Trailblazer

Last winter reservations in Qc and Ont were closed to outsiders, not really sure if they are this year but it would definitely been a gamble going there if you were already low on fuel.

We were there on Friday, line up was a 45 minute wait, me and buddy had our gas and dumped it but the other 3 in the group did not. Take out only now, sucks having to buy food at a premium only to eat it cold outside in the cold.
Buddy and I had thermos and sandwiches that we ate beside a nice hot camp fire but there were no tempos Don, I’m thinking that must’ve been another Pourvoirie in the video.
 

We were there on Friday, line up was a 45 minute wait, me and buddy had our gas and dumped it but the other 3 in the group did not. Take out only now, sucks having to buy food at a premium only to eat it cold outside in the cold.
Buddy and I had thermos and sandwiches that we ate beside a nice hot camp fire but there were no tempos Don, I’m thinking that must’ve been another Pourvoirie in the video.
 

We were there on Friday, line up was a 45 minute wait, me and buddy had our gas and dumped it but the other 3 in the group did not. Take out only now, sucks having to buy food at a premium only to eat it cold outside in the cold.
Buddy and I had thermos and sandwiches that we ate beside a nice hot camp fire but there were no tempos Don, I’m thinking that must’ve been another Pourvoirie in the video.
 

Well here we sit in Escoumins, not exactly the place I had planned to be during this Christmas break. Plan A was much different. 

Originally we should have been much further south visiting with my Mom and familyin NY who I have no seen in person in over 2 years. Omicron had other plans. As my wife is a teacher it was highly recomended that no travel outside Quebec should be taken if not absolutely essential, not forbidden but just better to be safe than sorry, 
from New York I had booked flights to the one happy island of Aruba where we were to ring in the new year with Playhard and the Mrs. this was also not to be. 
 
So with things advancing nicely here trailwise, for sure near Shawinigan we are one good storm away from seeing trails open. 
 
We went with plan B a quick shakedown ride nothing crazy just 2 days as we need to get back to business by thursday morning maybe even wed afternoon. 
 
Big Bossman Alain and Josee decided to come along so we are 4. 
 
Got a new HY-Gear coil over to dial in on my sled in the rear and just want to take a nice easy run for Mrs Ice to dust off the cobwebs and get back in the grove. 
 
No crazy big ride here. First time in probably 10 years I will be riding before January. 
 
Tomorrow we will head for Forestville and see where the trails take us, sometimes no plan is the best plan,
25-30 sleds here. 6-7 truck and trailers, 
Reception was closed today but when we reserved last week they told us room would be unlocked and waiting for us. Sure enough all good both rooms ready and unlocked when we arrived. 
 
will post more tomorrow.
on a side note kind of sad to be here without my partner Snohorse. We ended 2020 here March 13 with an awesomw ride.. left here thinking we would hit it again in a week my how we were oh so wrong. 

Myelin is adorable such a bright and positive personality, you’re right on the nose there Howard. Hanging out in the Valins is just not complete with out a stop at the Chappelle. TB

🤙

Myelin is adorable such a bright and positive personality, you’re right on the nose there Howard. Hanging out in the Valins is just not complete with out a stop at the Chappelle. TB

Myelin is adorable such a bright and positive personality, you’re right on the nose there Howard. Hanging out in the Valins is just not complete with out a stop at the Chappelle. TB

🤙

VTblue
It seems you may have misunderstood me with regards to the Quebec Spyder license being obtainable by a non Quebec resident, I am uncertain of that but what I am certain of is that if a Quebec resident takes the Spyder course here in Quebec and receives his/her license they are limited to ride within Quebec's borders, if there are other provinces or states that offer Spyder license courses and licenses I would certainly inquire Into the restrictions that come along with it.
The best approach imo is a m/c license and you're good to go everywhere in Canada and the U.S.
Don's suggestion to obtain a learners permit is a quick way to escape the red tape for a few rides should you have no intention to pursue it any further.
As someone said earlier, in the US you could apply online for a learners. That's terrific, wish it was that easy here but it's not! For Quebec residents to obtain a m/c learners permit you must subscribe to a m/c course which in turn has fees to it and you must do the theory classes.
I hope this helps VT

FYI
The Spyders course they offer is limited to riding in Quebec only, there's no limits if you have a motorcycle license.

Got wired up for another chalet ride, so Friday last decide to quit work at noon go home suit up a leave from the yard again! Missing the days of travelling around the province by sled.
Day 1
Departure 1:30 pm I take the shorter way up (through Rigaud & Ontario) so I can make it to the grocery store up there before they close for curfew. Arrival 7 pm. 210 klms
Day2
Make some sandwiches and boil some soup for the thermos. Gotta big loop planned out for today. Gonna head west across the parc then north to Maniwaki, fuel up and continue north to Pointe David on to the Baskatong, ride across to Devils Mtn and have lunch at Chutes Windigo. Go east through Ferme Neuve, Chutes St.Phillipe, St,Veronique, Nominigue and head south down to La Minerve and back. Out the door and on the trail for 9 am. Parc trail was dreamy, up north between Lac de Milles Isles and Lac Bouchette trail needed a touch up, after that everything all day was absolutely great. Baskatong crossing has changed this year instead of east to west it goes east to south as it did back in the ‘90s. Tons of people at the falls, atvs side by sides sleds. Put the sandwiches on the muffler and off to the falls for a beer, 15 minutes later sandwiches are toasty, soup is good sun is out what else do you want? Return to the chalet just as dark sets in at 6:30 pm with 440 klms.
Day 3
My plan is to return the long way staying on the Quebec trails, decide to take a peak at the grooming schedule and I’m glad I did. Club around the cottage and other club going down to the Ottawa river showing grooming the last 24 hours. Pine Hill club further to the east for the Quebec route back is showing no grooming for the last 36 hours and given how beautiful of a week end it was and with all the traffic on the trails guess what that means for that area. Decision is a no brainer but no rush today relax a bit and clean up for the next visit. On the trail for 1pm with a plan to be back in St.Lazare for 4 at the Relais to meet a friend. On the Ontario side I take a gamble and try a different route to get back into Quebec, paid off nicely, trails were mint and fast and later taking a look at the gps track the route angle was much better. Arrival at the Relais at 4 as promised, buddy freaked out thought for sure he’d be waiting a bit for me. Take a little snack break and off we go to see another friend when we come across these 2 guys on some old iron in tow. The guy towing had got his hood up and the engine is doing a smoke show, I stop and ask if he needs help. He looks at me and rolls his eyes, guess that’s a yes. Tell my buddy I’ll tow one and he’ll tow the other, buddy says they are already tied together so I’ll just tow both, he’s got an Expedition. Off we go down the trail towing in tandem to the rendez-vous pointe for his truck’n trailer. Drop them off say our good byes and off to buddy’s place for an outdoor fire and a beer. Back home at 7 pm. 278 klms.

 




 





 

It would I love to have a copy of your address book Tom. 😁😁

Got wired up for another chalet ride, so Friday last decide to quit work at noon go home suit up a leave from the yard again! Missing the days of travelling around the province by sled.
Day 1
Departure 1:30 pm I take the shorter way up (through Rigaud & Ontario) so I can make it to the grocery store up there before they close for curfew. Arrival 7 pm. 210 klms
Day2
Make some sandwiches and boil some soup for the thermos. Gotta big loop planned out for today. Gonna head west across the parc then north to Maniwaki, fuel up and continue north to Pointe David on to the Baskatong, ride across to Devils Mtn and have lunch at Chutes Windigo. Go east through Ferme Neuve, Chutes St.Phillipe, St,Veronique, Nominigue and head south down to La Minerve and back. Out the door and on the trail for 9 am. Parc trail was dreamy, up north between Lac de Milles Isles and Lac Bouchette trail needed a touch up, after that everything all day was absolutely great. Baskatong crossing has changed this year instead of east to west it goes east to south as it did back in the ‘90s. Tons of people at the falls, atvs side by sides sleds. Put the sandwiches on the muffler and off to the falls for a beer, 15 minutes later sandwiches are toasty, soup is good sun is out what else do you want? Return to the chalet just as dark sets in at 6:30 pm with 440 klms.
Day 3
My plan is to return the long way staying on the Quebec trails, decide to take a peak at the grooming schedule and I’m glad I did. Club around the cottage and other club going down to the Ottawa river showing grooming the last 24 hours. Pine Hill club further to the east for the Quebec route back is showing no grooming for the last 36 hours and given how beautiful of a week end it was and with all the traffic on the trails guess what that means for that area. Decision is a no brainer but no rush today relax a bit and clean up for the next visit. On the trail for 1pm with a plan to be back in St.Lazare for 4 at the Relais to meet a friend. On the Ontario side I take a gamble and try a different route to get back into Quebec, paid off nicely, trails were mint and fast and later taking a look at the gps track the route angle was much better. Arrival at the Relais at 4 as promised, buddy freaked out thought for sure he’d be waiting a bit for me. Take a little snack break and off we go to see another friend when we come across these 2 guys on some old iron in tow. The guy towing had got his hood up and the engine is doing a smoke show, I stop and ask if he needs help. He looks at me and rolls his eyes, guess that’s a yes. Tell my buddy I’ll tow one and he’ll tow the other, buddy says they are already tied together so I’ll just tow both, he’s got an Expedition. Off we go down the trail towing in tandem to the rendez-vous pointe for his truck’n trailer. Drop them off say our good byes and off to buddy’s place for an outdoor fire and a beer. Back home at 7 pm. 278 klms.

 




 





 

Got wired up for another chalet ride, so Friday last decide to quit work at noon go home suit up a leave from the yard again! Missing the days of travelling around the province by sled.
Day 1
Departure 1:30 pm I take the shorter way up (through Rigaud & Ontario) so I can make it to the grocery store up there before they close for curfew. Arrival 7 pm. 210 klms
Day2
Make some sandwiches and boil some soup for the thermos. Gotta big loop planned out for today. Gonna head west across the parc then north to Maniwaki, fuel up and continue north to Pointe David on to the Baskatong, ride across to Devils Mtn and have lunch at Chutes Windigo. Go east through Ferme Neuve, Chutes St.Phillipe, St,Veronique, Nominigue and head south down to La Minerve and back. Out the door and on the trail for 9 am. Parc trail was dreamy, up north between Lac de Milles Isles and Lac Bouchette trail needed a touch up, after that everything all day was absolutely great. Baskatong crossing has changed this year instead of east to west it goes east to south as it did back in the ‘90s. Tons of people at the falls, atvs side by sides sleds. Put the sandwiches on the muffler and off to the falls for a beer, 15 minutes later sandwiches are toasty, soup is good sun is out what else do you want? Return to the chalet just as dark sets in at 6:30 pm with 440 klms.
Day 3
My plan is to return the long way staying on the Quebec trails, decide to take a peak at the grooming schedule and I’m glad I did. Club around the cottage and other club going down to the Ottawa river showing grooming the last 24 hours. Pine Hill club further to the east for the Quebec route back is showing no grooming for the last 36 hours and given how beautiful of a week end it was and with all the traffic on the trails guess what that means for that area. Decision is a no brainer but no rush today relax a bit and clean up for the next visit. On the trail for 1pm with a plan to be back in St.Lazare for 4 at the Relais to meet a friend. On the Ontario side I take a gamble and try a different route to get back into Quebec, paid off nicely, trails were mint and fast and later taking a look at the gps track the route angle was much better. Arrival at the Relais at 4 as promised, buddy freaked out thought for sure he’d be waiting a bit for me. Take a little snack break and off we go to see another friend when we come across these 2 guys on some old iron in tow. The guy towing had got his hood up and the engine is doing a smoke show, I stop and ask if he needs help. He looks at me and rolls his eyes, guess that’s a yes. Tell my buddy I’ll tow one and he’ll tow the other, buddy says they are already tied together so I’ll just tow both, he’s got an Expedition. Off we go down the trail towing in tandem to the rendez-vous pointe for his truck’n trailer. Drop them off say our good byes and off to buddy’s place for an outdoor fire and a beer. Back home at 7 pm. 278 klms.

 




 





 

Merci!
And nice job on the tow-strap-social-distancing!
Hugs,
 
 

It would I love to have a copy of your address book Tom. 😁😁

Bad day for both, one towing the other and when we came by the the one towing had his hood up with engine doing a smoke show. Buddy pulled them in tandem to the road crossing. Guys son was on the way with truck’n trailer.

IMG_6319.MOV

Got wired up for another chalet ride, so Friday last decide to quit work at noon go home suit up a leave from the yard again! Missing the days of travelling around the province by sled.
Day 1
Departure 1:30 pm I take the shorter way up (through Rigaud & Ontario) so I can make it to the grocery store up there before they close for curfew. Arrival 7 pm. 210 klms
Day2
Make some sandwiches and boil some soup for the thermos. Gotta big loop planned out for today. Gonna head west across the parc then north to Maniwaki, fuel up and continue north to Pointe David on to the Baskatong, ride across to Devils Mtn and have lunch at Chutes Windigo. Go east through Ferme Neuve, Chutes St.Phillipe, St,Veronique, Nominigue and head south down to La Minerve and back. Out the door and on the trail for 9 am. Parc trail was dreamy, up north between Lac de Milles Isles and Lac Bouchette trail needed a touch up, after that everything all day was absolutely great. Baskatong crossing has changed this year instead of east to west it goes east to south as it did back in the ‘90s. Tons of people at the falls, atvs side by sides sleds. Put the sandwiches on the muffler and off to the falls for a beer, 15 minutes later sandwiches are toasty, soup is good sun is out what else do you want? Return to the chalet just as dark sets in at 6:30 pm with 440 klms.
Day 3
My plan is to return the long way staying on the Quebec trails, decide to take a peak at the grooming schedule and I’m glad I did. Club around the cottage and other club going down to the Ottawa river showing grooming the last 24 hours. Pine Hill club further to the east for the Quebec route back is showing no grooming for the last 36 hours and given how beautiful of a week end it was and with all the traffic on the trails guess what that means for that area. Decision is a no brainer but no rush today relax a bit and clean up for the next visit. On the trail for 1pm with a plan to be back in St.Lazare for 4 at the Relais to meet a friend. On the Ontario side I take a gamble and try a different route to get back into Quebec, paid off nicely, trails were mint and fast and later taking a look at the gps track the route angle was much better. Arrival at the Relais at 4 as promised, buddy freaked out thought for sure he’d be waiting a bit for me. Take a little snack break and off we go to see another friend when we come across these 2 guys on some old iron in tow. The guy towing had got his hood up and the engine is doing a smoke show, I stop and ask if he needs help. He looks at me and rolls his eyes, guess that’s a yes. Tell my buddy I’ll tow one and he’ll tow the other, buddy says they are already tied together so I’ll just tow both, he’s got an Expedition. Off we go down the trail towing in tandem to the rendez-vous pointe for his truck’n trailer. Drop them off say our good byes and off to buddy’s place for an outdoor fire and a beer. Back home at 7 pm. 278 klms.

 




 





 

IMG_6319.MOV

IMG_6319.MOV

Be careful what you wish for. 
Seriously though, very much appreciated we shall see what happens in the next week or so. Jammed up this week no going anywhere far for sure.