towing

With the deep cold we had think it would be a good idea to go feeding the Black Mountain's grayJays



This short ride path was perfect for a very cold day riding. We left the trailer at the Petro-T in Notre-Dame de la Merci village and went north toward St-Donat
It was still at -25C when we left at 10:30 AM. The trail pass directly on Ouareau lake and was mint




We then took #33 trail west that was perfect



and then the #317 as good. Directions are marked at junction for Black Mountain so it is easy to find.



A bit farther the local trail to the right bring us toward the summit. The rising began... 





Just before the summit we took the short dead end summit trail to the right


And got at the summit around 11:15 am. A strong wind insure us to not have any mosquitos or black flies around! 

Even with the deep cold, we ate up there and pass near 2 relax hours at talking with other sledders and playing with the gray jays. Those last ones were a bit shy at first but got quickly more friendly. We also had the visit of a Blue Jay (first time there) but it was way more timid and stayed farther. We failed the catch a quality pic but this blue bird was outstanding to watch flying between those pure white trees.



I put together a short video of footage took at the summit. Those who watch till the end will see that the birds were not shy at all after getting used to us.
 
We then got down the mountain...





And took the #33 trail around Archambault lake. There is woodcutting operation in this area, this is also why the Mont Cenelle summit trail is actually closed. It is riding well but we follow and cross a forest road many times. Although 3 young peoples in a SUV that had decided to explore this forest road learned the hard way how important it is to keep on the road and not the trail... 



the small truck was solid stuck with the side pressed on trees. When we arrived they were just been told no towing company would get there because it was not a public road... We helped them in giving them the information for contacting St-Donat snowmobile club and secure the trail with red flag before the curve to mark the danger zone. They were not dress to walk miles in that weather but some of their friends were about to arrive with an other car to retrieved them when we left.
We then continue on the #33 that was nice

The #33 section between Coin Lavigne and St-Donat village was a bit worn but very acceptable. There was some toc tocs in the skis from time to time so the new snow on the way for tomorrow will be perfect to improve the conditions. The #310 toward NDM was also nice 




We had been back at the trailer around 15:30 PM with a small 70 funny miles on the dream meter, perfect ride for the weather we had

Everybody here is waiting the tomorrow snow storm that should spread a good snow layer in a big part of the Quebec. We expect it will open up the whole trail network for our area and many other around in the very next days... 
let's get burry under snow!

With the deep cold we had think it would be a good idea to go feeding the Black Mountain's grayJays



This short ride path was perfect for a very cold day riding. We left the trailer at the Petro-T in Notre-Dame de la Merci village and went north toward St-Donat
It was still at -25C when we left at 10:30 AM. The trail pass directly on Ouareau lake and was mint




We then took #33 trail west that was perfect



and then the #317 as good. Directions are marked at junction for Black Mountain so it is easy to find.



A bit farther the local trail to the right bring us toward the summit. The rising began... 





Just before the summit we took the short dead end summit trail to the right


And got at the summit around 11:15 am. A strong wind insure us to not have any mosquitos or black flies around! 

Even with the deep cold, we ate up there and pass near 2 relax hours at talking with other sledders and playing with the gray jays. Those last ones were a bit shy at first but got quickly more friendly. We also had the visit of a Blue Jay (first time there) but it was way more timid and stayed farther. We failed the catch a quality pic but this blue bird was outstanding to watch flying between those pure white trees.



I put together a short video of footage took at the summit. Those who watch till the end will see that the birds were not shy at all after getting used to us.
 
We then got down the mountain...





And took the #33 trail around Archambault lake. There is woodcutting operation in this area, this is also why the Mont Cenelle summit trail is actually closed. It is riding well but we follow and cross a forest road many times. Although 3 young peoples in a SUV that had decided to explore this forest road learned the hard way how important it is to keep on the road and not the trail... 



the small truck was solid stuck with the side pressed on trees. When we arrived they were just been told no towing company would get there because it was not a public road... We helped them in giving them the information for contacting St-Donat snowmobile club and secure the trail with red flag before the curve to mark the danger zone. They were not dress to walk miles in that weather but some of their friends were about to arrive with an other car to retrieved them when we left.
We then continue on the #33 that was nice

The #33 section between Coin Lavigne and St-Donat village was a bit worn but very acceptable. There was some toc tocs in the skis from time to time so the new snow on the way for tomorrow will be perfect to improve the conditions. The #310 toward NDM was also nice 




We had been back at the trailer around 15:30 PM with a small 70 funny miles on the dream meter, perfect ride for the weather we had

Everybody here is waiting the tomorrow snow storm that should spread a good snow layer in a big part of the Quebec. We expect it will open up the whole trail network for our area and many other around in the very next days... 
let's get burry under snow!

Thanks, we were playing in your playground for some of it also today!
 
 

With the deep cold we had think it would be a good idea to go feeding the Black Mountain's grayJays



This short ride path was perfect for a very cold day riding. We left the trailer at the Petro-T in Notre-Dame de la Merci village and went north toward St-Donat
It was still at -25C when we left at 10:30 AM. The trail pass directly on Ouareau lake and was mint




We then took #33 trail west that was perfect



and then the #317 as good. Directions are marked at junction for Black Mountain so it is easy to find.



A bit farther the local trail to the right bring us toward the summit. The rising began... 





Just before the summit we took the short dead end summit trail to the right


And got at the summit around 11:15 am. A strong wind insure us to not have any mosquitos or black flies around! 

Even with the deep cold, we ate up there and pass near 2 relax hours at talking with other sledders and playing with the gray jays. Those last ones were a bit shy at first but got quickly more friendly. We also had the visit of a Blue Jay (first time there) but it was way more timid and stayed farther. We failed the catch a quality pic but this blue bird was outstanding to watch flying between those pure white trees.



I put together a short video of footage took at the summit. Those who watch till the end will see that the birds were not shy at all after getting used to us.
 
We then got down the mountain...





And took the #33 trail around Archambault lake. There is woodcutting operation in this area, this is also why the Mont Cenelle summit trail is actually closed. It is riding well but we follow and cross a forest road many times. Although 3 young peoples in a SUV that had decided to explore this forest road learned the hard way how important it is to keep on the road and not the trail... 



the small truck was solid stuck with the side pressed on trees. When we arrived they were just been told no towing company would get there because it was not a public road... We helped them in giving them the information for contacting St-Donat snowmobile club and secure the trail with red flag before the curve to mark the danger zone. They were not dress to walk miles in that weather but some of their friends were about to arrive with an other car to retrieved them when we left.
We then continue on the #33 that was nice

The #33 section between Coin Lavigne and St-Donat village was a bit worn but very acceptable. There was some toc tocs in the skis from time to time so the new snow on the way for tomorrow will be perfect to improve the conditions. The #310 toward NDM was also nice 




We had been back at the trailer around 15:30 PM with a small 70 funny miles on the dream meter, perfect ride for the weather we had

Everybody here is waiting the tomorrow snow storm that should spread a good snow layer in a big part of the Quebec. We expect it will open up the whole trail network for our area and many other around in the very next days... 
let's get burry under snow!

With the deep cold we had think it would be a good idea to go feeding the Black Mountain's grayJays



This short ride path was perfect for a very cold day riding. We left the trailer at the Petro-T in Notre-Dame de la Merci village and went north toward St-Donat
It was still at -25C when we left at 10:30 AM. The trail pass directly on Ouareau lake and was mint




We then took #33 trail west that was perfect



and then the #317 as good. Directions are marked at junction for Black Mountain so it is easy to find.



A bit farther the local trail to the right bring us toward the summit. The rising began... 





Just before the summit we took the short dead end summit trail to the right


And got at the summit around 11:15 am. A strong wind insure us to not have any mosquitos or black flies around! 

Even with the deep cold, we ate up there and pass near 2 relax hours at talking with other sledders and playing with the gray jays. Those last ones were a bit shy at first but got quickly more friendly. We also had the visit of a Blue Jay (first time there) but it was way more timid and stayed farther. We failed the catch a quality pic but this blue bird was outstanding to watch flying between those pure white trees.



I put together a short video of footage took at the summit. Those who watch till the end will see that the birds were not shy at all after getting used to us.
 
We then got down the mountain...





And took the #33 trail around Archambault lake. There is woodcutting operation in this area, this is also why the Mont Cenelle summit trail is actually closed. It is riding well but we follow and cross a forest road many times. Although 3 young peoples in a SUV that had decided to explore this forest road learned the hard way how important it is to keep on the road and not the trail... 



the small truck was solid stuck with the side pressed on trees. When we arrived they were just been told no towing company would get there because it was not a public road... We helped them in giving them the information for contacting St-Donat snowmobile club and secure the trail with red flag before the curve to mark the danger zone. They were not dress to walk miles in that weather but some of their friends were about to arrive with an other car to retrieved them when we left.
We then continue on the #33 that was nice

The #33 section between Coin Lavigne and St-Donat village was a bit worn but very acceptable. There was some toc tocs in the skis from time to time so the new snow on the way for tomorrow will be perfect to improve the conditions. The #310 toward NDM was also nice 




We had been back at the trailer around 15:30 PM with a small 70 funny miles on the dream meter, perfect ride for the weather we had

Everybody here is waiting the tomorrow snow storm that should spread a good snow layer in a big part of the Quebec. We expect it will open up the whole trail network for our area and many other around in the very next days... 
let's get burry under snow!

We can blame Justin for alot of things but for this one it's our Quebec prime minister Francois legault that is to blame...
Love your reports, keep it going through the cold and snow storm you are strong 👍

We can blame Justin for alot of things but for this one it's our Quebec prime minister Francois legault that is to blame...
Love your reports, keep it going through the cold and snow storm you are strong 👍

We waited until the temperature got up to -22F before we left, which was around 9:15. We headed 13 north which was perfect, same as it was when we came in the night before. The cold temperatures are definitely keeping people off the trails. We did the 25 miles or so up to one of their orange secondary trails that connects over to the 53, it was groomed perfect also and in the past gets minimal traffic.
We then jumped on 53 South and went 5 miles filled up with gas at Lunics, (this would make it so we did not have to go into Manawa to get gas). We continued another 8 miles or so until the 33 Junction towards Manawan. All of it was groomed absolutely awesome till we got within 5 miles of Repos,  then it was fairly bumpy as to be expected. We did take the side trail which bypasses going into Manawan, as we didn’t need gas or food. The 5 miles south of Repos had taken a whooping also since we had been on it a few days ago. When the trail jumped on the first lake we took a left instead of a right and took the lakes all the way down until it intersects with 33 again.
We then rode the trail for maybe 10 or 12 miles which was all unbelievably perfect , (so we assumed it was probably perfect all the way in to Saint Michel). We then jumped off 33 onto the Reservoir at the earliest possible possible opportunity and road to Reservoir all the way back to the hotel.
Lots of folks out today on the Reservoir walking, snowshoeing, skiing, ATV, snowmobiling  awesome day to be out. Time to call it a trip for this go around and begin to plan the next! 
 

We can blame Justin for alot of things but for this one it's our Quebec prime minister Francois legault that is to blame...
Love your reports, keep it going through the cold and snow storm you are strong 👍

We can blame Justin for alot of things but for this one it's our Quebec prime minister Francois legault that is to blame...
Love your reports, keep it going through the cold and snow storm you are strong 👍

We can blame Justin for alot of things but for this one it's our Quebec prime minister Francois legault that is to blame...
Love your reports, keep it going through the cold and snow storm you are strong 👍

Heading back to camp in a few minutes and taking off for 100 Lacs in the morning.
We are going to try and get an early start (yeah right…) as supposedly it’s supposed to snow 12-16 inches tomorrow. Oh well….this is snowmobiling NOT vacation.
will try and update tomorrow night if the good lord let’s us

I’ll bet NO ONE can guess where we are at ? LOL…..
let me just say eating a club and fries outside right now SUCKS ASS
this is ALL Justin’s fault and I will NEVER forgive him

Got into camp yesterday at 4:20 (imagine that) LOL
-22 F at camp this a.m  first time ever my sled didn’t start. Battery is 3 years old now though. My buddies 1200 with a four year old battery did though, go figure. Found a new spot up on a hill overlooking Lac Chapeau-de-Paille this a.m. curtesy of the logging in the area this year. Never would have imagined the terrain in the area was like this and I have been coming here for 20 years now.

My two best buds in the whole world 

They won't sleep in the bush, they have been found safe and sound...
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Canadian forecasters are no better than American forecasters, today was supposed to be warmer. 😒 We went to pick up breakfast in the cooler to bring back to the cabin and it is -33F.
 

I can’t say enough good things about Notawissi being open again, now being owned by Sylvain, same owner as Meekoos, he is running a top-notch operation. The food is absolutely ridiculous, five course meal that you would get in the city or anywhere could not compete. 

So we waited for the temperature to warm up this morning a bit from the -28, we left it -24 F Way nicer. Johnny’s Trail from barrage Gouin is the same as in the years past, on the trail for 5 miles, on the road for 5 miles, then the last 20 miles down to the 83.
He is grooming the east and west routes. The next 30 miles into parent on the 83 was more than a bit choppy but survivable. The only gas station and store in parent has been revamped and has everything you would possibly need. They are absolutely by the rules, helmet not good enough, Balaklava not good enough. They want you wearing a mask.  
 
8 miles outside of parent to the 13 intersection is also choppy and rough. Next we jumped on 13 down to Fer a Chevelle, that was groomed both directions and completely awesome. Far a Cheval has  rules. You can order food though a limited menu and you can eat it inside sitting in a chair, but your inside visit is limited to 15 minutes. They do have an outside fire going that you can hang out next to a picnic table as long as you want, it’s all completely workable.
 
We did a little bit of playing around which is always nice now that the temperature is up to -8° F. The good news of course with the cold you don’t see many sleds even though it is a Saturday. The 13 the rest of the way down and to Notawissi was completely awesome. Again another set of custom rules where they don’t you want you inside for more than 15 minutes. They prepare your dinner and put it in a cooler which you can bring to your room, they have it ready when you want.
They do the same with breakfast here they prepare in the kitchen, then they put it in the cooler you pick it up at the time you agreed on and bring it to your cabin.  Again rules that are completely no problem at all. Super nice to be on the wood runner trails, as always they do a great job with the signing and the grooming just an enjoyable area to ride in.
A whole bunch of Ontario people are over here they unloaded in Mount Laurier and they said the riding all around has been fabulous for them. A bunch of new 2022 Mach Z‘s everywhere .
Tomorrow will be the final day for us, it will be the warmest which won’t be a bad thing and then it will be home until the next trip up here. Again the small hassles are way worth it load up and come on over.

Everyone has folding saws and with any luck we don’t have to use them😉 Very awesome conditions here currently and plenty of snow. Locals have been happy to see snowmobilers, American snowmobilers included. Gas has been $1.45 and $2.25. Always cold morning starts here at Gouin. Today -28F, awesome 😀

Easy peasy
and I mean EASY 
 

We got up and left Windigo by 830 heading for relay 22. The 83 is different now to relay 22, instead of 20 miles you have about 30. They added 10 miles and it comes into 73 North 10 miles before Relay 22. They had to do a reroute due to a bridge being out that they can’t get the groomer across. There had been some logging in this area preseason, but it’s all very rideable now even though it doesn’t show it on the app. Very cold at relay 22, and a ton of snow. Gas and oil available and no worries to come in and warm up. We started the day at -11 F and it was -15 F by the time we got to read a 22, and stayed there most of the day. It is -20F now and will Lilly be colder in the morning.
We headed out to 83 a bit before we navigated our off trail experience to end up at barrage Gouin at 4:30. Super fun day out in the woods, we are solo, no sleds out here, no people out here. Only bears, moose, wolves, and Beaver’s.
Johnny says the  Gouin ice is very safe, but we stayed off it as we had crossed a number of streams and Beaver ponds on our way here already, and it was no time to press our luck at the end of the day.
Johnny has added a new entrance in the front so that everybody goes in and out one door and then he directs you to the rooms or the restaurant or the living room that he has.
He has special arrangements to serve you food, dinner basically he brings to you in the living room area or into your cabin. Breakfast he gives you the night before that you put in your refrigerator and take care of in the morning yourself. All this goes away once Covid is over, but for now it is totally acceptable. He of course has plenty of gas and it is very warm and comfortable inside as always. 
Lots of snow up here, Johnny has been maintaining his private trail down to the 83 so no worries there. Tomorrow a easy run over to the wood runner trails and explore a bit before ending up at Notawussi.
I confirmed with them that they have gas and like everyone else they have special arrangements for the food, but I am not worried. Everyone has been very very accommodating.
 

They won't sleep in the bush, they have been found safe and sound...
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I had put together an other video of the returh from Marineau toward St-Zenon on this same ride
 
 

They won't sleep in the bush, they have been found safe and sound...
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