It's been 351 Days since our last Adventure update. And it came from the exact same spot I'm sitting in now.
There are 10 of the 13 Darkside riders gathered hear in Kingston, ON, at the Courtyard by Marriott. We've got familiar faces, and a couple new ones (we'll profile the probationary riders later in our trip).
We've gotten smarter about our snowmobile adventures; We used to just get up early and drive the 630 miles straight from Flint, MI to Mont Laurier, Quebec. Now we leave a day early and drive the 375 miles, as the crow flies, to Kingston, layover at some comfortable lodging with a lobby bar and a Boston Pizza next door, and have an extra 2 vaca days on your trip (you get 2 when you do it each way!)
Video Mike of SnowTrailsTv.com notoriety will be joining us soon, and tomorrow the 11 of us will arrive at the Quality Inn in Mont Laurier, probably between 2:30-3:30 pm. That leaves time to unload our sleds, do last minute preparations, and have a delicious bowl of ONION soup ( I am that guy that always says French Onion soup, but when you are in french speaking territory it is just ONION soup, as Vinnie the Driver always so politely reminds me) with our opening night banquet. We will also catch up with the other 2 riders, Connecticut Jim and his buddy Rob. They have been riding locally around Mont Laurier since Saturday or Sunday, I don't remember.
The 10 here in Kingston are as follows: Craig Willour and Jim Olender, our leaders and trip coordinators, Vinnie the truck driver, Action Dan, Junior Trail Boss Jamie Elfstrom, Big Al Young, Rod "Stick" Campbell, RS Young, and the probies, Dave Josselyn and the first ever, wait for it..
Female Darkside Rider, Ms. Kristina Young. Rest assured, the addition of Tina Bear will not inhibit the usual shenanigans that take place over the next 11 days. Big Al is itching to make international headlines.
Connecticut Jim has given us a scouting report that the snow is a bit sketchy right now around Mont Laurier, but a few inches of snow is expected over the next few days. Hopefully by the time our ride begins on Thursday, trail conditions will be somewhat similar to what we have become spoiled to over the last few years.
Doesn't really matter, we are here, we will make the best of what we receive. A bad day in Quebec is better than a good day at work!
That is our report for today, be sure to check in often...
Cheers,
"Stick"