we continued on the#360 northeasterly to go eat at Marineau in Rivière Mattawin. The snow that was intermittent since we started became more and more present



The #360 trail had not been groomed on the first miles...



But the Mattawin snowmobile club had begin to groomed just few miles ahead  and this, up to our destination for lunch at Mattawin



Intermittently the snow intensified making this absolutely beautiful scenery even more incredible ...



 I don't think the trees could have been more loaded than that, the pictures speak for themselves





It was simply magic ...





While we were already stunned at this scenery, the snow got heavier





We were there for an april spring ride!!!



It decreased afterwards



But the sky was still very dark as we crossed the photo spot on the shore of the beautiful Mattawin River



Here seen from the bridge,  the St-Maurice river with the Auberge Marineau seen through the trees in the distance



We arrived on-time for lunching at around 12:10. We are always  well received at Marineau, good food and services. A real sledders place for sledders. While we were having lunch, the snow started again!



After a good meal break, we gave a good drink to the venture on the other side of the street before continuing




  We were still in for some surprises in terms of weather, the sun that we did not expect had come out!




And it's under a sun and cloud mix that we  retraced our steps on the #360





An already beautiful and pleasant trail to ride but with those conditions it was really at the top


The same scenery with the sun instead of the snow was so different but just as beautiful, we are really blessed to had had both in the same ride. Obviously the pics are a lot better when it's sunny ...


 

 
We stopped at the halte 440 for some pictures ...





And then continued ...



Hum... this white coating on his hood does not seems factory...


Here not far from the Taureau dam. The morning single track was beginning to widen a little



Our buddy Steph was a little reluctant to our ride extension plans (maybe he begin to know us well!) but since it was still early we finally convinced him to stretch out the ride by riding around the reservoir and passing through St-Michel des Saints. The first section up to #33 trail had not been groomed either but was riding very well. Here during a short break on the reservoir shore



Then once on the #33, the trail had been groomed by St-Michel snowmobile club, nice and fast 



Here on the reservoir beach 



With this beautiful sun giving us maximum visibility we chose to cut on the Taureau reservoir between the Auberge du Lac Taureau and St-Michel des Saints.



We took the opportunity to do one last fuelup at the the village before continuing on the #63 trail toward the Cabanon. The big hills near the village were very thin but otherwise the snowmobile club of St-Michel had did a very good grooming job because it was very nice and fast.


 
We then resumed on our morning path to La Glacière. We finally got back at the trailer around 6:00PM with 236 miles on the dreammeter.
 For the next, I do not expect a lot of extra grooming but you can follow the details on the trail conditions website here:  https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/
Each ride is an unique small adventure and this one has been an incredible good one! Big chances are it was our last one (unless somebody twist my arm!) but I could not dream of a better way to end the season in my area
Have a good off-sledding  season !!!
Alain
 

Last ride of the season:    Was only appropriate the ACE hit the 15,000 mile mark on the Mikerider bypass. That would sound more impressive in Kilometers! Sled goes just like it came off the showroom floor.
Saw a black cat for several seconds in a field today before he disappeared into the woods. Looked 25 to 30 pounds, no idea what it was.
And, best of all, the mice story did not get me kicked off QR, thanks for all the positive feedback on the story.
mike
 
 

Day2
Today was one of those days you remember! Blue skies, warm temps and the most scenic part of the gaspe! TQ 5 to Gaspe for the night at motel Adams. Tq5 was absolutely stellar the whole way. Passed only a handful of sleds all day. Wow is the only word for the day. Picked up a guy walking down the trail who got his sled stuck off trail. Doubled him to where he was. Didn’t speak an once of English. Got to where his sled was which was down at the bottom of a hill in the bush. We couldn’t continue down. There’s 4ft if snow. What the hell was he thinking on a Yamaha off trail by himself. We got him out but not after sweating our asses off helping. Let’s jyst say he was a happy camper! Wheels on the skis would be a huge asset for fuel and hotels! 236 miles 

Powder turn ... 101

Statrted in Maniwaki they had new snow trails were loose but nice coverage. Left at 2 pulled in to Mekoos before dark, relaxed morning up to Parent great trails lots of snow grooming up to par. 83 to Relais 22 was fast hard and fun, tonight at Relais 22. I would say mid winter conditions.  

Day 3, Sunday, March 11th 2018, 202 miles.
We woke to blue skis and it stopped snowing, yeah!  With only 200 miles back to the truck we weren’t in a big rush.  Mont Vilian does not start breakfast until 8:00AM, a bit of a pain under normal conditions.  All was good with the food and the cabin but the poor to no internet is a show stopper for me.
We were expecting the worse as the last 5 miles in was all ice and no fresh snow.  As soon as we hooked a left towards Alma we could see they had gotten plenty of snow this last storm.  It was perfectly fresh groomed and we were first tracks all the way to Alma!  Best I have ever seen these trails.
We crossed the bridge, meandered through town and stayed on the 23 all the way into Mont Apica.  The trails were in really nice condition and the traffic was not too bad.  A few of us grabbed a splash of gas and off the Le Tape for food and gas.  I think overall better food and much quicker service.
23 to Le Tape was a tiny bit bumpy in the turns but mostly really nice.  The side trail to Le Tape was very good considering the traffic as we got closer.
After lunch we grabbed the 369 back to Route 3.  I would say the 369 may have been the best I have seen it ever.   It’s amazing what a pile of new snow and grooming will do.  We did jump on the 304 to avoid the last twisty part of 369 through the mountains. We were dreading Route 3 but it was totally fine for a warmish Sunday afternoon all the way back to the Hotel. 
High 5’s and hugs all around and a successful 780 mile trip in the books. 
No sled or rider issues.  Gas, oil and go, just the way we like it. 

Day 1, Friday, March 9th 2018, 365 miles.
We decided to start at the Sheraton Four Points in Quebec City.  Nice rooms, nice food and huge parking. If you are trying to go north it is a better option for us than the St Foy area.  We debated on starting more north in La Malbaie  but voted unanimously against it in favor of more miles on the sled and less in the truck.
We woke to a fresh 4 inches or so outside and it was still snowing.  Breakfast at 7:00 and then out to unload 5 sleds, Me, Jay, Randy, Dave and Greg. On the trail at 8:00 or so.
We found awesome conditions on the power-lines in Quebec City.  No rocks and tons of snow.  They fully recoved from the rain and warm.  No water, no missing snow bridges, nothing ! A few snowmobile bridges redone since last season and some fresh signing, it was nice. There were lots more 30km maximum signs in town so we took it very easy. Most of route 3 was freshly groomed and really nice until Relay Mont St Anne.  It stayed nice until the 369 La Tape turn off then the snow started picking up and for sure no groomer had been here in a bit.  Big snowdrifts and hard going all the way to Relay Michelieu at the Baie St Paul turn off.  They have 2 huge gas tanks there now that I have not noticed before.  No worries we don’t need gas and continue on.
It is obvious that the groomer has been here recently which was nice.  A few small trail reroutes since last year but it was all nice.  A bit choppy before the ferry as it usually is.  Snowing heavy now and WINDY…….  We got off a bumpy Tadousac ferry ride and headed to lunch at Restaurant Chantmartin a few minutes up the trail, (I was wishing I put the peanut butter on my toast for breakfast because I was HUNGRY!).  We met some folks there that were calling it a day because of too much snow and hard going.  We finished an awesome lunch and marched on. Both gas options on the trail in town are no longer open and we did not want to get the one off the side street so off we go. We bypassed Pelchat and got gas at Relais Escoumin. I know guys had issues with bad gas early in the season here but we took our chances and all was well.  We told the lady in the relay where we were going and she said something about good luck and crazy Americans.  We wrestled the sleds on the Route 3 bypass due to the locals tracking it up every which way playing in the deep snow.
Our plan was to get to Chenail Du Nord at 5:00 with 320 miles but with all the new snow and a few excursions we were not going to make that.  We arrived in Forestville at 6:45PM to get gas.  I looked at the Chenail Du Nord side trail on the way by and there were no tracks and now the fresh snow was in the 12-18 inch range and still snowing.  We leave at 7:00PM after grabbing (3) empty windshield washer jugs for tomorrow.  I shoot a note to Benoit we are running a bit late.
We doubled back the few kilometers to the side trail and off we go. Fresh tracks for 1KM then off a huge bank onto a plowed back road, hum.......  We go a short distance and hook a left back onto the side trail and are ready for the remaining 60 miles.  Lo and behold someone had ridden it pulling a sled and it’s perfect! Benoit has this section pretty well signed to his door. I have GPS tracks if anyone needs them.  It’s dark now but we could easily go 65mph+ on sections of this trail.  We arrived at 8:30PM with 365 miles on.  Long day and the only over 250 miles day this year, but sometimes to get to the interesting places you have to pay a bit. We had new snow the whole way and everyone was happy to be there!  Benoit came out to greet us and get us set in our cabin.  He said he would go wake the chef and dinner would be ready at 9:15.
Quick unload, shower and off to eat.  The new chef was awesome.  She is a local Floresville woman living in the bush here for the winter.  The meal was awesome as was visiting with Benoit for the evening.  He took out his calculator and said 600KM in 12 hours in this fresh snow, and you got gas, and you ate lunch?  We said yes, he said crazy Americans.  We've heard that before.
Lots of snow today and everything open for business.  I can't see this much snow melting quickly so head on up.  Quebec City is a great place to leave from when the conditions are this good.
 

Just back from a week in the Gaspesia area accompanied by our friend Snowcruiser. We left home after dinner by car on Saturday March 3rd and returned home on Saturday the 10th in the late afternoon, a trip of 700 miles by car and 1040 miles by sled. This was our 4th time in Gaspésia, the last one was back 4 years ago
The mild temperatures that we had in the  last weeks are certainly related with the poor trail conditions we encountered on a large part of the trip. I was expecting that with the warm temperatures but it was a notch worse than expected, no offense to you Groomer, the Tq5 in your area was nice!!!  Luckily, our relaxed vacation pace gave us an easy 160 miles/day average which was just enough in these conditions especially for my passenger. Here is the trail path of our trip:




Our drop spot in Gaspésia was in Mont-Joli at the motel "Mon Joli Motel". We slept there Saturday night before leaving by sled and finally Friday night when we came back before going home the next day. This was our third time at this location mainly for free parking and their recovery service in case of problems: we leave them our car keys and in case of problems they can come pick us up with our rigs at our request. A service we have been fortunate to never use up to date but still provides a significant peace of mind for the trip. In addition the place is nice, beds are comfortable and the food at the restaurant very good.



We had a very cloudy week but a bit of sun in the first 2 days. I hesitated to make a ride report on this trip, doing it as I usually do would make a too big project for the moment(I have a lot of photos and videos) so I'll go  differently with what marked us more than a detailed story . To begin we headed south via the trail # 5 on good trail conditions (Mont-Joli is the place where the  trail#5 come back on itself as the road #132 that goes around the Gaspésia do ).



I had left a message to Groomer.  Being in his backyard and having never met in person, the opportunity was too good to not going shake the hand of the best photographer in Gaspésia!  So we went having our lunch at the Albertville Clubhouse where he came to meet us. Our lucky star gave us a big bonus having Mr and Mrs Gt riders in persons, Jim and Gemma were there at the same moment. It was so nice to have a great talk with all those passionate peoples. a real great add-on to our trip!
I know JG you are more at ease on the other side of the camera but thank you for having been willing for the group pic with us

here outside before leaving
 
 
 




This day we had went to sleep at Pointe à la Croix and the next day we continued on #tq5 to New Richmond. Here the New Brunswick on the other side of the river 

Many deers  in that area.



Enough for having to pay more attention. I watched a lot for deer tracks in the woods as in this one  where there was a good flock. We powered the Lumix with the zoom and made some good shots, really beautiful animals





We then rode north on the #595 to La Cache where we spent the night. Probably the most rought trail of our trip that had not seen the Dozer for a very long time. During a break to our surprise we saw a mosquito on the venture cab! if the mosquitoes come out at this time here I won't imagine what is it in summer!



The next day, leaving La Cache we saw the only moose of the trip ... I would have liked to see one in better shape but it is what we got! It left just his coat that had been moved by wild animals during the night.





We then headed for the Chic-Chocs trail toward Murdochville. During our climb we were impressed by these snow blades on the trail side



A little further, while we were stopped on the trail side to take pictures of the rear view, another "virtual friend" recognized us and came to meet us. It was a pleasure to meet you in person "Je me souviens"



While we were talking with him, a little fox appeared in the back scenery



Kristine got the Lumix out and made a series of good shots of this little curious





When I parked my sled on the side of the Cooper infront a window in Murdochville. A knocking on the glass make us realize our friends Coyote and Jocelyn with whom we did our Chibougamau annual trip 6 years ago were just inside at their table for lunch!!! Another great surprized meeting that put some shine on our trip!
After our lunch, we went down the #597 toward south. I stopped for a short break around sixty miles from Murdoch at the spot where the dozer turn around(club change) because I remembered having seen gray jays the last time we went there 4 years ago. Well there were some still there and not fearful at all.



they came to get their treat in our hands and stayed there a long time pecking and watching us



We went to sleep at Grande-Riviere and continued to Perce the next day. Seeing the famous Rock is a must in Gaspésie





After Perce we wanted to keep going north but the TQ5 was closed because of a river so we should had to turn back and retrace our steps to take the #597, a pretty  big detour. Because we have hard heads, we decided to go to see by ourselves. It was not ideal but very feasible to cross especially north as we did. There was about 6 "of water on the right side.



Here seen from the other side toward south direction, it would have been more difficult because the skis could go under the ice and the approach was steeper



We continued toward the north side and went to sleep in Grande-Vallée. There was an annoying high frequency ripple  4 to 6 inches deep on a very large portion of this last segment, we had the feel of riding on a railway.. after several hours it get really tiring.
The next day we continued west. Those who already did gaspesia know it: most of the mountainous spectacular scenery is from Mont-Louis to Ste-Anne des Monts and in between Mont-St-Pierre is an icon in this area. The point of view of the hang-glider platform is a classic but I put here some others points of view of this same spot that we like alot
   




And on west side 



For fun, from this same place Kristine tried a full zoom with the Lumix of the hang gliding platform on the other side: impressive!


 
The trail condition was among the best of the trip in this area up to St-Anne des Monts. I had booked the evening before a cottage in St-Octave de l'Avenir at the Village Grande Nature where we went for the night. Here the view from the auberge on the Chic-shocks mountains with our chalet just down right. The top mountain view was chopped by the cloud line on this pic




A different experience in a cottage, relaxing near the wood stove after a sledding day was magic



I don't know if they followed us or if we attract them but I saw gray jays on the porch on the next morning! I went out with a bit of lunch and yes they let themselves be tempted once again



For our last day we went west on #TQ5 and then went down south via #591trail  and finally took #587 to La Rédemptionon pretty good trail conditions to see the Montagne St-Pierre. Although less spectacular than some other times we had seen it, the frost was present and the scenery very whiten




 
We then went back to Mont-Joli, gave a break to the Yammy in the trailer and passed one last night at Mont Joli Motel. We did the car black trail ride home the next day on Saturday.
A  trip of a bit more than 1000 miles that went well, the Venture which have now 14500miles act in an exemplary way and my old ADBoivin skid who took a good beating had pass throught without flinching. We would have like more sun, colder weather and better trail conditions but having the chance to ride during an whole week with my best half and a good friend, enjoying the nature beauties in such great area, meeting old friends and making new: I think I'm really blessed, life is good!
Alain 
 

Money shot!

Next we head over to the Albertville club house. We had a mini gathering with JG, Towing, Krikri and their friend. Gemma and I really enjoyed chatting with QR alumni.
Then we head for Matane. We have to catch the boat in the morning. 
We had great trails today. I have no issues to report until hitting TQ5 just by Matane. It's real snerty. The heat is effecting the snow around here. At the Quality Inn I see that there is a lot more blacktop visible than 8 days ago.

We take 571 over to 5 check out the falls. After we get fuel and head over to St Fabian. We take some photos and head back toward Valga. Going through St Eugene we see drag racing at the club. We get on 5 east going through Rimouski the warm weather is affecting trail conditions. It's brown for a bit at lower elevations. We make our way back to Valga by 6:00. Another great day.

First time posting, but wanted to give a ride report of an epic (for our group anyway) adventure.
Our group of 4 left out of Rabaska at around 8 a.m. heading north on 13 toward Parent on 3/2 and found the trails flat and smooth. We didn't see another sled for the first 60 miles. Conditions were good enough to get to Parent around lunchtime and stop for a bite at Hotel Central. I guess we were lulled into a false sense of making great time with the great conditions. Anyway, we decided (after looking at a map that was clearly not to scale) to continue on 83 and head down 345 to 33 to make a big loop. Long story short, we ended the day with an unexpected 415 miles and 4 tired souls by the time we got back to our cabin at Rabaska. In hindsight - a great ride that we will talk about for years to come I'm sure.

 
Hitting the trail after a great Rabaska breakfast....

 
Notawissi....

 
Fuel in Fer A Cheval...

 
Power lines heading north...

 

 
Hill coming down into Parent....

 
Fuel in Parent....

 
It gets real in Casey, when we realize we aren't going to make it home for dinner....

 
Well, at least the trails are still spectacular!....

 
Another fuel stop, Pourvoirie Kanawata. 

 
The pictures ended here, as the sun went down. We continued on through Manawan and made it to Mekoos, where the chef & one of the servers took pity and threw together wings & fries for us - even though they had shut down the dining well be fore we got there. Thank you to them for the kindness and the very welcome meal! Filled up with fuel once again and onward to Rabaska.
Back at the cabin by midnight and some well deserved beverages in the hot tub. Off to bed at 2 a.m. and back at it in the morning!
 
 

Day 1:  Drive up to Jackman Saturday morning March 3 and off loaded sleds at the clubhouse. Left there around noon. Trail to Boarder in good shape. Plenty of Snow. Head towards Saint George and trail got real thin. Lots of dirt and snirt, especially on exposing hills. Riding still good as it was flat, no problem. Make our way to Beauceville to have a beer. Big event going on. Drag races with all types of sleds and ages. Leave there and head north on 75 to 35 East. As we get further north and east of Beauceville the snow gets better. Head east on 35 and take 547 south through the mountains headed to Lac Etchemin. Mid winter conditions with plenty of snow. Get room at the Manior. 168 miles

A late post for yesterday.  Our last day on the sleds.
We leave RDL and take 85 south.  So smooth with only a little bit of chatter.  We stop in Cabano for gas and continue south on 85 to Degelis.  Here we turn left onto 571 and work our way up the east side of Lac Temiscouata.  We haven't been on 571 before and it is a nice wide trail.  Looks like it is on logging roads or roads that are closed for the winter.  A few maple sap farms along the way.
We stop in Squatec for lunch.  While we are waiting for the food, in comes Oilman and his brother.  They are also out enjoying the day.  It is good to see you guys.
After lunch we head back to RDL in the same fashion as yesterday.  571 north, 544 to 85 and in to the Universal.
Sorry for the short post but we are loading up the truck and heading back to CT.
For those of you on Gaspe, keep an eye on the weather.  It looks like some snow coming in this week and next.  Good for the trails and bad if it blows around and drifts.
Happy trails.
Jack & Sandi

Up this morning early to check the grooming map, and it didn't look like we were in for a smooth ride! After a quick waffle and bowl of cereal, we are on the sleds at 6:55am, we need to get to Godbout in time for the boat. Much to our surprise.....the trails are fantastic. Ran off 70 quick miles and pull into Forestville for a splash of fuel. From there all the way to the Club Nord neige Relais bridge we we're first tracks, and met the groomer making his return trip. From there to the big bridge before Baie Comeau, the trail was a little used, but still super fast with minimal bumpage. Rolled into the Ski Doo dealer in Baie comeau to grab some oil for Molly's sled. Had 175 miles already and it was only 11:15! Topped off with fuel again, grabbed a quick snack and headed to Godbout. Have never run this section of trail before, and it was a blast! Nice rollers and some great scenery, and the sky opened up with some blue. Rolled into the parking lot where our yacht awaited us at 2:30 with 237 miles. Enjoying a few cold ones as I type on our journey across to Matane. An absolutely perfect day on the Doos!

"Sandi, what time is breakfast?"
"7:00 AM Jack."
"OK."
"I'm staying in bed for the extra 30 minutes." Sandi says.
We go to breakfast for 7:05.  Some people are already heading back to their room.  "Boy they ate fast." I think to myself.  We sit down and I happen to ask the waitress, "What time did you open today?"
She answers "6:30 AM everyday."
Hmm!  I think I just got snickered.  Sandi got in an extra 30 minutes of sleep time.
OK.  Today looks better.  It is cloudy but not the low, foggy stuff like yesterday.  As always, a quick check of the groomer map and it shows trail 5 to Rimouski is green.  A good start but the return trip should be 35 and that is still white?  This section of 35 hasn't shown green in many days.  Is the groomer broke, is there open water?  Lets give it a try anyways.
5 East here we come.  This is the first time this year for us on this part of 5.  The first part of 5 near RDL is a little sugar snow.  The warm temps are having an affect.  Cruising along.  A few sleds.  A quick stop at Relais Trois Pistoles.  Sometimes groomers have problems.  Oops!

We also saw this comfy coach for the kids.  Look at the suspension travel on those shocks.  The family is out for a Sunday brunch at the relais.

Back on the trail.  Oh wow!  Were those windmills here last year?  There are quite a few of them.

We have to stop at Relais L'Etang.  Too early for lunch but not too early for another coffee.  Quiet here now but the workers are getting ready for lunch.  This place will be wall to wall people in an hour.  Back on the trail to Rimouski.  We get on 35 at its debut.  A few miles in, just past the junction with 5 is a good gas stop just to the right of the trail.  Now, is this section of 35 groomed?  This is the section that hasn't shown groomed in a while.  Boy is the groomer map wrong!  This is fine.  Maybe everyone is avoiding this because of the map.  Lets go, we have the trail to ourselves.  No traffic.  Everyone else is up on trail 5.
This section of 35 is one of our favorites.  It is not extremely fast nor is it up high in elevation with beautiful vistas.  It is just a simple wonderful trail with rolling hills and gentle turns that you just ride and enjoy the trail for what it is.  Sandi likes this so much, lunch is getting postponed.  We get to Squatec, time for lunch?  Nope not yet.  The trails are too good.  We turn right on 571.  Another good choice.  Finally in St Rita Sandi is ready getting hungry.  Me too.
There is a little restaurant here on the lake, Domaine du Refuge Basque.  Nothing fancy.  They speak a little more English than my horrible French and the food is straight forward and good.
After lunch it is 544 to the short local 44 to 85.  After Les Aventuriers clubhouse, the trail is showing the wear.  Still very passable but nothing like the snow depth up in the hills.  Most of the day the trail had a fluffy, powder coating of snow.  Here the snow is wet and heavy.  It feels like the leftover mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving under the sled.
We are back at the hotel after another great day of riding the fantastic Quebec snowmobile trails.
One more day to ride and then I'm afraid to say but, it is the last day for us for this season.
Jack & Sandi

Day 11 to Montmagny,  
     Last night we took advantage of the shuttle that the Sheraton provides between the 4pts and Q city. Had dinner, walked around old town, wandered around the Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, nice evening.
     This morning we were on the trail at about the crack of 10. We didn't have far to go so I picked a route that was away from the river that showed alot of green on the map this morning. We left the hotel got gas and headed to the collibri to get the not free transport across the river to Bernieres where we ate lunch at Tims.
   Now we're off on the 75 south to an orange to the 545 to an orange, ok no, local closed, rivers open, so down.the 545 to the 35. That crossing is starting to look a little sketchy.  We cross and head down the poog to the 551 and then back down the 5 in montmag. Most everything was groomed today. Around QC trails were mushed by quads, snow thinned south, poog was very good the 551 was beautiful. All still very rideable, just not destination material. Saw a lot of local sleds out, but no other saddlebaggers.
 Jeff and Sandy 
 

Day1
After a rough drive up in freezing rain from Montreal to shawinigan checked in to the Marineau hotel. Saddled up in the morning under cloudy skies with the destination Fer Chavel. Took the river up to the 360 in matawin. Plenty of snow. Tq23 freshly groomed river up not bad some big drifts.
Saw Eric grab about 5sec of air time off of one. Thought that was gonna be ugly but held onLOL! 360 to m20 to 345 into Repos all stellar! Got there at 11:30 packed huge gas line. Fueled up to crowded to eat on to Mnawan for lunch. The 33 between Repos and Manawan was whooped. 33 after Manawan beautiful all the way to Fer Cheval. In for the evening 254 miles. No trailside repairs or maintenance thus far, hopefully we accomplished that last trip. The 1200's are purring like kittens! On to ValDor Tomorrow