This is the second day of our trip in Lanaudière. When we leave in the morning, the temperature is -25°C, -36°C with wind chill, but it’s sunny. Our destination is the relay of Pourvoirie Coin Lavigne. To get there, we will ride on trail # 33. We must ride downtown Saint-Donat to reach the trail that will lead us to our final destination, L’Auberge du Lac Taureau. Signs in downtown Saint-Donat are so remarkable that you can’t get lost.
As we reach the trail, we see the ski slopes of Saint-Donat overlooking the village. From the trail, we feel so small in front of that huge mountain upon us. What a feeling ! The trail is magnificent, mostly under the cold weather that gives a more stable surface. On our way, we stop often to immortalize in photos the beauty of the mountains. We get a feeling of freedom from being in the middle of such big mountains and it confirms that in winter, the scenery is different, nature shows another side of itself. And this natural richness is so close, it’s up to us to explore it all. I still get chills when I talk about it.
Trail with a nice view
After taking photos, we get back on the mountain trail. We must ride carefully in curves and abrupt descent. However, the trail is not dangerous because it is properly marked. After riding 68 km, we arrive at the Pourvoirie Coin Lavigne, a welcoming relay to rest for a while. The indoor fireplace warms us up before we get to our destination for lunch. Here, I ask Mrs Hélène Bérubé, a very sympathetic employee, if there is any consequence to the fact that the trail does not run in the Parc du Mont-Tremblant anymore. She says that on week days, less snowmobilers stop at the relay, because before, many of them rode back and forth for supper in Saint-Donat or Saint-Michel-des-Saints. The distance is longer with the new trail and the impact is significant during week days. She says finally that at any other time, the relay is very busy.
Snowmobile trail that cross the mountains
After a short rest, we leave for Saint-Zénon to reach the relay at the Auberge du Cabanon, where we plan to have a good lunch. On the premises, we meet the owner, Mr Denis Hénault. During the meal, we talk about the maintenance of the trails in his sector. He says that he has a great team of pilots who take very good care of the trails, as we effectively could see when we were coming. The signs are excellent and services are located only a few kilometers apart. Time goes fast and we ride towards Saint-Michel-des-Saints. The trail is like a carpet, in a mountainous terrain. There are lots of curves, but they are easy to negotiate. We can find all services in Saint-Michel-des-Saints : restaurants, snowmobile repair shop, accomodations. Then, we ride to L’Auberge du Lac Taureau. With the sun at the horizon and this huge reservoir, it is like in a snowy desert surrounded by cottages. It takes only a few minutes to reach our destination. I see that wonderful log inn that overlooks the lake. What beauty ! We take many photos with the setting sun in the background. It’s not the first time I capture such photos, but each time, they are unique.
Réservoir du lac Taureau
L’Auberge du Lac Taureau
We store our snowmobiles in a safe place and then, we receive the keys to our rooms. The indoor walls of the reception desk are made of natural wood while the beams are made of solid wood. We have warm country style rooms. We go swimming in the pool and relaxing in the whirlpool. Then, we have a great meal in the dining room with a view on the lake. Service is excellent, food is delicious and a good wine completes this feast. Take note that on the premises, many winter activities are available.
After a good night sleep and a breakfast buffet, we leave again to discover Lanaudière, specially Saint-Jean-de-Matha and its surroundings. I will tell you all about it in the next and final article of my trip in the beautiful region of Lanaudière. For more informations, please visit www.lactaureau.com . To be followed next week.
