Last night we had a delightful dinner, with a live piano player, with guests dining at/around the piano, as the musician played in a combination of both French & English rock songs. Many Surf & Turf combos littered the table.
Because we only had about 95 miles to go to get back to the Best Western in Rivere-Du-Loop, and our trucks and trailers. A few of the Team members played at the bar after dinner, last night, and one in particular felt a little rough this morning (not me for those inquiring). Breakfast, as usual was at 8am and we were on the trail by 9:15am.
We passed a lot of areas where the maple trees were tapped and there was an intricate maze of plastic tubing running from tree to tree, and in some places they crossed over the trail, over head like telephone pole wires at home. Pretty neat to see, actually.
As usual, the trails were in awesome condition. It didn't hurt that it was a Saturday, and the groomers probably worked overnight for what is sure to be a busy weekend. Our first stop was around the 42 mile marker at very quaint Relaise' Pohenegamook. It was a very welcoming entrance on the trail, with a large red arch encompassing the trail, with red lights attached to the arch. I would like to come into this place after dark to see it in full effect. The inside had a full kitchen, serving both breakfast and lunch items for the club members that gather, as well as any riders that are passing thru. The snowmobiling community here in Quebec is a tight community, and they utilize their Relaise' for weekend get togethers', events, and such. Wish their was something like this back on the trails of Michigan, is a common mention from many of us.
That is 5 Stars when you see it on the trail
After our lunch, Connecticut Jim headed down the trail on his own, on an express route back to his truck and trailer. He arrived in Quebec a day before the rest of us, and he was anxious to get back to his weekend place in Vermont. Was good riding with you again, Connecticut, hope you have a safe journey, and see you next year!
As the rest of the Team took a little longer route to get some last Quebec Trail ride in, the group took off for our final destination. About 6 miles down the trail, Stick was concerned that Dave's headlight had not shown in his mirror since leaving the Relaise'. Dave has run at the back of the pack on this trip because he likes to meander, and go off trail, and play, and he made it very clear on Day 4 that he was self sufficient and didn't need a babysitter out here. The rest of the group sticks to the trails, and likes to keep a steady pace. Not seeing Dave's headlight for a period of a few miles was not new, however, this was an excessively long period. As we were crossing a lake, a safe opportunity arose for me to race to the front of the pack and flag down our Fearless Leader, Craig, and make him aware of the situation. A quick decision was made... send Ron, Dave's roommate/truckmate, and Dan back to look for Dave, the rest of us will go on up ahead and get off the lake, and wait at the trail head for their return.
As we headed down the trail, we have crossed countless railroad tracks. I have never been actually stopped by a train though. This time we were stopped at set of tracks as a train passed. When we crossed the tracks, we ran down the trail, and nearly passed said train, and then got stopped again at the next crossing as it passed us. Pretty cool, in my book.
They returned. But no Dave. The decision was made, Dave has proven himself self sufficient, he has a trail map, he will make it back, we need to move on.
At the 88 mile mark, we were met with an entire brigade of Police, probably a dozen officers, checking for trail permits and looking for stolen sleds. Only Ole had issues here. He has a funky wrap on his Ski-Doo and whoever wrapped it covered the manufacturer's plate that contains pertinent information, such as the serial number! After a thorough grilling from the constables, and about 15 minutes on the side of the trail, we were released to our own recognizance (silly them) and onward to the 95 mile mark and the Best Western.
1351 Miles is what my Ski-Doo odometer reads for total trip miles. This trip, in my mind, was perfect. The days averaged about 145 miles each (exclude the ferry days), and we were in to our destination most days before dark. It was not pressure or fatiguing, and I never had a day where I was telling myself only (make up a number) days left and I quit living out of this saddle bag.
When Craig checked in to the hotel, while the rest of us went directly to the trucks to start loading up. He was informed that Dave had called and had left a message at the front desk. He was stranded at the Relaise' (back where we had lunch), and his sled would not start! Ron, his roommate/truckmate, and Chip, volunteered to take Ron's truck and trailer back to pick him up.
We are currently awaiting their return to the Best Western, so we can have dinner. We are all cleaned up and wearing street clothes. I have a fresh pair of socks on, that haven't been rotated in and out like the three pair in my saddlebag, and a clean outfit that has not been worn since being washed last, and the best part... I shaved that gray beard off. Part of my fun when shaving at the end of this trip is taking a goofy picture mid way thru. It's the little things that entertain me.
It's time now to acknowledge a few people. First, to one of our Fearless Leaders, Craig Willour. It takes a tremendous amount of time to plan an adventure like this. Making hotel reservations, scheduling fuel stops (sometimes more successful than others) and overcoming the language barrier when making all the reservations. He always makes it an adventure! Thank you Craiger for your hard work!
Jim, "Ole", Olender, the Bullet Catcher. He leads the pack and finds any danger in the trail first. I have seen him fly over his handle bars due to a hole in the trail, hit a bridge guard (minimal damage) while breaking a trail, all the while being one of our Fearless Leaders and conspiring to get the rest of us in safely.
To Mrs. Mitchell back at Command Central. Without you, no matter how good the trail maps are, I would be lost. Your patience dealing with me and my technical learning curve is greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking time away from your "wild man" son Knox and Hubby Tim to give us the support we need while we are a thousand miles away!
To our friend Connecticut Rob, we missed you this year. Your wing man Connecticut Jim, got stuck in a room by himself each night. Don't feel bad for him, I think he enjoyed the peace. But you need to get back on the trail with us next year and keep him riled up.
No blog can end without the shout out to my wingman. RS you may not have been here physically, but your presence was with us all the way. Many times, EVERY DAY, your name came up. Our Entertainment Director taught us well, and we did our best to represent you in the decadent manner you expect! I can't wait to be back on the trails with you, my friend.
My Best Buddy
That, folks, wraps up another year on the Darkside. If you have any interest in an adventure, snowmobiling, saddlebag riding, contact Craig Willour at 810-629-1299, and he will be glad to discuss the details.
I now introduce you to the Team Darkside Riders in order as they appear on the trail...
Club Photographer (How he sucked his way to the front I never know) Jamie Elfstrom
Side Show Ron Nicks
Action Dan Vanden Brink
To our friend Sled Head Pete, Pete the Greek, back in Frederick MI, THANK YOU for following the Darkside Adventures Team and promoting us on your social media. If any body is passing thru Frederick, stop in and see Pete. Bring him a coney or 6 and he will be a friend for life. Thanks Pete!
And finally, TomCat. Tom Hughes we met back on our Michigan to Alaska ride in 2010. He follows us via the GPS Spot Tracker we carry, and most times knows where we are before we do. Sorry I couldn't take all your calls and FaceTime calls, but these guys work me to the bone each night writing this blog. TomCat will be 80 this year he tells me (if you can believe a word he says) and we love him dearly and miss him more. Thanks for going on the ride with us TomCat! Love ya buddy1