Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, persistent, unwanted, and unpleasant thoughts (obsessions) or repetitive, purposeful, ritualistic behaviors that the person feels driven to perform.
There are few things more relaxing than a weekend away from the normal everyday stresses of life. Unless of course you’re going cross-country skiing and the weather forecast is calling for rain! Given the number of times I consulted the various weather networks in the days leading up to our weekend getaway, I would understand if some mental health professional suggested that I had been suffering from an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder!
Fortunately the forecast suggested that the rain would stop Friday night and the temps would fall below that magic figure of 0. Of course, no one likes skiing on ice, but neither do they like skiing in the rain. Besides, good tracking equipment can usually fix the icy trail and good equipment they do have at Mont Ste Anne (and you certainly pay for it at the gate)!
With that in mind we took off Northward bound; straight into traffic!!! A quick change of the planned route and… more traffic. Oh well, what else was there to do but listen to the music playing and watch as my GPS continued to display “Recalculating… take next right”. Eventually, about 90 minutes later, we managed to free ourselves from the confines of Laval and begin the trek north; on the 40 west. Other than a short stop at a Timmy’s everything was going to plan as Ms Garmin directed us thru Quebec City. A right turn here then a left onto highway 346, the last major change and we’re home free. Oh no, not so fast my friend, entrance closed. Yikes (actually there were probably some four letter words uttered). Again Ms Garmin busied herself with complex rerouting calculations. Fortunately she took me to the next exit and not back to the closed entrance as I feared. At last we made it, stopping first to eat and sip on a drink with the gang at the local pub before checking in.
Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny, and lots of frozen water in the parking lot. We assembled for a buffet-style breakfast, which included, if you so desired, Fruit Loops. While a couple of us busied ourselves comparing current temperature readings on our smart phones, Tom updated us on conditions at the center, as the previous day’s rain had closed most of the trails. By the time we arrived a number of trails were open and others soon to be. As usual, a debate over which wax to use ensued. The air temp was -2 C and the snow temp was -1 C. I stuck with the recommended violet.
While some of the more adventurous took off on longer trails, our group decided to test the waters (no pun intended) on a the shorter flatter #33. Overall conditions were good, although a ski patroller told Linda that it was a klister day. Apparently she replied that “no klister shall touch these skis”. Feeling confident we took off on the longer no #34. Again conditions were good, although somewhat windy in the exposed areas. We made it back to the chalet in time to meet up with a couple of other groups. Most of us repaired to the restaurant for lunch. While some went out for another ski, a number decided head back to the hotel. A few of the more adventurous type decided that the best way back l (~ 12km) was to ski. Listening to the planned route, including a few “I hope that”, I was glad I was driving .
With a couple of hours to kill before the president’s cinq à sept, a number of us made use of the hotel’s facilities including pool, outdoor hot tub and sauna. Five o’clock came and off we were to the president’s suite for some wine and cheese. Thanks to Bob L for bring along the Ontario vintage wine and excellent beer.
Assembling in the dining room shortly after seven, we waited, somewhat patiently, for a delicious meal prepared by the hotel’s chef. One thing I’ve discovered over the years is that they take their cuisine very seriously in that part of town.
Despite the long drive back on Sunday, most of us chose to grab at least a quick ski before heading off, following another hearty breakfast. Again conditions were very good, the temps a bit lower that the previous day’s. A quick change of clothing in the chalet and we were off for an uneventful drive home. Read no traffic…
Many thanks to Tom for organizing another great weekend and to all participants for a wonderful time. Hope to see you all next year.