mccaffrey

I'm just back from a 3 weeks trip in California and had to pass throught the hassle of the covid testing on both ways (because we traveled by air). Doing the test before leaving Canada wasn't complicated and easy to plan because we were at home in our area but testing on the road for the return was way more an headache (my 2 first weeks in CA were for my job and the last week was for fun so we were Kristine and me on a road trip). 
We were told by few friends to use the Walgreen ID now NAAT test which is accepted by Canada border and have rapid results in less than 24hrs, typically in just few hours and can even be free! but we found that California was one of the rare state where this test wasn't available at Walgreen. We had tried to find an equivalent NAAT testing or a rapid PCR test in the area we had planned to be 48-72 hours before our return flight but it was complicated/very expensive or not having any guarantee on the results delay. We ended up moving our route to be in L.A. 2 days before our flight because testing was way more affordable there and been tested in a private clinic with an expedited regular pcr test that end up at $150/each with results in 12hours which pretty much the best option for us. 
So my advice for you who want to come sledding here is to check if the Walgreen ID now NAAT test is available in your area/state. If so this is one easy/cheap option that work actually, just have to follow the covid parade to ensure it will still be a valid option at the moment of your trip. Even if this option is not available, being tested in your area before leaving is not a such big hassle, mainly if you have the chance to not having to deal with the testing troubles on your return home in usa.
Even with the covid restrictions we are so glad to had the chance to did this fantastic trip in CA. It was a little trouble for alot of fun an memories...

I hope it stays safe enough to cross the border, our group made the call, and we ordered our season passes.

I hope it stays safe enough to cross the border, our group made the call, and we ordered our season passes.

I hope it stays safe enough to cross the border, our group made the call, and we ordered our season passes.

Try 3 😉
 
 

The " ID NOW" test at Walgreens is the one that is free and they say 24 hour or less results. It is a NAAT test that is good to get across the border. Need appt for the test, and timing will be the hard part unless it really does come thru in 24 hours or less.

On behalf of the Loyal Order of Hill and Gully Riders (Québec version), please allow me to wish all of our American friends a Very Happy Thanksgiving.  May you also enjoy all of the blessings of the upcoming Christmas holiday season, and many miles (or kilometres!) of fun over the upcoming winter 😃. Cheers

Golf course in Saint Michel right behind downtown.  

Yeah that is a fact we don’t need to see those pictures of groomers in the swamp again that seem to happen every year unfortunately but keep these beautiful pictures of snowy winter scenes coming, gives us hope 🙂 thanks hope to see you this winter👍

Yes.  

The snowmobile trails that cross the La Vérendrye wildlife reserve will be closed for a second season.
This is the T 63 trail to Belleterre and the R 386 to Val-d'Or.
The president of the Club motoneige Val-d'Or, Denis Lefebvre, affirms that the practice of snowmobiling is dangerous on these trails where snowmobilers and forestry company trucks rub shoulders.
Logging companies get more cutting contracts, and therefore more trucking. So, it becomes dangerous to travel by snowmobile face to face with the trucks and also for the snowboarders, so we will not be able to travel in the La Vérendrye reserve for a second winter in a row , explains the manager.
Denis Lefebvre believes that there will be no repercussions on the number of trails in the region since snowmobilers have other options for traveling the region.
They can transport their snowmobile by road to the region or take a detour via the Outaouais to reach Témiscamingue or further north using the path that crosses Lac Faillon to reach Senneterre.

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2021_11/72134937_ThankYou.jpg.120b278cf20778fa76dc9e6c811534ab.jpg

Finished 
 

Well….still here in my thinking….although I envision very light traffic in Quebec with many less crossing…..and have a bit of fear of missing out on great trails with nobody on them. Im not gonna lie.

Need to try out the trails uhhh..   upstate... 
Been focusing on improving horseback skills and have completely neglected my motorized vehicles.  

Leaves were pretty good this year.

Called Mekoos 3 weeks ago to book a cabin or rooms for the end of Feb first few days of March. They were already fully booked, even for the week days. Was surprised they were booked this early. 
Emailed Rabaska 3 times and never received a response 

Progress....
 

The off trail sleds are being delivered.
 

Perce
 
 

October 11-12, 2021
*****not my photo 
just thought i would share
 
 
 

It would be nice if Canada would lighten up on their requirements for getting in.  The planning that has to be done to cross, quick midweek trips are going to be hard, the phone call from your riding buddies on a Sunday night to head out  Monday late or Tuesday morning will not happen.  Longer trips will be the plan, and less of them,
 

It would be nice if Canada would lighten up on their requirements for getting in.  The planning that has to be done to cross, quick midweek trips are going to be hard, the phone call from your riding buddies on a Sunday night to head out  Monday late or Tuesday morning will not happen.  Longer trips will be the plan, and less of them,
 

It would be nice if Canada would lighten up on their requirements for getting in.  The planning that has to be done to cross, quick midweek trips are going to be hard, the phone call from your riding buddies on a Sunday night to head out  Monday late or Tuesday morning will not happen.  Longer trips will be the plan, and less of them,
 

HaHa, havent seen a pic of a gondola in ages. Reminds me of the Killington gondola in my younger years. Used to look like the Cheech and Chongs impala going through the 2 station turns on the way to the top with smoke billowing out the windows. Ahh the shear panic of trying to get your ski's out of the holder at the top before the the caboose started it's journey back down! LOL!