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.

What do normal people do on a Sunday when you have to move clocks forward 1 hour?  I would hazard a guess most people slept in!

Fast and furious emails were going back and forth trying to figure out where to ski.  Parc du Mont Orford was too far.  Parc Oka was hosting a ski marathon and I was hoping everyone would take a look outside their window and then go back to bed!

Peer pressure can be a cruel because off to Continue reading →

Warning Rainfall Alert for the Montreal area
 

“I check the forecast incessantly, but failed to see the rain warning! ” So said Joanna, so she and Glenn pressed on and completed the 10km loop at Cap St Jacques.
“Believe it or not, it was still snowing when we got there, but it quickly turned to rain, very wet rain… nothing like skiing on what felt like teflon skis.”
Glenn looks absolutely thrilled by the whole thing, as did the drowned rat

To say the least Sunday was chaotic. The weather was playing tricks on club planning, yes I know it is hard to believe but we do plan, well Tom does. The conditions at Far Hills were unclear on Saturday so we warned members that it may be fast. At this point all plans went out the window.

First , several club members had committed to the Viking Loppet, where existing and old club members did extremely well. Tom, Maria and Jessica all won medals, as did previous club member Tony Gagliardi in the 20km ski event. Of course one of Tom’s main rivals  Dennis M could not ski due to a leg injury, reminds one of the Kerrigan  / Harding  ice skating scandal, no Tom would not get involved in such a thing, or would he… We also had medal winners in their class in the 5 km snow shoe event. Well done Linda M, and old member Arlene Vickery and old friend Sandy Laviolette. Check out photos on web page.

Secondly, a group had a good ski at Cap St Jacques on Saturday and Continue reading →

The cross-country skiing in Gaspesie was again in the most beautiful
scenery. We had great snow conditions, good food, interesting poeple and good choice of conferences given at night.

My training was just enough since I never had trouble to finish my days.

I did 233 Kms in 6 days which included the climb (and descent) of Mt Albert where I saw 2 caribous.

TLDG web site http://www.tdlg.qc.ca/?page_id=853

Conditions at Cap St. Jacques were surprisingly good.  Our president scouted the trail and finished before the rest of us even started.  Most of the skiers tried the rabbit and found the trails to be newly tracked.  The only signs of ice were in the parking lot.  Corners and the little descents were all manageable.  Proving that a little snow goes a long way!  Many of us tried Continue reading →

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 Continue reading →

There was not a lot of snow.  The descents were fast but the temperature was just right – for some serious hat shopping!  Fallun hats are made in St. Fereol and only sold at the cross country ski center.  Colors are terrific.  Some, who shall remain nameless (you can insert any name here), spent a lot of time trying on various colors.  The goal was to try and Continue reading →

At least 3 club members went to Gai Luron Suinday, and Sue-Anne reports conditions were good,  as the photos show.

Mid February and a time when all young lovers and husbands think of something special for their sweeties and what is more special than Gwen and Richards picnic in the Parc. Of course it would be a big lunch bag let down if the sweetie had something more romantic in mind, still the picnic is kind of special. Tremblant parc, secteur de la Diable was in wonderful condition, so much so many had ambitious plans and broke loose from their shackles before the allotted time causing confusion and consternation in the ranks. Now when I was a lad everybody was on the Poisson, but not any longer, it has to be the Mallard, or L’Ouse, with Poisson now a distant third. Anyhow back to the Mallard, with the Ninja hares let loose the hounds were soon baying to be in pursuit and they were off, Thomas the Tank engine and Mickey the Quick raced off eventually passing all but one of the Mallard team. Strange I thought the idea was for the hounds to catch the hares and kill them, we are definitely becoming a soft society, where is the fun in that! And the one that got away, Loopy of course, intend on satisfying her uncontrollable desire for more loops. Well what about the rest, they all seemed to have very enjoyable skis, Poison was conquered by Linda S and party, L’Ours was picked off by Linda H and gang, too many Linda’s in this club. Sadly one of Linda’s gang had a disastrous day when her thumbs went completely out of control having discovered her phone had been left behind at home. Hope you are feeling better now JC. Another group enjoyed the pleasures of Bois Franc, especially the outhouse at Refuge de la Hutte, also at this point Nancy appear skiing across Lac Boivin from out of nowhere. Strange….

Eventually everyone was back at the parking lot loading up supplies to ferry to the Refuge de la Renardiére. It is amazing but the trail to the hut always seems 1 km further than you thought, but eventually we were there. Gwen and Richards  wonderful spread was laid out and eventually we filled the cabin with 38 , yes 38 club members and two American visitors  from Chicago. They probably thought Canadians are crazy, who else would hold a picnic in mid February miles from anywhere, but they were too polite to say so. Just look at the photos on the photo gallery to enjoy the atmosphere of the event and of course the humidity. Gwen and Richard , we are so grateful to you guys for all the hard work you put in to make this event so successful, oh yes Gwen we forgive the fancy boots. Finally people cleared up and skied back to their cars.

Definitely not a picnic

I do not think I mentioned it had been snowing most of the day, so as we left between 3.30pm and 4.00pm the roads were pretty well covered and as soon as we joined the highway at the ski centre Mont Blanc it was clear it wouldn’t be a picnic. Traffic was heavy and slow moving, one or two spin offs but mainly just slippy roads. It took most people over 4 hours to get home unless of course you lived in Vankleek Hill. However nothing will erase from our memories the superb skiing and wonderful picnic.