Spring ski to Champlain lookout

Went for a spring ski yesterday from P10 to Champlain lookout. Snow was "sticky" which helped a lot on the uphill part of the Fortune Parkway. It started out cloudy but the sun came out and made for a great day of spring xc skiing.

More pics

Lookouts loop

Another after work ski. Melting was more evident although there is still lots of snow. The track alternated icy or sticky depending on shading from the sun. Poling was the way to move and a great arm workout. I stopped for a nice break at Champlain before heading back to the car. The descent was pretty fast as the track had iced up by then. Hoping to be able to get out again next week!

Sunset at the lookouts

With warmer weather and no snow in the future forecast I decided to head out for an after work ski. I headed to P10 and then skied to Champlain lookout via Huron cabin. The view was great as the setting sun was getting low in the western sky. On the way back via the Champlain Parkway and Huron lookout I stopped a couple of times to take more photos. The conditions were quite slick but just about right for the waxless skis. Not so great going up parts like Khyber Pass but awesome for double poling on flats and coasting down hills. On the way home there were more great views of the sun setting from the Ottawa river parkway. Best to get out and enjoy the snow while it is here!

Lunch at Western

After a weekend out of town I took Monday off to stretch my legs and join the otherwise unemployed (retirees) on the ski trails. I figured P7 to Western via Ridge road would be a good trip. A bit of climbing to start and then rolling hills the rest of the way. I had the option of stopping at any one of three other cabins along the way but stuck to my original choice. Western is in a prime spot, nestled on the western edge of the escarpment with a nice bench behind it for those warmer sunny spring days. It was a shame none of my sometimes ski buddies had come out today as I aced the downhill approach with some sweet slalom turns and a sharp stop right in front of the ski rack. As I entered I was slightly bummed that the fire in the woodstove was out but then I remembered that my sandwich was not wrapped in foil anyhow. A nice day to be out, can't wait til I am one of the retirees cruising this neighborhood every day.

Winter...you're back!!

First ski outing of the season. There has been snow in Gatineau Park for several weeks but Wednesday's dump of 30-40 cms sealed the deal. I headed for P10 and although I had not bought my pass I got by with a "forgot it at home". I like skiing from this parking lot because at the end of the day you get an effortless cruise of 2 kilometres down the hill. I made a nice loop up the Fortune parkway and Ridge road to the Champlain Lookout and then back via the Champlain Parkway and the Fortune Parkway.

As per usual with the first xc ski of the year, several muscles groups announced their displeasure with this "new" activity but no permanent damage was done. It was a nice sunny day albeit quite cold until I started back towards the car. It was cold enough that I got an ice cream headache on the descent but I am guessing the people on their way up would not have been sympathetic. I stopped in at the visitors centre on the way home to get my pass.

Spring vs Winter

I drove up to Gatineau park after work to get the May long weekend off to a start and also to visit some spots that I had skied to in the winter to compare the views. Things look quite different when buried under several feet of snow and with no leaves in the trees you can see further in all directions.

Brulé lookout:


Buried picnic tables at Brulé lookout:


Champlain lookout:


I'm glad I didn't plan on a hike or bike as the bugs were swarming as I sat on the ledge at Champlain Lookout and did some contemplating.

Coming soon, some Adirondack trip reports!

Champlain Lookout

They let us go at work today at noon and I was packed and ready. Drove straight to P10 and luckily found a spot after a five minute wait. Conditions were again real nice and the sun was even peeking out from time to time. Half way up the hill I met a woman skiing with no wax on her skis. She said the waxing clinic is this Wednesday!! I headed straight to the Champlain Parkway and then up to Champlain Lookout. There was a nice view of the Ottawa River valley and along the escarpment while the sun was out. It was warm enough to stay there for about 15 minutes. Then I headed back along Ridge road to Huron for the usual toasted sandwich lunch. The return as usual is mostly downhill with some fun chutes and effortless gliding.

This has been the best December EVER!!