Copy/Repost Hike

J’adore….  (L~O~V~E)….  Québec!  

Every year I make a point of taking a vacation the week that summer ends and fall begins.  It’s a truly special time of year and I have almost always had excellent weather and this week was no exception.  I had planned on posting this many weeks before but due to a hectic schedule (that yielded wonderful changes for my immediate future) I only posted once my itinerary for the week was clear.

I arrived at the cottage on a beautiful sunny and hot Sunday afternoon but first stopping in Montréal to lunch with my Uncle Gaétan.  We caught up and enjoyed a brilliant meal at a local diner.  We made our way to the local Metro-Plus on Ste-Catherine Est where I loaded up with food and wine.  I bid adieu to my uncle and set off for Saint-Hippolyte.

Those who know me well won’t be surprised… I immediately settled in, stripped, and went for the longest swim – the water – Délicieux – skinny dipping – Simplement le meilleur !!  I included a few photos of the cottage, including my canoe excursion on the lake, but the planned GO events were hiking later in the week.  The cottage is private, the neighbors non-existent, the lake was mine to indulge in.

During the week I caught up with my parents.  We met for lunch but I soon headed back to the cottage for…. you guessed it… SKINNY DIPPING.   My parents headed north to Montmagny for their next music fesitval.  Aside from this jaunt, I spent Sunday to Wednesday lake side, relaxing, napping in the hammock, swimming and reading – all quite indulgent really.  Thursday the weather wasn’t so great so I made a point of replenishing the food and wine and visiting model homes.  Some of you know I have a big dream and it’s alive and well.  I try and take one day to fulfill some business to advance the cause.

Sadly the timing of my GO events didn’t yield any participants – most likely in part because Montréal was hosting it’s marathan that Sunday and I didn’t post until the Monday before.  I was hoping to meet some Canadian GO members but on this trip it was not to be.  I wasn’t deterred, I carried on with my agenda.  Soleil was fully acclimated to the cottage and I could trust leaving her for the better part of the day so Friday and Saturday I set off to hike.  Friday was Mont-Tremblant.  At 875 meters it’s a hearty hike but not the most strenuous.  I went up the Grande Brûlé and down the Caps trails, about 10km total.  It was very quiet for a stunning Friday – but I suspect the Marathan had lots to do with that.  At the summit tourists were in good numbers, but they came up the Télécabine Panormique.  What I love about hiking Tremblant is the end – La Tire sur La Neige – Maple Taffy, pictures included, a nice treat and well deserved after expending the energy.

Saturday I kicked up the adventure side of the equation.  Enough with tourist destinations – it was time to find a place deeper in the forest and off the beaten path.  I read with interest about Le Sentier National au Québec as well as devouring the list of 1,000 meter summits (http://www.peakbagger.com/list.aspx?lid=21155).  I settled for Mont Kaaïkop in Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides.  This hike had a personal element to it and I was eager to really test my strength at hiking solo in a remote region.  The trail head is located on Chemin de Lac Legault at L’Auberge de Plein Air, L’interval.  L’interval is a campground and hostel where you can stay and hike from while enjoying Lac Legault, canoeing or kayaking.  At 838 meters this summit represented a moderate hike like Mont Tremblant but one that rewarded with a stunning view overlooking a vast wilderness. On such a clear day I had Mont Tremblant in my sights to the north. I was able to identify le village de Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides looking southward, birth place of my father, resting place of my grand parents Romuald and Rose-Emma and great grand parents Pierre et Victoire.  It was special and I took in the moment.  Population of Sainte-Lucie today: approximately 1,250 - tiny and rural – Just imagine what life must have been like in 1898 when Pierre et Victoire took up residency.  I chose to hike up to the summit first, take in the views, then carry on the rest of the day walking the ridge along Le Grand Tour.  It’s a loop hike but you have to return along the dirt road which isn’t maintained in the winter.  Total hike was 16 km with a detour to Lac Lemieux and Le Refuge Paul Perrault – a cabin which it turns out is along le Sentier National des Laurentides.  I lunched lakeside, rabbit and white wine paté, croissante and fresh tomato’s from a local farmers market.  My end photos include photos of Lac Legault and the ridge hike.  Lac Lemieux is on the other side, down a kilometer or so.

I learned alot about hiking in Quebec and the gears began to turn.  I know I would love to return to overnight at Le Refuge in the winter – we’ll see – it’s a long way to go for an overnight but the adventure would be well worth it.  I could have added 8km round trip by summiting Mont Ouareau but it wasn’t shown on my map despite the clear trail and trail blazes.  The day was getting along so I opted to stick to my original plan and hike out from Lac Lemieux.  Along the walk back to the car I spotted a clear footprint in the sand and so I snapped a photo – not sure what it is.  Where there is water there is wildlife - a clear sign that nature is in abundance!

Saying aurevoir l’été and bienvenu l’automne is what this trip is all about.  I indulged in every way possible.  Next year I’ll have my act together and be more proactive in organizing some excellent hiking and hope to have some GO members join me.  Nothing beats returning to the cottage after a great day in the woods to splash in the cooling waters as summer gives way to fall.  Dinner, drinks and campfire, what’s not to love!  Cheers mates – see you on the trails!

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