The Darkside got a late start on the sunny side this morning. We had to send our Leader Craig to the bank when they opened at 10am this morning (talk about bankers hours), to convert our American dollars into Canadian money. We actually had a plan to do this on Monday. After crossing the border, we were to stop at the Casino to do the conversion. However, our "leaders" kept missing the exit for the 2 casinos that were on our way to Kingston! So, after he returned at around 10:30am, we were on the trail by 10:45.
Strange weather conditions were in effect. It was around 25 degrees (F) and a misty rain. I could have used a window wiper for my helmet's shield! Other than that, the trails had LOTS of snow. If I got off the trail, the snow was up to my hip. I know this for a fact, as I had to get about 40 yards off the trail when our newest Darkside Member, Chip from Pennsylvania, dodged an oncoming sled going into a turn, and shot out into the field bordering the trail and a small stream. I rode out to assist him, while Jamie walked out to assist, and we were back on the trail in no time.
I didn't see it, but apparently there was another incident before that. I hear another new Darkside Rider, Ron Nicks, was crossing a street, took his left hand of the handlebars to wipe the constantly gathering moisture from his helmet shield, and as he came off the elevated slope from the trail to road, he just rolled right over. Wish I would have seen it. Wish our Trail Photographer would have got the picture.
We clicked off about 180 miles today, or about 300 kilometers. Do to our late start, we didn't stop for lunch. We were HANGRY when we got in too! (Hangry= Hungery Anger/Angry Hunger? whichever). I didn't know we were on a weight loss program , nor budget on this trip. I didn't get the memo.
We arrived around 7pm at the Quality Inn, in Matane. Things should be pretty tame tonight. We have an 8am reservation for the ferry out of Matane, going to Port Cartier. Yes. I said 8 AM. I don;t know who the Travel Planner was that decided an 8am departure, which means we must be at the Ferry station at 7...AM, let me let that sink in a minute...
Anybody that has followed our adventures before, know that Ferries seem to be our Achilles Heal. The last time we were supposed to catch this ferry, we missed it by 10 minutes. We had to find alternative lodging, and the next morning, have a flatbed carry our sleds to the next ferry station, and have a school bus carry us! Hopefully things go better tomorrow. We shall see.
It's now 8:41 and I've got this blog done for the day. Jamie, Ron, and I are awaiting our Lasagna dinner. The rest of the Team just got to the table. It's time to rest, rehash the day, and get ready for tomorrow.
Cheers,
Stick
PS Tom Cat I know you are watching us, I cant answer my phone when I'm typing this blog because I use my hotspot for Wifi. I will contact you tomorrow from the ferry station.