3C and bright sunshine , so it was a bit of a disappointment to find only one car at St Adolphe when we arrived, then one more car arrived so at the last count we were 6. We also found that the chalet was closed, so hurrah no fees, however the big down side, no toilets. As we pondered our plans not least of which was bladder issues another car arrived, then
another, so at the last count we were ten. Sadly one car had a very expensive journey having been caught in one of the numerous radar traps on the road. Suddenly text mission control Joanna C burst into action and it was determined that an unknown number of club members were stuck in traffic and would be late. So a devious plan was set in motion,
Linda H would wait for the stragglers whist the “A” team did the first steep loop and we would all combine at the finish of the first loop. Just as we were about to start the steep climb another car appeared and we were joined by Nina P and Peter C, so at the last count we were 12. The first steep little loop accomplished we all stood around like spare parts at the meeting point awaiting the “B” team. Suddenly text mission control reported in that the “B’ team were coming up the trail and soon we were all together. Joyous was the meeting as we heard of the serious traffic delays but with no incidents, still it was a major lunch bag let down for Cheryl W when she determined that the long awaited washroom stop did not materialize, So at the last count we were 19.
So off we final set with our now large team climbing up and down hilly paths at St Adolphe. The ground was partially frozen and covered by fallen leaves but nothing stopped our band except when we reached the warming tent with associated toilet, ah sweet relief.
Attracted by the warm sun we headed South towards Morin Heights, passing various junctions with an alarming disdain for map reading just following CW’s homing instincts, odd really considering our cars were in a northerly direction. We did however avoid joining the 24 trail which heads further South and turned North keeping to our trusty number 3 trail, and CW’s instincts. The gang was in fine form keeping up a steady pace, passing the heating tent again and passing ,but not stopping at the café at the top of the last major hill. Then it was mainly a descending return to the parking lot, with only one minor deviation from the correct route.
So the “A” team did a very commendable 10kms whilst the “B” team did not achieve such lofty goals and missed out on the steeper climbs, still we found it in our hearts to forgive and forget. Then when we thought the day was done, we came upon Glenn K and Kelly who also were caught up in traffic problems, oh yes and a little late start. Several of us retired to the internet café in the village to finish the day’s activity, and at the last count we were 21….