53 WINTER 2020 ISSUE 02 / VOL . 01

SNOWGOER . COM 54

At a trail junction , we stopped to chat with three riders who were just beginning a multi-day saddlebag trip to the far-off town of Hearst . When we were ready to get underway again , Bill ’ s Ski-Doo refused to start .

After puzzling over the problem , he removed the side panel , pulled out an emergency starting strap , wound it around the drive clutch and gave it a yank , bringing the Rotax engine to life . Instead of needing to tow , we were on our way once more .

After pausing briefly at a high point to survey the view eastward toward distant Lake Temiskaming , we then made a twisting descent over several miles to the water ’ s edge where a vast expanse of ice stretched before us with the province of Quebec beyond . Like the river , the ice was covered with shallow puddles and occasional patches of snow , so keeping our speed down was advisable to maintain stability .

The region around this large body of water is full of geological wonders . The lake – which is situated over a fault in the earth ’ s crust – is large ( 114 square miles ) and deep ( 709 feet ). Despite being just several miles apart , the contrast between shorelines is remarkable . Our triangular journey over the ice allowed us to behold several natural attractions and a uniquely memorable man-made one .