FEB.28, 2003
-26C and sunny today.
NH David called in yesterday afternoon. They rode about 200 miles all around the back of Lake ST-Jean, trails excellent, but sled running like crap with the second hand track that has no studs. More from NH David soon.
Last night PA's insatiable King Kat and his crew raised a little hell at Real
Masse's dining room! Here, we see Real trying to restrain Mike's enthusiasm.
More Here.
I just translated Bob Petit's new comments below. zw
Read Bob Petit latest Comments here
Julie is selling her own house on the Lake
across the road from the St-Louis Hotel on the lake. She has always been a
huge zen supporter, so I told her I'd let you all know that this is a good
house for an American snowmobiler, and a good deal. Julie has re-done just
about everything, heat, wiring, landscaping, you name it. If you want to see
the house when you come up, contact Zen 450-884-1818.
Thursday FEB. 27th
More Ottawa Riders at the Refuge
Had the distinct pleasure of talking to another English Canadian, this time from North Gower near Ottawa. English Canadians are very rare indeed up here at the Zen Shack!
David Mc is his name, ring leader on the notorious Gower Gang, that includes Jim and Richard, who are here, and the two that backed out at the last minute, Ian and Frank (weak minded loosers apparently).
Guys that Back Out...
And speaking of loosers, don't you just hate that when your buddies back out
at the very last minute? We should do a contest for the most lame excuse.
"I have to work, my wife says "whatever", my dog need his shots...
etc.
In fact, David Mc tells me that one of the Radio stations in Ottawa is actually holding a contest for the best excuse to give your wife when you wanna go out with the boys... (I think that's what he said)... The prize for the contest is, you get to go to the best girlie bar in Ottawa, then off to an Ottawa Senators game, then back to the girlie bar! Sounds like a plan!
But seeing as how our Zen surveys reveal that almost 50% of our readers are women, we here at ZW must disagree with this contest whole heartedly. How could any radio station give away a prize that includes a trip to the girlie bar??? DISGUSTING!
Anyways, we pity the two that didn't come. The others started their day at Lac Simon, and enjoyed 199 miles of heavy powder on flat trails, with hardly any traffic yesterday. Our trails here now are as perfect as they can get.
No news from David this morning. If you missed his adventures yesterday click here.
Wed FEB. 26 2003 7AM
Good morning Zen readers! - 32C today and sunny. Saturday and Sunday will
be sunny too, and - 17 C. Perfect weather, not too cold. Trails amazing. Smooth
and hard. Make this your weekend to remember. Bring the camera, and when you
get home, be sure to go on our bulletin board, and share your experience with
the world. See you in St-Zenon this weekend!
Spoke to David in Lake St-Jean. His continuing treck HERE.
Letter of the Day...
Got this letter today from Tim
Renfrette of PA, who just got back from St-Zenon. He had a blast up to the
Repos from the Glaciere, he says...
"Zen, We had terrific time. We averaged over 200 miles a day what blast. Met some real nice people. The thing I like the best was the scenery. The cost was not as much as I estimated. I'LL BE BACK!!!!! Tim
zw
Tuesday Night...
Just got this letter from Karine, she says the Gaspe was a total blast!
"Hey u!
I came back from a week of snowmobiling in Gaspe.... Lots of snow pretty much
everywhere... Around Bonaventure not much snow but trails still great. We
did a total of 1800 miles and I would give almost 10 out of 10 to the whole
trip!! Say just let say a good 9.5/10 on trail conditions. I'm sending you
some pictures!!! I went there with Bruce and Glenn from Vermont. The pictures
with the big snow banks is on trail 595..... wow!! Great trail!!! You take
care my dear and hope to see you soon.
Bye!
Karine
GO
SEE KARINE'S Photos! click here
zw
FEB.25 2003, 7 AM
The day after the storm
The
Zen Shack. This was taken yesterday.
-23C in St-Zenon. Winter blue sky.
NH David called from Chapais
(rode 325 miles today)
just outside of Chibougamau last night.Stayed at the MOTEL CASSI, great
deal. For 2 guys, it cost 55.cnd total, and that included a free beer, and
breakfast! WHAT??? That is a helluva deal! Call them to book at 418-745-3663.
The trail was good, because they did not receive that huge dump up there,
and they already had lots of snow that was well groomed, the riding excellent,
the trails were wide. NH David and Muscleman Al rescued two surveyors, under
contract from Hydro Quebec, workers who had run out of gas and were building
a shelter to spend the night in the bush (one hour before dark). They
were 30 miles from their truck, and they were 50 miles from gas. We siphoned
gas into their sled, and struggled to get their sled. (They were towing a
utility trailer, and had no gas in it) "They had
no business being out there so far, and so unprepared." said Dave.
"There's a big snow cross event in Chibougamau this weekend, Blair Morgan, and Tucker Hibert, and lots of other important riders, all the top riders will be there".
Dave and Al are heading up to Lac St-Jean, and then are going to ride around the lake. More reports tomorrow.
Remember friends, you too can be
a Zen Star like NH Dave!
Just
call in your report to Zenwaiter, please give your daily mileage, and a trail
rating, out of a perfect ten. Call anytime 450-884-1818. This way, your other
friends out there can benefit from your experience.
If you have been waiting for the perfect
time to come up friends, this is it. The trails are 10/10, even that one that
runs from St-Zenon to St-Michel, photo below.
Photo taken Monday. GET UP HERE MAN!
In Other
news.
As the end of the month approaches, Zen notices that the cash flow is low
in the Zen Shack. I have no time to drop in to the bars and restaurants, if
I did, I know that many of you would be shaking my hand and giving me a twenty
buck donation. (Consider it to be a snowmobile magazine subscription fee).
You
guys are amazing.... BUT... it is so much easier for me if you mail your donation
to my house (see address to the left in blue bar), or if you send it by PayPal
(top of blue bar). Have had nothing come in for two weeks. Thanks so much.
Nicole from the BISTRO ST ZENON STEAK HOUSE has offered me her sled for one
day to go out and take photos tomorrow. I am doing it, even though my knee
is screwed. The trails are just too perfect right now. Today I have to go
visit my Momma Zen, cause I only have one of those!
Be good dear reader, more good
stuff on the way from your pal in St-Zenon.
A short note of THANKS to the CAISSE POPULAIRE ( our local bank) for their
support, good will, and commitment to ZW, In particular, Sophie! Remember,
you can always exchange your US cash at a respectable rate in the Caisse Pop
right here in St-Zenon.
CHEERS!
Best Surf and Turf in Town!
zw
FEB. 24 2003 8 AM
David Lavoie from NH called last night and told me they rode 445 miles yesterday (yes I said miles) through the snowstorm, all the way to Senneterre to Balbuzzard Inn. 445 miles!
They ran out of gas a few times and had to double back, inspite of their "Tour Buddy" extra gas tanks. Trails were unbelievable with 18 inches of deep fresh snow thorough Parent Clova and up to Senneterre. They left St-Zenon at 5:30 Am, and arrived there at 8 PM. More on this treck tomorrow.
Sunny here and -20C. We got a foot of snow in all, and the trails will be insane all week!
zw
Trail
Conditions here
Donate to Zen here
FEB 23 6 PM
Been snowing for 24 hours now, and we have 10 inches so far. This audio track
is from the lake last night at the Refuge drag strip, where NH Dave tried
out his new engine that can do 146 mph on ashfalt!
FEB 23rd 2003
St-Zenon:
Crazy Al's gonna need his snowblower this morning.
I guess that's all he had to do, was threaten to sell it, and the snow God's
responded! I am stunned and proud to announce that we have seven inches of
fresh, granular snow, the best trail snow you could possibly order up.
It is - 10C and still snowing steadily. The groomers are all out working the 1,000 kilometers of trails in the St-Zenon area. The trails are going to stay awesome till April.
zw
TAMCO SNOWBLOWER FOR SALE
Crazy Al is selling his Tamco snowblower, has only 75 hours, just spent 1,500.
on tune up. 3 cylinder, 63 hp Detroit Deisel engine runs the hydrolics. 8
feet wide. Paid 20,000 cnd, selling for 13,000 cnd. Call 450-884-5050 ask
for Carole (speaks English). or e-mail HERE.
Or call Zen 450-884-1818. I can translate for him. They do not make these
anymore. This will sell quick, as we have about 50 readers who do snow removal.
Call now!
FEB 22, 2003
Only a dusting of snow so far this week. So much for the weatherman's accuracy.
Yesterday they said we'll have 25cm of new snow in Montreal, today they say
it will be 15 cm. They say we will get less snow than Montreal, and that the
snow will come this afternoon and tonight. Yeah. We'll see. 15cm means 6 inches.
Less up here means 4 inches? We shall see.
The weather station says we just haven't had the snow dumps this year. No storms at all, just an inch or two here and there. Meanwhile, in the US you get one foot per week.
The difference is, of course, that we take those few inches and groom them into amazing trails, and the steady cold preserves them. Still we need more snow if we want our trails to last till April.
Have you tried out the polls? There are about six different ones in all.
zw
Friday FEB. 21,2003
8AM: St-Zenon is - 7C and snowing lightly. Snow coming Saturday and Sunday,
as much as 25 cm (10") in Montreal, a little bit less up here.
Temperatures are comfortable at -10C on average, and trails are groomed. This
is a good time to bring up the wife who doesn't like - 30 and -40C. Will be
an excellent weekend on the trails.
We have been watching the stream of weekend warriors drive past the Zen Shack.
New Hampshire Dave and Glenn are heading back up for another week long attempt at conquering the upper country treck. More updates from this team starting Sunday.
Thanks to Jim Duddy for a generous gift,
and better yet, some good fund raising strategy. He's heading up soon, and
we will be batting around some ideas, and enjoying a hearty meal at the Bistro
or at Real's.
Have a great day folks! zw
Good Food
Here
Visit Our Sponsors Here
Quebec Snowmobile Laws Here
Thursday Night. FEB 20, 2003
We got gypped on the snow, total of 1 or 2 inches. supposed to snow over the
next few days, I will believe it when I see it, but lets pray. Trails still
great all the way to Laval south, and Parent to the north!
Spent the day with Mom in Montreal,
setting her up on e-mail! WOW is she excited! She gets to read Zenwaiter now!
She's a pretty bright cookie, so she'll learn quick, starting from scratch.
Mom is an artist and writes poetry and has even written three books over the
years... Philosophy, Science, and Psychology is her bag. I started calling
her Momma Zen!
You gotta love your Mom, you only have one, and when she's gone, well, then
it's too late.
Got a ton of mail today, the best letter of the day is here on the Mail Page... worth having a look. Night all. zw
PS: Why are you guys afraid to click
a radio button on the Zen Poll? Believe me, they can't get you for that! It
is 100% safe. Remember, you have to get INTO the INTERNET mind set...
It is not like television where you just stare at a box... no no no... It's
about inter-activity. It about sharing your thoughts and opinions with others
who have a similar interst.. so, get with it! Use the Poll thing, it's neat!
See how your opinion stacks up to the other readers. zen
Wed FEB. 19 2003
-9C this morning with an inch of fresh heavy snow, a good start. More
snow coming today and cooling to - 15C, then no change till Friday, when it
will snow again. Saturday and Sunday sunny and - 17C.
John and his son John from Long Island, spend several days
at the Motel M with Bruno. "We would never stay
anywhere else! Been coming up for 5 years."
NEW POLLS
On the left is a reader poll. Please vote on this poll so that I can direct
this web site more accurately towards your needs. It costs nothing, and you
do not have to give any info at all, and no one will get your information.
All it does is give me an indication of what you are feeling about our web
site! Thanks alot. zw
'KING CAT' IS BACK
Just got a call from Allen at King
Cat Motor Sports in PA, he will be bringing up his wife and friends in
a few days, and I finally get to meet him over one of Real Masse's juicy steaks!
Allen has stayed with Real and his family for about ten years and wouldn't
think about staying anywhere else. Allen has been a supporter of Zenwaiter
for three years now, and we appreciate his generosity.
If you need an Arctic Cat snowmobile, please call Allen at 814-364-3704 for
prices and availability. If it's an Arctic Cat, Allen can help you find the
model you need, at the best price.
'POP UPS' GONE
Great news, I removed all the pesky
ads and pop ups from the 2 bulletin boards and from the Zen's Free Classified
ads!. It cost a few bucks, but it is well worth it.
A GREAT YEAR
We are experiencing an excellent winter tourist season in Canada. In Ontario
and Quebec alone, this segment of tourism business means 140 million in business.
Last winter, the impact of the warm winter was devastating for hundreds of
motels, restaurants and tour operators, but this year we are back on track
with a great traditional Canadian winter.
St-Gabriel Racing March 8 & 9
The sanctioned St-Gabriel Super Snow
Cross in happening again this year on the March 8 and 9. Call Gaetan Gravel
for more info, 450-835-7471. It will be two days of all amateur racing, and
you are invited to participate!
Classes of events include everything from Pro stock 0 to 500 CC to Children
120 CC and Women (Dames) Stock 0 - 600 CC. Bring the family and race. St.
Gabriel is a short ride from St-Zenon.
Click this banner for more info (In French).
PS: Peewee the plumber got the pump going again, he had to thaw the line out. I checked in the well, still very little water in it. I couldn't keep the water running to avoid freezing, because there wasn't enough water, a catch 22. The temperatures are back to normal now, so we should be okay for a spell. zw
REAL
MASSE'S WORLD
ZEN'S FREE CLASSIFIEDS
Tuesday FEB 18, 2003
Temps reached -2 C this afternoon, currently - 12 at 9 PM Tuesday.
For those of you that have not ever gone to read the great trail reports on the Trail Conditions Discussion Board, here is a sample of great writing!
BY BURT
"Just came back Saturday. Rode from Tuesday 2/11 to Friday 2/14. Trails were the best I have seen in 15 years of riding in Quebec.
We rode from Ste. Agathe to St. Come through St. Marguerite and back through Notre Dame. Great. Wednesday we rode from Ste. Agathe and stayed in Auberge du Lac Toreau. Trails great and the hotel was excellent. The food superb and the prices very reasonable by U S standards.
We traveled thru St. Michel, thru the park and Macaza to Mont Laurier . Trails couldn't have been better. We stayed at the Senateur in Mont Laurier, hospitality was top notch.
Back to Ste. Agathe via Devils Mountain, perfect trails, and Windigo Falls. Lunch in Ferme Nueve and we didn't see another sled all the way to the Linear Park on newly groomed trails.
The ride the rest of the way to Ste Agathe on the track was fast and smooth all the way. Coldest I ever rode in -38 F to -10 F. The only day above 0 was Wednesday. Riding during the week is great, no traffic and the trails are the best. Burt "
Thank you Burt for sharing this excellent report with all our readers. zen.
Trail Conditions Bulletin Board
Monday Morning FEB. 17, 2003
It is -30C again. Sky is clear and sunny at7:30AM. Trails are very good to excellent in the region.
Two weeks left in this month, then four in March equals only 6 weeks left in this snowmobile season. We've had a steady flow of Americans and Ontarians, but also plenty of Quebecers this year coming up on day trips, and one nighters.
The web site is finally in pretty good shape, so I am going to back off a little 'cause I am tired. Like any seasonal work, the fatigue can set in and getcha. I'm sure the waitresses, chambermaids, barmaids, and hotel staff are feeling it too.
I haven't had any water in my house for four days. As soon as it warms up. I'll have Peewee the Plumber come over and see if he can jump start the pump. I went to Dentist David's place on Saturday to do some laundry and have a shower, but his water was dead too.
Many people with a surface well in our district have no water now, in the dead of winter. It must be a nightmare for those with children. What a drag. Next summer, I will drill a proper artesian well at the Zen Shack.
I dropped into the Bistro St-Zenon Steak House on Saturday night and the place was just a hummin'. Things are going very well for Lee and Nicky. They have found the recipie for success; their steak house was packed to the rafters and I was glad to see it that way.
Lee has brought a touch of American style eats to St-Zenon, that offers a refreshing contrast to the surrounding Quebecois "cuisine". Don't get me wrong, I can eat cheese covered fries slathered in brown canned gravy with two steaming all dress hot dogs all day long, but once in a while, I need a real meal.
:)
(Please, no mail from the fast food
operators! We love you guys too. )
zw
Sunday night
WOW! I got a ton of mail about the audio,
thanks guys (and gals). Here is a small sample of the love I recieved this
afternoon ! Is it any wonder I keep on with this crazy web site eh???
"Hi Jerry I just got back from snowmobiling in Pa I know you don't
want to hear that. don't worry pa does not have the trails you do. It is odd
right now it is snowing and the expected accumulations are 8 to 12" and
more if you get close to the pa maryland border. My neighbor is out running
his snow blower ha ha . the storm is not expected to end until tomorrow. some
people have a lot of time to waste. Your audio works good it takes a long
time to load (scared the shit out of me because I did not expect it as I had
something else on the screen and your site was loading in the background.
) I would say more but wife is whining I don't spend time with her he he thanks
for a
great site. Alden PS Tell Al and carol I said hello.
Great Letter Alden! THANKS! I hope you bought the wife something nice for Valentines Day !
Another letter...
"Hey Zen,
Went to Zen comments today and think your audio wave file is great. It is
nice to hear all your information. Keep up the great work you do for your
area. In fact I just returned from a week up at Le Cabanon and all the trails
were great."
Thanks Craig...
Another...
"Hi Zen,
Ten of us are coming up for the first time. We are leaving Mid-night tonight
(Feb.16) and staying at one of La Glaciere cabins for 5 days. We are from
PA. Thanks for such a fun and informative web site. If I see you up there
I'll buy you a beer!
Got to finish packing.
Thanks again,
Tim"
Thanks Tim!
Another letter...
"Hi Zen
My name Steve Yaniak from New Jersey. Your audio file came through
nice and clear talk to you soon Planning a trip up there March 1st and will
be staying about a week. I check your site daily and think it's great take
care and keep warm." \
Thanks Steve!
See, this is just a smattering of the love I get every day from you people! I am adicted to this kind of good vibe man!
I got 20 letters today alone! Thanks soooo much, see you all up here soon. Call me from the Bistro and I can walk up the hill for a coffee while you enjoy a juicy steak!"
In a state of gratitude,
Zen.
Sunday February 16 2003 10 AM
-38F this morning at 7 AM, but it has
warmed up to - 32 now. Here is something new. Let's try this. I have embedded
an audio file below. See if you can hear my little recording! E-mail me and
let me know if it works, and if you think it's a good idea!
Be patient, and allow it to load. zw
(sound controls now at top of this column)
Saturday FEB. 15, 2003
St-Zenon: - 38 this morning and sunny. Dr. C is heading back to New Jersey today after a week of enjoyable riding and relaxing. Talk has gone from the stressful city life, to the sport. He says he has three wives now, his St-Zenon companions. He is the Dr.. He looks after everyone.
Crazy Al strained hi back muscles yesterday and the Dr. (of Chiropractic) is helping him.
The Peter Javick team is back in town. They stayed at the Cabanon, but paid Crazy Al to keep their sleds in his heated garage at the Refuge; they know the tripple won't start in this cold. I would never buy a tripple.
Last night I went to give Bob Petit some company at the radio station while he does his Friday night show. I suggested perhaps that I could do a weekly segment in English, say 4 minutes.
This, I argue, would be a quick shot of information for the American tourists in their trucks, coming up on Friday nights. Bob doesn't think you guys would listen to it, since there are still some English language radio stations up till St-Emily. Beyond that point, there is almost no radio, at least on my car radio, I get only one French language station.. the CBC.
I have an idea for an Internet based Shout Cast Radio program. One which you will be able to access on line only.
Anyways, house bound today with this cold. Will catch up on e-mails. Have a good one. zw
PS: Just spoke with Gary Graus on the phone, he's heading home today. He has been riding the entire St-Zenon area since Monday, 800 miles in all. Seventy miles the first day, then 200 miles a day. His experience was an 8.5 out of ten.
He has been riding our area for years. He went to Manawan, Repo, the village loop, St-Come, the Park (which he said was very nice), and St-Michel. The only trail that was less than very good was the 318 to the Cabanon from St-michel, and that was poor only in spots, but what else is new. One hour of rough trail out of a week aint bad. zw
Bob Petit, a Quebec trail Pioneer.
Friday Feb 14, 2003
St-Zenon: -35C this morning, some flurries today, temps slowly warming towards the start of next week, into the -20's C, the high on Tuesday of - 3!
Sexy Ron called from St-Hypolite, said the Park was a little rough past the cafeteria two days ago, and snow was thin through St-Come and south. Dr "C" has been riding for four days and he says the trail is smooth everywhere. We still do need more snow of course, so keep praying.
A good winter so far, for everyone.
Theft is down in the area, we don't hear as many stories as last year. Both
the riders and the motels have taken more care, and the Police have been active.
When I interviewed them in December, they told me that they had identified
one active group, and had shut them down by watching them closely, and the
thieves knew that the cops were watching them.
Almost all of our motels have made special efforts this year to reduce theft and it seems to be working.
We still encourage you to be vigilant. Take out the key when you stop for gas or for a quick lunch or the Police will give you a $100. fine! That's right. If they find your key in the ignition, you pay 100. cnd bucks.
Same fine applies for riding without a helmet of course. Why not go and read all the snowmobile laws on this web site? And have a good one.
zw
Thursday February 13, 2003
COLD! This morning it is - 40C or - 40 F. Sunny skies, and continuing cold over the next few days. We recieved a dusting of snow yesterday.
TRAILS HERE ARE VERY GOOD...
"I
made a post on the "Trail Conditions Bulletin Board"
about the St. Donat, St. Zenon, St. Come, St. Micheal,
St. Agatha areas. In short trails are 10, i don't think they can get any better.
Was there Feb. 2 thru Feb. 8.
Everything is Smooth they had 6" to 8" of fresh snow last tuesday
with another 1 1/2" later in the week. "
Wednesday FEB 12 2003 7 AM
Good morning. It is - 20C in St-Zenon. I am off to surprise my Mom with a birthday gift and some flowers for Valentines Day. I have been so busy that I haven't had the chance to drive to Montreal at all for about six weeks, plus the car was broken for a while.
I hope you look after your Mom better than I do.
Have a great day. zw
PS: Do you click on the REFRESH button on your browser every day when you come to read Zenwaiter's comments and the front Index pages? The REFRESH button is located at the top of this screen, above the actual page, and it is represented by two tiny green arrows next to a red X. By clicking it, you will get to view the latest changes. These pages change almost every day for your reading pleasure!
The Zen Den
Lest We Forget
I was thinking about all the men and women out there in the field who cannot
be on our snowmobile trails this winter because they are out there defending
us from Sadam and Bin Laden.
If you are in the military and are reading this, e-mail me today with a photo
if you can, or just a simple e-mail will do. Tell me where you are, and what
you are doing (if you are aloud to), and I will do something special for you,
to say thanks. It will be a surprise. Click below to send me mail! And...
THANK YOU!
Tuesday Night: -25 C... old
Had a good meal at the Sawmill in St-Michel tonight and went un recognized through my entire meal, but when I got up to pay, several tables had readers that wanted to meet me and thank me for my web site.
I met the Klem Clan from Richfield Springs NY. They have been coming up for 16 years and have always stayed at the P'tit Gibier in St-Michel, which they love.
Jessica Klem has been coming up here since she was a year old. She will be three in the spring, and she wanted to touch my big fur hat! What a sweet little kid. She made me flash back the the words of Jesus, (not that I am a good Christian, in fact, I consider myself a more - less backslidden Southern Baptist:) "Unless Ye become like a child, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven" .
Well enough preaching. Here are the pictures from dinner at the Saw Mill.
The riff-raff.
"Old Daddy Klem
Bob" with the rest.
Says trails are 9/10 this week.
Waitress Collette with Jessica and
Dad.
The I also met Sylvain from the Domaine Lucay in Lachute. He has a snowmobile relay there where you can eat.
I had a good day, and everyone told
me the trails are excellent.
Who could ask for more.
zw.
Restauraunts
here
Accommodations here
Tuesday Feb 12, 2003
Good afternoon. It was - 34C this morning, and now at 5 pm, it is -20C. Yesterday evening we had violent snow squalls that made driving tough for an hour or so, depositing two inches of dense high quality snow. It was frightening, but faded after a few hours.
Today was cold but beautiful, with lots of sunshine. Sleds are everywhere. Reports have it that the trails are excellent everywhere in our area. At -35C our daily groomed trails are like pool table slate.
I enjoyed a good home made lasagna special for lunch at the Bistro today with Crazy Al, Sweet Nicky, and New Jersey Lee.
We talked about the future of St-Zenon as a continuing hot spot for Snowmobiling in Canada, and Lee shared his plans of building several rooms, each with their own individual heated & locking sled garages.
The support Lee is getting from Bistro Steak House customers on his plan is phenomenal, and we agree. Go for it Lee, we'll back you 100%!
We also talked about future oval racing, and drag racing in St-Zenon. YES! See you all this weekend, the trails are excellent this winter.
Another word of Thanks to Bernard in Shawinigan for his kindness.
See
Bernard story in Shawinigan Here
zw
Monday Morning February 11, 2003
St-Zenon: - 10C, cloudy bright day.
I had breakfast at the Refuge at 7:30 this morning with DR C and his two buddies
who just got in for a week of fun. We booked in the massage therapist for
a few visits, to help these tough guys relax.
Life in New Jersey if stressful for professionals. Conversations ran from Watergate, to the coming war in the middle east. By the end of the week, these guys will be talking about sled gas mileage, the excellent trails, and the new sled they wanna get for next year.
Just got a package by UPS from our new friends at Jeep World and they were kind enough to send some promotional stuff, quality stuff. A key chain , a couple of hats, and a great T-shirt. Thanks guys. Unfortunately, you included an invoice, and the custom department of Canada charged me $46. bucks to receive the package. In two weeks I'll probably get a bill from a customs broker in Vancouver for $ 28. bucks for the processing of the package; that happened last time someone sent me a gift.
In future, if any of you out there decide to mail me a gift, please write GIFT on it, and in the slot where they ask you the value, write $2.00. Otherwise I have to pay big on this end. In my economy of scale, 46 bucks is huge. That's a tank of gas! I know that may be hard for some of my readers to fathom, but it's the way I live up here in the bush...as cheaply as possible!
But it's the thought that counts, so thanks Jeep World. If I had the time I'd dress up jeep style, or better yet dress up a local hottie, take her picture, and stick it on the front page! ( I may yet do that; just the thought of is turning me on. I must have cabin fever.)
As things stand now, I am behind big time, dead tired, and have piles of mail to reply to. Ahh, the life of a super star eh?? :) If I promised you a photo and you don't see it, that's why.
Tonight I am going to meet a bunch of guys at Real Masse, and I suppose I will be forced to eat another one of his steaks.
About yesterday...
Yesterday I had the pleasure of touring
Bernard's World in Shawinigan South. You know Bernard right? "Bernard
is my game, sledding is my game".
Well, true to his monacher, this guy walks the walk, let me tell you. The Motel Safari is designed around the needs of sledders. The main trail is across the highway from his parking lot, he has a big secure locking corral, he has a hot tub to soothe your sore back, and he has a mini car wash to clean your truck, trailer and sleds with a steam washer. In a word, I was impressed.
Did I mention the hot tub foot massage service?
It's free if you're a pretty girl!
Motel Safari has been one of our biggest boosters, and we recommend Bernard as an honest snow reporter. He knows everything snowmobile in his region, and he can be trusted. His wife is a real sweetie too, and helps to make everything work. Oh, to have a partner like that here at the Zen Shack!
Motel Safari photos will appear soon, when I get a minute. If only people would stop calling and coming to the door. I need a helper.
Thanks to everyone of you for reading this today, I hope you get the chance to come up and take in some of our fresh country air and French hospitality. Here is a photo I took this morning of Dr. C from New Jersey. (He's our second biggest contributer of jokes and histerical political comment. He's a riot a minute!)
It's a beautiful day in St-Zenon!
Cheers. zw
Visit Motel Safari in Shawinigan
Sunday Feb 9th.
The races yesterday were excellent and we had several hundred come out for
a fun day.
Today I drove out to the Safari Motel to visit Bernard. I am exhausted, must sleep. I will tell you the story tomorrow. Trails out there are very good, and the motel is super.
zw
Sarurday Morning February 8 2003
St-Zenon: - 16 C. Got down to - 30 last night. Off to help Crazy Al with the
races today. Sexy Ron is here taking it easy today. Tomorrow he's teaming
up with Wild Bill the errant tour guide, and they're heading off into the
great white north. Ron says they're heading out to Monts Vallin and then the
Gaspe! Five feet of snow up there. Start here, go everywhere good.
zw
Friday Night Feb. 7th. 11 PM.
St-Zenon: - 20C tonight. Just got back from the St-Zenon Bistro where
Sexy Ron discussed carbides and safety with me and Donnie Mallet, of the famous,
(or infamous) Ritt Ritt Rock and Roll Team. Lots of sleds outside, and people
riding around on our rehabilitated local trails. That snow on Tuesday really
helped.
Dave and Glenn rode back from Seneterre, 380 miles? in one day. They will try their long track again sometime soon. Once they got everything going well, the trails in the end, made them come back. They said there was too much snow up there for their kind of riding. "One foot on new snow on a three foot base, but snow that needed to be packed and groomed. By Sunday the trails up in Parent, Clova Altapache etc will be perfect!"
Crazy Al has got the oval track brushed up to the bare ice, and they flooded it for tomorrow's one cylinder races. Eighty machines in all will participate; 40 sleds, 20 quads, and 20 speedway bikes.
If you are up, be sure to stop in at the Bistro St-Zenon Steak House to warm up afterwards, and enjoy the best Surf and Turf in town! I'll be there for sure.
The famous Dr. C. will be up from Elizabeth New Jersey with another MD and a Judge to boot. They'll be spending their first night in a cabin at the Refuge on the lake. The one who snores will quickly be moved out onto the deck in his sleep.
Other than that, a very special thanks to those who have sent in donations to help run this thing. Your timing has been uncanny. You PA people especially.... Thank you.
Also, thanks to all the people who mail in letters and to those that participate in some pretty good debates on the bulletin boards. zw
PS: A special hello to Jenny, wife of the famous Mark Aube. Jenny is working on making the next generation of St-Zenon snowmobilers as we speak. Keep up the good work Jen!
Thursday Morning.
Clear blue skies and - 30C, -20F in
St-Zenon. The cat and the dog spent about 30
seconds out there, then wanted back in. The car won't start. I should have
plugged it in. Bet you could play marbles on the trails this morning! zw
Wednesday Night Feb. 5 2003
Good evening dear reader! I spent most of the day getting myself to the car
dealer and back, and oh what a joy to pay the bill! Why is it that we never
learn? Automobiles cost a fortune. That's it, I'm getting a horse, or a donkey,
or a camel, or something other than a car one day. Anyways the car is fixed,
and I am broke. If it hadn't been the car, it would have been something else.
It got cold tonight... - 22 C right now ( 10 pm) in St-Zenon. This is one of those nights where it feels like -40C. The sky is jet black and full of stars. There is no cloud cover to protect us from the cold.
My driveway has five foot high snow walls all around it tonight, after that snow storm we had. The snow crunches underfoot, and I imagine the trails will be like table tops this weekend.
Dave and Glen are sleeping at "La Belle Villa Motel" tonight in Seneterre. They only managed 150 miles today because Dave's fancy after market suspension lost one of the two bolts that hold it together. They found a shop this evening where they managed to use a blow torch and fix the thing.
Yesterday they rode sixty miles on the road between Parent and Clova to avoid the blinding blizzard. In the process they burnt off their carbides totally, and they were brand new. They also have "Starting Line" brand runners, so they had to get new sliders from the Skidoo dealer, and put them on their Polaris sleds.
"Up here there is a three foot base, and one foot of brand new snow, perfectly groomed. The trails are mint!" This coming from David who is a very hard judge of trails.
Tomorrow morning early, they are heading for Chibougamau, about 300 odd kilometers. We will have another phone report when they arrive... if they arrive. Seems they are having bad luck with the sleds, and yet, I have never seen anyone so fussy on preparation of equipment.
"We also saw a burnt up sled on the side of the one way trail from the Cabanon. When we came up yesterday morning, we saw about fifteen sets of tracks going the wrong way up the one way for about ten miles, then they turned back. There are no signs along the way, there should be a one way arrow every few hundred feet. Somebody is gonna get killed here for sure!"
The ambulance driver told me there were two ambulances sent up to get the injured after the head on crash, but he didn't know how serious it was.
Some people say the One Way is an accident looking for a place to happen; but others love it.
"People should always assume that there may be someone heading the wrong way on that thing, and so they should always stay to the far right on hills and corners just in case." says Dave.
Good advice, and here's some more. Where there is lots of traffic, say like on the weekend, slow down. Wait till you get out a ways before you open her up and hit that top speed of 70 kms!
Cold tonight. Groomers all working, or so I hear. And with all this new snow, we won't be hearing many complaints about the trails this year.
Get up here this weekend, or you'll miss out big time. We have one cylinder racing on Lake St-Louis on Saturday, and the Ice Sculpture Festival close by in St-Come. This may just be the best weekend of the winter!
zw
Tuesday Night
It snowed all day here in St-Zenon and it is still snowing. Six inches so
far. Dave and Glenn took off again at 6 AM after rebuilding the tripple last
night. Dave just called me from the Tamarack Hotel in Clova. He says that
he rode 280 miles today through a snow blizzard. The trails were great.
I called Joyce-Lynn in Parent tonight
to see how things are going. They have a foot of new snow and it hasn't quit
yet. They are always as cold as us or colder. Joyce says to say HI to everyone,
and to tell you that there is a new gas and food pit stop called Kambium on
the way into Casey. It is clean, and they have food and gas.
Crazy Al with Joyce-Lynn and her husband Raoul
last winter in beautiful downtown Parent!
Find Joyce-Lynn's number HERE.
This weekend the trails here will be perfect, we are getting the snow we needed. It should all be groomed up nice for the weekend here in St-Zenon. Thank God. See you soon. zw
Tuesday February 4th, 2003
St-Zenon: Snowing and - 7C today, two inches so far. Looks like a real storm has begun. David and Glenn blew a cylinder up at Lac Chateuvert near Repos. They said local trails were rough, but once over the dam, the freshly groomed trail was excellent. They were the only ones on it. More soon.
Monday February 3, 2003
St-Zenon: - 16 C today with brilliant blue sky and sunshine. We didn't get
any snow yet, but they say 15 cm is on the way with temps around -15 C all
week. Dave and Glenn have left for a two thousand mile treck, photos in eight
days.
SATURDAY: BISTRO ST-ZENON: FULL UP FOR
LUNCH
What a weekend; sleds everywhere. At one point on Saturday afternoon, there
must have been 60 sleds in the parking lot at the Bistro. Every gas station
had half a dozen sleds gassing up.
The whole area is buzzing. We must be doing something right here eh? Or is it just that lady luck that has given us a good winter?
All the riders I spoke to on the street were very happy and having a good time. "We're havin' a ball in St-Zenon."
SUNDAY:
Marc from MASS with friends get the
VIP treatment
from the ever lovely Anne at
the BISTRO.
These three pals, rode up from St-Donat to
spent the night at the
Repos, survived a bear attack in the cabin, and met me on Sunday in St-Zenon
on their way home. Marc has a vivid imagination. He mistook the Repo's big
dog for a bear. After, he had to change into a clean pair of boxers. His brave
friends slept through the whole thing.
Friday night, the Real Masse parking
lot was jammed . Bob Petit, Crazy Al, Gilles Huet, Real Masse, and Zenwaiter
recorded another edition of Bon Weekend LaNaudiere, live on location
in the restaurant. We had a ball.
FRIDAY:
Gilles Huet, Manager of Real Masse,
tells the audience about everything new at
Real Masse's winter paradise on Bob's Show.
Bob has been a sports celebrity in Quebec for twenty years, and hosts a weekly radio shows in French which highlights all the snowmobile activities in the Lanaudiere region.
A special thanks to Bob Petit for his consistent support of ZW.
On a personal note, the water is flowing again in the Zen Shack thanks to PeeWee the plumber. Things are looking up. The car will be fixed by Tuesday.
Behind every groomer, there is a silver trail. eh?
zw
Sunday Feb 2
St-Zenon: -8C this morning with blues skies and some cirrus clouds. Colder temps on the way. Calling for snow today and Monday. Let's keep praying for snow.
Next Saturday morning at 11 AM the Oval racing will begin on Lake St-Louis, next to the municipal property on the south end of the lake where the big welcome to St-Zenon sign stands. It should be a fun time.
Let's all participate to encourage
Motor Man Martin. This may be the first of many events. He says he is expecting
1,000 to 1,500 spectators. Let's not disappoint him.
There will be 20 speedway bikes racing on the ice, followed by twenty four
wheel racers, and then forty one cylinder sleds. Have you seen these things?
I was expecting old 1960 style Skidoos... but I was way off!
This is Motor Man Martin, owner of Petit Moteur Martin,
showing off his one cylinder entry for Saturday in St-Zenon.
Saturday Feb 1
St-Zenon: Had a great steak dinner at Real Masse, then did the radio show live with Bob Petit, Real, and Crazy AL. It was excellent, but I am so tired I must sleep.
Tired, falling behind on e-mail.
Trails great. Season very good. Get up here.
zw
