As every year, we went to Baluchon in Mauricie for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
This year, we rested 2 nights at the Queen Elizabeth and have been supported by
Luce and Denis,Montreal friends
with whom we befriended during our stay in Sanibel, Florida.
We recommend the Hotel Queen Elizabeth for his
situation because we arrive at the
station directly with the elevator.
Friday,january 23 2009
tel 819 268 2555 and 1 800 789 5968
We took the train on friday morning to ST. Paulin where we had the great pleasure of being waited by our friend
Line who led us directly to our room Number 404 with the fire in the fireplace and a welcome gift for everyone.
Overtime, we felt part of the family. The welcome is warm.
 "Auberge de l'archipel" where we stay |
 "Auberge de la Rivière" |
 the wooden path used morning and evening |
 the wooden path used morning and evening |
saturday january 24 2009
Quebec has experienced very low temperatures this year and for our arrival, our friend Nancy, the Director of Central Reservation
advised ud to walk in snowshoes path of the "Archipel" (9km).
Denis had prepared hours crossing of the space station above the Baluchon and we very well observed before returning to the restaurant
At dinner, we had the pleasure of being served by Nelly which was to retire and we did not expect to see her this year.
Today the
temperature was -21.5 ° celsius.
 Activities center |
 walk in snowshoes |
Sunday January 25 2009
At sunrise, the thermometer is -30° celsius and after swallowing 1 croissant and 1 muffin, we're off for 5Km walk
along the ice skating rink. It is very cold!!!!!
After we went to brunch, then we headed towards the center of activities where we met John and Lina. It was even colder and we felt better
again walking along the ice skating rink. On our return, we were surprised to see Rachel and Claude, who without warning, have reserved
a roomin front of us until Friday. We went to dinner every 6 to 17:30 and stayed at the table until 20H.
 heaters are placed along the ice each week-end |
 the end of the rink with a cabin to rest |
Monday January 26 2009
Today at 7:30 AM, it was -36,2° celsius. After breakfast, we went skiing with Lina and John.We made the runway
of New France whith them, and have rebuilt both. It was -18 °. We spent a pleasant evening at the restaurant.
Jean and Claude have both studied at Montreal St. Louis college.
At 17H20, we all watched the space station.
Lina, Anny, Rachel, Jean, Claude and Charles
Tuesday January 27 2009
Today at 7:30 -27 °celsius. Lina and Jean left us about
12:30. After we made the 8Km4 skiing trail of the "archipel"
Wednesday january 28 2009
Today at 7:30 -15° celsius. We found Luce Denis at 13H at the center of activity.
It snowed all day and we made the walk along the rink.
Thursday january 29 2009
Today at 7:30 -14 ° celsius. In the morning, we accompanied Luce and Denis at the ice rink.
We made the trail down the island on snowshoes. Very nice view of New France.
 Denis and Luce on skates |
 nice view of New France |
|
snowy landscape |
snowy landscape |
Friday January 30 2009
Today at 7:30 -11 ° celsius. Out of 2 Quebec's couples after breakfast. We went to say goodbye to Line
and after we did a cross-country skiing trails on the bottom and top of the
island.
 snow along the river Loup |
 snow along the river Loup |
|
The river Loup |
observatory along the river |
Saturday January 31 2009
Baluchon's Reception and Restaurant
Today at 7:30 -13 ° celsius. We have done cross country Ski with 4 times the track of the new France.
It is always a pleasure to see the snow in the trees
Sunday February 1st 2009
We said goodbye to Jeannine who served the brunch in the hall of New France with the french typical costume.
.
We took the train with 20 minutes late and we arrived 35 minutes late.
Jeannine on the left
Monday February 2 2009
We found our friends in Montreal, Luce, Lina, Jean and Denis and spent a day together with an
aperitif to Lina and John house and lunch at the restaurant "Les Menus Plaisirs" Ste Rose de Laval.
We went back to Lina and Jean to taste a Sicilian liquor and have tea with treas prepared by Lina.
In return, Denis showed us the heights of Montreal.
our friends from Montreal in John and Lina apartment
Tuesday February 3 2009
Wednesday February 4 2009
Luce and Denis came to take us at 10 AM. They took us to shop Sport "la Cordée",the best place to buy sportswear.
They took us to Schwartz, 3895 Boulevard St. Laurent,where he must eat the famous Smoked Meat.
(http://www.schwartzsdeli.com).
After Luce wanted us to bring bagels from the store Fairmount Bagel, 74
Fairmount West.
It was delicious.
