whits-end

Great news!

Are they cleaning up the bathrooms? Last time we were there was the day Dougie shut down everything for Covid. Our bathroom had old tiled tub enclosure that had been painted over. Paint was peeling off the tile and mold everywhere. Ms Whit will not go back. Too bad, cuz location is convenient with trail right there, walk to restaurants, and cheaper than Comfort and Micro.

Al Symons was all about the Jackalope. There was a 'real' one mounted on the wall, and the 'Jumpin Jackalope' was a feature drink in the Cellar Lounge downstairs.

Harold and Marion. Our daughter worked summers for them during high school, mid 90's. It had sat empty during the 60's and re-opened early 70's, purchased by a group of investors from Woodstock (and/or area). Only one I remember was Barney the Chiropractor). Al (former Woodstock Cop) and Dianne Symons ran it until Harold took over in the 80's. Al, along with Big Bob Smith who owned Edgewater, established the '300 series' trail system, and the 'Knights of Armour Snowmobile and Ski Club'. I was at the inaugural meeting at the Lodge. Groomed trails, what a concept! Believe that was about '72. Sad to see the property go downhill like it has. Main building is prolly not worth saving. Half the rental units burnt down. Just sad.

Woodstock

Pays to shop. Bought replacements for me and the missus last spring from Peakboys as they were the cheapest. Looks like Royal D is cheapest now. Maybe depends on specific model. Also available at Fortnine and Revco.

Yes indeed, my trailer with 3500 lb axle is rated at 2990 max. After discounting actual trailer weight, name plate spec's max cargo load of 1885 lbs (your results may differ). Absolutely agree. My point was the trailer came with 205/65-10 (fat donuts) Load range E = 1650 lbs capacity per tire, 3300 lbs total. Well above trailer rating. But a standard tire of that size from big box shops is Load range C = 1105 lbs each, total capacity only 2210 lbs.

Partially true. Single axles come in 2 flavours, 2,000 lb and 3500 lb. Pretty sure Signfan knows this. Mfg's plate or sticker should tell you this, or Google it. Also check tire ratings and inflation spec's. Always check pressures outside in the ambient they will be used in. That temp difference can be very significant in winter. My Lightning hybrid came with load range E tires not C. Can't buy replacements at the big box stores like CTC or Royal D.

Agreed. We always fuel at Damco, easy in and out, then yer good to go.

No gas in Opaz but there is in Mattice.

Gadgetman- Thanks for the ideas. Dun that stuff as well but this is couples day-tripping so we'd like a real rest stop this trip. 1049- Thank you! I believe you're talking about Mama B's Bear Den. Not sure why it didn't pop up on my original search but looks like a great spot. We plan to try it Monday or Tuesday.

We were planning on lunch at Cindy's/Hungry Bear in Hornepayne next week but internet search appears it's permanently closed. Anyone been thru there recently? Thanks in advance. whit

BTW, for info others, regular gas only at the 'funky' self-serve tank in Elk Lake and premium only at Wilderness Camp.

Too bad you missed out on lunch at Elk Lake Wilderness Lodge just east of town, accessible by trail. New owners this year, nice people, still great food. Sounds like a great trip. Good to look outside the box sometimes.

Thank you very much, DRJ. Great report. Turns out I had to cancel today due to a medical issue with my 97 year old mother. So if anyone is considering going, there may be 2 rooms available at Dunlop Lake Lodge starting Monday.

We're booked into Dunlop on Monday and having a tough time deciding whether to cancel. Lotta yellow. DRJ, I'd really appreciate any update you can offer on the area. Thanks in advance.

Absolutely! We enjoyed it last March too. A little off the trail (L123) if you're touring thru, and a pretty big lunch too. But definitely better than grinding thru town.

Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! What a disappointment, we loved that spot and so convenient with gas there too. Now it's back to that $h!t-show thru Kap again.

Thank you SF.

Just a shot in the dark: Anyone know someone who might have a flywheel for a Yamaha YS-624 Snowblower? Or someone who repairs them and might have scrap parts? It's not a common part to replace but maybe someone broke a rod or something? Flywheels were the same for like forever. This recoil grenaded and munched the flywheel. New one is $600 !!! Then again, new tracked blower is 4 grand. Appreciate any help or info.

Would pay rates not be decided at a separate Trails Committee meeting? Trails Committee board may be a different set of delegates, no?

There is evidence of substantial reno occurring at Caswell, with piles of old materials etc piling up outside. Time will tell how extensive and effective they are.

So, speaking of accolades, a big shout out is in order to Gaston's Sports in Kap. Last week we unloaded our cousin's Vector at the Advantage only to discover an oil puddle in his trailer, and another one growing slowly in the snow under the sled. A quick look indicated it was not a cracked oil tank, but seeping out from the belly. Not something we were going to address in a frozen parking lot. Rather than load up and head home we called Gaston's and they said "Bring it right over." Dropped it off at 10 am and they called us back at noon. Turns out it was not a big issue, and the bill was very fair. Great people who saved the rest of our trip.

You guys not worried about +5 and rain next week?

Yes, I have an opinion about this, don't need to discuss it.