Tag Archives: ski du fonds

Random thoughts about what we are doing

Ski de Fond de Tadoussac

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Where last year I had to walk a full, onerous and exhausting 200 yards to get to Lac St. Louis for cross country skiing, in Tadoussac the trails go right across our property so I have a choice of walking out the front door, or the back door. One way takes me down the private road to O’Neil’s, and into the woods, and the other way takes me down the path to O’Neil’s, and into the woods. And on windy days, which are many, the woods is the best place to be.
The set trails are not long, but that’s just as well as a volunteer does the work, but can only qualify if s/he owns his/her own snowmobile to pull the track-setter. This year that has been done with great regularity even though there hasn’t been nearly as much snow as usual.
The best thing has been the tremendous views from the top of the clay cliffs (and the sand dunes if you carry on off the official ski trails through the settlement and on to snowmobile tracks.) The worst thing has been that the lack of snow and frequent high winds tend to send spruce branches down on to the trail, and clay dust near the cliffs, which makes for stickiness under foot.
At the end of another day of wood work as the house nears completion, there’s nothing like an hour’s ski to clear the sawdust from my lungs, not to mention from between my ears.
Here are some pics.

While the trails have been set all winter new maps only appeared in March. At last I can find my way home!
While the trails have been set all winter new maps only appeared in March. At last I can find my way home!
That's me pictured at the bottom.
That’s me pictured at the bottom.
Al Stairs enjoying one of the best views at the edge of the clay cliffs.
Al Stairs enjoying one of the best views at the edge of the clay cliffs.
It is spectacular though the dogs cause heart attacks by traipsing casually along the overhanging edges.
It is spectacular though the dogs cause heart attacks by traipsing casually along the overhanging edges.
Clay dust blown on to the trail is a drag.
Clay dust blown on to the trail is a drag.
Some places are so windswept you have to walk to the edge for the best view.
Some places are so windswept you have to walk to the edge for the best view.
This is where we always get caught by the tide when walking back from the dunes.
This is where we always get caught by the tide when walking back from the dunes.
This is the base of the small dunes. Get too close to the edge and the ice will take you straight to the bottom!
This is the base of the small dunes. Get too close to the edge and the ice will take you straight to the bottom!
More ice.
More ice.
Lovely cedar woods along the south edge of the farm.
Lovely cedar woods along the south edge of the farm.
Ella likes to follow to get the best trail but...
Ella likes to follow to get the best trail but…
...it's the lead dog that always gets the best view!
…it’s the lead dog that always gets the best view!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few years ago I found that there were also trails up on top of the upper dunes and I understand there are better trails down around Les Bergeronnes but I really haven’t made time this year to check those out.  There’s always more to find out about.

Alan