JAN 2003
Friday Jan 31, 2003
Dinner at the Saw Mill again in ST-Michel,
good as always.
David and Karen just got back from Roberval yesterday afternoon, and I saw
all their photos. They did 1,200 miles in four or five days. You can see on
the photos that there hasn't been a lot of snow this year, but the groomers
have done an excellent job in creating good trail, just like they do around
here.
Dave said things were better on the way up on Monday morning: it's great when you can follow the groomers, but almost impossible to predict with accuracy exactly when they will pass. There are so many factors which determine their actions... temperature, snow fall, money, men's schedules, break downs, traffic, etc etc. It is not an exact science.
I think the way we ride can determine how long the trails stay good, (if the weather stays cold that is... and it has this year). What do you say we all go a little easier in the curves, and preserve the trails for the next guy.
Another topic that came up was is the warming huts, or the lack of them. David says..
"Around St-Zenon and St-Michel, there used to be warming huts every 25 to 50 miles that were maintained, now they're all trashed, and some of them are gone altogether. The club doesn't maintain them anymore. But up near Roberval, they have them all over.
"It is a safety thing. If you break down, or if your are freezing to death, you can at least hold up in a safe place. This week my wife was freezing, and we used many huts up there to warm up. We'd like to thank those clubs for their efforts, and encourage the others to get back on track with their warming huts."
It's been busy here at the Zen Shack. I have so many photos to work on, and I am sort of burning out. Yesterday I took my old 1990 Lincoln to the dealer, and they have to replace the leaking head gasket, and timing chain gasket (something like that). I am looking at a bill of $1,800. to fix it, and I have no choice. The car is very good despite it's age, and I told them to go ahead.
So lets review shall we? Add that to my list of the perfect woman... one who can do auto repairs!
Let's see now... under 400 lbs,
two legs, some teeth, under 80 years of age, computer savvy, likes to ride,
likes house pets, non smoker, had a good bit of personal therapy, and...
mechanical ability with full set of tools. PERFECT.
Speak English and French would also be an asset.
If you are a sponsor that has not paid up, this would be a great time to pay your bill. If you are one of the forty or so people that have told me this winter that you were going to mail or PAYPAL a donation to Zenwaiter, why not send it today.It would be a big help.
I appreciate both of you that made a
donation this past week. Thank You!
Thanks dear Reader! Have a good day. Yes I know, Pray for Snow.
Hey, Don't forget the One Cylinder event on Lake St-Louis in St-Zenon on Sat Feb 8th. Should be a good time. You can access the lake on snowmobile, fro behind the Bistro!
zw
BISTRO ST-ZENON
STEAK HOUSE
MENU
Wed January 29th, 2003
St-Zenon at noon: - 11C.
I don't have time to chat this morning, sorry. Super swamped, the phone, the
door, the e-mail etc etc.Will be a perfect weekend! Have a good one. zw
Tuesday January 28th, 2003
St-Zenon: -34C or -30 F.
St-Zenon: Whew, is it cold today! I am supposed to ride over to the Refuge to eat breakfast with the four guys we met in the Bistro last night, to show them the new room and the jet bath, and to talk Zen stuff.
I just went outside and tried to start the four stroke... no way. It turned over but that's it. Luckily I noticed a block heater under the hood the other day, where you plug it in at night to keep it warm. I think it may start in half an hour. That's great if you are parked ten feet from the Zen Shack, but what if you are in the woods somewhere, you're obviously screwed.
Peewee the plumber (husband of the beautiful Blue Eyes, daughter of the famous Rosey) came over yesterday and got the pump going again, so now I have water.
I have to use it very sparingly, as there is hardly any water in the well. I think it's good for about ten gallons a day and no more. That means one flush a day, a little dish water, and a sixty second shower. These three items must be spread out through the day, and of course, we pee outside with Rocky.
Back to diner at the Bistro. It was
terrific. When I walked in and sat down, two of the four young bucks from
the table sitting next to us, got very excited and wanted to shake my hand.
Then someone at the bar, paid for a round of drinks was sent over from the
bar.
We got talking, and discovered these six year St-Zenon veterans loved my web
site. The one guy said he's been reading my site since before I had a site...
back in the days when I just mailed out e-mail four years ago! Now that's
a fan! I should be writing novels, I could afford to buy a snowmobile then
eh?
They always consult the site before coming up, to see how the weather is,
and to find out what's happening. Very nice boys, thank you.
Speaking of new stuff, Don't miss the One Cylinder rally on Lake St-Louis
February the 8th. It should be a gas! That is 2 Saturdays from now.
Also, there is a week long festival
of winter events going at the annual Shawinigan Grand Prix.
February 1 through 9, there will be Stock car action, and Oval racing to name
just a few. If you like the Shawinigan snowmobile trails, go to their web
site and get all the details. If you need a room, call Bernard, he'll help
get you organized.
PS: Just went out to start to sled, it started perfect! I just had to plug it in! The Polaris Frontier, perfect sled for the old Zenman, won't go over 50 mph, and no good for far away in the bush, just good for around town! 10,000 bucks to run around the village? Hmmm... NOT! I'd rather have something old and beat up, but that will do 70 mph when needed, and will start anywhere... right?
But regardless, I appreciate having something to run around town in to meet you guys and gals. Lest you think I am an unappreciative swine, I would like to thank Moto Ducharme for lending it to me for a few days. It was cool. Moto Ducharme sells Polaris products in Joliette, be sure to stop in when you come up. They have jackets and helmets and all the toys too.
Four Stroke, the future
of snowmobiling!
zw
Shawinigan
Grande Prix
Caisse Populaire
Menu
January 27 2003
No water in the Zen Shack again this
morning. That's it, I have to get a guy in here to drill a real artesian well.
Thirteen bucks a foot is the cost these days around here. The old surface
well is toast.
Many homes have run out of water this winter, due to the combination of drought
in August and September, and the severe cold that we had so early this year
before the snow came, which caused the frost to go down deep into the ground.
The old timers say, "If you have
water in your well this winter, you will always have water in your well!"
By the way, the old timers were wrong about this winter... remember what they
said in November? "This early cold and snow means that it will be
mild with rain in January."
Yesterday was interesting, riding around on that 2002 Polaris four stroke. I could have written ten stories just from the people I met on the trail. I have to get a sled donated or sponsored for the entire winter, there's just too much good stories out there, and I am stuck in here. I also need a full time assistant. Any takers?
Surprised that I don't have my own sled? Don't be. I'm a writer photographer, not a sportsman. This is no secret to my regular readers. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to write about rocket science.
Having said that, I must add that I do love to ride, and I live in the best ride zone in Canada!
Writing about St-Zenon every day with no budget to ride, is like working in a chocolate factory on a no-chocolate diet.
One day we'll have a sled to ride the local trails. That's a goal. In the meanwhile, we'll just do what we can with what we have and be thankful!
Have a good Monday...EH?
zw
YESTERDAY'S
Photos HERE
Sunday night Jan 26
St-Zenon; - 15C the past two days, and received 4 inches of snow. It is currently snowing.
Spent the past two days riding the local trails on a four stroke Polaris 800 Frontier. Unfortunately, the dealer Ducharme had no other sled to offer me, and it is not in good running order. Constant backfires, and top speed is 50 mph.
Being the end of the weekend, our local trails are tired from the weekend warriors.
The local trails are indeed thin in many spots, but still ridable. I am talking about the local trails, the other 95 % of the trails on our big day loops arenear perfect.
Many Americans and Ontarian and Quebecers in the region enjoying wonderful conditions, plus it is no longer as cold as it was. The deep cold spell is passed us.
The sun was warm today while riding, and the landscape fantastic. The rural Quebec countryside all pristine pure white wilderness, and the mountains as a backdrop. The air revitalized me, and now I have to sleep!
zen
Friday Jan 24 2003
St-Zenon: -23 C. This super cold spell that has attacked most of Canada was kinda cool at first, (no pun intended), but after a while, it ain't so hot. The heater won't work properly in the car, the water pump froze twice, the well is basically dry, and no one comes to call. They stay at home, and so do I. I may be suffering from a mild case of cabin fever.
But for snowmobilers, cold temps mean
table top surfaces around here.
The riders I have spoken to are raving about our trail system this winter,
apart from the occasional rock on the busy local trails on weekends when traffic
is at its' peak.
Some people from south of the border have been bragging to me about all there snow down there, but let's not forget that most of the trails are bumpety-bump. Our trails are smooth, but admittedly would be better with a few more inches of snow, which we are supposed to receive presently. Up here it's a different kind of riding.
When you ride this week, be sure to adjust your helmet vents properly; the risk of frost bite is real. Also, don't ride alone, and make sure your sled is tip top before attempting a long loop. Extra gas is always nice on those trips too.
Why not answer
our daily Zen Poll ? (top left).
Have a good weekend.
zw
Thursday Jan 23
St-Zenon: -23C this morning, with two
inches of fresh snow.
Gusty with medium high winds all day yesterday and last night, created snow
drifts, and probably dumped 3 or 4 inches of existing snow into the trails,
which are being groomed up to perfection for the weekend warriors. More snow
and cold coming. It's a good year! zw
Text Forecast from Environment Canada
Parc du Mont-Tremblant - Saint-Michel-des-Saints: Issued 05:00 AM est Thursday
23 January 2003
Today..Cloudy. Chance of some snow. Clearing this evening. High near minus
15.
Tonight..Cloudy periods. Low near minus 26.
Friday..Sunny with cloudy periods. High near minus 15.
Saturday..Scattered snow showers. Low near minus 25. High near minus 15. Probability
of precipitation 40 percent.
Sunday..Scattered snow showers. Low near minus 22. High near minus 13. Probability
of precipitation 40 percent.
Monday..Sunny. Low near minus 23. High near minus 15.
Normals for the period..Low minus 19. High minus 8.
Wednesday Jan 22
St-Zenon: - 32C and snowing.
Single Cylinder Racing in St-Zenon?
On February 8th there will
be one cylinder sled racing on the Lake St-Louis in St-Zenon. Crazy Al has
already been working on the oval to get it ready. The site is at the south
entrance of the village across from the St-Louis Bar/Motel. This should be
a good time. See you there.
Thanks!
Just a word of thanks to the few who have sent in donations. And also a word of thanks for the letters and the photos. Watch for them on the front page. Also, thanks for participating on the two bulletin boards. It helps out everyone that wants to ride in Quebec.
Zenwaiter a Beggar? NOT!
It has been suggested of late, that asking for donations is begging. I have
thought this over, and have come to the conclusion that this premise is indeed
false. Zenwaiter provides an important service that has value.
To build that value, takes
equipment, phone lines, servers, office expenses and one crazy full time MF
to take the photos and do the work. All of this has value, and those that
benefit from it donate to the effort because they want to see it continue.
In fact, ZW is also very unique! Show me, if you can, one other web site that
is updated daily with current snowmobile information on Quebec, with real
photos, comments, and bulletin boards. There ain't none dear reader, not a
one.
Not Zenwaiter...yet :)
REAL BEGGARS
There are however, some web masters, (people that make web sites) who are
actually real live beggars. It's hilarious... and it's also sad.
I heard about this on TV. They build a web site, offer nothing but a sad tale
and pathetic photo of themselves begging with a can of pencils on the street
corner or whatever. Now THAT is a beggar. Zenwaiter is not a beggar.
Surprise yourself today... send me a photo of your last weekend ride with a brief description, and you may become a Zen Star on the Front Page! Better yet, send me a photo of a friend in a compromising position, and embarrass the hell out of him/her.
zw
General
Blah Blah Here
Learn to beg on the internet HERE
E-mail
your snowmobile photo now! HERE
Buy
A Used Sled? Zen's Free Classified Ads
Tuesday Jan 21 2003
St-Zenon: -34 this morning at 7 AM, now - 25C. Bright and sunny day. Weatherman says remaining cold and sunny with a few flurries on Wednesday.
Talk around town this week is of the eight morons from New Jersey who basically terrorized the area Thursday Friday and Saturday, culminating in the ring leader going to jail in hand cuffs.
These... people with limited mental
capacity, did burn outs, and continuos 360's at Peewee's Depanneur, blasting
a stream of ice and gravel on peoples vehicles and property, , smashed a beer
bottle over someone's head, ( A friend of mine), and destroyed property on
someone's farm land near the village, doing jumps over piles of wood.
They had some rental sleds which they damaged to the tune of over 3,000 bucks.
Drinking and riding? They must have been drunk, because they acted like total imbeciles during their entire visit, causing trouble at all the gas stations, bars, hotels and restaurants.
They are fortunate they didn't kill themselves or someone else on the trail, and the guy who got injured from the bottle incident, apparently has a damaged eye.
The farmer where you did your jumping wants the club to close the trail that runs through his land. After ten years of working to get people to allow trails, YOU loosers come up and ruin it all.
The worst part is that you really frightened a whole lot of people here, women and children and the like, but I don't suppose that bothers your conscience.
We have some of the best trails in the world here, and you come up to get drunk, threaten the locals, cause damage to property every where you go, and damage our club's reputation. Unbelievable.
I still can't believe it. You give New Jersey a bad name.
Your ring leader ended up in jail, and I hope he is still in there for a month.
Daddy's credit cards might have bailed you out this time, but with your level of ignorance and disregard for other people, you will surely reap a whirlwind of misery that no amount of cash will help you escape.
What goes around, comes around, if you
live long enough you'll find that out. But do us all a favour, don't come
back,
you're no longer welcome.
zw
Monday January 20, 2003
St-Zenon: -20C, or -2 F this morning. Two inches of new snow overnight.
I just spoke to Yanick at Kanawata, north of the Repos, and he just got in from a ride on their 100 or so miles of trails. He reports that the trails are excellent, and they just got 6 new inches of snow over the past few days. You can call Yanick, he does speaka da English a little. He will be glad to answer any qns you may have. Kanawata Inn 450-819-666-2007.
I read in the "Journal de Montreal", that the Laval Police
are out in full force on the trails with the hidden radar guns.
This was their first campaign of the year, and they had helicopter support.
" We do about 4 or 5 of these operations a year", explains Martin Legare, a safety officer with the Laval Police. "We want to ensure that snowmobilers are respecting the speed limit, and also, we offer safety advice. At least once a year, we will set up a surprise trail block to check for alcohol as well."
There will be twelve volounteers sent out by the Laval club who will patrol the trails and issue tickets for infractions. "Last year, explained the officer", the club handed out one ticket to a snowmobiler, and 35 tickets to quad riders who were riding on the designated snowmobile trails."
"The new local quad club is a nuisance", said Alain Roberge, "they use our trails, and they can ride even when there is no snow."
Last year the quad club had over 1,000 members in Laval, this year the number is down to 450.
"Our
grooming costs are the same as last year, said Roberge, but we have only half
the budget to get the job done."
Translated by ZW
Interesting stuff
for your reading pleasure.
"Snowmobile buzz echoes in White House
Traditionally, the Washington's Birthday weekend is the busiest stretch of
snowmobile-riding in Yellowstone, but this year it has taken on special meaning
as politicians, environmentalists, and tourism-industry officials battle over
the fate of a snowmobile ban scheduled to go into effect here and in Grand
Teton National Park within two years." By Todd Wilkinson
Click
Here for Full Story
Sat Jan 18 2003 8 AM
COLD -30 C but it feels like -50.
39,892 people logged onto Zenwaiter.com over the past 30 days, and we have recieved about $ 300.us in donations and sponsorship. That averages out to $00.0075203 per reader this month.
Let's assume that half of the 39,892 visits were made by people that read the site every day. We'll take 19,946 visits and divide it by 30 days. That gives us 664 actual people.
Now lets assume the others only come once a month, that gives us 19,946 people.
Add the two together, and we can safely assume that we had 20,610 people who actual read the web site, over the past month.
Lets cut that in half just to be sure... giving us 10,305 actual snowmobilers that read Zenwaiter in the past month. (and on average they do stay in the site about 30 minutes, requesting about 10 pages each).
If only 10 % of those had contribute 10 bucks, (which is the price of a snowmobile magazine), the Zenwaiter office would have received $10,000. usd.
If only 1 % had sent in 10 bucks, we would have received 1,000.usd.
That would have been nice now wouldn't it?
T-shirts don't work, we can't get the local bars to stick out donation jars, Pay Pal seems a waste of time, and nothing is coming in the mail.
Zenwaiter works 12 hours a day for 300. a month, then has to go out and pay all the expenses with that.
Guess what. It just don't add up. It seems to me that it could be working extremely well. What do you think?
Tha car won't start today, I should
have plugged it in.
:)
Have a good Saturday. zw
Friday Jan 17
St-Zenon: - 30C at 7 am. OUCH! that's -20 F. These are the temperatures you love to see because they maintain the snow that we have. We got a dusting yesterday.
Remaining cold with new snow coming
Sunday and Monday.
More weather HERE.
Yesterday we saw dozens of enclosed
trailers streaming up during the day in long parades. Should be a busy weekend.
PS: 'Yummie' my calico cat, has finally earned her keep after three years! She caught a mouse in the kitchen, killed it, then tossed it into the Rocky's water dish. Good kitty! :)
So, any single women out there wanna
come live with the Zenman and the Zenmice in the Zenshack? I'm single! LOL
(yes, and now we know why.)
Hey, at least they're not rats!
Trail info HERE
Write Zen Now?
Thursday Jan 16
Good morning. St. Zenon is -30 this morning, and the sun is brilliant. The
trails are fabulous. What more could a snowmobiler ask for?
David and Steve had breakfast with me, loaded up their sleds, and have headed back for NH. They left us with some amazing images of the trails north of the dam heading to Kanawata.
The discussion around the breakfast table at the Casse Croute des Parkes, was on the "idiots that ride in circles around the Cabanon." said David.
"The trails get wrecked every day by these idiot throttle jockeys that ride in circles around on the local trails that go from the Cabanon to the Bistro to the St-Louis, and to the Glaciere, then back again. They drive like maniacs, totally out of control, and on the knolls, they stay right in the middle of the trail as if there was no one else on the trails. They hit the brakes into the corners and go sideways, then gun the throttle on the way out, trashing the trails beneath them. After just one day, the trails are a series on lumps like Tug Hill. When we ride, we respect the trail, and the hard work and expense that goes into making them."
"The Police should give tickets to people that ride through curves out of control and do not stay to the right. Instead, they stick a radar on the straighaway, and hand out tickets for speed, which is not dangerous." I reminded Dave that the Police enforce the speed limit. He understands that, but says "they should wait after a curve, and ticket people for dangerous and reckless riding instead."
Personally I think we should have one course for the guys that want to hog the trail to themselves. It should be 100 miles of one way. The trouble is, that as soon as they trash this course, they will run onto the regular trails and terrify the normal folk.
In any event, half the people that come to this area have high performance machines with a million studs, and are interested in riding as fast as they can. The other half do the bigger loops to enjoy the pristine trails that lie to the north.
Last week there were two snowmobilers that were killed in a head on accident, neither was on the right side of the trail. I think this occurred in the US somewhere, though it easily could have happened right here.
The Police should set up a sting somewhere to nail people that do not stay on the right in corners, as this is the most dangerous action a snowmobiler can do. It is a miracle we don't have more accidents.
Anyways, Dave and Steve are gone, and they will be missed. They did 800 miles in three days of exceptional riding. They went out at 6 AM every day, and took advantage of perfect grooming done by the local club. They enjoyed near perfection every day, and are returning here again next week to do a long treck to Parent, Clova, Seneterre Casey, all the way to Val D'Or. They will again take photos for us!
Have a good one, and stay to the right!
zw
Trail
Conditions Discussion
Trail Condition Links
Menu
Last Minute Room for this Weekend?
Wed Jan 15 2003
St-Zenon:
-20C today and grey skies. It was - 30C last night. Some light snow this week
then Sat and Sun heavier snow here, but no, they never tell you how much you'll
get. Also, -30C again tonight, remaining clod all week. The trails will remain
optimal.
No news at all from the local club about trails or about anything. It's up
to you to give reports when you get back home to your computer.
TRAIL CONDITIONS DISCUSSION BOARD
PLEASE "REFRESH"
I keep meeting people who don't realize that we change the Index page almost every day, (that is the page you first come to with the photos on it) as well as this page. You mean we do all this updating work for nothing? ALWAYS click on refresh when you land on this page and on the Index page, or else you are reading yesterdays news.
Another thing they don't get, is that every photo on the Index page has ten or more photos behind it. You just click on the picture!
Hardly any mail this year from you folks, and about half the donations of last year, yet the site is three times as big, has 50% more traffic, and the info is more current. I just may have lock this page up with a code, and charge 25. usd for the key. I don't want to go in the hole.
And yet.... the info here seems to be important and valuable to folks. At dinner the other night in the Bistro, a lady from South New Jersey, explained to me how this web site saved one of her family vacations last year, and how thankful they were; it saved them a bundle of cash too. But no donation was forth coming, (she may have mailed one in last year, hard to tell). Very nice gal.
I didn't remember the phone call, because there were so many last year, in all that rain. I took a lot of heat for those weather reports last year, and I am happy to report all the good news this year.
On a brighter note, we have a fan in the IT business who'll be here Thursday. Jim says he may have some solutions for us on the server side to make our thing more cost effective. It may also eliminate our hacker friend who crashes the site every time we talk about rain or theft.
Nick A. from NY is still here at the Glaciere with a gang of New Yorkers, and has been having a ball on the trails, as is Sexy Ron, NH Dave with buddy Steve, and hundreds more.
Dave says he rode to St-Come yesterday, and it was a ten, but on the return trip, it was a 4. He almost got killed by a bunch of idiot throttle jockeys who were riding in the middle of the trail, almost out of control. "I can't believe there aren't more deaths up here." he said.
If you can't stay on your side of the trail kids, please ride go back to Tug Hill, don't come to St-Zenon. Unfortunately, I realize that we are preaching to the choir here! Most of you folks are super responsible. You folks can read! hahaha!
Don't forget to go to the Trail Board to find out what is happening. Don't just read it, POST ON IT! It's very easy, and no, it is not dangerous. 500 to 1000 people a day read it, and hardly any posts!
Okay,
that's it, I'm going for a limp around the block. Wait, there is no block.
Guess I'll just pace back and forth! Got any Valium? :)
zw
Tuesday Jan 14 2003
St-Zenon: -20F or -30C this morning. Five inches of snow yesterday. Trails
outstanding. Photos of yesterdays trails to Repos below..
Breakfast with Nick and the boys yesterday morning at the Glaciere. Nice gang he has this year from New York.
Probably this will be the best riding in past few years. Not much traffic during the week. Ate at the Bistro last night with Sexy Ron, NH Dave, Crazy Al, and a flock of desperadoes from South New Jersey! Nice folks that. Bistro was full.
New Trail Photos Here
New Race Photos HERE
Monday Jan 13 2003
St-Zenon C: -12 C and snowing, with
one inch so far. Finally some snow. Lets hope we get the foot we need.
The weekend was busy here, but not as busy as the week before. We are getting
Quebecers from all over, folks from Ontario, where there is no snow in many
places, and of course our Americans.
Last night I ate at the Saw Mill in St-Michel again, because David from New
Hampshire is back, and that is his favorite place. The food is good, and has
been for 38 years.
My right knee is sore, and worse this morning, because I went out on the lake yesterday to take photos of the racing sleds. At over 100 miles per hour on a short track, it is wild. Nothing official about it at all, but the guys do it anyway.
I will try to get the pictures up on the Index page for tomorrow.
Have a good one. Snowing! zw
Sunday Morning January 12th, 2003
- 12 C this morning, and all is quiet. I'll bet a few bar tenders worked hard last night, as there were sleds everywhere in the area.
The trails are running good to excellent, depending on where you ride. We could use more snow for sure, but the cold and the good base, and the excellent grooming has well maintained the 1,000 km of trails.
The weatherman says snow and continuing cold for the next three or four days, so lets expect more of the white stuff!
Three experienced riders last night
from Vermont, rated our trails 8.5 out of 10. They have been riding here 15
yrs, and their opinion does stand for something. (even if they are from Vermont!
) hahaha :) Just kidding!
zen!
PS: Sexy Ron and NH Dave are both heading
up tonight, that means good trail pictures soon. You had better mail me your
photos too though right?? eh?? Thanks
PS: A lot of you have told me on the phone and in e-mails that you will
bring me a donation here, but that is not working. Only a few donations came
that way so far this winter. You guys come up to ride, then you leave, and
we pass like two ship in the night.
Please mail your donations, because it is almost impossible to track you down when you get up here, and I don't have the time to try.
This is serious guys! If you like the site, mail a donation by PAY PAL , just click the button up top, or make your check to Zenwaiter, mail to
Zenwaiter
5831 Chemin Brassard,
St-Zenon QC,
Canada, J0K 3N0.
No joke, this site does cost money to produce and maintain, and there's none coming in! I don't want to be forced to switch over to a pay site format. If it does, it will be 25 usd for the year. Let's keep it free. zw
zenwaiter@canada.com
Trail
Board Here
General Board Here
Saturday Morning January 11th
-30C this morning and sunny. That's -20F!
Getting more phone calls from Ontario, Cornwall called to say they have no
snow, and that they will be heading our way. St-Zenon could be a very busy
place if this continues! But it is nice to actually have good trails and cold
weather here, real nice.
A few of you have mailed in photos and letters, go see them on the Mail
page! Thanks a lot. I hope more of you will take the time to write in
and send your trip pictures. Everyone appreciates you for doing this. Scan
them, and e-mail them to me..
zenwaiter@canada.com
PS: We have gone over 100,000 visitors since March 20th 2002! That was our total last year from March to March. This means that out hit counter should reach 150,000 before March 20 2003! 50% more people than last year! Not bad for an amateur site eh? Thanks to you people out there. zw
Friday afternoon/evening.
It was a beautiful cold and sunny day with snow that goes crunch under foot.
A stream of enclosed snowmobile trailers are parading past the Zen Den in anxious anticipation of good riding, and no one will be disappointed this weekend, except those who just bar hop back and forth over the local trails...but even those trials are in good shape at this moment.
Just had a chat with David Mc. from
beautiful downtown Ottawa.
David, I gotta say, it feels good to talk to a fellow Anglo Canadian; a rare
treat for me up here. Thanks for calling and I am glad we could find you the
room you need. And yes, I will gladly get a few pictures of you having a good
time, and no, that doesn't require a donation. Better yet, you bring you own
digital camera, and shoot TRAIL pictures, which is what I really want, I will
post them.
Now after that nice English chat, I feel really lonely. Ahhhh... poor Zenman!
Perhaps I'll stroll up the road one kilometer, and drop in for a Coke at the Lac St-Louis Bar/motel... for a little ahhh, exotic entertainment. Perhaps they will feel sorry for me eh? Nah... not gonna happen... I don't feel up for it.... not gonna happen...
I know, I'l'l just take a little nap and wait for the phone to ring. I'm sure I will be called out to take a picture somewhere, and meet some new friends!
The sound of modified pipes are in the air all around my cabin.. This should be a huge weekend up here.
zen
Friday Jan 10 2003
St-Zenon; -15C , sunny. We're set for a great weekend. Remember, try to venture out on the loops that take you to the edge of our territory. You'll meet less traffic, and the trails will be better.
Lots of complaints about people using up the entire trail again this year. Please, stay to the right, or you'll hurt someone. You are never alone on these trails, and you must share the them with others.
Have a great weekend! zw.
Trail Condition Discussion Board
Thursday Jan 9th, 8 AM
Moscow: - 50C.
St-Zenon: - 26C or -12F
Two inches of new snow yesterday morning. Looks like this weekend is one you
won't wanna miss up here! The trails are running from good to excellent, and
there is more snow on the way, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
We had a nice steak last night at the Bistro St-Zenon Steak House. The New Hampshire gang left early this morning. Go see their trail pictures from yesterday HERE.
Giidy-up!
zw
Trail
Conditions Discussion Board
Menu
Need Help? Call Zen 450-884-1818
Wed morning Jan 8th, 8 am
St-Zenon: We got two fat inches last
night of granular snow, now this stuff is good as gold for the trail. Inch
by inch works, we'll take it! Currently -10 C. no wind.... AND SNOWING HEAVY!
Yeah baybee! It just started a few minutes ago, but it looks like it means
business. With no wind, does that mean the snow cloud will just sit over our
head all day? I hope so. How exciting!
Yesterday David forgot to take pictures of the 345 up to the Repos, but he
assured me it was 8/10. I know him well, and if he says 8/10, it means perfect
to you! He has ridden here for 20 years and is fussy as hell.
You should be here, that's all there is to it! 1,000 kilometers of trails, and very good conditions. With global warming, it appears that good conditions are becoming increasingly rare, unless of course the hole in the ozone is a pile of horse puckie!
One way or the other, they are calling for more snow Friday and Saturday, with temps remaining steadily cold at - 15 to -17C.
David also said the trail was frozen up nice and hard. David is strictly honest on this, you can take his work, he's the real deal on a sled.
(Gosh I love to give out the good news, feels good!)
{I just saw a semi trailer go past the front window, through the snowy
highway, with two full rows of new Polaris snowmobiles in the cases stacked
two high. What a site!}
zen
Please write your trail conditions HERE!
Need
A last minute ROOM?
Call the Zen Man Now! 450-884-1818
Tuesday Morning Jan 7 2003
St-Zenon: Sunny and still this morning, and another inch of snow! One inch
at a time, we have accumulated about four new inches, which helps the groomers.
Please participate in our Trail Conditions Discussion Board, for reports on
the St-Zenon area, and on any other area in Quebec as well. It's up to you
to make this a valuable resource of honest trail reports.
Weatherman calling for light snow over the next few days, 3 cm here 5cm there. We'll take it! It adds up!
Have a good day. zw
Monday night
The New Hampshire delegation just bought me dinner at the Saw Mill, Dave is
on that Atkins No Carb diet, and has lost
30 pounds. I want to loose some weight too.
He says the trails beyond the dam are nice. Around town, he says he's seen much better days. He says we need snow. He also said today was a 9 out of ten for someone who just had to ride! He says it's a little tough on your carbides. He's riding out again tomorrow.
(He loves to complain 'cause he's used
to our trails, and has been spoiled here for years.) He admits that anyone
new to these trails would still love them.
Just spoke to Dr. C about my bad knee, he says I probably blew my cartilage
while doing those deep knee bends in front of the pool table last week at
the Motel Sportif. He told me to use warm compresses and prescribed some gentle
movements that will help it along. I am in pain. (whine)
Our health care system here in Canada is free, yes, this is true, but you
can die while you're waiting to get results from your tests. I had a knee
x-ray last week and they told me it'll be 10 days before the Doctor calls
me. But if I don't harass him, he'll never call.
So do not feel bad America, when you pay for private health care. We pay too,
big time taxes, and at least you guys get good service.
That's my bitch for the day. On the
bright side, it DID snow flurries all day, which can't hurt. Perhaps another
inch.
Good night America and Ontario, and all the people here in Quebec that also
read my gibberish! zw
PS: Almost 2,000 visitors again today. Last week we hit a new record of 2,600 readers in one day! Woooohooo! Now if everyone just mailed in one buck, I'd be rich! hahahaha. All kidding aside, it does take money to run this thing, and we haven't had hardly any donations in weeks. "cough cough...choke... sputter sputter..."
Why not just mail the old Zenwaiter
a New Years Gift??
Make Check Payable to
Zenwaiter
mail it to
Zenwaiter
5831 Ch Brassard
St-Zenon Quebec, Canada
J0K 3N0
Thanks for your support.
PPS: PLEASE send in some stories and some photos of your Quebec or US or Ontario
snowmobile riding, and I will stick you on the front page! You can be a Zen
Star! You and your motely crew of no goods on the Front Page???
Just think of it! You can tell all your friends that you are famous! Just
do it! You guys are getting lazy this year! Send your photos (2 at most please)
to zenwaiter@canada.com
Send in an embarassing photo of a friend, and I'll run it on FRONT!
Plus, over 1,000 people a day have been
reading our new Trail conditions board page, but only 1 or 2 write on it.
What's up with that? Is it too hard to use? I think not!
TrailConditions Board HERE!
General Discussion Board HERE!
Pitter Patter, you best get at 'er!
your pal zen
Memories from last year.
Me and BobPetit on air live, last winter.
I got booted off that show for good, as soon as "they"
found out I tell the truth about the weather! Ooops! We
can't have THAT now can we? If CNN and CBC, and ABC, and CBS can talk
about the weather, so can I. (Not Bob's fault, he loves me!)
zw; still feisty as ever, and proud of it. Fortunately for me, the trails
have been good around here this year, otherwise, I would have been strung
up to dry long ago! Yiha! followed by nervous laughter!
Monday Jan 6 2003
7:40 AM, -10C snowing. We got an inch overnight, making a total of three inches
of snow in the past few days. I realize that doesn't sound like much. New
Hampshire got another 20 inches this week. However, remember, that we have
the steady cold temperatures, and any snow we get, we hang on to, and we groom
it into our trails.
Our trail base is rock solid. This measly
three inches will help alot. We are still looking for a good storm to boost
the base, or a continuous few inches here and there, to maintain what we have.
To learn more, consult the boards.
Trail conditions
General Comments
Book a Room?
Select a Restaurant?
Rent a Sled?
Sunday morning Jan 5th
St-Zenon: We got another inch last night.
Temp - 10C.
Need a last minute room? Call my buddies!
REAL MASSE
(450) 884-5502
THE REFUGE INN
(450)884-5050 French)
(450)884-1818 English)
WEATHER
Sat 10:30 pm
Looks like New York Snowmobile Clubs have a major problem with their Insurance! GO SEE HERE
We got one inch of snow today, more tonite I hope.
Saturday Jan 4
St. Zenon: -8 C Snowing. Got no snow Friday.
(UPDATE!)10AM: Just got a call from Karine, she is in St-Donat unloading her sleds with Bruce, and says the parking lot is jammed with sleds everywhere! Looks like St-Donat is happening! Also it is snowing there too! Praise be! zw
Text Forecast from Environment Canada
Parc du Mont-Tremblant - Saint-Michel-des-Saints: Issued 05:00 AM est Saturday
4 January 2003
Today..Cloudy. Chance of very light flurries. High near minus 7.
Tonight..Variable cloudiness. Low near minus 14.
Sunday..Variable cloudiness. High near minus 4.
Monday..Snow showers. Low near minus 10. High near minus 8. Probability of
precipitation 60 percent.
Tuesday..Intermittent snow. Low near minus 16. High near minus 7.
Wednesday..Snow. Low near minus 9. High near minus 7. Normals for the period..Low
minus 18. High minus 8.
Last night I dropped by the bar at the St-Louis Hotel for ten minutes, and took a few photos of owner Nancy, waitress Jennifer, and Meo the security gaurd.
There were a few boys there from N.Y. having a good time. "We are staying in St-Donat. The trail over to St-Zenon was smooth and passable, with a few rocks here and there, but you guys need more snow."
I agreed, but reminded him that many of our loops to the north are still very nice, as they have had less traffic. Plus, the forecast says we'll get some snow soon.
Do the snow dance. zw
New Photos
PS: Enjoying this web site today?
Find Yourself reading it daily? Why not send us a mini donation of $5.00 usd.
It would really help. Just click on the Pay Pal button here! Why Not? It will
help Zen pay for the server, the computer, the soft ware etc etc.... :) Thanks.
Text Forecast from Environment Canada
Parc du Mont-Tremblant - Saint-Michel-des-Saints: Issued 05:00 AM est Saturday
4 January 2003
Today..Cloudy. Chance of very light flurries. High near minus 7.
Tonight..Variable cloudiness. Low near minus 14.
Sunday..Variable cloudiness. High near minus 4.
Monday..Snow showers. Low near minus 10. High near minus 8. Probability of
precipitation 60 percent.
Tuesday..Intermittent snow. Low near minus 16. High near minus 7.
Wednesday..Snow. Low near minus 9. High near minus 7. Normals for the period..Low
minus 18. High minus 8.
Friday Jan34th
St. Zenon: -10C of +15 F. Some flurries today. In the region the snow forecast has changed...
Text Forecast from Environment Canada
Parc du Mont-Tremblant - Saint-Michel-des-Saints: Issued 05:00 AM est Friday
3 January 2003
Today..Cloudy. Chance of very light flurries. High near minus 7.
Tonight..A few flurries. Low near minus 13.
Saturday..Very light flurries. High near minus 7.
Sunday..Clear periods. Low near minus 13. High near minus 5.
Monday..Snow. Low near minus 8. High near minus 6.
Tuesday..Sunny. Low near minus 16. High near minus 11. Normals for the period..Low
minus 18. High minus 8.
What is a Perfect Trail...?
I have been getting e-mails that say
" I am waiting for the perfect trails Zen... are the trails perfect yet?"
But... "perfect trails" are
not the same for everyone, it is a relative term.
For a novice, who lives in Delaware, "perfect trails" will mean
one thing, and for a veteran snowmobiler who lives in Indian Lake N.Y., it
will mean something totally different. For the guys who prefer grass drags...
etc.
So when you ask me if the trails are perfect, and that you will not come up until they are perfect, well, I can't really answer you.
The state of "Perfect Trails"
is one which resides in the mind of the sledder. And besides, the weather
worn snowmobile veteran knows, that God only gives you that "perfect
trail" on special occasions, that's what makes those days so excellent.
Most of the time, you go through the motions; investigate the weather, talk
to trusted friends about conditions, consult the maps, pack the trailer, take
time off work, negotiate with the family, hit the cash machine at the bank,
drive for hours, and then finally... ride.
Snowmobiling is not for the frightened little guy or gal who needs perfect trails. It is a sport for the gutsy, ballsy, adventurous spirits, who abound with optimism, energy, and courage.
Having said all that... allow me to
invite you to visit our region.
We have an excellent base due to the skills of our local club's groomer, (nine
of them), and due to their trail making skills in the summer months. Over
1,000 kms of trails that roll through small villages, parks, and vast expanses
of logging country.
We do need more snow, and they have
promised it. Near the villages, St-Come, St-Emily, St-Damien, St-Zenon, St-Donat,
St-Michel etc, you may see a few icy spots, and the occasional potatoe, but
out their on the loops, you will find some excellent riding, and by that I
mean, well groomed trails. 150 to 200 miles a day, is easily done.
So, Like St-Donat Sarah always says, Start Prayin' and do the Snow Dance,
and maybe one day, you'll get your Perfect Trails.
Cheers.
A long winded zw.
PS: I enjoyed a wonderful sea food tortiere last night in the family dining room at Real Masse. The feeling of hospitality I got there touched me deeply, and I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Mr Masse and his family.
I have tons of photos for you, and
a police report, but I have to go to the hospital today for x-rays, I have
been having trouble walking. (ouch)?????? Old age creeping eh? Something is
wrong with my right knee. zw
PPS: Over 2,500 unique visitors to ZW yesterday, that's a record. Thank you!
Index
Menu
Photos
RealMasse
New Bulletin Board on Trail Conditions!
Jan 2 2003
St.:Zenon : 8 AM. I just got a call from the Refuge, everyone is having breakfast
and being served on hand and foot! They are loving it. They were all riding
on the lake last night.
Cold here this morning-20C or -3 F. Sky looks clear. Shd be another good day.
Chance of flurries Friday, then snow Sat, Sun, and Mon. Pray this comes true!
The Bistro Steak House was packed last night, and I took the Indiana folks
over there for a good feed. Anne works there now and she was very sweet as
usual. It was nice. Have a good one.
zw
Main Menu
Trail Conditions Board
DIscussion Board
Weather
Jan 1 2003
St. Donat. Hi, Sarah has a new report,
go see it now.
SARAH HERE
Jan 1 2003
Good Morning
St-Zenon New Years day 1:15 PM
Sunny, - 10 C, some light flurries earlier. Snow is being predicted for Friday
Saturday, and Sunday.
I had breakfast at the old Saw Mill
in St-Michel-des-Saints, with three big guys from Connecticut.
"We spent two nights at Real Masse and two nights here at the Saw Mill
Motel. Both places were excellent, good beds, clean rooms, and excellent food.
"Real Masse is really a class act. That guy has class!" said John
V. from Glastonbury CT. He has been coming up here since 1984 and rides about
2,500 miles a year. "Apart from the occasional potatoe and a few icy
spots, the trails are really good, and there are no bear patches."
"We rode 140, 150 miles a day so far, and now we have to go back to work
this morning!"
They say the 33 is really closed, but they got around it anyways, but got off the trail to do it. They did several other big loops successfully. Their group also included Mike W. and Lloyd F., both from South Windor.
Kent at the Refuge says he is very happy riding with his wife and two kids, there is no traffic, everyone else went home. They ride every day, and are racking up the miles.
I assume the club is grooming steady, sure would be nice if they would call me once in a while to give me an update, but they do not. Good thing all you riders tell me what is happening out there.
And speaking of that, all of you that just went home... Please go onto the new bulletin board and write your comments so others can hear about your riding in Quebec! CLICK HERE NOW.
PS: Like this web site? Tell a friend. When you come to Quebec, be sure to tell the motels and restaurants that serve you, that you think ZW is a good thing. Who knows, we may even convince a few in the new year!
Menu Here
Yesterdays photos here.
zw
zenwaiter@canada.com
Dec 2002 Archived Comments HERE