Approximately 72 hours ago, a small group of Beaver tail’s wanna-be skiers descended upon the network of trails maintained by Le Club Equestre Les Forestiers, St Lazare, shared alike by seasonal walkers, poochies, cyclists, skiers, snowmobilers and resilient trail riders in a casual harmony of mutual respect. The promenade began as a replica of a 10 km ski, albeit without the skis, as the group diligently followed the well- beaten path lest they ventured astray and encountered a people-eating troll.[1] However, the brand new map of colour coded and numbered trails offered a fair representation of Continue reading →

To ski or not to ski – my attempt to convince the Wednesday groupie (that would be Linda, Ray, Robert, Roy and Christine) did not generate a unanimous response. Perhaps they were dissuaded by warm temperatures and unrelenting rains that had reduced the recent 20 cm snowfall to mere remnants. But persistence pays off and finally after a few emails, a phone call, and maybe a twisted arm, (not mine), a consensus was reached, Oka would be the logical destination. Even with dodgy ski conditions, le Parc National d’Oka was hosting the Oka Ski Marathon. Off we began (Linda, Ray, Glenn and I), and soon it became apparent that water skis would have been a more appropriate choice. Fortunately, the water-way merged with trail #6 that was not only traced, but also more than adequately snow covered. Approximately 13 km and several wardrobe changes later – it was very warm, to say the least – we emerged from the forest, twice, and headed for replenishment at a really good restaurant (Ray’s choice) whose name I’ve already forgotten. Thanks Glenn for driving, and the gross wax; many thanks to Linda and Ray for the great ski, again.