towing

Friday Afternoon 
we pack up and leave out around 2pm. Not bad near home badly deteriorating closer to Shawinigan sud. Still lots of snow just brown and bumpy. Through Lac a Tortue and like usual the farther from Shawinigan the better it is getting. Still a bit rough on the gas line part of 23 into Herouxville, better as we approach St Tite. No big rush for us just need to arrive in time to order some takeout from restaurant that closes at 7pm. 
We stop for the bathroom break in St Tite. Then onward on 23 still just so so. We arrive at 360 and I am thinking “this could be heaven or this could be hell” 
Sorry Scorpionbowl you missed it again. I cannot believe how nice this trail is. Being in the woods it really set up nice and does not get alot of sun so it has held up. Beautiful ride up to St Joseph de Mekinac 9/10 that trail.
Just ouside St Joseph in the twisty pine section just before popping out by the now closed relais/auberge, I spy through the trees flashing yellow lights, tight left hander. Groomer. Starting his run early as it’s not quite even 4pm. 
Another great learning experience for Mrs Ice as she has never had to move over and let a groomer pass.. Very tight here I had told her stay back and she was stopped a good distance behind me. I had to back up so he could swing the corner. I pull one ski off the trail and he can just squeeze by me. She is not so sure of this but I tell her just stay where you are do not move he will go by you. He manages to cheat it over to the right, much easier for him with the wide tracks, then he moves the drag enough for my girl to pass on by. 
She is impressing me greatly each time we ride. She is becoming quite the rider and always asking great questions, which tells me she really wants to learn. 
Quick stop in St Joseph then we continue on. The trail to Mattawin is a 11/10 unreal how nicely set up. We rip it over to gas and hotel. Unbelievably beautiful trail from St Tite all the way to Mattawin. 
Check in park them sleds and we are happy. Lots of sleds here. 
120km
https://www.relive.cc/view/v7O9VGegWQ6

Thursday night we are strategizing, Caro has a friend Claudia who is a new rider, her and a friend are trailering to St Raymond Friday to ride up to L’etape and back. No way we can ride to St Raymond in time to join up with them. But, on Saturday morning they are leaving from Mattawin to ride to Lac Taureau and back. My alarm bells are going off bigtime. It’s alot closer to St Michael then I would like to be but mostly all big trail and life is short. I am a bit hesitant to ride with people I do not know. However, Caro shows me some other rides this gang has done this year. I tell her arrange it. We will meet them in Mattawin Saturday morning.
Mattawin being 120km from home and then 140km to Auberge Taureau not to mention we would have to leave at 5:30-6:00am to rendezvous in Mattawin. I called to Marineau in Mattawin and booked a room for Friday and Saturday. 
To be continued.

Well this trip came together very quickly. With this week being spring break for Mrs.Ice she was looking to get out there as things are winding down time wise for her. Unfortunately I made some promises I could not keep. What started as a quiet week turned into a marathon. Scheduled to ride Tuesday however not in the cards. Wednesday we agreed on an afternoon ride as Mrs was busy in the morning. Well I was busy all day and into the night. Returning 8pm Wednesday night, I had time to shower and eat. When my phone started to play that tune at 9:30pm, this cannot be good. Long story short. Emergency call for Ville of Shawinigan, back to garage for midnight. 300’ of sewer and two manholes filled with sand due to a broken water main. Let the games begin. Cold and windy not very fun. Got home at 10am. Told boss unless sky is falling or on fire do not think about calling me. 
 
The culprit, was a 2” line and the cap blew right off the end.

 
This is after, Hydro-Excavation and cleaning the sewer, the 4” is a connection for the house also full of sand. 

 

 
well that leaves just Friday and the weekend 
to be continued.

Thanks you for the wishes PLAYHARD!
I have to put in context that we were riding a pretty much aftermarket's modified beast, fine tune over many years so it was not realistic to hope to have a new toy better just out of the box. One of the first Kristine's comment was the suspension feels like the Boivin when it was packed full of snow! 😂 I was already knowing we would lose with any stock touring sled on this point, i had choose the one I think would be the best
There are plus and minus but I would tell from the Queen's trone, other than the ride being less smooth when the trail is rough, the position is nice for her but she is seated lower compared to me so the front view is not as good but it's ok. The non-adjustable backrest had a weird angle way too straight and the top was trying to skeeze under her scapula so I already modify it by pushing the lower part a big inch front giving a more natural angle which she is very pleased now. The footrest give her a better grip but are colder than the yammy one. A new to her feature she now love is the heated seat! just too bad it have just one setting: broil! even Kristine is not able to keep it on even at -20C. We highly consider bringing bacon and eggs and use it to cook for our outdoor lunches! 🤣
 
The last thaw have been hard on the south trails here especially in the wood sections that are brown as well as yours. The weather forecast I saw for the next week are not good at all, we will wait and see but it smell the end for the south trails
As for the sled from my point, also plus and minus. Other than what I already mentioned the 900 ace engine is handsome, enough powerful for our needs and easier on gaz which give us better fuel range. The darting was bad in many trail condition/air shock setting but I just put a set of snowtracker which lighten the steering and enable one hand precise driving live my yammys, very happy with the result. A thing a would think would be behind with a brp is the ice in the tunnel...wrong!  it is even worse to the point it interfere with the track travel and make endless grooling noise in very cold wheather. Those G4 seems to be bad ice makers. The driving position is very different but I wil get used to it. Wind protection is not as good but the heated grips and thumb are very powerfull and the heated seat is a bonus. The cluster is handsome and having the option to play with the air shock on the flag is nice.
I think I have a great base in the hands to customize. It's different DNA with their quality and flaw, I'm pretty sure we will be very happy with it with some improvements
 
 

Ok 2nd day March 3, 2021

Starting from Mont-Laurier after a good outdoor breakfast at Tim's



We headed west on #63 trail to get on the #322 and ride on the Baskatong reservoir. Fortunately it had snowed a bit overnight because there is a long plowed road section at the start of #322

Here is a first video which summarizes this section. For best viewing, turn on the sound and crank the player's quality to 1080p on the big screen.
 
Then we did the local trails in the Devil Mountain Regional Park. Here to start, the tower's mountain and the Devil's mountain views
We then went for an outdoor lunch at Windigo Falls. It had been several years since I had been there and I was a bit disappointed to see that we could no longer approach the fall site by sled. We have to park and walk a 700-800 feet to get at the base of the falls but the walk is well worth it! I also climbed up and went up the river a bit to capture some nice images
 
We then headed east on #322 trail through Chutes St-Philippe and passed the #53 trail to take a local trail toward north that took us to the Kiamika dam. We then joined back the #53 to our night destination
We ended the day with 154miles and we heated the wood stove in the evening in a chalet at Mekoos



day#3 to follow...

Here the path of our small annual trip 2021



Day#1: Joliette/Mont-Laurier by #63+petit train du nord trail
Day#2: Mont-Laurier/Mekoos passing on the Baskatong reservoir+Devil's mountain attractions and the Kiamika dam east from Chutes St-Phillipes
Day#3 Mekoos/Joliette by the north on #33/#345 trails and St-Zénon #23 trail

It was also a ride to try our new snow toy that I had just bought: a BRP Grand Touring limited 900ACE 2020 slightly used at 1700miles



After several Polaris and Yamaha, this is my first Ski-doo. It have huge shoes to fill because my last Venture modified to my need/taste was pretty much the "Ultimate touring machine" for Kristine and me. I appreciated it so much that I kept it 2 years longer than the usual 5 years but now, exceeding 25 000miles with the AD Boivin (rear suspension) which exceeds 40000 miles and which  is no more manufacturated since 12 years ago, I had to turn to another option and I try my luck on this one.

So Tuesday morning (March2) was a start for our small trip. All just refreezed night before after Sunday/Monday thaw and not all the snowmobile clubs had regroomed. Scratchers were mandatory to ride in the south but was more snowy toward north. Here near the Domaine Bazinet outfitter



We refueled at Coin Lavigne, it was pretty cold  at -17C on their thermometer with a strong wind.



We took the #33 trail north-west



Here near the closed cafeteria



The #63 trail was handsome, especially the half groomed by the St-Michel des Saints snowmobile club.






We ate our lunch between La Macaza and Riviere Rouge on the edge of the trail in a wooded area to be sheltered from the wind and a happy coincidence wanted our friend Luc who was also passing there had recognized us and stopped with his friend Gilles talking to us a few minutes.

After filling up in Rivière-Rouge we took le petit train du nord trail toward north (still #63)



And arrived at the Quality Inn in Mont-Laurier around 4:30 pm with  202 miles on the dreameter
I was not able to film that day, I first thought it was because of the cold, but it was ultimately a wire on the power supply that was faulty. I corrected that and shot some great scenes on the next 2 days.
I will bring you these other 2 days as soon as possible with pics and videos, come back and see from time to time to have the rest of the ride...
To be continued...

Ok 2nd day March 3, 2021

Starting from Mont-Laurier after a good outdoor breakfast at Tim's



We headed west on #63 trail to get on the #322 and ride on the Baskatong reservoir. Fortunately it had snowed a bit overnight because there is a long plowed road section at the start of #322

Here is a first video which summarizes this section. For best viewing, turn on the sound and crank the player's quality to 1080p on the big screen.
 
Then we did the local trails in the Devil Mountain Regional Park. Here to start, the tower's mountain and the Devil's mountain views
We then went for an outdoor lunch at Windigo Falls. It had been several years since I had been there and I was a bit disappointed to see that we could no longer approach the fall site by sled. We have to park and walk a 700-800 feet to get at the base of the falls but the walk is well worth it! I also climbed up and went up the river a bit to capture some nice images
 
We then headed east on #322 trail through Chutes St-Philippe and passed the #53 trail to take a local trail toward north that took us to the Kiamika dam. We then joined back the #53 to our night destination
We ended the day with 154miles and we heated the wood stove in the evening in a chalet at Mekoos



day#3 to follow...

Here the path of our small annual trip 2021



Day#1: Joliette/Mont-Laurier by #63+petit train du nord trail
Day#2: Mont-Laurier/Mekoos passing on the Baskatong reservoir+Devil's mountain attractions and the Kiamika dam east from Chutes St-Phillipes
Day#3 Mekoos/Joliette by the north on #33/#345 trails and St-Zénon #23 trail

It was also a ride to try our new snow toy that I had just bought: a BRP Grand Touring limited 900ACE 2020 slightly used at 1700miles



After several Polaris and Yamaha, this is my first Ski-doo. It have huge shoes to fill because my last Venture modified to my need/taste was pretty much the "Ultimate touring machine" for Kristine and me. I appreciated it so much that I kept it 2 years longer than the usual 5 years but now, exceeding 25 000miles with the AD Boivin (rear suspension) which exceeds 40000 miles and which  is no more manufacturated since 12 years ago, I had to turn to another option and I try my luck on this one.

So Tuesday morning (March2) was a start for our small trip. All just refreezed night before after Sunday/Monday thaw and not all the snowmobile clubs had regroomed. Scratchers were mandatory to ride in the south but was more snowy toward north. Here near the Domaine Bazinet outfitter



We refueled at Coin Lavigne, it was pretty cold  at -17C on their thermometer with a strong wind.



We took the #33 trail north-west



Here near the closed cafeteria



The #63 trail was handsome, especially the half groomed by the St-Michel des Saints snowmobile club.






We ate our lunch between La Macaza and Riviere Rouge on the edge of the trail in a wooded area to be sheltered from the wind and a happy coincidence wanted our friend Luc who was also passing there had recognized us and stopped with his friend Gilles talking to us a few minutes.

After filling up in Rivière-Rouge we took le petit train du nord trail toward north (still #63)



And arrived at the Quality Inn in Mont-Laurier around 4:30 pm with  202 miles on the dreameter
I was not able to film that day, I first thought it was because of the cold, but it was ultimately a wire on the power supply that was faulty. I corrected that and shot some great scenes on the next 2 days.
I will bring you these other 2 days as soon as possible with pics and videos, come back and see from time to time to have the rest of the ride...
To be continued...

Here the path of our small annual trip 2021



Day#1: Joliette/Mont-Laurier by #63+petit train du nord trail
Day#2: Mont-Laurier/Mekoos passing on the Baskatong reservoir+Devil's mountain attractions and the Kiamika dam east from Chutes St-Phillipes
Day#3 Mekoos/Joliette by the north on #33/#345 trails and St-Zénon #23 trail

It was also a ride to try our new snow toy that I had just bought: a BRP Grand Touring limited 900ACE 2020 slightly used at 1700miles



After several Polaris and Yamaha, this is my first Ski-doo. It have huge shoes to fill because my last Venture modified to my need/taste was pretty much the "Ultimate touring machine" for Kristine and me. I appreciated it so much that I kept it 2 years longer than the usual 5 years but now, exceeding 25 000miles with the AD Boivin (rear suspension) which exceeds 40000 miles and which  is no more manufacturated since 12 years ago, I had to turn to another option and I try my luck on this one.

So Tuesday morning (March2) was a start for our small trip. All just refreezed night before after Sunday/Monday thaw and not all the snowmobile clubs had regroomed. Scratchers were mandatory to ride in the south but was more snowy toward north. Here near the Domaine Bazinet outfitter



We refueled at Coin Lavigne, it was pretty cold  at -17C on their thermometer with a strong wind.



We took the #33 trail north-west



Here near the closed cafeteria



The #63 trail was handsome, especially the half groomed by the St-Michel des Saints snowmobile club.






We ate our lunch between La Macaza and Riviere Rouge on the edge of the trail in a wooded area to be sheltered from the wind and a happy coincidence wanted our friend Luc who was also passing there had recognized us and stopped with his friend Gilles talking to us a few minutes.

After filling up in Rivière-Rouge we took le petit train du nord trail toward north (still #63)



And arrived at the Quality Inn in Mont-Laurier around 4:30 pm with  202 miles on the dreameter
I was not able to film that day, I first thought it was because of the cold, but it was ultimately a wire on the power supply that was faulty. I corrected that and shot some great scenes on the next 2 days.
I will bring you these other 2 days as soon as possible with pics and videos, come back and see from time to time to have the rest of the ride...
To be continued...

THANKS  Alain . great pics as always , waiting on video ... Down here the trails are hard Brown , not real fun . Good luck on new sled as you know i had a GT for 4 years then the exp / se and liked them both..but would love to buy another EXP..  have fun..

Wishing you BEAUCOUP miles & smiles!
As always: Thanks for sharing!
 

Here the path of our small annual trip 2021



Day#1: Joliette/Mont-Laurier by #63+petit train du nord trail
Day#2: Mont-Laurier/Mekoos passing on the Baskatong reservoir+Devil's mountain attractions and the Kiamika dam east from Chutes St-Phillipes
Day#3 Mekoos/Joliette by the north on #33/#345 trails and St-Zénon #23 trail

It was also a ride to try our new snow toy that I had just bought: a BRP Grand Touring limited 900ACE 2020 slightly used at 1700miles



After several Polaris and Yamaha, this is my first Ski-doo. It have huge shoes to fill because my last Venture modified to my need/taste was pretty much the "Ultimate touring machine" for Kristine and me. I appreciated it so much that I kept it 2 years longer than the usual 5 years but now, exceeding 25 000miles with the AD Boivin (rear suspension) which exceeds 40000 miles and which  is no more manufacturated since 12 years ago, I had to turn to another option and I try my luck on this one.

So Tuesday morning (March2) was a start for our small trip. All just refreezed night before after Sunday/Monday thaw and not all the snowmobile clubs had regroomed. Scratchers were mandatory to ride in the south but was more snowy toward north. Here near the Domaine Bazinet outfitter



We refueled at Coin Lavigne, it was pretty cold  at -17C on their thermometer with a strong wind.



We took the #33 trail north-west



Here near the closed cafeteria



The #63 trail was handsome, especially the half groomed by the St-Michel des Saints snowmobile club.






We ate our lunch between La Macaza and Riviere Rouge on the edge of the trail in a wooded area to be sheltered from the wind and a happy coincidence wanted our friend Luc who was also passing there had recognized us and stopped with his friend Gilles talking to us a few minutes.

After filling up in Rivière-Rouge we took le petit train du nord trail toward north (still #63)



And arrived at the Quality Inn in Mont-Laurier around 4:30 pm with  202 miles on the dreameter
I was not able to film that day, I first thought it was because of the cold, but it was ultimately a wire on the power supply that was faulty. I corrected that and shot some great scenes on the next 2 days.
I will bring you these other 2 days as soon as possible with pics and videos, come back and see from time to time to have the rest of the ride...
To be continued...

Here the path of our small annual trip 2021



Day#1: Joliette/Mont-Laurier by #63+petit train du nord trail
Day#2: Mont-Laurier/Mekoos passing on the Baskatong reservoir+Devil's mountain attractions and the Kiamika dam east from Chutes St-Phillipes
Day#3 Mekoos/Joliette by the north on #33/#345 trails and St-Zénon #23 trail

It was also a ride to try our new snow toy that I had just bought: a BRP Grand Touring limited 900ACE 2020 slightly used at 1700miles



After several Polaris and Yamaha, this is my first Ski-doo. It have huge shoes to fill because my last Venture modified to my need/taste was pretty much the "Ultimate touring machine" for Kristine and me. I appreciated it so much that I kept it 2 years longer than the usual 5 years but now, exceeding 25 000miles with the AD Boivin (rear suspension) which exceeds 40000 miles and which  is no more manufacturated since 12 years ago, I had to turn to another option and I try my luck on this one.

So Tuesday morning (March2) was a start for our small trip. All just refreezed night before after Sunday/Monday thaw and not all the snowmobile clubs had regroomed. Scratchers were mandatory to ride in the south but was more snowy toward north. Here near the Domaine Bazinet outfitter



We refueled at Coin Lavigne, it was pretty cold  at -17C on their thermometer with a strong wind.



We took the #33 trail north-west



Here near the closed cafeteria



The #63 trail was handsome, especially the half groomed by the St-Michel des Saints snowmobile club.






We ate our lunch between La Macaza and Riviere Rouge on the edge of the trail in a wooded area to be sheltered from the wind and a happy coincidence wanted our friend Luc who was also passing there had recognized us and stopped with his friend Gilles talking to us a few minutes.

After filling up in Rivière-Rouge we took le petit train du nord trail toward north (still #63)



And arrived at the Quality Inn in Mont-Laurier around 4:30 pm with  202 miles on the dreameter
I was not able to film that day, I first thought it was because of the cold, but it was ultimately a wire on the power supply that was faulty. I corrected that and shot some great scenes on the next 2 days.
I will bring you these other 2 days as soon as possible with pics and videos, come back and see from time to time to have the rest of the ride...
To be continued...

Wrapped it up early today and Mrs Ice was.“working from home” (no students today) so i called on my way home and told her get ready we ride a few hours. Blue sky day and big sun but cold wind and temps around -7c. Trails were looking mint when I left this morning at 6am. I was drooling , it was -23c white asphalt this morning. I was in St Luc, through St Narcisse and up to Lac a Tortue and Grand Mere then back through St Etienne but this was in the big rig not the Apex. I saw all I needed to see to know they were holding up today. 
Got home dressed and out we went for a quick 3 hour tour. Out and back. From home was beautiful to St Etienne we arrived at junction for trail 63 to Trois Riveres, this is basically in reality a cu de sac, it goes south passed airport Trois Riveres and continue to just near the Pont Laviolette where you need call the Flatbed to cross the river. This trail is used mostly by locals coming up from parking at Airport and their houses to access points north. Always mint down here and we make a run down with the intention of checking out a new relais open this year. Its a campground called Domaine Corral. Anyway been hearing good things about this place and decided to go check it out. Awesome trail all the way. Some real nice runs through this section of trail. 
We arrive at 1pm we are the only sleds. Like I said this is kinda out of the way, but well worth the trip. In summer its a hopping campground with a big country western bar. (Before Covid Time) , we were greeted warmly and ate well. Great homemade fries. We hung outside by the fire and they had a windbreak constructed was well though out. Great stop. A few others arrive we stay and chat awhile. Time to ride some more. We head back the way we came and it’s wonderful. Back up through St Etienne and west this time just for a short bit. The TQ3/63 gets alot of traffic here and it’s starting to show now by 2:30pm. Not terrible but not like the other section we just rode down and back. I could ride that section up and back for a half a day and be a happy sledder. We turn around just before St Barnabe and backtrack to the house. Sweet afternoon tour. Quick 100km with a one hour break at the relais. 
https://www.relive.cc/view/vr637APdg86
 



 

Thanks for getting some for us & sharing some with us!
   

You are all welcome guys! 👍
We just received an other snow layer tonight, still snowing hard now... big fat wet snow, around 5 inches yet. just beautiful! 😍

You are all welcome guys! 👍
We just received an other snow layer tonight, still snowing hard now... big fat wet snow, around 5 inches yet. just beautiful! 😍

You are all welcome guys! 👍
We just received an other snow layer tonight, still snowing hard now... big fat wet snow, around 5 inches yet. just beautiful! 😍

Today Skidoo 420, Jak, and GKW and I went to Libby's Camps for lunch.  3 to 4 inches of new snow coated the trees adding to a winter comeback.
A couple pics of the trail and Mattagammon Wilderness Store and Restaurant.  We are blown away with trail conditions here. The Baxter Inn owner has been so good to us. He has provided our own happy hour room .
 

I can say I was in Canada 
 
be happy with the little things 
schooter 

Here the ride we did this last saturday february 20, 2021

The snow accumulations of the last weeks have nicely shape up the conditions and although there are still some brownish snow near home in the south, we no longer scrape dirt on the trail base and as soon as we go up north a bit it is very white . Here near Ste-Mélanie ...

I have put together a first video of the ride between St-Ambroise de Kildare and St-Côme via #43 trail
As per covid's rules, we ate outside on #63 trailside at the Auberge du Vieux Moulin a Scie junction. My Givi has turn into a lunchbox! 😂

and here is a second video, from leaving after lunch up to the Auberge Le Cabanon
We then looped in the Mastigouche wildlife reserve  by the #350 trail and took the #23 trail to return toward home. Very good conditions, no lack of snow! Trail was more worn by the saturday traffic south from Gabriel de Brandon  but everything else before was really nice, a total of 216miles for the whole loop

We finally got some nice winter trail conditions... mid february... late is better than never!!! We now touch the best of the season, hoping for the best in the next weeks
Alain

I always enjoy your pictures and videos. Thanks to both of you.

Thank you Alain.   Always so beautiful when the trees are coated with snow. 

Thank you for the beautiful ride along. Fantastic conditions!
 

Here the ride we did this last saturday february 20, 2021

The snow accumulations of the last weeks have nicely shape up the conditions and although there are still some brownish snow near home in the south, we no longer scrape dirt on the trail base and as soon as we go up north a bit it is very white . Here near Ste-Mélanie ...

I have put together a first video of the ride between St-Ambroise de Kildare and St-Côme via #43 trail
As per covid's rules, we ate outside on #63 trailside at the Auberge du Vieux Moulin a Scie junction. My Givi has turn into a lunchbox! 😂

and here is a second video, from leaving after lunch up to the Auberge Le Cabanon
We then looped in the Mastigouche wildlife reserve  by the #350 trail and took the #23 trail to return toward home. Very good conditions, no lack of snow! Trail was more worn by the saturday traffic south from Gabriel de Brandon  but everything else before was really nice, a total of 216miles for the whole loop

We finally got some nice winter trail conditions... mid february... late is better than never!!! We now touch the best of the season, hoping for the best in the next weeks
Alain