SnomoGary

The conditions were already good in the Mastigouche Wildlife reserve during our last ride when they had received a good layer of big wet snow that had laid down several trees giving considerable work to the snowmobile clubs to open the trails, although they received another one that over-painted the scenery even more but also giving even more work to the snowmobile clubs to re-open a second time several trails they had already logged a week before and putting a layer on those that they had not had time to do. The work is not completed yet everywhere but it advances greatly.
After looking at the information on the open trails, I chose to go once more in the Mastigouche Wildlife reserve, but making a loop this time from the already ready trails. We therefore left the same starting point near the outfitter of Lake Blanc accompanied by Snowcruiser and Toxie. Brutally cold: -28C when starting at around 9:00 am Saturday morning (December 8th, 2018)

As for the exact route, the current map of Lanaudière does not really represent what is groomed so it's difficult to show you on a map. We left the outfitter of Lake Blanc by the trail # 350, then the M10 and trail #23 to the west as our last ride but halfway in the reserve Mastigouche we forked to the south on the trail # 345. Currently if you continue this trail along its length it ended a few miles south of the Cabanon on #23. Halfway along the same trail, we took a fork on the left to go to Koubec Outfitter and then came back on #345 to have meal at Cabanon. In the afternoon we made the same trip as our last ride ie #345 north in dam direction and 12 miles from cabanon took the #23 east up to our  morning path that we redid in the opposite direction.
In terms of trail maps, I went to the sources and was told that an update for the interactive map and Imotoneige is on the way and should be done within a week to adjust those maps to the trails on the field in real
The trails had lost nothing of their beauty compared to the previous week. Here on the #350 near the Lac Blanc outfitter


Toxie who ride in front of us broke in a brand new grand touring 900 ace in these beautiful trails that he also traveled for the first time


Snowcruiser who was with us had pass there last Wednesday and did a lot of zigzagging between the trees lying down to manage to pass after the 2nd layer of snow from last Sunday. Everything was perfect on this Saturday morning, a big thanks to the snowmobile club Mastigouche for their work and recent grooming!

The woman behind the camera: the one who takes all the pictures you see, who has been sharing my life for over 34 years and been on my  snowmobile back seat for almost the same time. She is also the mother of our 4 boys, the woman of my life. She does the meals and the laundry in addition !!! ..... lollll I love you darling !!!

We then forked on the M10 trail to the north, notice the snow ...


And then took the #23 to the west. The difference compared to the previous week is obviously the better snow to the ground but especially the amount of snow hanging in the trees


Halfway in the reserve we forked to the south on trail #345

And switch again on the left to show the outfitter Koubec to Toxie. Everywhere trail conditions looks like of the end of January in the reserve

The Mastigouche outfitter

better known as Koubec by most snowmobilers. A real historical gem.

We then retraced our steps over several miles

to take the back the trail toward the Cabanon in the Mastigouche Reserve

A little less snow going east but trees still well loaded and good ground cover


We had arrived just a few miles south of the Cabanon. There is a little brownish snow around the Cabanon but nothing bad and everywhere else was beautiful

We stopped there to refuel the venture and us

We met by chance Bily a friend with whom Snowcruiser and I had already ride a couple time and he joined us with his daughter for a good sledder meal. 

We then took the #345 trail north towards the Taureau dam

rear shot 

And around 12 miles from the Cabanon we took the #23 trail toward east which takes the path of the Wildlife Reserve road #31 (indicated by big signs). The sun that had been present in the morning let place to some clouds with light snow


We took a short break at the fork to the south that we had taken in the morning. Kristine took the opportunity to  catch this nice shot of a small river next: superb!

We then continued on #23, the same morning path toward the trailer. Notice the amount of snow hanging in the branches everywhere


We took a last little break before taking the #350

The sky was already too dark for the pics but it was special to ride this trail that sometimes looks like a tunnel at the sleds lights

We got back to the trailer a little past 4:30 pm with a 136s very relaxed miles for the day, all 4 very happy with our ride

In the summary, extraordinary conditions for the date for both snow to the ground and scenery. In fact, I don't remembered since I've been snowmobiling that I've seen such large area in Lanaudièrewith scenery so much snow painted in white by the sticky snow that froze there. They preview cold for the coming days so there will be  many other lucky people who will have the chance to admire these beauties of nature
Several clubs are still in the branch cut to open the trails but it is going well and the playground has grown considerably. Bily, whom we met at Cabanon, told us that he had left from St-Gabriel de Brandon(pretty much south) via trail #23 and everything was good on this side. As the clubs complete their work, they will officially open and you will see the details here: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/
an outstanding season start that is very promising for having some great riding in the christmas holidays. 

Hey
I dropped my first 5 cards at PLT in Pittsfield, Ma.
They said they'd post them up in the Dealership.
So if you stop in look for them.
Later
GutZ

Great reports Howard keep them coming. Maybe sometime you can give us a build report on the sleds. Unless of course that's classified intel...lol
Ginger & I have have Oxygen helmets for this season great to hear they are working good for you
I don't know about that balaclava...probably would work better with the bottom 2'' trimmed off...hahaha

But do you care?

I would be amazed if she has any clue about weather

Lol ...  I know my  place...  

I'm  very jealous,  great report Alain thanks..

Lol ...  I know my  place...  

https://goo.gl/images/8eRoKR

That's it, our first ride of the new season done yesterday in Lanaudiere! I would have liked before but  winter has taken us by surprise: A season starting with groomed trails in mid-November is a new record here and I was not ready at all. To summarize, we catch up well yesterday with extraordinary conditions for a first December.
Due to the early opening, there is still active wood work/transport that forces the clubs to adjust the trail network and the current map versions do not represent what is groomed. To show you our trip track, I use a gps map on which I have drawn in pink-purple our trip trace and an approximate of where #23 trail join on  the #345 (between the Cabanon and the Dam). For those who know well the area, it is the #31 road of the reserve which is several miles further north than what the sled interactive map currently indicates.



Our friend Snowcruiser joined us and we chose the Lac Blanc Outfitter near St-Alexis des Monts as a starting point which minimized the car travel of each. It turned out to be an excellent choice in all aspect



We then took the # 350 trail north, also called the Gaston's trail for regulars in the area



From the start the amount of snow to the ground left by the last week storm was impressive ...



But very quickly that's what was still hanging in the trees that amazed us






The snowmobille club has clearly worked a good shot because despite it is an incredible beauty, the trails were completely blocked before the dozer passes. Good job guys!







We forked on the M10 trail in north direction to get the #23trail. On a short strech there were some small branches reminding us that it is the beginning of the season.



Otherwise,  next very nice.



A little further we took the #23 trail westbound. A little layer of new snow over the last grooming as well a couple trees fallen in the trail on the first miles (easily bypassed, just be careful)




 
Then back on freshly groomed trail. The sky has cleared and the sun was present, the snowy scenery has become even more beautiful





Trail conditions are at their best on the #23.





At the beginning of the ride on the #350 although the scenery was amazing, it was after storm conditions with a rather soft trail and not much grip on the skis. Here on the #23 a little less new snow on a good solid trail base allows us to ride at a good pace in full control with very little effort.





We then took the #345/#23 trail (between the Taureau Dam and the Cabanon) in a south direction



The amount of snow on the ground was  clearly less than when we start more east. The trail base is very good but thinner and traffic helping, some curves are a little swept. On the last miles before the Cabanon while the trail path leaves the reserve road to enter in the wood (on about 4 miles) it lacks some snow but not really bad.



We got at the Cabanon at around 11:30, pit stop for us and the sleds



Many snowmobilers in the place and always as well received



After a good meal break, we leave to make the same track in the opposite direction.





The sun has accompanied us a good moment





We took a break at the intersection of the M10 trail that we then took in south direction



Another brief break at the other end of the M10 where the signage was a little deficient. We guided a couple sledders in the right direction and also briefly met 2 CMIQ forum's guys for the first time: Greetings guys !!!



The Gaston's trail was really the most spectacular end in terms of scenery





too bad that the sun had quit, in these tunnels it would have gave incredible scenery






Here a last break in front of the Lac Blanc outfitter



All this big snow on the lakes before the big frosts has a worrying side however ... caution, it is still early in the season.




We returned to the trailer with a total of 120miles in relax mode.

 
In summary a fantastic first ride for us, surprising snow conditions especially more to the east. The trail network is still very small and not interconnected so check the areas you want to go before you go there. I know that the logging will delay a bit the early opening of some sections but the playground will be able to expand anyway in the coming weeks
Check out the details here: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/
Wish you an happy and safe new sledding season to all of you !!!
Alain

Lol ...  I know my  place...  

Lol ...  I know my  place...  

Love it, more please.. 😄😄. Thanks  Alain

Lol ...  I know my  place...  

You’re on the Queens shit list now 
There is ONLY ONE top Europe snowmobiler and it’s not a man

hmmm, "Europes Top Snowmobiler", I can think of two contestants?
GutZ

Tough luck  mark, at least  you gave him a run for his money..

As far as i can see 31st  December  is still available so I'll  go for that.. 

The wife and I decided Thursday night at 7pm to load up sleds in Vermont and make the trek to St.Zenon.  We arrived at the Cabanon at about 11:45pm.  Hit the trails on Friday morning on freshly groomed trails.  We went to Lac Blanc for lunch and back to hotel by 4pm.  Amazing conditions for a ride on the last day of November.  We did 120 miles.  My wife was real trooper for going with me at the last minute...she knew I really needed to ride.  Here are some pictures of our ride...
We will be back soon !!
 
 

Krikri and I did our season opener between the Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc and Cabanon in St-Zénon, 127 miles of smiles in outstanding conditions for the date
Here a little teaser, the report will follow soon...
Alain

Ok I'm  going  for 27th December.. 

calm down '' big '' ....you only made it to fermont !!!
 
😁😁😁😁😁

I guess people are not reading the whole rule set!
Geezsh!
 
I'll take Dec 25th!!
 
LOL!!
GutZ

I pulled the trailer in the yard last season and wife said who's sled is that? Oh that's mine I said. She said, no that one. Oh that's mine too. I guess I forgot to tell her I bought a mountain sled for those deep days. It did make it easier to convince her that I needed a new sled for this year and I would sell both and get "just one".