No Entry to Canada because of DUI Years Ago??

Hi Zen, My name is Bob and I have been coming to Canada about 10 years. I was coming up this week for my first trip this year. When I got to the boarder with my passport I was asked to go inside to immigration. They ran a background check on me and found out I had a DUI 13 years ago and one 20 years ago and they would not let me into Canada. So I turned around and made the 6 hour drive back home. I would like to know if there is anything I can do to get back up there this year. I did some research and found out how to apply for re-entry but that will take weeks. The season will be long gone.

What a shame that Canada needs to be this way. I am wondering to myself if they are discouraging tourism? I am not a world traveler but I have been outside the states from time to time and this was the first time this has ever happened. How was I supposed to even know about this law? What's going on? Thanks for any feed back. Bob

Bob- Thanks for the mail. This is a situation that I have heard about over and over again this winter. The government bureaucrats have nothing better to do it seems, than to try and destroy what is left of this horrible NO SNOW season we have had in Canada. We have enough problems as it is without having these assholes at the border, small minded power tripping rent a cops (that are now asking for guns). It makes me sick.

In years past, they would sometimes allow you to come in IF YOU PAID a special fee of 300. bucks! What a rip off. Anyways, it makes me sick. Now they are turning you guys away totally out of hand, I think it may be in retaliation for George Bushes Homeland Security bullshit - Now it is more difficult to travel between the two countries all around.

Hey, if I was a terrorist, do you think some Bozo - Rent a Cop looser at the border would stop me from getting in? Not at all. A professional terrorist has his shit together man - he knows how to fool an idiot at the border- this will not keep him out. And to attack decent fun loving snowmobilers really pisses me off.

You will have to obtain a PARDON from the Canadian government to travel across the border. This may take over a year to obtain, and you may have to hire a lawyer. Over the years we have had many stories with all the details, appear on our ZW web site, detailing what you have to do. I think you might have some luck looking on our Boards.

It's SICK!

zw

Reader Ashamed

Zen, After looking at your site for the second year in a row and not donating; you shamed me. Rightfully so we all look to you for info stories and fun news. Thankyou for the nudge in the right direction; I just filled out my donation on paypal and you should be getting a notice soon if you haven't already. All right now down to the second most important part of this e-mail.

Can you give me the list of clubs or phone #s or a real trail report concerning all trails surrounding Lac Taureau and St. Michel. I am getting very conflicting reports.......what is a medium winter for you guys and medium trails are 100% for those of us use to New York trail conditions. I would like to know how trail 33/ trail345/ trail 318 .....and 343 are? Thanks again for doing what you do so well, Dan

Hey Dan! Thanks for the REAL comments! I appreciate it - just knowing that the silent majority are still actually out there is helpful. Sometimes when I see the huge numbers of folks that pass through, I think this work I do, from 7 am till 1 am 7 days a week... I feel I should somehow be earning a living.

For your answer, look under the eyeball, and click on NEED A ROOM. Once there, click on one of the two sponsors, Real or Chute. Call them on their 1-800 lines, and ask them - they will be honest, I gaurantee it.

From what I hear, the trails are damn thin on snow, but easily ridable. Guys from NY know this is not the perfect season, but they are still haveing a blast. The lakes and ground are froze solid. Watch for potaoes and ice in the cornere. Get up and ride early to get the best conditions - be on trails at 7 am, and go north. all thrails are groomed.

Jan 17 - 2007 - E-Mail of the Week!

Hey Zen, Hello, this is Amy from Madison Township PA. We met at the Big East Show in Syracuse this year; there were 8 of us all cousins all Arctic Cat fans. You posted our pic on the website. We are friends of Denny at La Chute; in fact Denny e-mailed me to tell me we were on the front page of your site.

I sent a small donation earlier this month and I just got your hand written letter. I hope the flu has left you and the snow is coming in Mossbank SK! My husband and I both appreciate the letter from you. We have been riding only a few years and love Quebec and the great friends we make and visit each year. It is so nice to know you too!

My brother and I were talking today about trail conditions and I mentioned your handwritten letter and he said to send you $50.00. Please list today’s donation on my Pay Pal account as Mark Stout, Madison Township PA. He loves your site and says Hello.

I know how much you love the sport and many good people like you are trying to keep the trails open and the crime down. We really appreciate all that you do and are happy to have made your acquaintance. Maybe next year we can come to QC twice and see Denis one trip and go to 100 lakes and see JP on the next visit.

Your commitment to honest reporting makes each trip more enjoyable and satisfying. Many thanks and good health! Amy and friends.

Amy, I am in love! Yes I still have "walking pneumonia" but I am on anti b's so I hope o be fine soon. Your letter is the reason I continue this nutty web site year after year! THANKS XOXOX ZEN

Feb 4 2006

Well Zen : We finally made our trip to Quebec this season. Mont Laurier to
Real Masse took most of the day 270 km each way. We did stay at real masse ,
great choice. As you noted great food and good accomodation . Lots of
snowmobiles, lots of Americans. Trails were hit and miss, some good,some not
so good. Anyways for the most part they were much better than the trails we
are getting in Southern Ontario thid winter.

Have you had the oppurtunity to ride in Ontario and write your story yet
this winter? If so where did you go and what conditions did you find?

Regards, Dan Steenhoek

(No - I rode an ATV in Mattawa in early December 05, but that was it. zw)

September 2005

Hi Jerry,
My name is Mike Natale. You probably don't remember me, but a couple of years ago I had the privilege of You at the Bistro St. Zenon. I enjoyed our encounter and still talk about it today. Thank You for putting out a great amount of effort in making your website that we all enjoy so much. I know that the world has kicked you in the teeth for being in the truth business, but thanks for being persistent and not giving up. In addition, let me offer my condolences for the deaths of your friends. I met Al many times around town, and he was always a great guy. I was shocked to learn of his death. In reading one of your update articles on the murder case I was pleased to see someone acknowledge the power of prayer. As a Christian it is refreshing to see someone do this. I couldn't help but notice though, in the following paragraph, that you stated that "occasionally, God does involve himself in the affairs of men". Please correct me if I am wrong, but this tells me that maybe you are wondering where God was when your friends were murdered. I too have been brought to grief and seemingly endless tears by the evil acts of others, and I have also asked "where is God?" at times. Last year I found out that my wife to be and long time girlfriend of eight years had slept with another man, and worst of all my own sister may have been involved in getting them together. The grief almost killed me, and I am not kidding. What brought me back to life after all of this? God did.

Let me assure You Jerry, God is very active in the affairs of men. He has a plan. We don't always understand it, or why things like the murders of Al and Danny are allowed to happen, but we all need to have the child like trust that God is good and that in the end all wrongs will be righted. Even if the men that murdered your friends are never caught in this life, God has a 100% success rate in the apprehension and judgment of wicked men who refuse his forgiveness. God is in control, even though at times our finite little minds don't understand our circumstances. Also, it is absolutely necessary for us to forgive others if we are to be forgiven by God.

Please Jerry, don't think for a minute that I am trying to preach to you. This message is being sent to you out of genuine compassion and concern for you in your difficult time. Let me share with you the contents of an outline for a message that was given at my church that has been very helpful to me in my difficult times.

HOW CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE?
I. Brief understanding of God's Providence
A. Five statements
1. He holds all things
2. He governs all events
3. He directs everything to it's appointed end
4. He does this all the time and in every circumstance
5. He does it always for His glory
II. No accidents, only incidents
A. First, God cares about the tiniest details of life
B. Second, He uses everything and wastes nothing
C. Third, God's ultimate purpose is to shape his children into the image of
Jesus Christ.(Romans 8:28)
III.A series of statements describing providence and free will
A. He is in charge of
what happens
when it happens
why it happens
and even what happens after it happens
B. This is true of
all events
in every place
From the beginning of time
C. He does this for
our good
and His glory
D. He is not the author of sin and wickedness, yet evil serves his purposes.
E. He does not violate our free will, yet it serves his purposes.
F. We are not supposed to understand all of this, we are simply supposed to believe it
IV. Three practical applications
A.Trusting God's providence frees us from bitterness.(Genesis 50:20)
B.Trusting God's providence gives us a new perspective in our tragedies.
C.Trusting God's providence gives us the courage to keep going in hard times.

Hope this helps you.
May God Bless You,
Mike

Laval cops train radar guns on speeding snowmobilers.
'Very risky' on lakes and rivers. Safety's the No. 1 concern, but club officials also warn enthusiasts to cut out the noise!

ALLISON HANES
The Gazette January 31, 2005

CREDIT: PIERRE OBENDRAUF, THE GAZETTE
A snowmobile safety campaign by police officers in Laval yesterday marked the beginning of snowmobile awareness week.

Laval police took to the city's snowmobile trails yesterday to remind enthusiasts to slow down, keep to marked pathways and stay off the ice.

The operation marked the launch of snowmobile safety week in Quebec.

But it is also part of a larger campaign to make snowmobilers aware of the potential annoyances of the popular winter pastime, said Michel Boisvert, safety director for the Club Moto-neigiste de Laval.

A class action over noise and pollution by residents who live along a highly travelled snowmobile artery in the Laurentians recently resulted in the closing of a portion the P'tit Train du Nord trail.

The court victory sent a chill through Quebec's $1.7-billion-a-year industry, raising fear that more of the province's 33,000-kilometre trail network could be shut.

Problems like recklessness and excessive noise are caused by a minority of snowmobilers, Boisvert said, but their antics taint the image of all enthusiasts.

"It's only a minority (that cause the problems.)

"It's like on the roads, where most drivers respect the law, but a few can ruin it for everyone," he said.

"We want to remind snowmobilers to slow down when they're passing houses."

Besides saving the sport, Constable Pierre Desautels of the Laval police said the primary goal of yesterday's campaign was to save lives.

"Today, we are taking the opportunity to work with people to lower the risks," Desautels said.

"It's really very risky to go on the lakes and rivers."

From 1996 and 2003, between 27 and 41 snowmobilers died in accidents each season. In 2002-2003, there were 30 deaths.

So far this season, The Gazette has reported on four snowmobile deaths.

Most fatalities are the result of speed, falling through thin ice and drunk driving, Desautels said.

Police officers unholstered their radar guns to clock snowmobilers' speed yesterday.

"We are using are radar guns to check for speed and other infractions," Desautels said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan 31 2005
Contact Ed Klim

New Folks are Discovering Snowmobiling

This has been a great snowmobiling winter thus far and it's only half way into the season! I have met more new snowmobilers on the trails and in local restaurants than any previous year. It's exhilarating to witness the enthusiasm of new snowmobilers when talking to them at the trailhead while they share their new experiences with you.

We all know the snowmobile industry is competing in the marketplace for our discretionary income. Some surveys show the number one competitor of snowmobiling is the Cruise Line industry. Many families sit around the table discussing how they will spend their discretionary income. Winter cruises are often on the list, but thankfully many folks are choosing a snowmobile, which is a healthy lifestyle investment encouraging family fun and activity for many years, not just one short week in the middle of the Caribbean.

Recently I met a group of 30-year-olds out snowmobiling for the first time. Our conversation went from snowmobiling to professional hockey. It is an interesting story as to how these young men ended up in the middle of the snow-covered northern woods having the time of their lives. The four guys I met were all hockey fanatics. They've had season tickets for professional hockey games for the past 6 years and attended every home game. While talking with them, I learned of their displeasure with the NHL "lockout", so they decided to do something else with their money during the winter. Each of the four are frustrated with the NHL. They cancelled their season tickets and went out and purchased new snowmobiles. They noted the season tickets, driving to the game, food, parking, and after game festivities cost them each a minimum of $10,000 over the Hockey season. The NHL strike and their love of the winter helped them make a common sense decision to invest their NHL budget into some brand new snowmobiles... They now spend weekends getting exercise and enjoying the great outdoors themselves - rather than watch someone else play a game.

Each of these young men were pleased with their decision and wished they had made this decision earlier. Professional sports may be good entertainment but it is getting very expensive and the entertainment value is becoming more questionable with every game. Snowmobiling provides ever-improving equipment, related services and high quality trail grooming. These ex-NHL ticket holders are now supporters of a snowmobile club, members of a snowmobile association, and converts to our great winter recreation lifestyle. They claim they will be bringing more of their non-snowmobiling friends with them in the future.

Yes the competition for the winter recreation dollar is challenging. I am happy to let folks know that winters of snowmobiling outperform a week-long cruise or sitting in a sports arena watching multi-millionaires any day!

# # #

Ed Klim
President, ISMA
1640 Haslett Road, Suite 170
Haslett, MI 48840
(517) 339-7788 phone
(517) 339-7798 fax
www.snowmobile.org

Jan 13/2005, Karrie Haight Writes

While staying at Hotel Montcalm in St. Donat on January 9, 2005 with a group of friends (including a 12 yr. old on his first Canadian trip) we had great riding for two days. On the third day when we were getting ready to leave at 6:45 am we walked out to the parking lot to find that one of the trucks along with the trailer and three new sleds had been stolen. Even though the truck was equipped with OnStar, an Anti-Theft device and the hotel advertises sercurity cameras the thieves had no problem getting away. There was no evidence of forced entry. Needless to say this spoiled the trip for all of us. Upon returning home the hotel was again contacted in an attempt to get a copy of the surveillance tape. The hotel informed us that the camera system was not operating properly that night, therefore we have been unable to view the tape. Please post this on your website as a heads up to other visitors.
Thanks!

'Annonymous' Pittsford T-Shirt Saleman Slams Zenwaiter.

Jan 12, 2005

----- Original Message -----
From: Mitchell Tees & Signs teeshirt@adelphia.net
To: zen@zenwaiter.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 5:09 PM

"I must tell you, you are starting to really annoy me. Stop acting like a beggar, and go get a real job. Anybody who wants trail reports can get them elsewhere without having to 'pay' you a dime. Get a life."
"unsigned"

Thanks for voicing your opinion, albeit in a very rude manner. Next time, try to summon up the courage to sign your name to your prose, lest we all suspect you a coward.

If you don't like me or my website, why do you keep reading it?

Do you think that selling T-shirts is somehow more of a 'real job' than writing and taking photos? I bet I work just as hard as you, if not harder.

Have a nice day down there in Pittsford Vermont, Mr. Terry Mitchel and say hello to Dennis for me on your next visit to St-Zenon.

zw

PS: And to show I have no hard feelings, here's a free plug for you!

Mitchell's
ScreenPrinting & Embroidery
Box 38, Main Street
Pittsford, Vermont 05763
802-483-6866 800-400-8219
Fax: 802-483-2514

zw

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Jan 10 2004. Hey Zen,

I know from the web site that you are very busy, with little time to spare. I had to tell you this story. While my wife, Caroline and I were riding on 345 yesterday on our way from Real's to that other place, you know, Le Cabanon, we passed a guy on a snowmobile. I am going to send you two pictures of him. I'm not to savvy with the computer or the digital camera, so I will have to send them separately.

This guy was all of two feet tall, and I swear from behind, it looked like he had no arms or legs. He had a customized Ski-Doo Legend four stroke that even allowed him to carry his crutches with him, so I guess he can walk. I was amazed at this guy's courage and devotion to the sport of snowmobiling.

Zenwaiter.com is a great web site giving credit to many of us as being unique in this sport that we love, by having hot sleds or the latest gear to make us look like posterchildren for our respective manufacturers. I think this guy deserves more credit than any of us for he is more than unique, has the spirit of snowmobiling.

David K

Plattsburgh

----- Original Message -----
From: "Michel Prince" <mprince260@hotmail.com>

Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2005 6:10 PM
Subject: Re: Pourvoirie Escapade

> Hello Jerry,
>
> I groomed 57km, with my skandic and a 5 foot groomer (home made) i had to
> do 4 passes and 2 passes with only the skandic because there 4 feet of
> snow.
>
> I had troubles with my Bombi, the reverse speed is out of order, and i
> will change the gear but the Rona Store at Parent don't have this part in
> stock!!!!
>
> When do you expect coming here to see our place? i will pick you up with
> my skidoo or Bombi if repaired.
>
> For your information, my trail is 4 km west of Haltaparche on the #83,
> directly here and after you can go on toward Obedjiwan and Clova to join
> the Trans Quebec trail #83. Snowmobilers will do about 150km on the
> Reservoir Gouin from here to Clova, a trip to do.
>
> Best Regards Jerry and give me a date for coming here.
>
> Michel

MIKE
I will be coming to Parent very soon.. after I finish my story of Jerry Jeffries for the PAY SITE. I have amazing photos in there, with plenty of video clips. Then I will come and make you very famous my friend. I want to help you guys get some snowmobilers up there, God knows, you deserve the business. In November, after I wrote the story on Monts Valin, they got a ton of bookings. I hope to do the same for you and your neighbours too! Get my bed ready and tell the wife to warm up the stove. I expect home cooking and some of that home baked bread! MMMMM! I can smell it from here!

xxoo zen

Cheapskate Bob sends good letter!
Sat night Jan 8, 2004

Zen, I was in town between x-mass and new years, got 350 miles in, trails were a little icy due to fridays rain, but once out of town they were great.

I stayed with mike at montgnard, great guy, told him you sent me, also went to the saw mill, another thumbs up!! I rode my yamaha vector for a 150 miles for an easy break-in ride, see you just rode one, great sled, plenty of power, actually very much more power than I expected, yamaha really has something here, and the gas mileage is incredible!!

Tuesday the 11th I will be back to montgnard to leave on a trip to lake st. jean. two of us will go to the river mattawin then to latuque and stay the first night at relay 22. second day we go to robervil, tttttthen after lunch we will go to sageny rive and cross over to mount valin area for the night, then we go north around the lake and head for havlepar and run down to parent and 100 lakes then to repo and back to st. michel, we must be crazy.

I 'm getting tired telling you about it, never mind doing it. we do a trip like this every year, I will ride the vector and my friend rick will ride a 2004 rev 800... and yes he will carry gas, told him to get a yamaha!!! I am putting on tank and saddle bags today then off to get a digital camera. we will be back in montgnard for dinner on saturday evening, feel free to join us at the saw mill if you like, on me, cheapskate Bob!!

At any rate if I don't see you or here from you by tuesday I will email you the pictures, it will be a great ride, and god will a safe one, you know on a trip like this help is far away, so we pray for luck, and ride safe, if you look at it any other way there are too many reasons , and good ones, not to do these trips, so we always have a hard time getting people to go.... but how else are you going to see all this land... you can ride in circles in st. zenon only so long, see-ya later??,

Bob Denley.

(I will pray for a safe trip too.. nice letter bro!)

Signed

Zen the tightwad!

Dec 22 2004 Shane has a word...

Hi Zen!

I was just reading some comments on the "free" portion of your site. The guy Rob that wrote about a "seasonal" pass for 1/2 price clearly lacks understanding of the basics of economics. I feel comfortable that he is the same guy that buys the most expensive sled and tows it on an open trailer with no cover. If you cannot afford the price of a cover to protect your sled, you cannot afford the sled. He is also the guy who assuredly complains about the local trails back home not being groomed, or are now closed due to angry landowners, but does not support the clubs that ensure our ability to ride on those trails each year and maintain them as well. Zen, these are people that find it easier to sit back and complain, rather than be pro-active and HELP protect our right to ride! I think you handled your response well by cooling off before you replied and were respectful yet firm in your explanation.

Shane

a.k.a Shaneman
P.S. Feel free to post this letter if you see fit.

Dec 21, Terry From England says...

Great Site. I just cannot believe that people are not paying to view. If you
didn't already know, in England (UK) we only have to have 2-3 inches of snow
and the place grinds to a halt, unfortunately, we don't have such things as
Snow & Snowmobiles here, but if there was, and there was a Zenwaiter.com,
the charge to view would be equivalent in £ to CAD that's about two & half
times what it cost's you there ($125CAD to people that cannot multiply)
maybe you all take your weather (and Zen) for granted, but coming where I
come from, Snow is a rarity and a website like Zen's is non existent.

I
travel some 3500 miles every year to Snowmobile so Zen's website is a must
for me. Just think for a minute about Canada without Snow............... How
would you all be then? $50CAD is a ridiculously LOW PRICE TO PAY, HELP THIS
MAN TO PROVIDE US ALL WITH THE INFO THAT WE LIKE TO READ ON A GREAT LEISURE ACTIVITY THAT YOUR COUNTRY PROVIDES!

Zen, if at all possible,
please post this on your site where non payers can see it. Hope this helps,

Terry. ps: I have added this to your guestbook, dont know if thats the right
place, but I am sure you can sort it out if you need to use it! hope to see
you in Feb.

PERFECT! Thanks Terry! Like I said, YOU must stay at the Zen shack when you come up, I can set up your rental and hook you up with some other riders, so you won't get lost. I know you're probably used to fancy British luxury, but I'll have clean sheets for you here, though you may actually prefer Real's place, where there are often people from all over, more interesting that watching an old fat balding guy type on the keyboard 24 /7!!

Thanks for paying your 50. bucks, and for your kind words.

Cheers, zw

Dec 20 / 2004:
Hey Zen!

I am so glad I wrote to you for a trail update last week.... I took a friend to St. Damien and had an awesome ride from there to St. Zenon and on through to St. Michele and on to the park. 170 miles in no time.

Totally unbelievable conditions for December. Our guy at the poirvoirie told us rarely do you have such conditions this early, maybe not even for January! Come on, this is paradise! No ice, no rocks, no snirt, just beautiful riding! Keep those reports coming, you've made a believer out of me, and by the way, Anne says the fur hat is yours not hers!

David
Plattsburgh, NY

Thanks David, for saying thanks.
Proof once again, that Americans are indeed, classy!

A Great Early season Ride!

by Randy.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Randy Tedford" <randy_tedford@hotmail.com>
To: <zen@ zenwaiter.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2004 7:16 PM

> Howdy Zen,
> Had a great first weekend!!! THe conditions were as good as all of last
> year! I would say a honest high 6 or low 7 out of 10. Not bad for this
> time of year. Stayed with Peter and his new wife at Koubek. They are great
> host's. We started out around 9 am on Saturday and went up 318 to Cabanon
> excellent condition, 350 is closed due to logging?? THis used to be one of
> the best trails! I hope they re-open it, this will really hurt Peter and
> Helens business if it doesn't. Cabanon was very busy, lots of sleds on the
> lake. We left there and went to St. Michele on 318, lot of newbie's this
> weekend, i saw several riders off the trail one guy with a new Mach Z
> (1000 cc) went off twice, once almost driving me in the A$$ on the
> straight away after Cabanon. He missed the sharp corner, and just missed
> me. 10 miles down the trail he was off in the tall weeds again!! THis is
> what gives the rest of us a bad name. Left St. Michele...must of just
> missed you up there. Went to the Soup Kitchen at the head of the Tremblaeu
> Park on 33...Excellent rode from there through the park and ended up at
> the Bassionet(spelling) the Restaurant is not opened yet but the Pub was.
> Left there and headed to Real Masse's on 63 to 349?? that was also real
> good. THe early snow caught everybody off guard. Nancy told us they had a
> limited menu because they usually don't have snow like this this time of
> year but what they had was excellent. Sunday we went to Lac Blanc to visit
> Gaston but he was gone for the day. Trail to there was a little choppy and
> quite a few rocks but again for this time of year it was still good.
> Hope to catch you on the trail one day. I will send pics of crew for web.
> Going to Shwinigian x-mas weekend I think??? Be in St. Damien for New
> Years.
> Keep up the great work.
> P.S. Told several guys from Long Island about your site and they are going
> to check it out and said they would PAY!!!
> Randy

November 12, 2004

Zen,

I, like many, have become a follower of your site. I think going to a pay site makes the most sense. Your info in worth much more than asking for a donation.

I Need to know your size (shirt). I am a member of a fire dept in Brookfield, CT Candlewood Company http://pages.cthome.net/candlewoodfire/

The main picture of our softball team I am located on the left side standing and am the larger fellow with the black hat on.

My self and a few of the people in that picture will be coming back up in Feb. and staying at either the motel M or the auberge du lac tureau. Depeding if they can give us the dates that we need.

We are looking forward to a hottub for the aches from the riding. But I digress.

The size is for a shirt I am going to be sending along with a donation. The shirt is from our firehouse and Would mak everyone's day to see that on your site, because we love to support you and I have not donated previously but As soon as I can get your size, I will grab a shirt for you and send it with the check for 40$.

Chris "farley" Brown

Dear Guys of Candlewood Company. My size? FAT! A XL shd do the trick. God bless you with the courage you need as you serve your comunity in CT. See you soon! (-17 this morning and the lakes are all freezing!

zen

click here to meet the boys!

"Don't shut down the Site!"

I gave you $25 bucks last month and you are the only one in the area providing information. Don't shut the site down. Maybe go for $25 a year and with the $$, each paid member would get a Zenwaiter sticker or a Canadian thank you. People here in the US piss away $25 like its nothing - so you shouldn't feel ashamed by switching to a pay/password protected site. The membership could run from 7/1 to 6/30 - so you are not busy during the winter season getting this up and running.

Regards,

Chris

Locals blame Zen for slower sled Traffic locally

I wrote a letter to my buddy Bob, explaining that I keep hearing the same rumour from local business people that went something like this.. "Our numbers of snowmobillers are down this year, and it's all because Zen keeps inventing stories about theft in St-Zenon and Zt-Michel on his web site". Needless to say, that kind of talk is hurtful, especially after 5 years of hard work, wanting only the best for the snowmobile tourism in Quebec.

When I asked you readers to mail in your 'theft testimonies" in mid January, I was swamped with letters, telling many stories of sleds, trucks, and trailers that had disappeared. I reproduced a few of the letters, and changed the names of the places, so that it wouldn't be seen as hurtful to local businesses. My message was simple, 'to beware of theft' . Some business people in the community started spreading the rumour, that I was inventing these stories myself, and that I was writing these tales on web sites such as TrailConditions.com, under assumed handles, writing false reports of theft.

Tell me please, what would my motivation be to do such a thing? How ridiculous.

There were dozens of reports of theft ALL OVER the internet. Dozens of theft reports appeared all over the internet because there was a lot of theft this season.

My readers expect me to prepare them for their holiday, by writing about things that will affect them. Every year I remind my readers to beware of theft, to stay sober when riding, to obey the speed limits, and to respect all Canadian law.

Anyways, as the season wore on, the threats started to come in from criminals, first on the telephone, then in person, and finally ending in an act of vandalism done to my home. This frightened me.

What follows here is a letter from my friend and veteran sledder, Bob, who comes to St-Zenon every year with his family. Bob tells us what he sees as the reasons for the downturn in local sled traffic.

"Jerry, so sorry to hear about this mess.

Community zealots have lost their minds, and want a scapegoat. Truth is,
I would explain the decline in visitors this year on several factors.

1- loss of spring vacation days. Like most of northeast, early nasty weather
canceled school several times. In order not to extend the regular school
season, many schools opted to cut days off of usual full week of spring
break. Hard to pull kids out of school mid semester, and too far for most of
us for less than 5 days, as travel is 2 days worth alone.

2- february, which is the busiest time, had horrifically cold temps

3- very high gas prices...trucks pulling trailers make the long trip even
more expensive. For us, round trip, gas only, is almost 200 dollars then you
start filing the sleds

4- unfavorable rate of exchange. From 50 percent to 30 percent is a 20
percent increase in everything. Gas,food,lodging etc

5- warm march with low snowfall.

That is why business is down,
not because of bad press about theft on your website.

We're comming up this week, cooking our own food if the restraunts are closed, and riding
in Matawin Park

If they don't want our business, well stay on the 40, we'll drive past Quebec City and ride
over there. Over there, they are begging for our business, and it is just as close for us.

Bitter word's of mouth travel faster than friendly ones. Hang in there Zen!

Bob

(Thanks Bob. My house is up for sale and I am heading out west for the summer. The web site will continue next winter, because people like you will contribute photos, trail reports, and photos. I may or may not be around, we shall see.)

Good B-fast!
Hi zen
had a great time at the Refuge, what a beautiful place eh? especially the secured heated garage,we could actually sleep at night.enjoyed talking to you and "wow" what a breakfast.
rocky and freddy what great dogs,we felt right at home.sunday we made a trip to the repos ,took 345 to the dam was good a 10 mile section after that was pretty bumpy needed to be groomed but then it got much better had lunch and headed home, 175 miles.monday we decided to go out in the morning to see if if thetrails were groomed if not we were going to head home.ran into about 10 sleds ,they wer staying at the cabonan,and told us that the groomer left at 6;00am to groom 33 up to manawan, amazing they had this info eh?

we headed up 318 to st-michel was ok a little bumpy.the hill overlooking st-michelwas getting pretty bare.took the trail over lac tareau to 33 ,headed up to manawan the trail was 10/10 tabletop.caught up to the groomer 2 mile from manawan,headed over 345 to the repo quite bumpy,we were spoiled on 33. had lunch fueled up and headed back.ran into the groomer 1 mile from the repo,10/10 back to manawanand back 33 ,the hill in st-michel was all gravel and rock,back 318 to the refuge 200 miles,great ridemade the trip worth it.met crazy al monday morning what a great guy.will definitely return.have benn looking for the picture you took in the kitchen with bob and the boys from newyork,cant find it on the site?also you wer going to get bob a hat.look .look forward to hear from you.keep up the great work we appreciate it. sincerely
Jack O'sullivan
windham N.H USA

Salut from Tom Bump

hey buddy, thanks for the phone call today, that was really great, good to
hear from you and Crazy Al.

i do hope every thing works out for you with the sale of your house and
that you get to move closer to your children. that is important.
just as important, i do hope that you are able to find a place in life
where you can do what you have done for the snowmobiling in st zenon ,in
a place where the local people appreciate you for all the good that you do.
and not have to put up with all the bull that those pee-brain, ass holes
up there give you. their combined IQ must be about 50!!!!

i know for a fact that i would not have found out about sledding up there
if it were not for you.

i,m sorry that you have to go, but i also understand what life is like,
please try to come back for a little while in the winter let me know so i
can plan my trips up at the same time.

i,m sure you,ll be gone when i get back up this summer,
all the best to you mr. zenwaiter
love ya man

p.s. please say hello to Al for me and please stay in touch
later for now
tom bump

(Thanks Tom, yes, I will be back in time for the snow, I'll look for you on the trail then!)

RD is back on the WING again!
mar 5 2004

Left Saturday 28 February, 21 degrees, heated jacket and gloves worked great! Might consider the socks in the future. Had sunny weather and shut the "heat" off when I got into NJ. Stayed in Fayetteville, NC. Sunday morning was sunny and 27 degrees, frost on the windshield, she was pointed east, so most of it was melted when I left at 7:15. Ran the heat for about two hours. Saw hundreds of bikes being towed south to bike week both days. Stayed in Englewood, Fla on the west coast with friends Sunday night. Monday continued south and went across the state on US 41 through Big Cypress National Preserve, nice ride.

Took Fla 997 to US Rt 1 to Key West, VERY slow going, lots of traffic, came to a dead stop several times, suggest hitting this area early in the morning. Weather was nice, got a sunburn. Stayed right on Duval street to the tune of $200. Watched the weather and decided my best window to get back was Tuesday and Wednesday. Left Key West Tuesday morning, good weather again, Rt 1 was good going at this time, picked up the Florida toll pike, finally got out of that trap and onto 95 somewhere north of West palm beach, spent a full 9 hours getting out of Fla. Pressed on to Lumberton,NC, stayed at a Ho-Jos, great room, $36. Blasted the pike again on Wednesday, good weather again and arrived Somersworth, NH at 7:30 .

Quick run, but a good trip overall, 5 days, 3850 miles, great weather, no mishaps, no rain, and no snow!
Had a bedliner come out of a truck on the toll pike, I was running 85ish, he flew by me, then it blew out with a big "Whoosh" flew straight in the air,I braked, it then flew left and landed safely in the median. Good to be back on the Wing again.

From the ISMA Feb 26 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Ed Klim

Snowmobile Related Tourism - a MAJOR job Generator

Snowmobiling is recognized in rural America as an Economic Engine and a big job generator. Surveys performed at the beginning of this snowmobile season reported that more than 75% of all snowmobilers had planned on snowmobiling more this year than they had in previous years and snowmobilers were looking forward to good snow conditions. On August 25, 2003, the Farmer's Almanac predicted a cold winter with plenty of snow for most of North America.

The majority of the Snow Belt enjoyed a cold winter with reasonable snow cover. I, for one, snowmobiled throughout the Great Lakes region and experienced the great trail conditions. During the third week in February of 2004, Halifax, Nova Scotia reported 95 cm of snow in a 3-day period!

The State of Wyoming has realized record snowfall and Newfoundland and Labrador are measuring their snowfall in meters. We know that they were snowmobiling in November in Quebec and Utah. Needless to say, Mother Nature was fairly kind to us this year and we are hopeful that the final sales reports of new snowmobiles will mirror the positive winter riding conditions.

Most of us have been riding more this year and new economic impact analysis is showing a substantial increase in snowmobile related economic activity.

Plymouth State University and the Institute for New Hampshire Studies recently completed a study of snowmobilers spending for the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, and the economic impact is HUGE.

In the winter of 2003 New Hampshire determined that the total impact on their state's economy by snowmobilers was nearly $1.2 billion. This spending by snowmobilers was 1% of the gross state product and more than 10% of all travelers spending in the state. In 1995-1996, New Hampshire did a similar study and determined that $363 million was generated for the state's economy in direct and indirect spending. This increase of 60% in economic activity over a 10-year time period, is noteworthy, and must be recognized.

The average snowmobiler living in New Hampshire made 12 snowmobiling trips per season, some of which included overnight stays, some of which did not. The average non-New Hampshire resident visitor makes 9 trips to New Hampshire each snowmobile season.

Average spending per visitor per day in New Hampshire was $67.07 per resident and $88.30 from non-residents. In addition to spending on their trips, each snowmobiler spends $1,830.00 annually on equipment, clothing, club membership, insurance, and state license fees.

Snowmobilers spend money on accommodations, for ground transportation, eating at restaurants, retail shopping, and other activities. All sectors of the economy benefit from snowmobiling activity. 8,099 New Hampshire jobs exist because of snowmobiling. The vast majority of those jobs (79%) are in the hospitality and leisure sector.

It should come as no surprise that a substantial segment of snowmobile spending ends up being collected by the state in the form of state tax. 8.6 cents of every dollar spent in New Hampshire, by a snowmobiler, ends up being directly collected by the state. The state of course collects money in taxes on lodging, restaurants, foods, gasoline, business profits, registrations and fees paid to the State Parks Fish & Game Departments.

Soon to be completed economic impact studies from other states and provinces are sure to show big increases in snowmobile-related jobs and tourism activity.

Yellowstone Economic Impact

No place can the economic impact of snowmobiling be felt greater, or be reported on more directly, than in and around Yellowstone National Park. Following the ruling by Judge Sullivan in Washington DC, the State of Wyoming reported a direct job loss of 938 full time jobs. For the State of Wyoming, with a population of less than 500,000 this 938-job loss has a tremendous impact on the economy. To put it in perspective, these net losses in Wyoming are equivalent to 67,743 lost jobs in California or 37,952 lost jobs in New York, or 12,698 jobs in Massachusetts. Yes, snowmobiling is an important part of the economic engine and is a job retainer and creator for all snow-belt economies.

Snowmobilers are hard working, caring, responsible tax paying citizens that spend their money generating jobs for their neighbors. If politicians want to help generate jobs, lets make sure they tell the truth about snowmobiling!!

A letter from Dean Vrana
feb 26th 2004

Jerry, Just wanted to say it was a pleasure meeting you last week and thanks for the hospitality and coolest hat. We Roof Riders certainly had a blast riding up to Parent and back. The trails were excellent so was the weather. Definitely a different way of living in Parent. Next time up check out the menu at the diner, they have something called ass burger, any idea what that is? We were afraid to ask Thanks for the trail map of that area also, it was a big help. And to all you Dead-Beats who haven't sent Mr. Zenwaiter any donations you should all be ashamed. You have no problem clicking on his site to hear the latest info but you can't click the pay-pal logo? Let's get with it people because you will certainly miss his site when it's gone.
Dean

(PS: Thanks for the 50 bucks Dean!)

A great week of Riding

Hi Zen, My name is Paul Larson, myself and my brother Don, were just up at La Glacier over last week the 14th to the 21st. Made about 1000 miles for the week. Had a great ride from La Glacier to Repo from Repo to the Indiana Village and back to La Glacier. That was on Wednesday, trail were great, probably best riding that I have seen in years up there. Glad to see some old friends and made new ones over the week. Would like to say thanks,to all the people in grooming the trails and their support, for a great week and looking forward to next year. I wished I could come up with more vacation time, but in possible to do. I do think that your web site should stay on and thanks again for a good vacation.
My brother Don is all the way from California to go snowmobiling where it is the best.

Sincerely

Paul and Don Larson

Cetral Hotel is Excellent and trails are best in 15 Years!
feb 21 2004

Zenwaiter,
Just thought I'd let you know that we just returned from St. Michel. Our week-long stay at the Hotel Central was our second week this year. As usual, all of our friends there made our trip fantastic. A BIG "THANK YOU" to the Benoit family (including Keith) and all of the others at the Hotel Central who made the stay feel like home away from home. We have been regulars to St. Michel for the past 15 years and I must say that the trails this past week were the best I've seen in 15 years. The only complaint that I have is that I ate too much and the week was too short.
We won't be able to make it up again this season, but are looking forward to a visit this summer. We do have our reservations made for two weeks next year. Have a great remainder of the season and we look forward to joining our friends at the Hotel Central in a couple of months.
Larry Roberts
Seven Valleys, PA

Ontario Trail Passes go through the roof??
feb 7 2004
In Ontario we're finally getting some snow around Ottawa. There's enough
to go on but the trail conditions are still nothing like the riding we had
up there in early January. Judging by the number of American vehicles we
saw I think the word has spread.

I think you are going to see a lot more of us form Ontario since our trail
passes are going through the roof. Rumour is that next year they'll be $235.
This is due to something like 1000% (really) increase for liability
insurance in the last 3 years. Wrote to my MP and their stand is : too bad,
so sad, gotta pay. Not really.............

Since I'm on the Ottawa River I can ride either side, so this year I have
only a FCMQ pass on my sled. Based on the costs of our trips we spend, on
average about $250 a day in food, lodging, gas, accessories etc. If the
Ontario Govt' attitude is so snowmobile unfriendly I'll gladly drop my money
and the associated sales tax in Quebec, they seem to understand the industry
better.

All that being said $235 is not really very much compared to the cost of
skiing golf etc. I'd gladly pay $500 for my passes if 80% or more went to
the clubs. The way it is now 80% is making some insurance company rich and
the clubs are struggling with the leftover crumbs. It starts a downward
spiral: pass costs are up, most money goes to big insurance, grooming gets
cut back since the clubs can't buy fuel, the cost drives people away so less
are sold, next year the price goes up again to cover the drop in volume.
The cycle repeats itself until everyone is riding in Quebec.

The soapbox is now free.

I'll continue to bug my friends to dig deep and chip in, (to support the web site)

Regards
Perry in Ontario (Ottawa area)

The Weasel eats...birds, mice, insects, roast beef...etc

Dear Zen/Jerry, I wanted to let you know how great it was to finally meet you in person, and how much I appreciated your concern after my riding accident. It was a frightening experience, and I was really in pain. I am almost back to normal after 2 weeks. Joe and Kendall enjoyed dinner with you as much as I did, and we felt very priveleged to be invited to the "Zen shack". I did e-mail with info about the eating habits of the weasel (A.K.A. the ermine), but perhaps you did not receive that. Ermine are carnivorous, and mostly eat mice, rats, and rabbits. They sometimes go after squirrels, birds and insects, but may eat berries in a pinch. Good Rocky is a big boy, else he might be on the dinner menu. Joe and Kendall are thinking about coming up in Feb. I am encouraging them to go, although I won't be able to myself. Joe always worries about the patients when he's gone. I always have to talk him into going any place. Must get back to work, but thanks again. Will certainly see you in the summer if not before. Kathy from Balto.

Zen is Better looking in Person? Yup!

As promised, here's an e-mail from the 'bank guys' of NY.

It was was hard getting across the border with this new procedure we had to go through , but we made it. I made out a application for a border guard on the spot.

It was a pleasure to meet you finally, somehow you were better looking in person.
(Oh, you're just saying that because it's true!) Brian, (the order of the hat person) and me Gary, will be back up on the 18th of jan. Maybe we can meet for a cocktail and some stories!!! Take care and take care of that critter you have roaming around out side your house. Gary (Thanks buddy, the pleasure was all mine!)

BANK GUYS Photo here (All good lookin!)

More on Ermine Eating Habits !
my husband and his pals are up in your neck of the woods snowmobiling so we've been checking your page for weather, trail conditions etc. he called last night, says he's having a great time and the trails are excellent. i spoke to my sister about your new guest, she fancies herself an animal expert. she says that they prefer fresh meat as opposed to frozen (at -38 what choice to they have) she also says that they will eat dog or cat food, eggs and fish. hope this is of some help to you. shannon hewey, cobourg, ontario

About the Ermine living under Zen's House...

The ermine is a highly skilled predator. It kills by delivering a powerful and accurate bite to the back of the prey's neck. Rodents and rabbits are the ermine's main diet, but it will also kill and eat other mammals -- including some bigger than itself -- as well as birds, eggs, fish and insects. At the beginning of winter, in the northern part of its range, the ermine loses its dark fur and grows a pure white coat, only the black tail tip remaining. This white winter pelt is prized by the fur trade. Ermines produce a litter of 3 to 7 young in April or May. The male assists in caring for and feeding the young, which are helpless at birth. Their eyes do not open until they are about 3 weeks old, but at 7 weeks young males are already larger than their mother. There are 15 species of Mustela, including the minks now farmed for their dense fur. (Thanks to Bob from MD!)

Jealous!
zen
two words I'M JEALOUSE you people up there live in my dream world. You get the snow, and most of all the high-performance machines that run the lakes, just makes my heart pump. We had our chance to come up but my not so noble group (at this point in time) backed out, damn them! But with GOD as my witness I WILL visit st. zenon this winter, and me and my built ZR900 will take a blast down that lake. Until then Mr. Zen see when i get there. Great website and the mpegs are a hoot! God bless, be safe.

GREG THOMAS
**************************************************

Jan 7 2004... Dear Zen,

Here's a photo of Gabe Trahan, who will be 87 - yeah that's 87- on Jan 29, 2004, running his Cat across logs on route 350 this past weekend. He has to be the oldest guy still running the trails!

Cheers
Papa Bear

Al is a great host!

Hello all, I just concluded my fifth snowmobile trip to Quebec, second to the St. Zenon area. I stayed at Le Refuge on the recommendation of my newest friend, Zenwaiter. I had a great time...there is no better host than Crazy Al and I swear there is no exaggeration included in that statement. How someone can make another from a different country, speaking in a different tongue, feel so welcome is beyond me. Crazy Al is also a helluva cook. The accommodations were excellent. The trails were very good; I logged a total of 600 miles (970 km) in 2 1/2 days of riding. I went to St. Michel, Repos, St. Zenon, La Glaciere amongst other places in the local trail system. Also, I met up with a couple who are veteran Quebec sledders from PA. Nice people, it was a pleasure to make their acquaintance. Local conditions were not good at first, but improved significantly by Saturday morning. The problem is not enough snow. There is a solid thick base of ice that should serve well for the rest of the season. This base is apparent in turns where sleds have made the turn and gunned the throttle, spinning the light snow cover off and exposing the ice. Watch out for the turns in local trails. However, get over the dam, into the park and further north, the trails turn into the Quebec trails you expect. Smooth, wide, thoroughly and professionally groomed! Two spots to watch: about 20 miles north on 345 from the 360-345 junction after the dam, there is a long water hole that is nasty. It is right around a blind turn that I took at 50 mph. I barely slowed down in time to make it. On the way back, I got stuck and needed help getting out. There is another water hole further north (towards the Repo) but it is not as serious. Still, caution is recommended. Overall a great experience! Hope to be up in two weeks and again in February!

Thanks again Zen, talk to you soon
Chris Nicol

Kind letter from MASS.

Zen and Crazy Al, over the last 10 years I have averaged about 4500 miles a season riding Qubec. We have been to Baskatong resvoir,Sennetier, Valdor, Parent,Casey,ST. Donat,Mecausa,Notre Dame,ST. Come,La tuque, Matawin river,Relay 22,Lake St. Jean,Repo,etc., you get the picture.We have stayed across the lake from you at Lecabonon many times as well. Once during a heavey snow we were treated to a demo of crazy Al running his truck mounted snow blower!!! Any how I never have been able to stay at your place because you always have afull house.Of allthe places we have been it always seems like pulling into home when we get to ST. Zenon.We have made many friends there,from old Johnny Koubeck ,who is now gone, and his wife and son Peter to Lee and Nickole ,Dennis,Ann and the gang@Lecabonon, the guys @Repo, and lets not leave out Hotel Central ,and Rosie's old Lake ST. Louis!!On top of being at the best riding area in Quebec and having some of the nicest people to accomodate and put up with all of us US riders your web site is truly a gift from heaven,maine new york, vermont,new hampshire all they want is your money,no smile no friends,no honest trail reports,employees trained to tell phone callers from 3 states away it is snowing and come right up so you can pay us to sit in your room and watch it rain!!MANY THANKS for the outstanding service you so generously provide not only to us but to all the people and business in your area. I have an idea that there is not much compensation in this for you I hope everyone understands how important this site is too there well being each season. We will make it a point to stop in and say hello and make a donation when we arrive in late january.best wishes Bob Denley Lee Mass.

More PA Guys!

Hi Zen! It's Steve here in Cyclone,PA. A group of us came your way last Feb. and stayed at the La Glaciere cabins.We had an excellent time. I check your website out quite often and love it. I'm glad so see you guys have good snow and have been riding for some time.We have no snow here on Jan. 1,2004 and I have a new Rev sitting in the garage with 16 miles on it. That sucks. We don't have a trip planned your way this year but if we don't get snow soon we may have to change that.Thanks again for such a great website. Oh, by the way,I noticed you haven't updated the daily snowfalls for this year like you did last year.I always looked last winter to check it out.Thanks!

David Needs Riding Partner to be safe.

Sherwood Auto Sales
To: zenwaiter@canada.com
From clinedvpr@cbpu.com
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2003 8:08 PM
Subject: hello

David from Michigan here, was wondering what ever happened to the girl on the Polaris ?? I will be coming up again this winter, maybe in a few weeks if things work out. If you know of a decent fellow 50 or so that likes to ride a lot and wants company, let me know, as there are not to many people here that will travel that far to ride, they don't know what they are missing, thier snowmobiles are gathering dust here waiting for snow. I will come up even if it is by myself, have done it before and rode alot by myself, I know it is foolish, but I have done it before, always try to get back to the motel by 4:30 or so soI am not out broke down when everyone else is already back. Stayed at Real Masse, really enjoyed them, great people, Stayed at the Pot with Sarah 3 years ago. Great riding, will send another donation soon, thanks for the hat! David

Dec 29th 2003: MUSKOKA ONTARIO...

Hi Zen;

I've been enjoying your web site and numerous area info you provide for a while now. I especially like the pics and movies; very informative.

It is actually because of the info you present on the net that I have planned a trip for me and 3 buds for Jan 4-9/04. We usually sled central and Northern Ontario and Northwestern Quebec

We had planned a week in the Northern Corridor of Ontario (Hearst, Ontario to LaSarre, Quebec), but they have had a melt down there so we have changed our plans and are coming your way.

We are staying in Saint Michels de Saints, and plan to sled for 4 days.

Based on a map and promo info I obtained at the big sled show in Toronto last October, we had planned to do 4 -1day loop trips they described being, Parc Mastigouche Loop (250 km), Atikamekw Loop (260km), Parc Mont-Tremblant Loop(225 km) , and Villager Loop (245 km).

Presuming the conditions are OK (I'll keep monitoring your site) do you think those are good choices or do have some better ideas. We are used to running 250-380 km per day.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. (I have all the sled maps so you could just refer to trail #'s if you get a chance to respond.)

Thanks for your consideration, and hope to see you when we are in the area.

Best regards.

J.

P.S. a few pics for your enjoyment CLICK HERE!!

EARLY RIDING EXCELLENT!!!
Dec 10 2003

Hi, Its Greg Needham here, we finally made it up to Saint Zenon wow what a
blast conditions were excellent we stayed at the LeCabanon and got a hold of
Dennis there and got lots of info. It was busy on Sunday everyone was racing
outside of the Cabanon on the lake, I wanted to, but unfortunately I had no
studs.

Thanx for everything, you made my weekend! It took us about 5 hrs to
get there for we got lost on the way there, and we took a slower route, I
believe as well, but on the way home we took the 417 instead of the 148 back
to Ottawa, and made it home in about 4hrs.

Hope you get the pic. We arrived Saturday evening and left Monday morning and when we left the groomers were heading out Mont Tremblant Parc way so it should be open this weekend. We will be heading down again, I believe around Christmas time, to do the Mont Tremblant Parc run.. Well gotta run talk to you later bye for now... Greg!

Glad I was able to help! See you soon!
Zen

Oct 26 2003

On Theft...Keep up the improvements in Quebec!

Hi Zen, glad to read about the new garage at Motel "M" and all the security at the other motels. We down here in NY are hesitating about coming up to Quebec-many are thinking of boycotting the area due to all the theft problems.

We don't mind spending the money for trail permits, hotel rooms, food and fuel -- but we do want to come back home with our vehicles and sleds.

I think the hotels are on the right track -- they need security - 24 hours/7days a week.

Many of our personal friends have had sleds and vehicles stolen while up there -- now they are preaching "boycott Canada".

Hopefully things will turn around and we will feel safe coming up there to snowmobile-we love the area and the people up there are great-they just have to put more effort into this theft problem.

Keep up the good work!! The Zen award is a great idea.

A regular ZW reader.

Security Award

Pyro Dave on Theft

Oct. 17 2003

Hi there,
I see you are very busy with your sites, just wanted to say to you; if you need any help (FREE OF CHARGE ) I would be delighted to assist you in any way possible.

I enjoy and admire the great effort you apply and delight in your ongoing effort to provide to us all a true and simple view of your beautiful town St-Zenon.

I am sure that if your readers would just take a moment to admire the pure and rare beauty of such a simple but yet grand village as such yours is, that they would indeed place you as number one on their lists for their next family vacations ( or bad boy hot spots ) nun the less you are an important factor to the economy of beautiful St-Zenon and even if they are yet unaware of this truth.

I believe that in the near future many shall come to perceive and behold the wealth you have catered to them on must I dare say a silver platter at the very least. May you continue to enrich all of our lives.

Sandra R. Joliette QC.

(Not too many silver platters around the Zen Shack... thanks for the compliments!)

Oct. 6th 2003
Management tips from Gerry H in OHIO

Lesson Number One:

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A small rabbit

saw the crow, and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing

all day long?" The crow answered: "Sure, why not."

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. All of a

sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Management Lesson?

To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high

up.

********************************

Lesson Number Two:

A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to

get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got

the energy."

Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull.

"They're packed with nutrients."

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it actually gave

him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next

day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the

top of the tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the

turkey out of the tree.

Management Lesson?

Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

**************************************************

Lesson Number Three:

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the

bird froze and fell to the ground in a large field. While it was

lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on it.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, it began to

realize how warm it was. The dung was actually thawing him out!

He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of

cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Management Lesson?

1. Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.

2. Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.

3. And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!

End of Management Course

Sept 17 2003

Dean is planning his winter stay in Quebec!
One man's Opinion...

Subject: Where should we go?

Zen, Found your site last year and it's the best thing since sliced bread.

We've been going sledding (in Quebec) for six years now, on the last week in Feb. every year, and the same place, Le Cabanon in St-Zenon.

There's eight of us, all around 40 years old, and we can party with the best of them. We ride hard all day, and after that it's camp-fun-time. Le Cabanon has been great with Dolores bartending that last few years, and even before that when we had Francoise. Dolores is gone now, and last year was the worst bartender in the world. (Whew... no mercy here eh Dean??) I hate to say it.

After a day of riding, its great to walk from your room to a party right down the hall. No way anyone of us can drive.

Last year we had to taxi to do our drinking elsewhere, because of (name removed). Anyway do you know if she is still there? Also, we like to do an overnight, ride about 100 miles, shower up, have dinner and party like hell in a new town.

We did Mount Laurier once, we also did a close trip to St. Come another time, and met Pierre at Club Galop, (Hmmmm..) but now we are thinking about going somewhere north. Could you please suggest somewhere? If you say you like it Zen, it must be A-OK. (I say, come back to St-Zenon, cause you are familliar with the trails here, then ride north to Parent for a night. The CENTRAL HOTEL up there was built for guys like you who wanna party! )

I need to make reservations. I think you can tell what our priorities are.(Oh yes I can...) Would greatly appreciate it.

I will be sending you a good donation soon, even if you don't respond. (What?? I ALWAY respond man!!) I do feel guilty for checking out and using your web site all last winter, and then not ever paying you a cent. (Guilt is good...)

It's a great thing you've started, this Zenwaiter.Com.

Take care. If we ever meet you can count on you, and anyone you're with, on keeping your money in your pockets and partying all night on us. What ever did happen to that little vixon Dolores?

Have fun, Dean: Member of Roof Riders Club

Thanks for the enthusiastic letter bro! You certainly bring up some interesting points, points that are worthy of discussion.

Staff changes occur every year in most bars and restaurants, so please go easy on your favorite place, Le Cabanon in St-Zenon. Don't forget, that these places in Quebec go from zero, to 100 miles per hour between Christmas time and New Years Eve, with the onslaught of thousands of Americans showing up on the same day!

All the new staff struggle to work as a team, and that dynamic has to happen over night. They all work long hours for little pay. They must count on your tips to boost their wages. Plus, their work is seasonal.

Your favorite barmaid Deloris is fine, I saw her at the bank a month ago. She doesn't work at the Cabanon anymore, ( I think she suffered a burn out from working too hard), but she will probably turn up somewhere iin town... they always do right! It's your job to search around till you find them again; That's half the fun!

I am assured that the Cabanon will have a fine staff this year, and some new managers. Go easy on this place and remember, if they didn't do everything they do so well, you wouldn't even know about our region! Plus, the Cabanon IS the one Motel that has done more than anyone to build all our 600 miles of groomed trails around the upper Lanaudiere!

I suggest you try something new this winter, you sound due for a change; but please, don't ever give up on Quebec. It's a big place with hundreds of hotel, motel, and bars to choose from.

Remeber, these Quebec people do their best to welcome you, and I know they work very hard to keep you guys coming up year after year. It is not an easy job for them.

But look, I know what you mean, you like to party your asses off, and you want the same experience every year. But the sport of snowmobile isn't about 'sameness'... it's about new adventures, challenges, and discoveries!

Trying new trails that lead to new towns, and new bars, and yes... new bar maids! Just get back up here man, and I guarantee you'll have a great holiday, as long as you keep an open mind!

And, you might actually consider giving the Cabanon another chance to win your heart back. I know they have your best interests at heart, and that they have made a lot of improvements over the summer.

zen

PS: Yeah, Please stop feeling guilty, just mail me a donation! (and make it a big one...) hahahaha... I don't drink the booze anymore, but I always need some money to heat the Zen Shack; especially last winter... -40 from November till the end of March!

Zen

Donations, Click Here....

Check out other accommodations HERE...

Check out other bars HERE...

YOUR COMMENTS HERE>>>

Sep.13, 2003

New Resident of St-Zenon Quebec...

Dear Z.W., Love your website, check it at least weekly. We fell in love with St.Zenon, and bought a vacation place there. This will be our first winter trip in December. I want to purchase my husband a snowmobile (used) for Christmas, but have no place to store it. (He will not have much use of it in Baltimore). Do you know anyone who might have a garage or outbuilding that they would be willing to rent? Also, we would like to patronize local merchants if possible.

Any advice on where to purchase clothes appropriate for snowmobiling? Thanks.

Kathleen T., part-time resident of St.Zenon and full-time resident of Baltimore.

Thanks for the great letter Kathleen! I suggest you call Location Haute Matawinie in St-Michel-des-Saints for storage, they charge 300. per year. Great way to keep your sled or quad safe and secure.

Clothing? RVR in St-Zenon has a wide assortment of Bombardier (Skidoo) clothing, and Location Haute Matawinie has some Polaris gear!

Look fwd to meeting you this winter Kath!
zw

PS: I suggest you call Location Haute Matawinie for a used sled too! They have a pile of 'em, but hurry, they will be gone in November. Please tell 'em that I sent you. They are one of our generous sponsors, and I want them to get some business because of it! Thanks again. zw

CLICK HERE

August 1 2003

Safety First... PLEASE GUYS!

"Dear Mr. Zen, thanks for and awsome web-site on and off season!

I became addicted to snowmobiling just 3 years ago. This sport have given my new life, friends and family (here at home in Maryland and also in Canada), my first year I was with my best friend and friends when on our why to river Matawian when I hit a large rock and broke my leg in which I have a titanium rod the length of my femur.

After the crying of pain and thoughts that I ruined my best friends vacation did I realize that I was in good hands. I waited for 2 1/2 hrs with my best friend(s)while rescue was on the way, soon news traveled back to the la Cabanon and the rest of the groups nerves went into overdrive without the support of these people and some faith I wouldn't have made it.

Zenwaiter, so many people have made this sport so amazing for me, that I will continue to do this support for as long as I can.

As the winter months come closer my happiness gets more noticed I enjoy this place I LOVE it ! Thank you!

I look forward to hear from you if at all possible."

Thank you again sincerely .
Justin s. Bowers
Hagerstown, Md, USA.

THE MESSAGE HERE?

If you love to snowmobile, always think about safety first, even if you are young and bullet proof! Justin will feel the metal in his leg all his life, especially when he gets older. I do not know if Justin was riding too fast, or if he just hit a bad spot on the trail, accidents still happen to people who ride safe. Still, I find this is a tragic accident, and I hate to see any of our American visitors get hurt. PLEASE be careful. zw

To everyone: from Gerry Hohler
Linda Hohler, my sister in law, is raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis. Please help her if you can.

Here is a copy of the letter I wrote for the Mother's Day Fundraiser.

May 5, 2003

As most of you know, the fight to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (C.F) is very personal to me. Our 26 year old niece, Jessi, whom I admire, along with her parents, more than anyone I know, has been battling Cystic Fibrosis since birth. Jessi's sister, Jennifer, lost the battle at the age of 10 in January of 1984.

Until I started dating my husband, Dick, in the early 80's, I didn't know anything about C.F. When I met Jessi, (Dick's brother's daughter) she was 4 or 5 years old and she and her sister stole my heart. Jessi and I seemed to hit it off right from the start. I remember how impressed I was with the responsibility children with C.F. must learn at an early age.

I don't know how other C.F. families handle the day to day living, but watching Jessi and her family, I was also impressed with the matter of fact way the dozens of medications were taken, the cheerful attitudes, and the normal life Dick's brother, Gerry and his wife, Joey, encouraged their children to lead.

Jessie H.

For those of you who don't know what Cystic Fibrosis is, a short description follows:

Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal disease. A defective gene causes an excessive build-up of a thick sticky mucus in the lungs of young children.

Over time, the mucus build-up is so severe, it becomes impossible for the child to breathe. Lung infections become commonplace and eventually the lungs give way and Cystic Fibrosis suffocates it's victims to death.

Cystic Fibrosis also blocks the bile ducts which produce enzymes to digest food. (This is why all C.F. children are extremely thin.)

Jessi was forced to rely on oxygen in 1994, at the age of 16. Carrying an oxygen bottle everywhere she went, she graduated from high school in 1995, and at age 17 began college at Walsh University. During this time, she was approved and put on a two year waiting list for a double lung transplant, which took place in April 1997. This amazing young lady graduated college in the Spring of 2000 with a degree in Accounting.

Because of damage caused by all the years of many C.F. drugs, Jessi's kidneys began to shut down in 2001 with the further addition of anti-rejection drugs. Jessi's father donated a kidney and the operations took place in September of 2001.

For the past three years, Jessi has been in chronic rejection of her lungs. Her body is attacking the inner linings of the lungs. For the past sixteen months, she has been fighting several lung infections, and has been hospitalized most of the past holiday season. She is taking oral antibiotics, as well as several IV’s which cost $ 20,000 a month. She is currently on oxygen around the clock and has difficulty walking any distance.

I called Jessi last weekend and she was, as usual, cheerful and upbeat. I asked her how she was doing, and she said she was feeling pretty good. She had recently been in the hospital again with an infection in her lungs. She told me that the doctors had agreed to do the second lung transplants, but that she must gain some body strength before surgery. I received an e-mail from her recently, and she again said she is feeling remarkably well.

She said she went to the hospital in Pittsburg for blood tests, and that the numbers looked pretty good. She has been having problems with her sinuses again and the doctors are trying to prevent the bug in her sinuses from going into her lungs because the only antibiotic that will work is one that she is allergic to. If she needs the antibiotic, she will have to go back to the hospital and be desensitized to it. She hopes that she doesn’t have to.

Many great discoveries to help in the battle with Cystic Fibrosis has been made in recent years due to donations from people like yourself. Now, thanks to you, there is hope.

The goals of this drive are to alert the public to this genetic disease, and to help raise the funds necessary for research, care and education of patients.

Thank you for listening to me again. Please give what you can, if you can.
Sincerely,

Make Checks Payable to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and mail to Linda.

Linda Hohler
7109 Alliance Rd. N.W.
Malvern, Ohio 44644

I am sure all our Zenwaiter friends will help out. zw

Stephen Trahan send us THIS!

FEB. 26, 2003

Hello Gerry: Tomorrow morning the King Kat Motorsports caravan will be on
its way toward the Zen shack. We're still planning on meeting your for
supper at the Real Masse. You will be our guest and you will have an
opportunity to meet the members of the King Kat Motorsports "Danger Angels"
thrill show team. Three beautiful young ladies are members of that team.
Anyway, you get the drift. I suspect we will get there around three in the
afternoon. Let's tentatively plan for getting together Thursday night at
seven o'clock. By the way, did you get my check for two hundred dollars? I
will call you tomorrow morning by cell phone as we are on our way to
confirm for Thursday. I am looking forward to seeing you.

Thanks King Cat, I can't wait to see you and eat at Real's once more! YUMMIE! Also, thank you so much.. yes I recieved your gift yesterday, and it's timing is perfect. See you soon. Zen

FEB 23, 2003
Zen,
We had terrific time. We averaged over 200 miles a day what blast. Met some real nice people. The thing I like the best was the scenery. The cost was not as much as I estimated.
I'LL BE BACK!!!!!
Tim

FEB 20 2003

ELVIS: Spotted in St-Michele?

Hey Zen, Andrew here.

I met you at the sawmill in St. Michel last Tuesday night. (Feb 11) You took a picture of my buddy Sylvain Lamarche (owner of Domaine Lucaya in Lachute) - 151 miles by sled from his front door to the parking lot at Le Central and myself as we were enjoying the atmosphere and a carafe of red wine.

Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for taking the time to sit down and talk to us for a few minutes. Although I had only come across your website once, I can now say I check it just about every day just for the photos and comments.

.

Both Sylvain and I were really interested in the part about (sensored).

After our meal at the Mill we headed back to the bar at the Central to finish off the night. Sylvain packed it in early, so I did decided to hang around the bar and shoot the poop with a bunch of guys from Pennsylvania.

I told them that I had run into you earlier in the evening and they reacted almost as if I had run into Elvis!!! You are a popular guy in PA. These guys were telling me how they check your site every day and tell all their sledding friends about it. It has come in handy numerous times especially the section about the law of "pipes are not really accepted by the SQ"

Anyhow enough with the blabbering. I am hoping that I can get back up your way again in the next month. The riding up there is just so great. I am not bashing the Laurentians, it's just that I really being able to ride 250 miles in a day and still have enough left in me to hang out in the bar for a few too many.

Keep up the awesome website. It's too bad the Quebec snowmobile federation
doesn't put as much time and energy into running the federation as you do keeping your site up to date. By the way the audio clips are the icing on the cake. Excellent idea.

Andrew Banham.

FEB 11 2003
I am coming through St Zenon with 4 of my friends on Wedneday Feb 12. I would like to meet you and thank you personally for the enjoyable web site. Last year we stayed in St Zenon at on of the Calets owned by the outfitter that owns La Glaciere. We normally stay in Ste Agathe nd spend several days touring and stayin overnite some where on the trail where conditons are good. I have been snowmobiling in Quebec for 15 years and I am quite familiar with the trails from Your area to Mt Laurier. Wedneday nite we are staying at Auberge Lac Toreau. We have had many a good meal At Lulu Steak House, a New Jersey guy owns it now. We met him last trip. Four of us are from New Jersey and one from Rochester N Y . Looking forward to our trip , we are driving up Monday afternoon and staying in Ste Agathe Monday and Tuesday nites.

Burt Greene

JAN 2003: Good Time at the Refuge.

Zen,
My typing is awful, bear with me also I can't spell to good.
Next time we'll meet up some where for eats.
Thanks for the help with securing the rooms at the Refuge it was a pleasure to meet you. Al and carol are a hoot. Great breakfasts and service. They sure makes people feel welcome we had a fantastic time.

Sunday it was cold -20s F. We rode to St-Michel-des-Saints and ate lunch at the Central Hotel went up to the ski lift tower and enjoyed the view of the valley below. Nice trails few rocks.

Monday ccccold -30s F. At 04:00 looked at thermometer had no fluid in the tube it all went into the bulb at the bottom lowest reading on it was -45 F. We decided to wait a couple of hours till temp was around -20 F then rode to Real Masse had a great late breakfast then continued onto Kubek for a lite lunch then to Lac Blanc and back to Cabbanon for supper. Good trails little thin here and there.
Tuesday we headed towards St-Come checked out the progress on the ice sculpture carving (A MUST SEE) had a great lunch there at the Hotel (forget name) spoke with some of the workers about how the ice is procured and some other interesting stuff they had to share. this day had to be one of the highlights of our trip. The sculptures are incredible. ate supper at the Bistro excellent food.

Good trails again little thin.
Wednesday rode north to Mattawin had lunch at The Hotel Mattawin and met some fellow Pennsylvanian's had a nice chat and great trails except close to town they need snow. Went south to Grand-Mere Andy's track started to come apart on the river can't imagine why?. Got some neat pictures cruising down the river, hooked up with a couple of locals they had a cell phone and made arrangements to have the track replaced at Polaris Dealer, Motosport 4 Saisons in Cap-de-la-Madeleine (Trois Rivieres) Daniel and his people have good service and are friendly.

a fellow sledder at the dealer gave us the name of The Motel Canadian in Ste-Marte-du-Cap where we could stay the night. Daniel at 4 Saisons called and made arrangements for 3 rooms and for the Motel to pick us up and take us there. The owners Roger and Louise are fantastic people great hospitality took us to the store and made us breakfast. They spoke very good English and have the snowmobile trail right to there door. I had some good conversations with Roger.
Thursday got the sled back by noon and headed back towards St-Zenon stopped at Hotel Sacacomie and we were blown away with the beauty of that place. Bought some gifts and enjoyed the atmosphere of the Hotel. I will definitely return there with my wife she will fall in love with that place.

Friday Danny, Andy, Tom went north on the sleds to Repo. Trails were fantastic and they had a great time. Bill, Aldin and I went on a road trip with the pickup to St-Michel-des-Saints and then to Joliette looking for Cockshutt tractors snowmobile dealers and food it's all about the food except for Aldin, for him it's all about the Mountain Dew, go figure.

Met the other guys back at the Refuge. The men with the motorized hang gliders took Andy and Danny for a ride just before dark and they had a wonderful time seeing the area from the sky.
Enjoyed a evening of conversation and relaxation with them and as an interpreter for Al.
The boys ended up with 850 miles with the Repo trip we had 650 miles and are happy with that.
Thanks again and good luck with your web site it is very good.
Fred and Rocky the dogs and are great fun Carols' dog just wouldn't get used to us. Oh well!
Steve Summers

FEB 6, 2003

CHERTSY NEWS

Hi, Sorry for not replying soon enough, but I am loaded with work, like many of us, I did take some pictures from the Quad rally but since I had to take them with a regular camera, my digital quit on me :( I still have to get them developed).
We had lots of snow yesterday, Feb 04th, the #310 trail which is along the route 125 and others all the way north, Entrelac, Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, St Donat, is very good, no complains from our renters.
Have a good day :)
Michele from Chertsey Sports.

FEB 5,2003

Here's a shot of Maurice "P2" Trahan on Lac a L'eau Claire on
Saturday. Hope you can use it. Thanks. Steve

Bill Gates & Kentucky...FROM R.D.

Dear Consumers:
It has come to our attention that a few copies of the WINDOWS 2000
KENTUCKY EDITION may have accidentally been shipped outside of the STATE of
KENTUCKY.
If you have one of these, you may need help understanding the KENTUCKY
commands. The KENTUCKY EDITION may be recognized by the unique opening
screen. It reads: WINDERS 2000, with a background picture of Willie Nelson
superimposed on a bottle of Jack Daniels.
Please also note:
The Recycle Bin is labeled "Outhouse"
My Computer is called "This Dern Contraption"
Dial Up Networking is called "Good Ol' Boys"
Control Panel is known as "The Dashboard"
Hard Drive is referred to as "4-Wheel Drive"
Floppies are "Them little ol' plastic thangs"
Instead of an error message, "Duct Tape" pops up
CHANGES IN TERMINOLOGY IN KENTUCKY EDITION:
Cancel............stopdat
Reset.............try'er agin
Yes...............yep
No................nope
Find..............hunt fer it
Go to.............over yonder
Back..............back yonder
Help..............hep me out here
Stop..............kwitit (WHOA!)
Start.............crank'er up
Settings..........settins
Programs......... stuff that duz stuff
Documents....... .stuff ah done did
Also note that the KENTUCKY EDITION does not recognize capital letters or
punctuation marks. Some programs that are exclusive to
WINDERS 2000:
Tiperiter.....................a word processing program
Colerin' Book............a graphics program
Cyferin' Mersheen........calculator
Outhouse Paper...........notepad
Inner-net...............Microsoft explorer 5.0
Pitchers. ... a graphics viewer
We regret any inconvenience it may have caused. If you received a copy of
the KENTUCKY EDITION, you may return it to Microsoft for a replacement
version.
I hope this helps all y'all!
Billy Bob Gates

A Joke from Papa Bear!

Zen,
Did you get my donation okay? And here's a joke you may use:

This snowmobiling couple are heading home and the Mrs. decides they were going to stop for shopping in Montreal. She goes into a carpet store and as
she's bending down to touch the carpet, she accidentally passes a little gas.

Very embarrased, she started to straighten up and hoped beyond hope that nobody was around to hear it. But to her mortification there was the salesman standing right next to her. Her lips fumbled for a moment but she finally manage to
sheepishly ask, "how much is this carpet?'

The salesman replied, "lady, if you farted just touching it, you're going to
crap when I tell you how much it costs."

Thanks again Zen,

> Papa Bear @ Camp Gabriel, St Alexis des Monts

Jan 22, poetry from Chris Humble
"Cold Enough Yet?"

60 above zero
Floridians turn on the heat.
People in Northern New York plant gardens.

50 above zero
Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Northern New York sunbathe.

40 above zero
Italian and English cars won't start
People in Northern New York drive with the windows down.

32 above zero
Distilled water freezes.
Ends swimming season in Northern New York

20 above zero
Floridians put on coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.
People in Northern New York throw on a flannel shirt.

15 above zero
NC landlords finally turn up the heat
People in Northern New York have the last cookout before it gets cold.

Zero
People in Miami all die
People in Northern New York close the windows.

10 below zero
Californians fly away to Mexico
People in Northern New York get out their winter coats.

25 below zero
Hollywood disintegrates
The Girl Scouts in Northern New York are selling cookies door to door.

40 below zero
Washington DC runs out of hot air
People in Northern New York let the dogs sleep indoors.

100 below zero
Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Northern New York people get frustrated because they can't start the Mini-Van.

460 below zero
All atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvin scale).
Northern New York public schools may close.

500 below zero
Hell freezes over
People in Northern New York start saying....."Cold 'nuff fer ya?"

Jan 22 2003 TURKEY POND

Bonjour!

I just took a look at the pictures on your site of the "boys" playing on
Turkey Pond in Concord, NH.

My husband and several of our good friends have been on this pond for years.
It's your typical run-whatcha-brung setup and we're all out just to have a
good time. People have been known to come from as far south as Connecticut
to play. My husband runs his stock 01 ZR 800 and a few other sleds, we have
run amateur grass as well.

The rumour this year is that the residents that live next to the pond are
fed up with us sledders. The pond is not easily accessible and with the
news of it on the internet that it's an ice racing hot spot, it's really
grown in popularity. So, rumor has it that the pond may be shut down, as it
is privately owned by St. Paul's School. Having sledding in my blood, it
wouldn't bother me to hear sleds running on the weekends, but I can
certainly understand how they feel -- boats in the summer, sleds in the
winter. If you please, put up a post to let the guys know that they should
be considerate to noise (no motors before 10 am) and to PLEASE PICK UP YOUR
TRASH!!!

Many, many thanks -- I love the picture of the fur hats! Keep up the great
site.
Bonjour!

I just took a look at the pictures on your site of the "boys" playing on
Turkey Pond in Concord, NH.

My husband and several of our good friends have been on this pond for years.
It's your typical run-whatcha-brung setup and we're all out just to have a
good time. People have been known to come from as far south as Connecticut
to play. My husband runs his stock 01 ZR 800 and a few other sleds, we have
run amateur grass as well.

The rumour this year is that the residents that live next to the pond are
fed up with us sledders. The pond is not easily accessible and with the
news of it on the internet that it's an ice racing hot spot, it's really
grown in popularity. So, rumor has it that the pond may be shut down, as it
is privately owned by St. Paul's School. Having sledding in my blood, it
wouldn't bother me to hear sleds running on the weekends, but I can
certainly understand how they feel -- boats in the summer, sleds in the
winter. If you please, put up a post to let the guys know that they should
be considerate to noise (no motors before 10 am) and to PLEASE PICK UP YOUR
TRASH!!!

Many, many thanks -- I love the picture of the fur hats! Keep up the great
site.

Anne-Marie Zube

Thanks. zw

Jan 22 2003

From Daphnee:
Keep up the good work!
My Boyfriend spends more time on your site then on me...
D.

Wow...what a letter Daph! Thanks! zw

Jan 21 2003

Hi
Just a quick note to thank you for your great web site. My contribution is in the mail. We are coming up to St-Zenon Saturday 1/25 and staying until Friday 1/30. This will be our 4th trip to the area, it is so beautiful. If you could warm the temps up a little it would be great :o) Thanks again and keep up the great work.
Mark McCormick Duncannon, Pennsylvania

(Thanks! See you soon.)

Jan 20
Terry From Joly old England

Well Z Man, i have to tell you, your website has me hooked, morning and night, since i found it, ive been on it! I want to send a donation but don't know if its possible from England, might be easier when i get to Quebec, dont know if we will make it up to you, 400 clicks is a bit far, but when my pals return to England on 18 feb, i am driving to Toronto to see my cousins, maybe i can come and give my donation in person, also i am sending you a couple of pics, one of me and the other of my friends last feb in Quebec, hope to see you soon, regards, Big T. ps, thats me on the right, Jean-Marc Alcaraz (Quebec rally driver) on the left


Thanks for the news Terry, see you soon, in Canada eh? zw

January 20

Michael Natale

I enjoy your site very much, and I read it almost every day.
I'll be up again 24 feb. Maybee we can get together and have a beer
or two.

Sounds Good, and thanks for the generous donation Michael.

zw

January 17 2003

Hi Zen
It is I'm sure, hard to keep the cats in cat food. It's good that one at least is catching mice but they have to learn how to munch down on them. Just a idea but with all the American sledders coming up because of your great postings and visiting the various sites in the area why don't you place some Zen donation box's around town? "Donation For Zen Now is Zen Postings For Later" If I came
up from the US or when I do from the Nation's Capital and saw a nice Zen box I would and will drop a $20.

I was on the Zen Ware site and couldn't find the part on Zen Ware. So hopefully
I will be able to pick up something in St.Zenon

To brighten my day after going to the Zen site of course I click on www.daily.comand read the 3rd page of the London Sun www.page3.com

We are heading up to Maniwaki to-morrow, a friend has a old cottage in Burchette that we sled wood into and then hit the trails in west Quebec.
We are really looking forward to coming down in February.
Good luck on finding a snow bunny.

Take Care David McHaffie

Thanks for the positive vibe my fellow Canadian! The folks here don't really support what I do, and some are down right against it. The money jars in the bar? A great idea, but they won't do it. I'll just have to open my own bar sometime soon! As for the cat, yes, she'll have to learn to eat the mice she catches! zw

Polaris Queen Not Found!
Jan 17, 2003

Dave from Michigan, home now, didn't have the chance to meet you, stayed at the Real Masse, very happy with that decision. Great food, and they treated us just super. I was there the first couple of days by myself, friends came up later, rode over to the refuge and he showed me the place, very friendly and nice. Gave him my card and told him to tell you hi. We rode all over, 997 miles, good luck and great trails, St. Donat was great, the loop west of the dam was perfect. Rode the blue loop east of the dam over to Grand Mere, that trail was rough, parts of it are new and ungroomed. Some day I'll venture north of the dam a long ways, looks like the place to ride. We will definately be back, sent you a donation, and I see you thanked me, Thank you!! David, PS, looked all over , never did see the girl on the Polaris!!

Trouble Maker at the Glaciere?? jan 10 2003

Zen, Here are two pictures. The first is of the man who single handedly brought down La Galciere for the weekend....he is known as Mr. Bouk (he is the one with his helmet off). He flooded his room, drained their well and generally wreaked havoc. The second is a picture taken in The Bistro. Two very handsome guys and one total babe. Our trip was December 27 through January 1.

Jan 8 2003

Zen,

I am coming up to Canada next week with my wife and two other couples. I have enjoyed your web site for the past few years and read it daily during the season. You provide a valuable service to the American snowmobiler and I appreciate it.

I have been coming to your part of Canada for the past ten year and enjoyed every minute of it. The Canadian culture, the people, and of course the best snowmobiling in the world make it my favorite destination.

I would love the opportunity to meet you while we are in your neck of the woods nest week. We are coming up on Thursday night and staying until Monday. I have not yet planned our riding schedule so if you let me know when you are avaliable I can plan around that. If you are busy I understand as well.

The other reason for my e-mail it to let you know I would like to make a donation for all your hard work. The easiest way for me would be via credit card but I would feel better to talk with you in person to get the proper details.

I will be coming back to Canada in late February as well without the wife to try a rack up some serious miles.

The other thing is that I am a partner in an IT Consulting company and may be able to help you out with your server issue in a much more cost effective manner.

Hopefully we can talk about this, let me know how and when to contact you and we will see what we can do. Thank you again for all your hard work and the incredible service you provide. Think Snow!

Jim

Jan 3

hey zw, hope this note finds you in good health, Brian forgot to give
Oliver back the keys to the room yesterday, could you please send me their
address so i can mail them back up
I'd like to thank you again for all your help. It certainly takes the edge
off going into an unknown place with some one local there to guide you thru
it. Well, it's been back to work for me today...
re-entry is always a bitch!

Talk soon thanks again
tom bump (Thank YOU for everything Mr. Tom Bump!! zw)

jan 2, 2003

I left you a message on your phone, I'm the 56 year old senior that was looking for someone to ride with! I posted my message on your trail conditions board, it took me several hours to get by the page with the gorgeous girl on the Polaris!!

Anyway, I left you a message and then later thought that you couldn't get back to me without an e-mail address. If there is someone local or from another state that spends time in the area that can get with me, great. As a last resort the girl on the Polaris would make a great riding partner!!

My e-mail is,, clinedvpr@cbpu.com Thanks, Dave Cline

Jan 2 2003; Firemen in Mass. Give \Report

Zen,

It was good to meet you at the Sportif. I like the photos of our group on your site, very cool!

I posted a response to Tom's report on 33 to Manawan. We did make it there and what real creepy town (just you said!). We made it back to St Donat and told Sarah you said hello. Total of about 210 miles. The next day we rode from St Donat to St Come via the suspension bridge on 43. Excellent trails (9/10). We then ventured to St Agathe (43 to 33). A little rough in places but still a 7/10 for that run. Trail 33 back to St Donat was nicely groomed (8/10) making for a quick return.

Our four and one half day excursion around the Laurentides and Mauricie was overall an 8/10 taking us about 830 miles. We are all returning on Feb 16 with our families for week and will be staying at Domaine Ste Guilluame in St Donat. I will check with you before we come for conditions.

Keep up the good work! It is greatly appreciated.

-Tim B.
Southwick, MA
Southwick Fire Dept.

DEC 31 2002
Hello,

My name is Dustin. I am a fan & supporter of Zenwaiter. Your chalet looks very nice. I was wondering where you are located on the trail map. I looked on the Lanaudiere map, but was unable to find your place. I was also wondering if you have secure parking for vehicles. There are five of us doing a tour around Lac-St.-Jean the first week in February. We are looking for a place to park our truck and trailer and a place to stay the last two nights of our week. Any information you can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dustin Thomas

Intercourse, Pa.

Thanks for the support buddy! The Chalet you speak of belongs to Crazy Al of the Refuge, I book rooms for him over the phone because I speak English. I also help other motels in that regard. I am trying desperately to make some friends here!

On the trail map, The Refuge is located across the lake from Le Cabanon Motel. Feel free to call me anytime (really, anytime) and I will see if we can fit you into the Refuge, if not, there are several other fine places in the region that you can stay at. Most of our motel owners here are very helpful. Call me anytime, but do not leave it too long ! This joint can really fill up quick, like last weekend!

450-884-1818 zen

Dec 30 2002

Hey Zen,
Tony from Schenectady NY. Coming up in a few weeks for our annual trip. Here's a picture of what happens when you lean the wrong way in deep snow. (taken the day after Christmas in Summit NY) Luckily it was not a tall bridge.

Another Joke from New Hampshire Dave.
Do not read this if you are a Democrat!

The Clock:Hillary Clinton died and went to heaven. As she stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, she saw a huge wall of clocks behind him. She asked, What are all those clocks?" St. Peter answered, "Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock Every time you lie, the hands on your clock will move." "Oh," said Hillary, "Who's clock is that?" "That's Mother Teresa's. The hands have never moved indicating that she never told a lie." "Whose clock is that?" "That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have only moved twice, telling us that Abe only told 2 lies in his entire life. Hillary asked, "Where's Bill's clock?". "Bill's clock is in Jesus' office. He's using it as a ceiling fan."

The PA POSEE Rides Again

DEC 17, 2002

Zen,

Your more than welcome, I often check out your site and know how hard it is sometimes to get good information. So I thought I would let you know how things were on our trip. Keep up the good work and we will probably be in your area later in the season. Attached is a picture of our group from PA before we started our trip from St Raymond.
Cheers from the PA Posse - Paul, Denny, George, & Bill
For the rest of their report, go to our Bulletin Board. HERE

Sean on the Farmer's Almanac says
"Big snow in February!"

Dec 13 2002 I took the following note off our Buletin Board for those of you who may have missed it....Thanks Sean!

I am in eastern Ontario, and have found that the farmers almanac for November and December to date, has been very accurate. February is supposed to be very very snowy. For those interested check out the links.

http://www.almanac.com/weather/can.region2.php
http://www.almanac.com/weather/can.prediction2.December.2002.php
http://www.almanac.com/weather/can.prediction2.January.2003.php

Letter of the week
DEC 12 2002

From: "Kurt Thomas"
Subject: RE: Thank you from Zenwaiter

I am writing you from Intercourse Pa, (Lancaster County), we got 9 inches of snow the other day and I got a chance to ride my new Arctic Cat F7, What a machine, I can’t wait to ride it in Quebec in January.

2003 F7 Firecat EFI This sled has a 698cc liquid-cooled engine. The front suspension uses AWS VI double-wishbone A-arms with Arctic Cat gas (IFP) shocks, adjustable preload springs and sway bar. The rear suspension has the "coupled" Fastrack Longtravel System slide-rail, adjustable torsion springs, and Arctic Cat Gas (IFP) shocks

I wanted to thank for a wonderful website, It’s great to have a reliable source north of the border, Our group of guys now 4 in number have been coming to Quebec for 10 years and we all agree you guys have the best trails, best snow, and some of the best food.

Keep up the good work and I hope and Pray for lots of snow and freshly groomed trails.

Trip is planned for Jan 18-25

I hope the donation is appreciated and put to good work.

Sponsor info: Best Western Intercourse , Intercourse, PA (Lancaster County), www.amishcountryinns.com, Thanks again, see in January, Kurt Thomas

(Thank you Kurt! I can't wait to meet you when you come up! Be sure to call me when you arrive and we'll get time for a coffee! 884-1818 zw)

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DEC 12 2002

Greetings From KING KAT!

Greetings Zenwaiter: We have snow here in State College, Pennsylvania. It
is hard to believe. The Landscape looks somewhat different than when you
were here over the fourth of July.

The are several things I wanted to ask
you about. First, I was wondering if you were having trouble with your
web site? I had tried to get in for several days and was unable to do so. I
did make it this morning, however.

I see you have an ad from Real Masse!
That's great. How did you manage that? Although I never heard Real say an
unkind word about you. My sense is if you get someone like Real on board
you will find that others will follow. Perhaps grudgingly. As I told you
earlier, I want to send you two hundred dollars towards the web site I am
not sure how you will want to do that. We'll just say it is a donation from
KING KAT MOTORSORTS. I would do that in whatever fashion gives you a boost.

Finally, I am thinking about coming up right after Christmas. What are the
conditions like at the present time. I have not talked with Real or
Jeanette so I don't have a clue. Keep "plugging."

Thank you Mr King Kat! Your consistent support over the past three years has been an inspiration to me personally, and to everyone on this web site! I am sorry the web site has had some problems, it is the nature of the beast I'm afraid! I try hard.

You can send your donation as a check if you like, make it out to Zenwaiter, and mail it to Zenwaiter, 5831 Chemin Brassard, St. Zenon Quebec, J0K 3N0 CANADA. Thank you!

As for Real Masse, he has always been more than kind towards me whenever I met him, and this year, I decided to just call him, and go see him. The reason I did this, is because Mr. Masse has always treated you American visitors like gold. I have never heard a complaint or a bad word from his outfit. In fact, I continually hear excellent reports about his warm family atmosphere, and his beautiful territory. When I went to take the pictures, (click here), I was astounded by the sheer beauty of the place. To have Mr. Masse on my web site is a very very good thing for both he and I. As for the others, they will come when they understand.

Cold here, VERY COLD, and the trails are good for early season riding! Around Real's place, the trails are very smooth, and he has done a lot of work this summer to improve them tremendously, especially towards the south, St. Damien.

Send me your King Kat Motor Sports logo, and I will be sure to splash it around so that all you people in PA will know that the King Kat is supporting Zenwaiter. THANK YOU KING KAT!! zw

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Dec 8 2002

Jer: Here is a couple of pictures from me in the Red Sea. Sounds like a good winter up there!!! I am not able to get into the chat room from the ship so I wont be able to join you all this year. Hope to be home in May if everything goes good. Tell all the people hello for me and I will talk to you later.

Harry Alias EFI

Harry! Thanks for the GREAT photo! Wow, what a sunset! You are now a star on ZW! I have placed your photo on the front page! I hope many of our readers will write to you and help keep your moral up, so far from home.

If you want to write Harry, send him an e-mail at ParkH@mtwhitney.navy.mil

Let him know you appreciate the fact that he is gioving up a great winter to serve his country! zen

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From Dentist David in Boston...

Hi! Its a girl
6lb 15 oz
Dec 5Th 3:03 am
Be up the 26TH of dec
will call, L dave

(Congratulations David and Jennifer!)

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Bonsoir,
je crois que c'est Jerry votre nom? Je dis cela car notre restauratrice m'a averti de votre appel. Oui nous avons des sentiers d'ouvert soit nos sentiers locaux et le sentier Chapais-Chibougamau ce qui donne environ 50km. Le sentier entre Desmaraisville et Chapais (#93) qui est long de 110 km sera ouvert a partir de Jeudi 5 Décembre. Pour ce qui est de Desmaraisville-Miquelon (27km) cela ne dépend pas de nous mais du club de Quévillon qui n'est jamais pressé en general mais ce petit trajet ne pose pas de problemes en ce moment car des motoneiges ont deja passées et c'est une ancienne voie ferrée. En passant nous avons presque 2 pieds de neige au sol et les conditions sont excellentes, peut etre meme meilleure que l'an passé en Janvier.
A la prochaine

Martin Blanchet
Club motoneige de Chapais..

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