Zen
at the Chute
DEC 6th 2007
Deep Powder
I
get so pumped at the start of every season when I see the snow, feel
the cold, and smell the two stroke engine smoke! Two days ago, I rode
the freshly powder in St-Michel-des Saints with Map Man Denny from
The Chute Motel on Lake Taurau.
Fly
By in the Powder Video here
|
At seven am, I wake up to a pristine silent landscape, with mist blowing
up into the sky from the chute.
See
early morning video here
In the dining room, Carol is waiting for me with delicious fresh roasted
coffee, and fresh cut grapefruit. She knows I am a diabetic, and adjusts
my meal accordingly. Now that is amazing service! I eat well and relax
in front of my lake view, and I feel like a king. Thanks Carol.
Watch
video clip of the dining room
Wood heat is always the best somehow. I don't know how that works,
but standing by a glowing wood stove, then turning around so the heat
soaks into my back, is fantastic. Why is that? Nothing feels this
good.
After my breakfast, we all sit around and chat with more coffee, and
I read the local paper. I watch the weather channel in the lounge
and Denny explains the forecast to me. Then we look at the map and
talk about the trails, and where we might ride today.
Finally, Denny and I go outside and hop on our sleds. I follow him
to the village of Saint Michel to get gas. The trails are a foot of
powder on top of a one foot base. This is unbelievable for this time
of year. I can't believe it. The Canadian weather bureau says this
will be the coldest winter in 15 years, so I am hoping we will not
have a warm spell before Xmas. YESSS!
See
video from the parking lot
My sled takes almost 30 lites of high test. If I remember correctly,
it cost me 1.17 per liter. Regular is 1.07. The prices recently dropped
a bit. Ouch! So I can count on 30 bucks per tank Canadian. The Canadian
and US buck are floating at around par right now. I am thinking if
I don't drive like a maniac, I'll be able to save some gas, on the
other hand, this early season riding in the power, burns more gas.
I can't win- Ahhh, wait a minute. I am winning! I get to ride the
best trails on the planet here in Quebec! I must be more grateful.
Thanks God! Thanks for the snow, my new sled, my friends, the sunshine,
my health.... etc etc! Now let's go ride!
Denny had a formal dinner for twelve guests to prepare for, so we
didn't have much time to ride. I had my new camera to figure out,
so I missed alot of excellent pictures. Oh well, this one worked out.
We are at the look out - up on top of the mountain behind the Motel
M. You can see the entire village of St-Michel from here. The snow
around me was deep, and it was -17 C. that's about 15F I think. No
wind, just beautiful sunshine. The air is clean and feels good in
my lungs. I smell the pines all around me, and I can hear a few birds
chirp in the woods. The view takes my breath away, and again, I am
filled with gratitude. What a beautiful planet we live on.
Blooper
video from the top.
Denny and Carol work hard at the Chute Motel, always renovating and
adding creature comforts for the guests, but occasionally, they enjoy
the wild beauty that surrounds them.
Denny
running in the Golf Course Powder
I am not used to my sled yet, but I soon will be. I love this 'job'.
Hahaaa! It is a tough job, but somebody has to do it.
Video
of the lake Taurau.
We only rode around the local trails for about an hour. The powder
was deep, but there is a base, and there are a few locals scooting
through the trails packing it down, so it was pretty good. Still,
we had to get back. This is Denny's garage, right on the lake. Guests
can use it if they need to do repairs. Denny can even turn up the
heat if need be.
The garage is handy for quick repairs to your sled.
As I say, this job is tough, but, it does have it's perks! My old
achy body is attracted to spas like a moth to the flame, so when I
saw Denny's new spa, I had to get in and soak. What an experience
this was after a ride in the powder. I felt tingles all up and down
my spine as I slipped into this hot spa. It is the fanciest one I
personally have ever seen. There are a half dozen controls on it for
air, and jets that massaged my spine, my neck, and even a foot massager
at the bottom. After twenty minutes, they had to haul me out on a
stretcher. I was too relaxed to stand up. The brand new cedar lined
spa is located at the top of the property, and has a full view of
the Chute below. It was pure Heaven.
Hot
tub video with Nudity! (not)
If you want to use the spa, there
are some fairly strict rules. Denny and Carol have spent a small fortune
and worked very hard to create this b onus feature for the riders,
so please respect the rules to keep it perfect for all the other guests.
There is no charge if you are staying for three nights or more. You
have to book spa time with your party. There is no booze allowed.
Ask Denny for details, and enjoy. Remember there is also a shower
and a Finish sauna in there as well.
The Chute is the hands down winner
of my Zenwaiter Best Bed award for the third year running. I love
a good bed when I travel, and I am somewhat of an expert in hotel
beds. The beds at the Chute are incredible. I lay down, and I don't
move an inch all night. No tossing and turning here. I go into a deep
sleep and get well rested. Also because the motel is made of brick,
it is very quiet inside, and that helps too.
Well that's the end of my report
from Auberge au Pied de la Chute. (The Chute). Please call today to
book your Christmas holidays now. The rooms are filling up fast.
Remember, this is not a place
for you if your intention is to get hammered and rowdy, not that there's
anything wrong with that. There are lots of places for that. The Chute
on the other hand, is a place to bring your wife, and a few other
couples, and enjoy the finer side of the snowmobile experience, a
five course dinner every night, a beautiful room, and a nice selection
of wines. This is a place for people who enjoy a quiet lake view,
excellent trails, and a peaceful experience. The host doesn't accept
clients late at night, or people that arrive drunk and disorderly.
The quiet enjoyment of the clientelle, is his first and only priority.
You must reserve by phone ahead of time.
Call Denny and Carol right now,
and book your Christmas snowmobile holiday. The St-Michel-des-Saints
area is loaded with beautiful loops. Denny will help you discover
a new trail every day, then you come back and put your sleds away
for the night, and have a sumptuous five course dining experience
overlooking the lake. The beds are top quality and brand new along
with the bedding. Every room has windows and a balcony overlooking
the lake and the Chute.
click logo to see CHUTE site
Cal Deny and Carol right Now!
1-866-833-1171
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