towing

I will be offline for the next days but will be back in a week. Come back to me at this time with the kind of mileage/day your looking for and I will give you some good hints. Feel free to post the question on the forum too, alot of knowledge and experience here on QR the one I bought is a Venture heated vest (no link with my sled model name) they sold them alot to motorcyclist in summer. It heat every where even in the collar! I personnaly connect the wiring directly on the sled battery with the supplied fused harness. The vest have an integrated control button on the bottom left to choose low/medium/high setting but when dressed up with few layers over the button had been hard to reach so i also bought the remote control that is small and can be put on an handle bar or a pocket. Kristine had kept it in her mitt and played with it while riding. She also appreciate alot the thin gloves that also heat pretty much. A great buy that will help her appreciate the ride even more than before.

Even if the trails have begun to be groomed near my home in St-Thomas de Joliette, considering that it is very recent and with the deep cold (-29C in the morning) the fields trails are less attracting so we decided to make our late start more north in wooden sections from St-Gabriel de Brandon to have a lunch at St-Michel des Saints. Here is the final trail path.Krikri and I dropped the trailer at the St-Gabriel de Brandon Highschool where the trail passes in the courtyard.Short stop at the Belvedere for a final adjustment of our clothes to fix all the air infiltration in this cold day, still around -25C at 10:30 and we start riding on #63 NorthThe trail was not freshly groomed but correct on this season's beginning where the club is still on opening their trails and install their signs. The fields north of St-Gabriel still lack some snow but ride fine. Here in the big hills in St-Damien Once up snow is goodAnd the scenery snowy tooA little north of Pourvoirie St-Damien, St-Charles de Mandeville snowmobile club had freshly groomed their trail: perfect as a carpet My sweetheart was at trying a gift of mine: an heated jacket + heated gloves! What a good day to try them!She had always refused to try one before, but she was delighted with the result. Not only her body stay warm but the thin heated gloves are really a big plus for her that get her hand out her mitt to take pictures. I am myself impressed that even at this cold temperature she only kept the heat setting at minimum most of the day to be confortable.The snow is surprising on some spots It's the same every time when riding in very cold conditions: trails are mint and almost no trafficAll these beautiful trails for us alone ... or almost!A short stop in Réal's yard to check if my Krikri was frozenShe's almost overheat she says !!! Ya I know her helmet is the next upgrade but I have to convice her to make the move. She tend to keep her old stuff very long time... something good for me i guess!So we continue on #23 northStill on #23 in Cabanon directionA couple of other braves in the coldIn the spruce sectionPass the CabanonAnd take the #63 north towards St-Michel des Saintsvery niceIt is a trail with a more rocky base so was not surprised to hear a couple of tocs in the skis but really much less than I expected. The new snowmobile club of St-Michel had reworked the base of trail in the fall which helped a lot. Also the last section of trail that brings us to the bottom of Trinity mountain goes through a new path a little further south.We stopped for lunch at the Vieux Moulin à Scie restaurant in St-Michel des Saints. We had 2 nice surprises there: a work colleague and also another friend, Red here on the forums with which we had ride a few years ago. He joined us for our lunch. After a good meal in good company and fuelup for the sled, we left with our friend Red to make a loop on the west side on #33trailNext we headed west towards the Rouge-Mattawin relay. The snow is good but it was a little weird because some segments are like in the middle of winter but others seem to just open with some little twigs in the bottom of the trail but in any case it was riding well.We passed the Rouge-Mattawin relayThe # 33 south towards Coin Lavigne was very nicel. It was already a bit dark to pic while riding, and at this temperature our old Sony had a hard time ... We took a local orange trail and with the #63 got to the Glaciere where we stopped for a nice hot chocolate break. After warming up, we left on the #350 to join #23 and resume on our morning path to St-Gabriel de Brandon while our friend Red returned on the #23 north to the Cabanon to join his sweatheart. The return went well and we got back to the trailer at around 6 pm with 150 miles on the dreammeter. A beautiful ride for us in real winter conditions. Even though it's still season's beginning the conditions are already very good in the north and with the cold temperatures on the weather forecast and the snow received in the last week, no doubt the trail network will continue to grow up quickly in the next few days. You can have a look here to see the latest developments on the trail conditions, updates are frequent: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/ Bye!Alain

Good report dooright! Yes the Taureau dam is reopened to snowmobile and ATV(in the summer). Hydro Quebec that owned the dam have renovate the catwalk larger than before , at 64" wide now in the narrowest section it will be way more easier for us on sleds and no more a challenge to cross the dam! Alain

You have my respect Iceman to drive those monsters in city steets throught many cars that don't always figure out you need some space! I have a good friend that have did that in Montreal few years and it is not an easy one job, many hours to work in a row and many at night. Thumb up to you my friend! Alain

Thanks for the report MFARJM! I had mentioned it for the #350 in my report but was thinking they had did it since. Was told a beaver family have raise the water level in the savanah cause the problem... For Ontariokid95, Viper2 gave you some good hint: The Kanawata Auberge on the #345 north for lunch round trip and the Marineau Auberge at Rivière mattawin on the #360 trail just along St-Maurice river on the east side are 2 great rides. Having a lunch at Koubec passing on the #23 north as I did on my ride report may be a nice option too. Going to see the new belvedere on the top of the Black Mountain in St-Donat on the south-west side would be very nice to see but may be more crowded on this side at those dates in the holidays. Have a good trip and take a look here for trail conditons and more: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/ Alain

Loll , I think it will be the tenth season I do that, hoping I have a lot more to come!!!

Thanks Tom! more to come soon...

Thanks Chris! We got and other 4-5 inches of fluffy stuff today, no rain in the forecast so it's looking good for the christmas week. The trail network won't be fully open but it will have already expand on the north side... Thanks Steve Haha, no chance for that! you are welcome smclelan! We always would like more white stuff but it's a decent start this year and the temperatures mainly keep on the cold side which is very good Thanks Ice! Yes I think she was a bit... Have a good season too with your new ride! Thanks Mikerider! My gopro set-up is not bad, I am wired on the 12volts of the sled through my electric shield so no more battery hassle! I had film many short sequences were it was interesting and snap pics from those sequences at home. I usually use the 1080 superwide for filming to reduce the camera shake effect but had only use wide this time to reduce the fish eye effect for the pics. That give decent results for the pics but you would have puke at trying to watch the movies sequences... way too shaky! Have a great season too with many miles and smiles Ho, I was in your tracks! the snow was decent and the cold was handsome these last days. Hoping the cold wave will keep rolling here for a while, a couple years ago we had 15C in the same date! lucky we are this year. You are welcome MFARJM! if you can come in those days you will have the best conditions with low traffic. Thanks JG! Hope too to ride with her soon but seems like chrismas is next monday and we are not ready yet! Big chance we will ride again after the chrismass parties Thanks Road runner, yep and with the today white coating it's definitely nicely shaping up! Thanks Teet! what is good this year is that the north had snow since the first week of november and never got back on bare earth since. It was not big amounts but the first 5-6 inches got soak/freeze a couple time that give very compact material with new loose stuff over, really better than just loose stuff.

It was our season opener yesterday Saturday December 16 2017, in fact it was Snowcruiser's and mine because Krikri was still on a trip outside the country and I had to manage myself to get some pictures! I do not have her talent and I do not stop often for pics so it's the gopro who did the job, a bit less good but not bad at all. We went to have a lunch at Koubec through the Mastigouche wildlife reserve, which gave us a bit more than 120 miles round trip So we started our ride from l'auberge La Glacière. I was first thinking to start on the #350 toward east but an unfrozen savannah delay the grooming there so the 5 miles on the #350 between la Glaciere and the #23 trail junction was not groomed yet (with the current cold it should be done soon). It was not block for snowmobile but without grooming looks more like an hare trail than a snowmobile one so we took the #63 to the village of St-Zénon It was the first grooming pass so not perfect but very correct for an early season. Got some toc tocs under the skis in the big hillsNorth of the St-Zénon village conditions were already better, very good for an early season The spruce section still on #63 trail to Cabanon We stopped to fuel up at l'auberge le Cabanon before continuing toward Mastigouche wildlife reserve The 4 dozers at rest in the morning were gone at work when we went back at the end of the dayThe #23/#345 north was in full winter condition. The trail base was made since late November/early December and hardened with the thaws. With the new snow added it's like the icing on the cake, really nice and fast Here a very nice shot 8 miles from Le Cabanon we took #23 east in the Mastigouche wildlife reserve Beautiful trail in full winter conditions, 10/10 The whole #23 north section was a treat, very beautiful and fast To go to Koubec we had to take the #345 south, the trail number signs are there but not the directions signs, even we used to the area we had a doubt and took a look at the map to confirmed because there was no Koubec indication yet at this intersection. Also very nice and snowyWe stopped to have a good lunch break at the Pourvoirie Mastigouche better known as Koubec placeThis site is a real historical gem, this outfitter building built in the 1800s is really unique, to see and see againI had originally planned a loop to return to the Cabanon via trails #350 and#23 but even if we had good comments on those trails , the one we had just done was so beautiful that it was unbeatable so we decided to do it again ... just too good!Here, back at #23 junction The #23 was just as beautiful on the way backWe crossed some sledders but not crowed at allWe took a break at the #345 junction to go either to theCabanon or the Mattawin Dam/Bridge. During our break 2 dozers started their run, this one that was going to groom the #23 we had just done. And this one that went straight to go to the Taureau dam or Mattawin River BridgeSo we continued on the a freshly groomed trailVery nice. Being just groom we did not seen it but other sledders told us that some curves began to be icy under traffic effect in this section earlier Back to le CabanonEven the #63 to St-Zenon village had just been groomed tooWe passed the Dozer just before the road section before the village As expected the last strech was not as good but fine and with a few dozerpasses it will help a lot. We were back to La Glacière around 5pm with a 124 miles on the dreammeter. So a first relax ride for us, a beautiful day with conditions that have far exceeded what we expected for a season beginning with more than 2/3 of the trip in full winter conditions almost perfect. Those who did Cabanon/Marineau toward Mauricie side report as good conditions there too .There is definitely very good sledding to do in this area! The trail network actually change and progress quickly so take a look on the trail conditions site often to know the last developpements: https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/ Alain

Snowmobilecountry.ca announced the official trail opening today in St-Zénon /St-MIchel area. You can take a look at what will be groomed on the link below. Also you can click the small red "see on map" link to have a quick visual of opened trails https://www.snowmobilecountry.ca/en/conditions/ I suggest you to check the link often because it may expand on St-Michel side soon... Look very good for christmas Holidays!!!

Job done... Let it snow...

Looks like the Pourvoirie Pignon Rouge Mokocan http://www.pourvoiriepignonrouge.com/photos?album=2&gallery=7 Never went there but heard just good things about them and it is a beautiful auberge for sure. Alain

St-Donat are actually at installing a new observation tower on the Black Mountain summit, great add-on for this already great spot Alain

Thanks, wish you a great season too! As for the first ride, we had hit groomed trail as soon as the 30 november a few time in the last 15 years but it's the earlier we did. Mid december for the first run is an average for us. This season the last 2 weeks have been pretty cold, unfortunately raining ay home right now but not sure in St-Zénon who are just at the freezing point now... They had already few inches of snow since 2 weeks that had not melted yet. So the temperature trend seems promising up to now, hoping for more white gold soon! Alain

As usual I put together a compilation of the links to the ride reports I made last season. 10 ride reports of 11 sledding days containing more than 380pics tooks mainly in Lanaudiere, Mauricie and Haute-Mauricie. From 18 December 2016 to 27march 2017. It can be a nice teaser for this next one season that may start soon, mother nature seems to cooperate up to date! Alain And if you are looking for more

another one! Few minutes of the first part of our last ride , between home and the St-Maurice river Alain

Hi there! Here a short GoPro video on the St-Maurice river last Saturday, enjoy!

With the colder than average week we had the trail conditions kept up fairly well so we could still leave from home in St-Thomas. Kristine being in shape, we decided to go with a good big classic for us: the big south/north loop Lanaudière / Mauricie Saturday morning, -7C under a clearing sky, we begin our ride near my home in St Thomas de Joliette accompanied by our usual partners Steph and Snowcruiser. Here at planing our day before getting on saddle at 8:45 Here near my home on trail # 43 a couple inches of new snow had fallen overnight, like ice on the cake just perfect It makes up all the decor in white, including also the small wear out spots and the roadsides making it all beautiful We begin with the same basic route as our last ride by joining the # 3 trail eastbound. Here in the Maskinongé sector A chance that we have this bridge because this river there thaw quickly, already at clear water while most of the others are still solid We took our shortcuts like last week via trails #63/350 and local trail and took back here #63 near St-Barnabé. The trails are beautiful and very fast going forward on #3 trail towards St-Étienne des Grès We crossed the St-Maurice river here at the Gabelle dam height which is seen in the background We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the trails to the east of St-Maurice going up towards Grand-Mère, everything was freshly groomed Getting here on the St-Maurice river Very nice no bumps Nice pic of Steph at trail speed Snowcruiser and the beautiful scenery of the St-Maurice river Was wondering if it would lacked snow but even at a very good pace the lubrication was very good Here near the end of the 20 miles segment on the river After getting back on the shore there were a few hundred meters uncovered along the #155 road, then very beautiful Up to our dinner destination at l'auberge Marineau at Mattawin River. We arrived a bit past 12:15 with a little more than 125 miles done since the morning, we had kept a good pace!!! We met Dreamcat and Frencher from CMIQ french forum with whom we talk a bit and had a great meal as usual there. back on saddle after the meal, we cross the St-Maurice river by the car's bridge It come with the spring rides, a few meters of poop and then hundreds miles of perfect trails The flow of the river is still high for an end of March The # 360 is simply perfect and it is at a very good pace that we rode along the Mattawin River It was the kind of perfect conditions that we dream of during summer ... We stopped for a small break at the 4-40 rest area. The pile of snow in the center is a picnic table! You can also see a charcoal lid in front of the trees at left, the charcoal is under! There is snow there for a while Point of view of the rapids on the Mattawin River, a very nice spot. We then continued For this picture my Kristine has sent her arm back and blindly clicked, I straightened the picture a little but not bad for a pic back without seeing anything at trail speed! Here arriving at the bridge of the Mattawin River on the # 345 Always a nice place to take a break, the view is beautiful We rode the #345 towards St-Zénon Trail was still in very good condition We stopped to make a last fuel up at l'Auberge le Cabanon The #23 south had suffered a bit, but I know the dozers were in action in this area Further on, the #23 to Réal Massé was closed (auberge closed) and the trail is diverted a little further east on the #350 via a shortcut (orange trail on the map). This link was less good When we got back on the section groomed by St-Gabriel on the #23, it came back perfect 10/10 We took a short break at the small hut on the top of the hill in St-Damien Then continued to St-Gabriel We began to see some lean spots to the south of St-Gabriel but still well overall We then split at that junction, Steph who wanted to directly get back home went straight to pick up the morning path in St-Norbert, while Snowcruiser and us who wanted to take a light supper break passed by St-Felix de Valois to make a pit stop at Tim Hortons. All the fields were perfects We finally been back home at 7:20 pm with 273 miles on the deammeter. This ride was among our best of this winter: beautiful trails, perfect temperature and well accompanied as always. On the other hand I'm forced to admit that with the temperature forecasted for the next week and the date we are at, it was the last call for the trails of the south. For the north they have enough snow to continue to maintained that area provided that the temperatures allow grooming still. For the rest I would advise you to take a look here to know more about the maintenance and the opening of the clubs: Snowmobile trails conditions Lanaudière Mauricie - Snowmobile Country in Quebec (Maps, Trails and Snow conditions) - Tourisme Lanaudière We certainly have some more rides ahead but we will surely need the trailer for the next ... Alain

Thank you guys! Finally the trails have hold pretty good this week and we will still be able to start from my backdoor tomorrow morning!!!

There's a big difference in snow between the two shores of the St-Lawrence river at our height, the difference diminish as you go toward Quebec city. At my height the Monteregie area on the south shore is up and down for their snow, many times they just have few ridable weeks a season. The thaws always hit them harder, but sometimes they hit the jackpot like the last snow storm last week that left in the 40-50cms of snow one shot on them! unfortunately some kind of too much too late for them at this time of the season. Krikri was still fresh on sunday after her saturday run and the temperatures and forecasts are ok so definitely few more rides ahead... stay tuned

Krikri health getting even better, we decided to repeat the last weekend experience but my lady asked for a longer ride than the last one. Given the beautiful conditions left by the last snow storm , I chose for her a ride path more souther that would look more like a big lazy-boy ride than a work-out in the twisties. So here's the easy mileage path we had done: Nice sunny day -16C at start, our partner Steph joined us at the St-Thomas gaz station and we left on #43 trail east We joined #3 trail and headed east towards Berthierville. Although the interactive map did not indicate it with the grooming delay option, the trails had been groomed after the last storm. Bug with the groomer's gps ??? With the high winds it did not left big amounts of snow in the trails, just what it needed to have perfect conditions Those 2 have followed us all day! The temperature slowly warms up with the strong March sunshine Here the section maintained by St-Barthelemy club, freshly groomed impeccable. We saw the dozer that was moving but the grooming job had already been done long before because the trail was already very solid. My yammy had purring on these beautiful fast trails At Louiseville height, Instead of riding the #3 trail which passes very south or the #63 passing farther north through Charette we took the #350 + a local trail that makes us sting through the other 2 options that is more direct with many fields and the biggest curves are those there: We joined Snowcruiser close to St-Barnabé. He had started from his area in Champlain by sled and we met within one mile from what we had estimated the day before on the phone when we had planned to get together!!! We then had continued the ride towards the east with our 2 partners Here back on the #3 trail in Ste-Étienne des Grès direction Here the #3 trail going to the Gabelle dam over the St-Maurice river. They had modify the trail path here last year, much better than before. We crossed the dozer here on the #3 grooming this section that was needed it. Unfortunately the effect of grooming the new snow during day at soft temperature is limited ... it doesn't lasts long. We dropped the #3 to take #351 trail, passed the Relais de la Station and looped back on the #3 at St-Stanislas. Here on the river just before St-Stanislas Steph and his nice 850 We took back #3 trail, passed La Cabane a Roger(closed now) and took a local trail to reach the #351 east that ride along #40 car highway . Here crossing the Sainte-Anne big river on the #351. To my surprise, the dozer groom on it! We had continued on the #351 which become the #3 trail farther Up to the junction with #302 that we took south to go eat at the Normandin restaurant along #40 Highway . We had a great meal and talk together After dinner we lined up our skis in the opposite direction ... But this time kept the #302 to take the #3 westward at the height of St-Casimir. Last storm traces Here on #3 trail on an old railroad bed We met this one just before going crossing back the Cabane a Roger. Here still on the #3 getting on the river in St-Stanislas We took a break just before St-Narcisse at the junction of a local trail that lead back to Champlain. It was then time for Snowcruiser to take this last option to go home ... While Steph and us continued on the #3 westward The trails were a bit rough until the crossing of the St-Maurice river but really nice thereafter. Here the highway trail in the Ste-Ursules sector And here on the #3 in Maskinongé sector We crossed this Dozer in St-Barthélemy area And with the daylight change we can enjoy our days longer, here the sunset around 6:45 pm We followed #3 trail up to St-Cuthbert where we took a the local trail through St-Norbert We had loop back on the #43 near Joliette and finally returned home at 7:15 pm with a total of 263 easy miles on the dreammeter. Force to admit that the season is already well advanced, from here things can change more quickly but the forecast are pretty good to date, if the temperatures maintained as forecast we could perhaps being able to still ride the south of our area and i may be able to still start from home. Of course, all the norther area like St-Zénon are even better and not at risk yet. All report I had seen quoted perfect conditions this last weekend, so season still going on! Alain

Thanks Gt Rider, things are going better end better! she have to take care but she seems to recover pretty well!

Thank you very much boys for your good words. Krikri is slowly getting better and this last ride boost up her moral so we will be able to repeat this next weekend and with the last snowstorm we will be able to start from the backdoor and ride directly from home. Life is good!

My Krikri had her last ride exactly one month ago and then got knocked out by a pneumonia. She now feel much better but obviously she's not completely reestablished. She had already started working again (too early in my opinion) and she had request to ride. So accompanied by our partner Snowcruiser, we did a relax ride (much smaller than usual) with late start and early return. The Mastigouche wildlife reserve that we had not yet ride this season was just perfect for that purpose. Here is the path we travelled: Sunday morning -17C under a cloudy sky, starting from the highschool of St-Gabriel de Brandon a little before 10:00 am Viewpoint from the Belvedere just north of the village. Trail #23 just north of St-Gabriel, not alot loose stuff but it ride well. Fields in St-Damien de Brandon direction Once a few miles up in the mountain the trail conditions are even better, less icy Beautiful fast trail We passed Réal Massé And took #350 trail north-east We arrive at the beautiful outfitter Centennial Koubec at around 11:30 to have our lunch You know you're in a real snowmobile spot when the entrance mat is a snowmobile track! The magnificent big double fireplace , they could make fire at the back too. We do not often see fireplace like that. The outside view from the dining room After lunch we took #350 trail north-east And join the #23 trail in the heart of the Mastigouche reserve that we took west towards St-Zénon The clouds had dissipated and with the sun it was really beautiful Very nice trail And very fast There is not much people passing there, yet one of the most beautiful spot to ride . We reach the #345 trail north from the Cabanon and then went south We took here at the Auberge Le Cabanon a little hot chocolate break as well as our fill-up of the day. We then took trail #23 south Still alot snow in this area And very solid trails that are not wear out even at the end of the day Sunday We recrossed Réal Massé pourvoirie. We had not stopped but I have been told by other snowmobilers that it was their last weekend of operation. It is very likely because it is their usual way of doing in past years: They close in the 2nd week of March, snow or not, and take a vacation time before the beginning of the fishing season. It's not bad, given the traffic that begin to reduce on that date, it gives a chance to other service providers that continue to be more profitable. We went down on the #23 trail which had stay very nicel. Here, going down the big hill in St-Damien And in the fields before St-Gabriel We returned to the trailer at 5pm with 140miles on the dreammeter. My Krikri thought it was a bit short but I think it was just right under the circumstances. We are in the snowstorm right now Tuesday evening and already have good snow to the ground so it will revive the trails around home and add some cream on the north trails that were already nice. Most important, temperatures will remain cold for several more days/week to encourage our clubs to continue to groom the trails. Already mid-March, it's now or never the time to enjoy it Alain

Our last ride was on February 12th at Relais 22. Since this, busy with the job+ the bad weather but especially my life partner who was knock out because of pneumonia have thrown away all opportunities of riding. My Krikri, who was now a little better, was very frustrated to not being able to follow but she just begin to feel better and riding back on a snowmobile as a passenger at this time with the current cold would have simply ruined the gains she had managed to make In the last week. So it was solo on my venture accompanied by our partner Snowcruiser that I saddle up. Having lost my official photographer, I had to managed to take some pics myself. It's why I have much less beautiful stuff to show you but still some decent pics. Here is the path of our ride. Saturday morning, beautiful sunny blue jay day -21C at start It was very dry at start, the dozer of Carcamps snowmobile club of Berthierville had not groomed since the rain few days ago. With the scratchers down and going moderately we had did well. A few miles later we entered the Joliette snowmobile club territory who have made a pass since the thaw, it already ride much better. At the next intersection we seen the dozer of Joliette finishing his run and have just put some ice on the cake for us Further along on the trails of St-Felix de Valois, the dozers also passed Not alot loose stuff over the hard base but was ok. We did not raise the scratchers but it would ride without. We chatted a bit with a couple of nice guys from Joliette before heading up toward Saint-Jean de Matha The Black River north of Matha near the BRP dealer Géro was still very solid and easy to cross The good thing in those conditions is that there are no bumps. Just beautiful, hard and very fast trails, here just south of Ste-Émilie de l'Energie North of Ste-Émilie the big hills were beautiful, no ice at all The altitude makes a big difference and at the top of the hills the conditions become winter one Here passing in front of the Pourvoirie Bazinet We followed the #63 and made a small detour on the local trail that goes to the Auberge du Vieux Moulin, starting point for the dozer of the area and which allows to make a loop and to take back the #63 farther. Very nice trail/point of view especially in the southern part Here during a break on the #63 between La Glacière and St-Zénon village. Beautiful conditions and much loose stuff on the trail With our late start it was already noon so we stopped eating at the Relais St-Zenon in front of Lake St-Louis After a good meal we continued on the # 63 north We passed the Auberge Le Cabanon and continued towards St-Michel des Saints, very nice trail Here just before before arriving at St-Michel, we see the village in the distance We stopped to refuel at the Harnois gas station near the Central. We took a moment to re-evaluate the initial plan, already 2:20pm and we were just about to loop around the reservoir ... we won't be back home soon! After consulting, we agree to keep the initial plan and took the lake shortcut to quickly reach the Auberge du Lac Taureau. The level is already well down and yes, it is the summer docks you see in the air in front of the chalets The level is not yet at its lowest and even it is necessary to be careful there are not too many big slopes to pass, it ride well. We see better here the level once passed the Auberge while the trail passes on the beach shore ... The section from there to the junction with the #33 to the Repos had a bit of ripple, nothing big but a little less beautiful. Then the #360 eastward was really nice. This year it takes another route than usual because of wood transport . I loved this new trail a very beautiful and pretty fast path. We stopped at the dam for a few pictures but we did not stayed there long because the wind was whipping! The rest of the #360 was just beautiful, at its best. Let's say we caught up some time there! Very quickly, we arrived at the bridge of the Mattawin river where we took a break away from the wind. I was able to heat up the kodak who was freeze and take some good shots The #345 was perfect, I think this is best conditions I had seen there on a Saturday at the end of the day. In addition, a little further south we cross the dozer who was at making it another pass! We stopped at the Cabanon to make a last fill up before taking the #23 south. Beautiful at first but we passed the dozer who was not grooming for nothing on that one! We stopped eating at Réal Massé around 6 pm. When parking, enduro reverse of my partner refused again to engaged ... He's been already twice to the dealer for that, the last time relays replaced. Maybe a gear problem like Iceman pointed in an other post? if anyone have more info on this issue, do not hesitate to comment because apart from that it is a whole nice machine but this irritant is intermittently there since the beginning of the season and he will have to go now for a third visit at the dealer. After a good hot and comforting meal we left around 7:15pm for the last segment of our ride. The #23 was just a little worn out by the day's traffic and we crossed the dozer that was going up about midway to St-Gabriel's Brandon. We arrived at 8:15pm in front of an ambush south of the village of St-Gabriel. A small stream that was overflowing on the trail in between two hills. We saw that there were several sleds that have crossed it but we do not know the deepness of the water nor if it is mined below, at darkness is not evident. I was not really stressed to cross it on the throttle but my partner did not feel it, the prospect of a bath, even unlikely, left it ... cold! So why having to stress, we left in the morning to ride and a detour mean even more riding !!! So we turned back and headed back to St-Damien of Brandon than headed west on #63 to join our morning path just north of the St-Jean de Matha slides site. We then followed our morning route integrally. We were pleasantly surprised to meet the Dozer of Berhtierville who was grooming the #43 trail near home in St-Thomas. We were finally back to our starting point at 10:00 pm with 285 mile on the dreammeter. In summary still very nice winter conditions everywhere north of Ste-Émilie de l'Énergie. The last thaw left harder base that give outstanding trail conditions and very solids trails that are strong over traffic. Still plenty of snow up there. I know that there is again some rain/freezing rain on the forecast for the next days but feel it won't hurt so much, especially with the cold wave that it is also forecast after. We are already in march, season's is well advanced but not done for sure, still very good riding to do, in the best of what this winter have to offer to us, it is to you to enjoy it! Alain