Great Escape Winter 2022 | Page 12

areas of west Monts-Valin and conditions

having fun . It wouldn ’ t do the trip justice

were great . With plenty of sun , it was

to claim I could describe in detail every

smooth sailing for the remainder of us .

crevice of the Quebec countryside , but

The trail was a few lanes wide most of the

its natural amenities offer more than

time , with some spurts that would open

enough to please everyone at once .

up into wide-open but well-marked fields

Around 3:30 p . m . we arrived at the

of seemingly endless fluff . Hard-packed

Auberge Presbytere . The architecture

trails had clearly been groomed nice , and

of the building was again modest , and

throughout the day we would come across

drew memories from a time now past .

The Gourmet Tour offered a nightly menu of regional cuisines that were flavorful and varied , including different locally sourced meats and cheeses accompanied by handmade desserts and bread .

a couple more groomers hard at work . For lunch we stopped at a local relais or “ Inn .” The place was a small

The house was originally owned by the preacher of the town , but has since been repurposed into the lodging that would

clubhouse-type lodge that also had a

accommodate us on this night .

gas fireplace and a large TV on the wall

There were a handful of rooms up-

showing news and sports highlights .

stairs , with a reception and basement res-

The menu included staple pitstop foods

taurant / bar known as “ the confessional .”

of sandwiches , soups , pizza and other

As we sat around a crackling fire

hot and greasy foods . On this break I

we enjoyed hors d ’ oeuvres of local sau-

for the day of riding under sunny skies ,

opted for a classic combination of poutine , pizza and a Pepsi .

sages and cheese while we recanted stories from a trip that was now near-

It began with a beautiful sunrise over the

we would yet again be graced by a bit of

After a brief gas stop to ensure that

ing its end no matter how many miles

Auberge Caracajou . The all-wood rooms ,

bad luck . About 10 miles headed west on

our sleds would be three-quarters full

were left . The three-course meal that

which had no TVs , allowed the building

Trail 328 toward the town of Saint David de

for the final morning , the next stretch

night was excellent yet again , and for

to have a quiet echo that mimicked the

Falardeaud Denny began to notice excessive

followed long open fields that allowed us

me included cream of potato soup with

calm outside .

exhaust coming from his sled .

to really air out the sleds a bit and feel

the house specialty “ wapiti ” ( elk ) stew

We were provided a homemade break-

After discussions in town and with the

light again with such a full stomach .

and some of the finest mashed potatoes

fast of oatmeal with fresh fruits , omelets

advice of friendly onlookers , we decided to

In a wide-open field we came across

I have had in a long time ( and of course

and crepes by a lovely hostess who was

call a local repairman who would tow the

what appeared to be a woman snow-

fresh bread ). As dessert we were of-

more than delighted to , “ practice her

sled to his shop and Denny would meet us

shoeing . With a wide wave and a smile ,

fered chocolate cake .

English with us ” as well as share photos

later on in the evening .

it was a joy to see her happy to see us

It was an early night – much like it

of her husky dogs .

We continued our journey on Trail 328

while enjoying her own hobbies . The sun

was for most of the trip – with one leg of

With spirits up and excitement high

over Shipshaw River into the less traveled

was shining for all of us , and we were all

the journey left in the morning ,