Welcome back Riders,
Yes, I have been off the grid the last 2 nights, we have had some late arrivals, and poor wifi. We are now in Roberval, QC, and we actually got in at a decent hour, around 5pm. Could have been about 20 minutes sooner, but Rimel would have none of that!
Anywho, lets back up and get this back in chronological order. Last we spoke, we were gathering in the bar at the Bon Air. Dylan and Rob arrived right after my final writings, and the group was together. Dinner was excellent, as usual.
I understand that a couple of the boys whipped it up pretty good that night. I wouldn’t know, I retired directly after dinner. But I do know that NFG Kelly and his crew from Ontario didn’t make the call time for departure this morning, at 9am. I understand there departure time was closer to 1pm, and they made the 150 mile ride as the three of them. They did leave later than we did, and arrive to the destination before us, I’ll give them credit for that! However, in all fairness, they did take the 75 mile direct route, instead of the scenic tour we took.
Our first stop was about 15 miles down the trail, for our obligatory stop at the local Ski Doo dealer. Hedgie, Wingman Rob and Truck Driver Brian had to get mirrors mounted on their sleds. Quebec requires a mirror on the left side of your sled or its a $500 (Canadian) fine.
After about 45 minutes at the dealer, and we were back on the trail, fully legal… as far as we know. Pretty uneventful day, really. It was a busy Saturday on the trails. We passed A LOT of sleds today. Around 2pm, and about 80 miles, we stopped for lunch at Bar Brasserie 500, in Saint-Tite. Pretty cool place, 2 stories, and looked to be the hot spot in town for evening entertainment. A few bowls of soup, a couple hamburgers, some nachos, and lunch was D-U-N, done. Back on the trail to Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc in Saint-Alexis Des Monts.
For only being a 150 mile ride, we sure dragged it out. It was about 6:15pm at arrival, and even with the extra hour of sunlight, due to our later than usual travel dates, we still come in after dark! Craig got us checked in expeditiously, and Wingman & I lucked out with a room attached to the main lodge, room number 17. This is where my excitement for the day comes in. I rode around to the side of the lodge to the entry door that I was familiar with, and Wingman was waiting for me at with his luggage. That door did not go to any chambers (that is French Quebec for “room”). Ok, Wingman wait here until I find our room. I rode around the back of the lodge, climbed the short flight of steps and found room 17. However, in the pale moon light, and my old eyes, I saw “4” on the room key and not “17”. Ok, if this is room 17, room 4 must be down at the end. Nope, that’s the dining room, going farther down the outdoor elevated walk way. So I hop back on my sled, ride past Wingman telling him to just hold on. I drive completely around the building, and can only find room 17. At his point I suck it up and go to the front desk to ask where is room 4? The friendly young lady looks at the key chain and says, Oh, room 17 is at the end… I exasperatingly say/ask, that is room 17?!? I know where that is!!! Back around the building again, and we are now finally at our room, again.
Anywho, it was late now, and it was International happy hour. I met a few of the boys in the lower level bar, as dinner was not until 8:30, as it was a busy Saturday night at the lodge. The wifi was poor, and I took the night off.
Dinner was excellent. Wingman Rob and Dylan had the Osso buco, and Wingman claimed it to be one of the top 5 meals he has had. Dylan did not concur with this rating but did say it was very good. The Onion soup was a 2.75, not bad, not great, not to salty, not enough melted cheese, but still good. For dessert, there was quite a few vanilla ice creams’ with chocolate sauce ordered. It was close to 10:30 when dinner was over, and the group pretty much retired directly after, so far as I know.
Call time in the morning is 9am, with our destination being La Tuque, QC. Supposedly around 150 miles again.
We shall see.
Bye for now,
Stick