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.

Spring skiing

In what was likely the last ski of the season, Bryan, Ken and I set out from P10 at about 10:30 for some spring skiing. As we made our way up the Fortune Parkway it seemed as though we had our own personal groomers as we were passed twice by two grooming machines. The freshly groomed tracks ranged from icy to soft to downright slush and they progressed towards the latter as the day progressed. But how could one complain when out skiing in shorts and thin fleece with the temps above 10C?

We headed up Ridge road, stopping briefly at Shilly shally and Huron before settling in a Brulé lookout where we had our pick of the picnic tables that were buried under snow the last time I was there. No woodstove to toast our sandwiches but a gentle breeze and warm sun. The occasional skier passed below on the Champlain parkway that was mostly pavement. There was a thin ribbon of snow about 2 feet wide! After lunch and some beverages, Ken announced that he was returning to work. Was he getting paid to ski?

Bryan and I then headed west. We went first to Champlain lookout which was bare pavement and the view along the escarpment showed no evidence of snow. We then continued to Western cabin. The trail there ended about 30 yards from the cabin, just past the duct taped ICE sign. We enjoyed a half hour sitting out back before setting out for P10. The trails were softer but still skiable and that last 2K down the parkway was more effort than normal but still a sweet way to end a ski day.

This was a great day and a great way to end a ski season that was four months long by my count! OK, now to plan my assault on the 46er patch!

Shoulda brought my skates

One place I had not yet been in Gatineau Park this winter was Western cabin. Given the sunny warm day forecast I headed up there to take in the view from the bench behind the cabin. Western sits right on the western edge of the escarpment with a sweet view of the Ottawa river valley. A prime spot to sit and take in some rays on a sunny spring day.

While it has been springlike and the day was warm and sunny, the trails were crusty and slick. I took the direct approach from P12 and headed up the black trail. On the steepest sections I decided to take off my skis and walk up which was much faster (and an early warm up for hiking season). The only sections of trail that were not icy were those exposed to direct sunlight and no wind. I found myself gliding on parts that looked flat with little or no effort. On the short trail heading down to Western there was a tree limb across the trail to stop people as the last 50 yards were sheer ice. Yet again I did a little walking.

A relaxing half hour on the bench behind the hut enjoying my toasted sandwich and watching a chipmunk run around digging up nuts. The ride back to P12 was exciting. Great care was taken to try to not build up too much speed as the crust was not much help when trying to slow down. A potential crisis was narrowly averted near the end as my skis could not agree on which way to go but I managed to gather them back up just in time and use a "run off lane".

A great day to be out but I think I will choose some flatter terrain for tomorrow or do some hiking instead.

P7 to Western cabin

More SNOW!! On Wednesday night through Thursday we got another 10-15cm of new snow! Bryan and I had Friday off and were headed to the last cabin in the park that I had yet to visit, Western. Western is a small cabin that sits on the edge of the Eardley escarpment so it is best to visit on a nice sunny day and hope that not a lot of other people have the same idea in mind

We started out from P7 and the long steady climb wakes you up and reminds you that you earn the quick ride back to the parking lot. We went along the Ridge road as far as Fortune Parkway and passed many distance markers that had been posted for this weekend's Keskinada Loppet. We headed up the parkways to enjoy the views from the lookouts, Huron and Champlain. There was a cold wind but a nice clear view from both lookouts, especially from Champlain.

We took the shortcut to Western on trail 9. This trail is narrow and could be quite hairy with less snow but with the deep powder it was a gentle roller coaster ride with soft landings on both sides should the need arise. There were a million school kids at the cabin but they were "just leaving". We enjoyed the view, warmed up and had a nice lunch of toasted sandwich and a can of beer.

The ride back was fun with several exciting downhills. The highlight for sure was the last section at the end of ridge road. We were filming each otherand Bryan had a near collision with a crowd that got to the bottom of suicide hill at the worst possible moment. Not a good spot to adjust your wax, people! Luckily no one got hurt and everyone made it home safe! A super day to be out skiing in Gatineau park!