smclelan

One of the best meals I had on the trail was at a pourvorie called Haltaparche back in 2007, it has since closed. I believe this place was just east of Parent. We were on a 10 day trip that the temperatures just wouldn't warm up . We pulled in after a long day with a daytime high of -38. My first impressions of the place were mixed, however when we checked in Jean Guy I believe his name was asked when we wanted supper, he said it would be served whenever we wanted it, a good sign. The place was run by him and his wife. We walked over for supper and his wife brought out a big plate rounded up with home made boiled pork dinner, there was enough on the plate to feed an army battalion. JG said when we finished that he would get us another plate full. I think the thing that made it so good was after eating in resturants for several days was it was a good old fashion home cooked meal. These kind of meals are really good after several days out.

I thought I would say thanks for all you have done this season for the QR members. Everything from getting us permits sent out express post, to trying to answer questions on your area and others through out PQ. Your great pictures of varing levels of snow, grooming conditions, the beautiful sites along the trail and the stories of when you took them. It is also appreciated when you take the time out of your day to come and meet every Tom, Dick, and Mary that wants you to come to the clubhouse to meet them. You made a lot of trips out to the club and burned lots of gas making those trips. A cost of being famous! LOL Thanks Jean Guy!!

Hahahaha

Hmmm??? A place where they were going to pull a curtain across the booth to give you privacy......were there ladies dancing around at the same time?? How many Valentines have you two spent together? LOL

Stayed at a spot in Amos in 2013 that had great food and kick-ass sized glass of draught!! Some of the esteemed gentleman in the picture may remember the name of the spot. Best I can do, I don't take many supper pictures. LOL

Hmmm?? Sounds like riding with Andyman and his infamous "Bait and Switch Tours"!! You sit at the bar the night before planing the next days ride and where you will have breakfast and lunch through the next day. However deep down you know you might have breakfast or you might have lunch......but you are going to have both!! A quick coffee is often considered a hearty lunch to Andyman!!

You are very true however the usually majority rules. Historically snowmobilers don't show up in numbers to aire their displeasure, the better organizes "Greenies" do!!

A very critical date. • Minister, snowmobilers expect you to take care of them! In 2006, the former Transport Minister Norman MacMillen and giving the bill 121. This bill provides that " the immunity against prosecution based on neighborhood disturbances or any other damage related to noise, odors or other contaminants ." In 2010, this bill was extended until 1 December 2017. As is often said, the sauce was stretched to the end. You will say that this is far 2017 and we still have 3 years before immunity falls . However, in the world of snowmobiling, two seasons is very short and the Ministry of Transport (MTQ) will have to roll up their sleeves and quickly not to miss the boat. I made my little survey of the Ministry of Transport and I even tried to communicate directly with the Minister Sylvain Gaudreault to learn more about the government's intentions in this matter. Unfortunately , I stumbled to a bureaucracy. By cons , a representative of MTQ phoned me to try to answer my questions. I felt like I had to dig a folder buried under a ton of paperwork long forgotten . Currently, the only response received is : "They take care of this issue and recommendations will be tabled in the National Assembly in 2015." As a snowmobiler , I would have preferred the opinion of the Minister Gaudreault, but with the response received from the MTQ , unfortunately I understand that the snowmobile industry is not a high priority for the Minister Gaudreault or for economy . Off track record of nemesis the Minister of Transport ? Last week , my columnist colleague, Julien M Cabana wrote an article about the scandalous behavior of snowmobilers and off-trail as already mentioned recently in one of my columns , the off-piste is becoming more popular. We must do something to satisfy riders who practice this sport in Quebec. Personally, I go through the most beautiful parts of Quebec and the United States to practice off-trail and I can tell you that is an organization, we 're in the stone age when compares to places such as British Columbia, Montana and even Colorado. For their part, it's been ages that they understood that this type of snowmobile brings renewed and a wealth of new dollars into the economy and they greatly benefit . I wanted to take the pulse of the Minister to know his intentions in this matter. I have not had a response as silent despite several attempts. Mr. Gaudreault , snowmobilers , who are also your constituents expect more than the silence as an answer, they want concrete , especially that there are organizations like the Association of Quebec Snowmobilers who are willing to work on this folder to find acceptable and sustainable solutions. Guy Lajoie , Director of Development Excluding runway AdmdQ me mention that snowmobilers feel trapped by all the rules and constraints of the project because the Parks snowmobile go against the very nature of philosophy this sport. They want to destroy any nature or disturb residents . What they want is to be able to enjoy their hobby in harmony

Have a great ride Guys!! Looks like according to the WN you could be into another 15cm of snow today. Who knows what that will translate into once you get to the higher elevations. All good, all an adventure! Hope the traffic isn't too heavy hahahaha

St Paulin Relais La Coulee Verte Clubhouse

Sounds like they needed one of those monster BR groomers from Saguenay Bill!!

What a great adventure! I have been on trips like that where you never know what is around the next corner. On my trip earlier in March we came a crossed a moose heading north on the 595 that really didn't want to get off the trail. Next time you are in the Gaspesie be sure and try the trial Andy sent you the tracks for from La Cache down to Carleton. Thanks for sharing your story and pictures.

I have stayed there a few times, good food, and a great little bar. I stayed in one of the cabins a year ago in the summer while in the Gaspesie hiking, they are very nice.

That is the picture in the other direction I was taking about! I thought he was just excited about the view!! I have been into there a couple times it was groomed. Maybe they didn't have an agreement with the club this year.

Higher operating costs, lower permit sales, fewer volunteer, declining out of area sledders......... Snowmobiling is a tough business to be in, those that realize most of the benefit are not those that operate the trail systems (motels, restaurants, gas stations, provincial and federal tax levies) There is a small amount of government assistance out there but it is getting harder and harder to get with more organizations all the time trying to get a piece of the pie. Plus the tree huggers critizing every time some government assistance is offered.

Nope, not even close!

It seems that winter is holding on everywhere in PQ this year. I know the Gaspesie region is seeing the most snow in close to 6yrs.

I know exactly where you are, if you looked in the opposite direction the view would be breath taking!! Would be a good location for a QR Winter Gathering!!

I see round holes beside your footprints JG, what are those, ski pole holes?? Are you getting in shape for snowshoeing? LOL. Better get off the couch. I am in shape just like a Navy Seal.!!! Hmmm maybe I should say shape of a harbour seal!!

A great trip with some beautiful pictures. You had good weather too, March sledding is awesome!!

I am friends with the General Manager of the FCMQ, Marc Andre Bouvin. He would have been there helping to facilitate the meeting, a very sharp hard working guy. The FCMQ have a huge challenge ahead of them ensuring we continue to have high quality, safe, well maintained trails in the future.

A nice bar, good food, some cuties serving cocktail, in the middle of one of the snowiest areas of Quebec....does it get any better?? LOL

Good luck with the heat exchanger. Looks like you guys are having an amazing trip!! Great Pictures. If your staying at the Select in Amqui, order the chicken wings!

Looks like a great two days. Great pictures and report as always Alain. Hopefully you can get at least one more run in. Thanks

Head inland Bill. Try the 597 toward Murdochville. The drifts on the north shore can be brutal!!