Day 9 was leaving one of our newly favorite locations to stay... Relais 22. A lodge in the middle of no where, with a horse shoe bar and attached dining area. The bunks are in an un-attached building about 50 feet away. We usually start at the bar, move to dinner, then return to the bar. Bob & I sat in the wooden rocking chairs by the wood burning pot belly stove, after dinner, and spectated the actions going on at the bar by the rest of the group.
The trails were fast and smooth and we were on our way to Parent. The farthest north we are going this trip. The temps were around -10. Not too bad. We've been lucky this trip, and we have not had the arctic cold we experienced last year. We also have had less snow, but nothing that stopped us from having a great ride.
Trouble started around the 50 mile marker. Big Al got tangled up at the back of the pack with us, and Video Mike. Video was doing some trail filming, and Al wasn't aware so when we weren't in his mirrors he stopped to wait for us to catch up. Video Mike passed Al, and Al fell in line in front of me & RS. And the string that is attached to his thumb from his brain to keep him under control snapped. He had a great idea to catch Video and get some camera time. Didnt' work. Instead he came over a hill with a sharp left turn immediately following, Shooop. right over the edge, down about 15 feet over the edge, and into some broken tree limbs, I think even a couple hidden logs! Gota give him credit though. He has been off the trail so often the last couple days, he has gotten pretty good at getting himself out. He quickly cleared the snow from out of front of his sled, and with just a minimal of tug from me on his ski to get him rolling, he power blasted his way out and back on the trail.
A few other minor incidents not worth mentioning here, and we were into Parent by 4:30. A good day!
That evening, Sylvia, the proprietor of Hotel Central in Parent, and a great friend to the DarkSide Team, had a live musician in the bar for our happy hour and after happy hour. She also always makes sure that we have a great Ribeye Steak dinner prepared for our arrival! Thanks Sylvia, it was great seeing you again!
That's about all for day 9.
Cheers,
Stick