Well it did look a bit grey and the forecast talked of showers, even reports of rain at Rigaud that very morning were received, but the old faithful McGill radar looked clear so we ran out of excuses and the call of Rigaud trails tempted us once again. Not only us but 20 other walkers were present at the Sucrerie, all anxious to test their mettle in the woods. Having had the occasional difficulties on the trails in the past we prevailed on one of our club members, Christine Buckley Moore, commonly known as “Gps” to lead us safely along the way. Now as everyone knows expertise like Christine’s doesn’t come cheap however my attempts to collect donations to cover the cost fell on deaf ears. So off we set, Al and Shira said they would go at their own pace and using their vintage map would find the way to the cross. Our group set up a steady pace with occasional regrouping at tricky junctions, however “Gps” never faltered in her guiding. The beaver dam was duly inspected, no beaver sighted then across to the downhill ski centre. Some of the group are like kids as soon as they saw the ski lift chair they rushed over and sat in it hoping someone would push them, no such luck. Finally the cross was reached , but instead of beautiful views the wind was howling and the cloud was down, not a time to dawdle. Down the hill to the potato fields and on the fast decaying wooden viewpoint “Gps “ told us the story behind the potato fields. So deciding not to go down to the sanctuary, the weather looking a bit more dubious, we ventured into the inner “trails” of Rigaud finally popping out at the burnt hut. “ Gps “ never faltered as she led us along rocky ways with hardly a sign to guide her, something like a homing pigeon heading for home. A short break at the burnt hut for refreshments then we were truly homeward bound arriving safely at the Sucrerie sometime later just before it started to rain, good timing. A few went into the Sucrerie for lunch whilst others went to the Hudson Innbreakfast diner, no not Timmies this time, must be a club record. There we met Al and Shira who did not quite reach the cross but somehow took a wrong turning and finished back on Rang St George.
Hurrah,Rigaud tradition was maintained and we had walkers who went astray. Brilliant!