Mrs.Ice

Melty. 🧊 ❄️ IMG_2872.mov

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March 15 : Baie de Shawinigan That’s it! The season has officially begun for me! It was too much of a nice day to not enjoy the water. It was quite a workout to get to the water and come back but I managed. Had to slide with my board on the thin ice. My leg went right through as I was getting closer to the end, but fortunately I’m wearing a drysuit. It was cold though. I also wear my hypnose under it. Sadly, I noticed a dead deer floating on an ice flow, as I got closer seems like it had a front broken leg.

Have you ever tasted a Red Champagne in Saguenay Lac St-Jean? It’s a locally made soda. It’s really good and reminded me of strawberry 🍓 soda. Anyway, as I was asking what it was like, a man told me this is what you want to drink when you’re hungover! Always Good to know 😂

that's my favorite of this weekend.

Hope so, got a spring break coming up to keep me busy!!

Alright, here I am!!! It was a much-needed get away as lots of my friends teachers are gone on sick leave and report cards to be done by Monday. I had to be in the nature for a bit. I don't know if we're lucky or what, but we got some great trails considering the kind of year that it is. Born and raised in Quebec all my life ... I have never seen it like that ever. Even I'm surpised. Never had to fully open my jacket in February... 😳 Love the new helmet, I get a better look when I cross the street, there is no air leaking through which will be great in colder temperature since my previous helmet had the air vents on my chin broken open. I also love the color/look turquoise! It's also much lighter than my other one so I feel the difference after a couple of hours of riding. New radios are great too. My favorite? It's to hear other people talk when we're set in mesh... I like to spy and sometimes jump in the conversation!! ahahah like yesterday! I almost got free chips! Like lover said, was the first time passing people, i'm not the fastest but not the slowest either... I was getting bored behind them... I don't understand why they never let us pass them. When I see some people catching up to me I tell Don and we let them go by. I mean if you caught up, you should pass us, no? They had several occasions (road-crossing) and the leader of the pack never really looked back. Anyway, we got through, one of them got nervous a little. I thought I was back on an old trip in April in Matane at some spots like you can see on the pictures. BUt the rest was really good. I'm happy!! It was the second time that I passed the bar of the 300 km in one day. Proud. Even though I was maybe too tired for that, and the boys never stop for lunch. 😒 First real riding in the pack with Snohorse cause I was the middle. I felt safe knowing he was behind me. I also got to lead most of today, calling out coming sleds, studying the turns on my own, basically reading the trails for myself, looking where it goes and all. I also got to ride on my private groomed trail, you know, the one all the way on the right!! 👌 Best place to ride. Some turns were mushy so a little harder to deal with for me, but I managed. Even yesterday at the end of the day on the TQ5 coming to the hotel I still had my private trail even though hundreds of sleds had passed by. Got to love it! To the next time, I truly believe we'll get more snow ... I mean it's QUebec here. Otherwise I'll be shocked that that was the winter 2024. (But it would mean an early start of paddling season with a small spring flood. ) 🙂 GOt to have more than one hobby. Til next time. IMG_2117.HEIC

I totally agree with you. It was never a question of miles for me, but things I can't see from the road, or with a hike to me, it's worth so much more. Like that waterfall we saw yesterday.

I’m grateful I got to ride so far and I also enjoyed getting a different experience with little snow and ice in some places. anything is better than nothing! it wasn’t my worst trail! 😜 There isn’t much open here , so today should be to empty a tank of gas and back. That will be it for this time! 🤷🏻‍♀️

😀 photos below

Good evening ladies & gentlemen! That's it, today was the first ride of the season. A big 315 km! For me, as my first ride of the year, it's a lot. With a late departure from home, we arrived at Les Escoumins Tuesday evening around 5:15. We had read on some posts that it was necessary to take the trailer up to Hydro Qc to start riding, but when we got to the hotel we saw some sleds coming from the trail in the back, so after a little chat, lover unloaded the sleds and we left from the hotel Escoumins this morning. Departure was at 7:40. The first km all to hydro Quebec are terrible, very little snow, bumpy and rocky. After that, it's much better. We took trail 3 until we passed Bouleaux blancs, then continued straight along the river on the orange trail. It was nice and all groomed but icy in some turns. Then, we arrived at the green trail 330, we turned right. Unfortunately the groomer had turned left. Next was left on trail Pelchat. It wasn't terrible until we reached the Domaine Or Piste. Then, lots of bumps, bumps, bumps and more bumps!!! A roller coaster! 😳 It was my first time to La Chapelle, I'd heard lots about Mont-Valin this, Mont -Valin that, but I was disappointed with all these bumps. We had them for a good 20km before the relais. I know, I know, there are lots of people here, understandable it's the only place people can ride on. I would not like to see it with more snow, I can only imagine the bumps being much bigger. Not to mention the fact that the off trail riders are very limited if any. So the total number of riders here is still not at its highest. We had a quick break, ate a snack and left within an hour. To go back, we rode on an orange local trail to the 93. Again bumps, bumps and more bumps for a good 30 km this time. 😒 We were back at the hotel at 3:50 pm. Now I'm sore but happy to have seen it. Check! Been there, done that!✅ Snohorse's favorite trail didn't disappoint though! 👌🏼 Might go back to La Chapelle one day as a waitress, they must make a killing with all these people! There definitely making more than me teaching high school kids! 😜

As crazy as it may sound, I'm not afraid. I want these close encounter. This year was the first time with humpback whales and that was the closest of all.

I was at Les Bergeronnes just before Les Escoumins, Côte Nord.

Good day everyone! I've had to break out my snowmobile gear lately wearing it to strike here in Quebec. Yes, I'm a teacher and we'd had a few strikes over the past month. I also had to put my summer gear away as winter was slowly settling in. Looking forward to the upcoming snowmobile season, already discussing and making plans on possible rides with lover. In the meantime, I wanted to share this close encounter I had on my paddle board. I've been hoping for this for four years. IMG_9942.MOV

Day 6 March 1st Alright, today was the last day of my big Gaspésie tour. I knew it was my biggest day of all, I was prepared mentally. I slept ok, there were Don's friends singing along with him from other rooms at Copper last night. 😂 Poor Jacques, he's having problems, the employees aren't showing up for work. The day we arrived, his friend and him were doing rooms because two cleaning ladies didn't show up and this morning the truck driver was our waitress while the waitress was cooking for us. He also had to close the restaurant to people yesterday (no lunch) and accept only his guests due to lack of help. Not easy nowadays. We left around 8:10, there must have been at least 35 sleds parked at hotel Copper last night. We headed on the local trail to La Cache through the Chic Choc, one of my favorite. However it was very grey today couldn't see the landscape very much. It was groomed a good part of the way until we caught up to the groomer about 30 km before La Cache. But the rest of it wasn't too bad. The way I remembered that trail from January last year was with more twists and much narrower than what I rode on today. It went pretty fast. By 10:10 we were putting gas at La Cache. We said hello to everyone and we were on our way. Then, I was leading most of the way today, again, getting more experience in the front, being the first one facing the sleds coming our way, watching out. At some point, I see two sleds stopped on the side, the first guy waved to slow down, I'm thinking there is a moose or something. But no, I kept moving forward but really slow. There it was, a guy towing another sled with no one on it. Oh and he was totally on my side and the sled being towed in the middle. After La Cache, according to the tracks it seemed like we were the first ones heading that way. Fresh groomed trail just for me since I'm in the front. However, I've been studying these tracks on the ground heading the other way, and let me tell you, I guess I'm lucky to cross path with these sleds where it happens, because sometimes one corner after I look on the ground and there it is, all over my side. It would have been a crash. It's one thing to be on your side, but when the others aren't, there is nothing you can do. It's scary to think about it. We did cross path with few sleds today. Oh and we saw another coyote. Then we rejoin trail 5, got lunch at the relais St-Adelme by 1pm, the girl needs a break you know. 😁 Only 30 km left to go to the hotel which was rough a little. By 3:00 we were loading the sleds in the trailer and John and Mark showed up behind us. Had a nice visit outside catching up and we met again for dinner. Great time catching up with them. Little anecdote, in Shawinigan, Don and I cheer on for the junior hockey team Cataractes. Lover likes to wear their t-Shirt which he had on today. As he was getting snacks from the vending machine, the bus from Moncton's team pulled up, the coach walked in and told Don, hey wrong shirt! 😂😂 He came to get me, because I taught to one of the players years ago, the goalie. So I stood there to catch up to him. He loves his life in the Junior hockey league. I was happy to see him. Overall, I had an amazing time in Gaspesie as always! Couldn't ask for better weather and better trails than that! Plus I have the best trail guide! See you next time Gaspésie!

Weather so far has been awesome! Blue sky everyday!!! 😍

JFYI he sings just fine without the jack!! 😅😅

Day 5 Tues Feb 28 You have no idea what a great night sleep can do to you. I'm ready for my day!!! 💪🏼 There were lots of sleds at Motel Rodeway last night. We walked next door for a breakfast at Tim Hortons. Off we went on the 5 to 597. The trails were smooth and I enjoyed riding the white highways. We stopped and discussed about going to the Perce rock, but decided to skip it. I've been there in the summer already. We continued on and decided to stop to have a quick lunch at the snowmobile club instead of into town to encourage the relais in La Grande Riviere. The vegetables cream was unbelievable! I like all the bridges, not always easy to go on and off them, like that one today was very icy to get on. Lover told me that with all the bridges they don't worry about the rivers being frozen or not which is a good point. They also need those bridges for the ATV in the summer, so win win! I truly enjoy the fast ride on the 597, it was both our first time on this new section since it was modified. Don said it's much more open and wider than the previous trail. We saw two coyotes... at first I said, Oh look a dog! 😂😂 My first thought since we had seen people walking with their dogs on snowmobile trails before... not the best place but you know how it is. Yesterday and today we saw someone cross country skiing on the trail, I guess you never know what you'll see. In my trip so far I've seen a mouse, an American marten, deer and two coyotes today.

Day 4 Mond Feb 27 Monday was a rough day for me, since the one and only lover who calls me Petunia, sweet pea, sweet heart, sunshine, lover, mon amour, honey, Caro, Caroline (that's it you got them all 😂) decided to sing his high pitch song all night long. Unfortunetly I didn't get my well needed beauty sleep. So my driving skills weren't as sharp as I like them. However we made it to Gaspé safe and sound. We were leaving Mont St-Pierre heading to Gaspé. We took the only trail to get there, you know, #5. I want to thank Julie and Patrick at the Delice. They are really nice people. The trail condition was excellent the whole day. Again lots of twists and turns and ups and downs like the day before. I'm working on getting my throttle thumb on point when I get downhill. Sometimes I got it, other times not at all. Work in progress I guess. However, again some spectacular views with a big bright sun for amazing pictures on top of Mont St-Pierre and all around. Bad timing at the gas in Mont St-Louis, we picked the wrong one... Had to backtrack to the first gas station since the second one which is off the trail by 6 km had no gas when we went. The clerk was waiting for his gas delivery. We also came across a nice relais from Club du Rapide Blanc. I'm always happy to see a place where I can use an indoor restroom. You might not realize it, but for us, ladies, it's different! 😏Although, If I gotta go, and it needs to be on the trail so be it, just not my first choice. I had a candy bar lunch in the gas station at Riviere Renard because most places are closed on Mondays. In Gaspé we stayed at Motel Adams now called Rodeway Inn. Seems to be a lot of black top to get to the hotel, but at least I got wheels! Automatic ones, lover puts them down for me. 10/10 for bed comfort, squishy pillowsss and comforter. The St-Hubert in the hotel parking lot was closed (supposed to open today) but in a walking distance there is also Maestro pizza, Dixie Lee, a pub and Tim Hortons which we had for breakfast. Let me tell you that it was an early night for me to catch up on my sleep. Took two of my Pure rest pills and 8:30 I was ready for bed.

You have no idea!!! 😁

Day 1 Friday Feb 24 Went to teach my only two periods that morning, how lucky was I that this day ended up being the Friday before spring break, an early start for me. Don and I had discussed a lot about where to go during my spring break but ... I have a little something in my heart for Gaspesie. So we left home with the trailer around 1:30 pm to get to Matane by 7:00 pm. Day 2 Sat Feb 25 We left Matane to go to Redemption and all around. Actually, the real goal was to get to see the mummies, which I finally did. Yeah! See pictures. It was beautiful and colder at the top up there. Lover took the time to replace his stickers that discolored over the years. Yes I'm riding, but I'm also sightseeing. There is so much to admire in nature. My tour was organized to take our time so I get to enjoy it and relax as well. I'm not into the 300-400 km a day kind of thing. It's not fun for me. I can do it but I'm not interested. But here is the real info you're looking for, we left on the 5 from Matane, then we took an orange local trail to join 587. That's where the mummies were! Then we left 587 to 591 to get to 5 back to Matane for the night. Trails were beautiful everywhere we went. Day 3 Sun Feb 26 This morning we had quite a pleasant surprise, we met Jim & Gemma at breakfast. It was so nice to meet you! Enjoy your ride! Hope we'll meet again. We left Matane and headed to Mont St-Pierre on the 5 all day. There was rough bumpy trail near Cap Chat all the way near La Martre. Lots of ups and downs (remember I dislike that) and twisty trails, more work for me. But when I hear; ''good job Petunia'' I know I'm doing all right. Also we upgraded my training, because I was in front a lot for the last two days. It's totally different, I'm the one calling out the things on the trails, the first one meeting another sled, etc.

But for us in Quebec, un 5 à 7 is still Happy hour 🍻 🍷🍹🍸 😜.

On the road again... back in the saddle. 🤩 Last year I had an extremely short season due to my injury which healed fine, but it took its sweet time all summer during my paddle board season. Anyway here we are finally! Les Escoumins, for some reason I love this area. When you hear ''Oh I'm going on the Côte Nord'', you often think or hear Mont Valin, but there is so much more than there to be explored. So as Lover said we left Trois-Rivieres, Monday at 12:30 and got here just in time before the supermarket closes. We hit nice weather to drive up here, was quite a change than the past three days we had at home. Lots of snow, lack of cold. So gotta go ride where it's good during my school break. When we plan a trip we have two main goals in mind, look for groomed trails and less traffic as possible. One of my personal goals is to pay attention at the landscape, it's sooo pretty. I know that most people ride for the miles, but I sure look around and I'm so thankful to get to see mother nature's beauty. Late morning departure since usually there is a 6-7-8 kind of schedule. I think was close to 9:30. We rode to St-Anne de Portneuf for gas, then took a mint local trail. Lover always says that the local trails are the best, I must say that I agree so far. I was scouting the rivers for my summer riding season because we were along the water for a while. On that local trail we cam across a nice little warming hut. (see photos) I don't know for you, but each season I have to get accustom once again to the whole snowmobile tralala. It takes me my first day to get comfortable once again. Then we stopped at the relais Les Bouleaux for a small snack. Most of it was nicely groomed except for one part, which we knew, but now I know I don't like to ride on fluffy snow. 😂 I guess I would not be an off trail candidate. We didn't see many people, except once we got close to the relais. Oh we saw lots of places where trees were cut down, but it seems like it doesn't compare to Mauricie, Outaouais, and other places hard hit by big snow and wind. Many clubs are struggling to find volunteers to cut all the trees that had fallen and blocking the trails. Here you can follow along our ride with the pictures I took today. https://www.relive.cc/view/vNOP43YrP2O