So, we hopped into the truck on Sat morning, headed for Bernards. Spur of the moment type thing. We go there at about 7pm on Sat 2/1, unhooked at went to Pub 57. Got to bed early.

Sun 2/2: Shawinigan - Mekinac - La Tuque - Relay 22 - St. Felicien - Dolbea (347 - 355 - 73 - 83 - 93). Overall these trails were really good. Rode from Shawinigan to La Tuque on one tank of gas, nearly on fumes. Trails were good enough that we made it to Auberge Dillegence in Dolbeau before 6pm. Not a bad trail, even the river (347) was 75 mph. We passed a handful of sleds all day.

Mon 2/3: Dolbeau - Peribonka - Chicoutimi Nord - Mt. Valin - Sacre Coeur - Forrestville (93 - 3). Again, out early. Trails from about Alma to just past KM31 were a bit rough, probably from heavy weekend traffic. When we got to KM31, Saguenay Bill was there eating lunch with three other guys. While we ate, it rained. It stopped almost exactly when were ready to leave. Also ran into a couple guys at KM31 who had driven from Ontario to La Malbaie because "this is where the snowmobiling is good". 93 out to 3 was nearly perfect. 3 up the coast to Forrestville was hit or miss, seems as though some clubs just weren't operating - some trails had looked never groomed, but around Forrestville, they were excellent, perhaps groomed a couple hours before.

Tue 2/4: Forrestville - Baie Comeau - Forrestville - Tadoussac - La Malbaie (3). Big day, but got to La Malbaie at 7pm. 80% of the trails were really good, 20% were OK-Fair. Tried a new place on the Northern side of La Malbaie, really nice lady (no Castle this time).

Wed 2/5: La Malbaie - Quebec - Shawinigan (3 - 23 - 3 - 351). Woke up to heavy snow, there was already 3 or 4 inches on the sleds. It snowed really hard, by the time we got to Shawinigan, there was 9 to 12" of fresh snow on the trails. Some places in Quebec had 5' of snow. We stopped at the Gas Station in Quebec, and spoke to the owner - he said they have over 350 cm of snow this year, average is 240 or something. Also, he has a cottage so far north, that he drives 350 km past Baie Comeau, THEN gets on his Skandic. That is hard core, if you ask me. Very nice guy.

Once back at Bernards about 7pm, we loaded up, spoke to Bernard and the two cops from Long Island who were starting 8 days up there. All in all, a good trip, 1,173 miles in four days. One day was 340 without a problem.

Next time at Bernards, ask him about is previous jobs in life; interesting stories of truck driving, subway driving, and mine working.

He really is a great host!
Did he play his getar-Ring dang do?
Leaving for Caribou this week.
Are you aware of our NJ Club? I live in Ringwood and club Pres.
check out www.nysnowmobilers.com

Always looking for quality safe riding partners!
You should try the International Snowmobile Festival next year- Riding Madawaska into NB for $30 bucks!
I always take new people with me every year. First weekend in Feb.

Hi Arubenstein, That was us having lunch with Bill at the 31. He told me who you were after we left and said he should have introduced us... Oh well....
it's a small world when on the trail sometimes....

Chris

Heh, next time speak up!

I type this to you from the HI in Jonquiere. Apaarently, Bill left this morning.

I will post a trip report when I get back Saturday.