snowfarmer

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 
 

Great pics Andy!  What day where you there?  We rode thru last Tuesday.  Conditions were excellent!

 
 

Rode through the Chic Chocs on an amazing day!

Day 2
 
Left New Richmond at 6:55, no breakfast until 7:30 and we were not waiting around. Pas Chaud cet matin. Not warm this morning. Big change from yesterday. TQ5 fresh groom headed toward the 595. Sweet. We pass two 2 ups just as we get on the 595. Bossman Alain is just like me. We follow no one. Downright cold. Frette if you will as we run up to the trail to Murdochville. Big wind here in the Chic Chocs and although the surfacer has just passed from Murdochville to La Cache its still looking not so great. Not terrible but no where near perfect. Still we push on no stopping it’s too windy and cold here. 50km from Murdochville we see first sleds headed toward La Cache. A bit further and 4 more. All good. I take the point now as Alain says go for it. I was not sure about making Murdochville from New Richmond, thinking it woukd be a stretch for me. But into the pum I cruise with 193km on the odo. Fill up and take 34.4 liters. Pretty damn good considering, sure I didn’t drive it like I stole it but was not mlking it either. We were on it. Its now 10:30 in Murdochville had no breakfast and its cold. We go to Motel Copper to visit with Jaques. We eat early lunch talk a little with Jaques and I take Alain to see the snowmobile museum under the Hotel Copper, he was really amazed by the collection and that is just a fraction of what he has. We head back out after saying goodbye and its a bit warmer now. Back to the 597 to head to TQ5 and to Mont St. Pierre. 597 to junction TQ5 tres tres bonne, at the 5 we turn left direction west MSP. Bad, bad, bad, all the way to MSP as Alain put it a “mechant vrai trail des vache” just not good, i have rarely ridden this section ever and found it good. It’s always junk. We bang through and from MSP west it showed fresh groom this morning when i looked before we left. They were not lying, awesome run all the way to St Anne des Monts. Into hotel at 3:30 happy to be here and with just shy of 375 km for today. Big day for Alain and all good. No pictures today as playing with the camera last night trying to get photos to transfer i ran tge battery down and the cold finished it off. Figures as it was a blue sky day all the way through the Chic Chocs and through MSP perfect day to get some good pics and I got none. 
Oh well. Tomorrow a short run back to the truck in Matane then 5 hours of black trail to the shop in Trois-Rivières. Awesome day. 
 
Until next time...

Pictures Day 1
warning some graphic content.....
 
 

Day 4 Saturday.  A little cooler this morning but a clear sky.  We are heading to the Delta today.  What does the groomer map say?  Really, 93 is groomed to the Six Mile Lac turn off.  Thank you!  Last night before bed this was not groomed but it was done overnight.
This part of trail 93 aka C-900, for those of you that haven't ventured on it, is a logging road that runs way up into the north land.  93 uses about 35 miles of the lower end of this road.  It is wide, gentle turns and rolling hills.  Just what a trail cruiser would order.
We check out, get the sleds out of the enclosure and load up.  Sandi gets back on her sled and - it won't restart.  It was just running.  OK.  Don't panic.  Open up the right side panel and jump the starter solenoid.  The motor spins but no spark.  Pop the cover off of the relay box, pull the relays and warm them up in our hands for a few minutes.  Plug them back in, hit the starter button and voila its running.
Sandi is off in a shot and there are a few tracks on the trail northbound from overnight but no southbound tracks.  The groomer lives in Sacre Coeur so the southbound lane is clean.  Its a few miles before we actually get on the C-900.  It looks fine.  Sandi is picking up speed now.  The sled is warmed up and she is too.  Clear sky, groomed trail, autobahn here we go.  Sandi makes short work of the 35 miles to where 93 turns left.  We get to the turn off to the lookout.  We are early, lets go.  Its a 5 mile jaunt but its worth it.  This trail doesn't really go up much in elevation like the other lookouts but what a view.


Jason, Yushen and Sandi.

 
A few white crystals on the branches against that Canadian blue sky!

 
Back on the trail.  I usually don't recommend riding Mont Valin on weekends but our schedule didn't give us many options.  Here we go down 93 from La Chappelle to Valinuet.  It was groomed last night and it is before noon.  Traffic heading down the mountain is non-existent but up hill traffic is Quebec City at rush hour.  Keep your eyes open Sandi.  Sled after sled and group after group all heading up.  We have seen more sleds in this 25 mile stretch than I think we saw in the past 2 days, 600-700 miles.
We stop to get gas at Passion.  The ski slope is looking good.  A lot of chalets have been built here over the years and it keeps expanding.


 
We get back on the sleds and go look for food.  Down 93 and right on 328.  We end up in St David de Farladeau.  We get gas in St David but have never stopped to eat here.  There is a Snack Bar next to the gas station and it is very good.  Clean, easy to get to but not much English.  We can get by.
After lunch we stay on 328 west for a little bit and then take 134 south.  Both of these are fantastic.  134 can be miserable when drifted but it was groomed.  We cross the 2 bridges and we are back at the Delta.  A lot of folks here tonight.  Its going to be a busy weekend up here.
Another ride for the books.  We lucked out on Mont Valin on a Saturday and everything else was great.  Tomorrow we head south back to the Four Points.
Jack & Sandi

After lunch we are back on 3 east.  A few miles down the trail and there is a gas station just off the trail.  Top off the tanks and continue on.  We pass the Clermont cutoff and trail 83 that heads back up to Lac St Jean.  A few more miles and here is the groomer coming towards us.  This is great.  The groomer map showed this section wasn't groomed and now I know why.  He must have left this morning after the map had been updated.  Smooth sailing again.  3 is really nice until you get closer to Baie Sainte Catherine.  The trail gets a little cranky compared to what we were on.  It is still snowmobiling.  Finally we can see the Riviere Saguenay and drop down to the landing for the ferry.  Perfect timing.  The ferry is just coming over.

A few more sleds come down off the trail as one of the tractor trailers pull off of the ferry.  This is a no charge ferry because it is part of the road system.  

 
The ferry is a fun ride.  Something most snowmobilers don't get a chance to do.  Cars, buses, trucks and sleds all together for the trip across the river. 

Jason and Yushen.

Sandi standing guard.


We get off the ferry and get back on 3.  Still groomed.  Getting cooler now and the sun is going down.  The east sky has clouds and towards the west it is clear.  As the sunsets, the colors in the clouds keeps changing.  Mother Nature giving us a little light show.



Trail 3 to 93 and we arrive at the Coronet for the night.  Lock up the sleds, relax over a couple of beverages with supper.  A great ride we had.  Tomorrow to the Delta.
Jack & Sandi
 

Day 3 Friday.  A busy morning.  Get Jason's car situated and leave what we don't need in the car, get the rental sled.  Nice sled, 600 km on  a 2018 Grand Tour.  This isn't even broken in yet.  Get the luggage loaded and off we go.
It cooled off overnight so the slush from the rain has froze.  Trail 3 is even groomed.  I never would have thought they would groom with as warm as it was overnight.  Icy but pretty smooth.  About ten miles out and the ice is gone and there is fresh snow on the trail.  This must have been the rain snow line.  3 is good.  It reminds me off trail 5 south of the river that follows the power lines.  3 does the same on the north side.  It has been a few years since we have rode 3.  A little choppy in places but overall very good.  3 gets a lot of city traffic on weekends.  I'm glad we are on it Friday.
Some nice scenery up here.

Sandi, Jason and Yushen below.

 
A little rustic relais on the trail looks like the spot to stop and have lunch.  Quebec plated sleds here.  The locals always know where the good places are.

 

Relais Le Grenier it is.  About 5 miles west of the cutoff to Clermont.  The lady behind the counter is taking orders and there is one guy in the back putting the food together.  I notice that she is not only taking the orders but she is also bringing the food to the tables and running the bar on the other side of the room.  She is moving.  We got our order in about 10 minutes.  I look around and there are 40 - 50 people here and he made food for everyone in about 20 minutes.  Wow!  It doesn't look like much from the outside but a good spot.
 

Looking good Don & Alain!  Enjoy! The conditions are excellent in Gaspesie currently.  I was at la Cache on Tuesday & met Josh, Melissa (cutie), Dell & Lin.  All good people who speak great English.  We are very lucky to have la Cache open again!  Very very important location to be in business & sell fuel.  Let’s all support their efforts. Josh bought the place last year.  They have been putting in a lot of money on renovations. All the rooms have been renovated.  House was sided. Interior was gutted & renovated.  We didn’t eat. Just gas & go.  I suggested installing a larger fuel/gas tank.  That’s when Dell told me the story about running out of gas the Saturday before.  What a nightmare getting there on a snowmobile and not being able to get fuel! That makes for a lot of walking later that day. They said it didn’t come to that. People brought in containers of fuel by car/truck to service the snowmobiles that needed gas. Lucky sledders!!  

Back in the saddle. This trip was my the brainchild of my boss. Hey if your boss said “do you want to go to ride in Gaspe 2 days or stay here and work?” (And you like your boss). What would Iceman do? Survey says? I’ll take go riding to Matane for $1000 Alex. You betcha. 
 
Well the plan was to leave the shop by 1pm Thursday to make the 5 hour run to Quality Inn in Matane. Well we did pretty good. We left at 2:30. Phone was ringing all morning Thursday, ching ching$$$$$$, so after it quieted down enough we left the other crew to handle things and we pinned the trailer. My sled was already at the shop as we went to get it the day before. Loaded up and off we go direction Matane. Rain all the way after RDL is started mixing and by Mont Joli all snow. Surely it rained during the day a bit but now snow. My boss can drive and we made super time considering conditions 5 hours on the nose. Tanked the truck checked into hotel unloaded sleds and gear and it’s 8pm. Lots of sleds here. I’m putting my gear in the room and getting ready to cover my sled (already locked it). Guy from room next to us comes over and asks me in French if we can park somewhere else cause he has friends coming and they all want to park together. Huh? I want a lear jet and my own cruise ship but I don’t think I’ll ever have those. This guy is wasting his breath. I aint moving. I mean come on. Anyway. I never stayed here but I like it and tge restaurant was good too. Ate in the bar. 
 
Bed early at 10:30. I only slept 4 hours the night before as I got home at 6:15 on Valentine’s day. The one year I have actually been with my wife on Valentine’s day. I figured I would take her out for a nice dinner. I get cleaned up and 6:45pm i got my hand on the back door to head out. Yeah no. My phone rings. Never good this time of night. Well its back into work clothes and off to Trois Riveres to a big shopping center there with a blocked sewer. Happy Valentine’s day baby. After doing battle there till 11:30pm. I got home just after midnight. Showered and now need to pack my gear as I need bring everything with me to leave from the shop later today. 1:30 in bed up at 5:30. Back to it. So long story short I owe the lovely lady a nice dinner. 
 
Left Matane this morning at 7:30 am. Half an inch of snow here overnight. Follow a group out on the feeder trail gang of six. Go west, Go west yes they go west. We head east for the 595. Boss is on point as I am happy to let him set the pace and I’ll take some practice riding in the snow dust. TQ5 is nice real nice. We roll. He spanks that Grand Touring he got and let me tell you I aint had someone ride a Grand Touring in front of me like that since I caught up to GT Rider and Mrs Gt Rider a few years back. Getting it done. Hammer down. Sweet ride to 595. Seen no sleds so far. Up 595 and its just lovely too. 20 km in see a Moose off the right eating some trees. Bon appetite. Maybe 20 km from La Cache i see another moose, then a group of 4 sleds. More new snow her but only 2” or so. Just a little further is a dead moose. Not even a year old I’d say. Tough to see being the animal lover I am. Not dead long. Looks like it just was sick and froze to death. Bummer. Circle of life my friends. Into La Cache for fuel and a quick break. We got all day to go not far. Met Melissa and Will who work at La Cache for the New Owner. Was another nice lady too. Dee I think but sorry if I got it wrong. Anyway as many of you know, nicely renovated there and clean. Very Vital Stop here, please encourage this new owner. After talking a bit we leave on what my boss and I know as the trail out of here. Well sorry its a goat path this can’t be right. Back we go and now I meet the new owner of La Cache, Josh. We talk a bit and he explains to me the detour due to a bad bridge. No one on QR gave a heads up on that. Wish i knew before. So it 20 km around to the Murdochville trail then back to 595. All good trail less. New snow going down to New Richmond. Just before ski place dead deer in trail. Then real live ones, this area is teaming with them. On down to gas in New Richmond and a arrival Early as planned at Motel Francis. Super trails and great temperature today. 
Great day of riding. No big miles but it was fun and nice to look around and take in the scenery. Tomorrow back up to Murdochville then MSP to St Anne des Monts.
Having a great time with Alain and look forward to riding many more miles together.
 
Until next time......ice out. 
 
Trying to transfer photos by wifi to Ipad but my patience is worn out. So have to wait for the photos i took. Yes i stopped and took pictures.

Sandi and I are back on the trail again.  We trucked to the Delta Tuesday.  I've been looking for a pair of those big furry mitts and Bill said Bilodeau in Normandin is the place to check out.  So Wednesday morning the groomer map shows green on much of 93.  Off we go.
We ran over to Spence SkiDoo first but they didn't have anything to fit my big hands.  So north we go.  Across the two bridges and thru St Ambroise.  The map showed that 93 around Alma was not groomed so we grab the local trial up to Relais du Lac and get on 328.  This brings us to 367 to St Monique.  Like MrGutz says, 9 and 10 all the way thru.  No bumps and no traffic.
Thru Peribonka and back on 93.  Nice riding up here.  This doesn't get much traffic and the trails are fun.
We get into Normandin and pull into the Sconic to gas up.  Bilodeau is just around the corner but the "trail" doesn't go there.  We can either go down the road, not much snow on it and its busy, or we can follow the local tracks and hope for the best.  So we opt for the local tracks.  Bilodeau is not even 1/2 mile from Sconic.  We wound around behind the houses and popped out on one of the side streets.  I look up and down route 169 and don't see it.  A car comes up the street with a couple of young guys in it.  I ask them where is Bilodeau and they say follow us.  They turn right towards the center of town and we follow them on the sidewalk.  Two blocks down and there it is, Bilodeau.  A big wave and we are here.
The store isn't huge but impressive.

They had a big selection but most of the mittens had the fur laying toward the finger tips.  I wanted the fur going back toward my wrist.  Sandi has a pair with the fur going toward the finger tips and snow gets packed into the fur while she is riding.
The sales person at Bilodeau said that beaver is the warmest and they can make up a pair for me.  I don't know how long it usually takes but she said they would be ready next week.  Out comes the credit card.
We take the same trails on the way back to the Delta.  Still great.  A fantastic first day of the trip.  More to come.
Jack & Sandi

Day 2 Roselin on the Gouin

Day 2, Saturday February 9th. -18F, 161 miles
Ok big day for us.  Off trail all the way to Chibougamu, we have been planning this for some time.  Not being really sure of the conditions we pick a 6:30 breakfast time for a 7:30 departure.  Junior from Barrage Gouin leading the way with his GPS, tracks, SAT phone and the boss's  Freeride towing a sleigh with 8 full gas cans ready to go!  Everyone has spare gas on the sled too. 5 other GPS’s up and running also as you can never have enough data. The other sleds were (2) 850 Back Country’s, 850 Renegade XRS, 900 Renegade and a 1200X.  Solid team, solid plan and sleds ready to go.
3 years ago we tried this trip but we encountered way too much snow and not enough gas.  This time we will not fail, I hope.
The first part of the adventure was 50 miles or so on the reservoir to Roselins place, Nimotekan, (N48° 48.343' W74° 34.411'). They serve local walleye and moose meat. They had fish nets set up on the Gouin!  You have to book 2-3 days in advance to stay or eat there. 
Bummer the reservoir was not kind to our gas cans on our sleigh.  It may have been the huge drifts, or it may have been towing it at 75mph instead of Johnny’s recommendations of 60KM maximum  I don’t know but we were now possibly going to have a fuel situation again so we have to be careful.
We topped them off in the front yard of Roselins, then took some more drone shots before heading  onto the Gouin for a bit more.  After getting off the reservoir we headed into the  bush for the next 50 miles.  Lots of snow, lots of snow, lots of snow.  Mostly summer roads and unused logging roads. A few bus size drifts strategically placed to make sure you are awake and paying attention.  I scared myself on a few of them for sure.  Did I say we haven’t seen any sleds all day, cool…….
The next 40 miles are completely untracked power lines.  Super wide and you go anywhere you want.  We had a few stuck sleds, a few ricochet off an unfriendly evergreen tree but otherwise no issues.  It was lunch on the trail for everyone today as there are no options out here.  Really pretty and scenic ride so far for us.  Best I can tell Junior is having a blast and at times I’m not sure who is guiding who.
We are close to Chibougamu now and we have to ride the next 10-15km on lightly plowed logging roads as we can see no other option.  We jump on the 93 for the last 10 miles and we are into the Nordic for 3:30PM.  Johnny thought we would make it between 5:00-7:00, (we may have exceeded to recommend off trail speeds at time, opps).  As it turns out we had an abundance of gas, nice.
When checking in she asks if we want the heated garage for $10 per sled.  What don’t ask me twice where’s the door.  A few minutes later we are stacking in 6 sleds, nice.  The rooms are awesome and way nicer than I envisioned!
A drink, a shower, and a short walk to the restaurant down the street.  We get back early and (4) of the team members are crashing hard.  Randy and I head over to the Bar Le Cabaret which appears to be only a bar now which is fine for us.  TV, Internet and bed by midnight…..  One of the most fun days this season by far.
Tomorrow we will make a few adjustments to the ride back to Barrage Gouin.
We were asked by the person who figured this out to not share these tracks.  This is not completely;y uncommon as I have been asked this before when riders give me tracks, (some folks guard this data very close for varying reasons).  I have given my own tracks out that I have figured out myself to those that request many times. I will ask again, no worries.