3 Old Guys; Daily Update

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 15 / Feb 27
Today was meant to be a relatively short ride leading the Guys to the end of their current trail. But in true adventure fashion, the trail had other plans! It ended sooner than the Guys expected, and while they attempted to push forward on the old, unmaintained section, deep, fluffy snow made breaking trail with their sleds and sleighs a tough task. Not wanting to burn too much energy and concerned they didn’t have enough fuel to break trail, they made the call to turn back to the nearest town and regroup.
Even with this small setback, the day was a stunner—blue skies and beautiful riding all around. Now, they’re adjusting their route and getting ready for the next stretch.
A lot of folks have asked about the Guys’ windshield setup. They double up their windshields—a technique they’ve used for many trips. This not only gives extra wind protection but also means each of them carries a spare, just in case.
As for the GPS setup, it really comes down to personal preference. The latest Arctic Cat G8 technology integrates with the Catalyst, but since the Guys obtained their sleds in late 2023—before the G8 was available—they stuck with their original setup. While they could have added G8 later, they opted not to. They also checked out a design by Custom Metal Solutions (https://custommetalsolutions.us), which is a great option, but their design mounts the GPS below the gauges, since the Guys are using a higher windshield, they opted for a higher mount that sits above the gauges.
Every rider has their own way of doing things, and that’s what makes these adventures unique! Stay tuned as the guys recalibrate their route and continue on the journey.
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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Week 2 Recap: 3 Old Guys trek East

Feb 21 - Feb 27, 2025
As of February 27, the 3 Old Guys have wrapped up their second week on the trail! Over the past seven days, they’ve tackled remote stretches, experienced some of the best riding yet, and gotten their first look at the St. Lawrence Seaway. Here’s a recap of the adventure so far!
Highlights from Week 2:
✅
Crossing into Quebec – The Guys officially entered Quebec, where they were introduced to the province’s impressive snowmobile infrastructure (and got a warm welcome from trail patrol—good thing they had their permits!).
✅
Big Miles & Long Days – Some of the longest days of the trip so far, including a 16-hour push through remote terrain. Rough trails and limited accommodations made for a grueling stretch, but they came prepared and powered through.
✅
Perfect Conditions & Scenic Riding – After the tough miles, they were rewarded with stunning trails. Blue skies, fresh snow, and perfectly groomed paths made for unforgettable riding. The climb into higher elevations even brought 12-18 inches of powder, some of the best conditions of the trip!
✅
The St. Lawrence Seaway – Their route took them along the St. Lawrence, giving them breathtaking views of this major waterway. The vast, ocean-like expanse made for a surreal moment on the journey east.
✅
Riding Over the World’s Highest Snowmobile Trail Bridge – A highlight of the week was crossing the 700-foot bridge over the Manicouagan River—an engineering marvel built just for snowmobilers.
✅
Great People & Trailside Camaraderie – Whether it was meeting fellow sledders at trail intersections, sharing a lunch stop at a true snowmobiler’s haven, or unintentionally leading an impromptu convoy of fans, the Guys experienced firsthand what makes this sport so special—the people.
✅
Distance Covered – 2,760 miles total so far!
Challenges?
• Brutal Bumps & Rough Trails – Some sections, especially the long remote stretches, were tough going. Even these seasoned riders were feeling it.
• A Route That… Disappeared? – Their planned trail ended about 50 miles earlier than expected, forcing them to turn back and reroute. Deep snow and unmaintained paths made breaking trail difficult with the sleds and sleighs.
• Lost in Translation – The Guys don’t speak French, are generally hard of hearing, and often have helmets on—let’s just say their attempts at communication in Quebec have been entertaining!
💭
What’s Next?
With Newfoundland getting closer, the Guys are pushing east, adapting their route as needed, and soaking up every mile of this incredible journey.
Stay tuned as they continue their ~4,000-mile ride—onward to Newfoundland!

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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 17 /Mar 1
Early this morning, the Guys left Auberge Brion, once again raving about the incredible hospitality of the people there. From the warmth of their hosts, they headed straight into one of the most unique and essential trails of their journey—The White Road.
Unlike most snowmobile trails, which are maintained by clubs and volunteers, The White Road is actually managed by the highway department. This isn’t just a recreational route—it’s a critical winter road, designed to keep remote communities connected when traditional roads are inaccessible. And because the weather in this region can turn dangerous fast, the trail is marked with "wands"—small, reflective sticks about an inch in diameter, placed every ~25 feet. These wands guide riders through the trail, whether they’re on land or frozen water, ensuring that even in whiteout conditions, the route remains navigable.
The trail also features warming huts every 10 to 15 miles, offering a crucial lifeline for anyone caught in the elements. The Guys passed 18 of these huts today—a stark reminder that while they had a glorious day of blue skies and sunshine, this region can be absolutely unforgiving when the weather shifts.
And speaking of the ride—it was unbelievable.
For the first time since they left Minnesota, the Guys had sunshine all day. The trail wound across frozen lakes, rolling hills, valleys, and wide-open expanses with breathtaking views stretching for miles. Even after all the incredible scenery they’ve experienced, Paul put it best: “It’s indescribable. I simply don't have words to describe this area. Absolutely stunning.”
They made great time and arrived in St. Augustine, where local friends and fellow riders welcomed them in for a warm lunch—and, to their delight, some of the best crab sandwiches they’ve had. After a great visit, they checked into their hotel, gearing up for tomorrow’s ride to Blanc-Sablon.
But tomorrow could be a different story—snow is in the forecast, and when visibility drops on the White Road, it drops to nothing. The local advice is simple but serious: If you can’t see the next wand, stop moving until you can.
Oh, and one last unexpected twist—they’re officially in polar bear country now. St. Augustine has had some recent sightings right in town. Imagine that—an epic snowmobile adventure, jaw-dropping scenery, incredible people, and now the possibility of polar bears?!
Tomorrow, it’s onward to Newfoundland—here’s hoping for another perfect ride!
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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 18 / Mar 2
The Guys woke up to ~10 inches of fresh snow, with more still coming down. Instead of rushing out, they took their time—grabbing breakfast and swapping stories with a new local friend before heading toward Blanc-Sablon.
By mid-morning, the snow had stopped, but visibility remained low. That didn’t take away from the beauty of the ride, though—this place continues to amaze! An added perk was having a few of their new friends ride along (and take pictures!) for today's journey. A midday stop at Vieux-Fort brought another friendly face and more good conversation. But the real topic of the day? The ferry.
The ferry from Blanc-Sablon to St. Barbe, Newfoundland is the Guys next stop and typically runs daily in winter, but only if an icebreaker escort is available to clear the sea ice. The latest word was conflicting—some saying it wouldn’t run for a few days due to a crew change, others unsure. So, the Guys settled in for an afternoon of storytelling, visiting with locals, and embracing the tight-knit community spirit - assuming they had a few days to kill before the ferry would be available.
Despite multiple attempts to call and confirm, it wasn’t until late in the day that they finally got through to the ferry service and got a surprise update—the ferry WOULD be running in the morning but following that it would be out of service for several days.
So, after a leisurely day thinking they had time, the plan suddenly shifted—now, they’ll be up far before dawn, riding the final ~60 mile stretch to Blanc-Sablon and catching that ferry while they can.
The Blanc-Sablon to St. Barbe ferry is a critical lifeline for those traveling between Labrador and Newfoundland in winter, when road access isn’t an option. The ice conditions can be unpredictable, and without an icebreaker, the ferry can’t safely pass. It’s a reminder of how remote and rugged this area truly is.
Next stop: Newfoundland! Once they arrive in St. Barbe, they’ll regroup, connect with more friends, and continue their adventure.
Onward!
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heckler56

Active member
Just seeing the snow up the side of their sleds and over their gear in the toboggans gets my heart pumping!
 

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 19 / Mar 3 - Morning Update -- NEWFOUNDLAND!
It’s official—the 3 Old Guys have arrived in Newfoundland!
After a last-minute scramble yesterday to confirm the ferry was running, the guys were on the trail at 4 a.m., hitting the trail in the pitch black with another 8–10 inches of fresh snow overnight. It was “dark as a pocket” and snowing like crazy, but thankfully, their new friend Blaine was there to lead the way and with the ferry only running once before shutting down for days, every minute mattered. They made it just in time.
At the dock, there was even a debate about whether they’d get on—but in the end, the crew made it happen, and the guys squeezed on at the last moment. It was a wild ride to get there, with limited visibility, blowing snow, and conditions that proved exactly why the White Road is so well-marked. The Guys described the morning ride as "gnarly, stormy, and intense—but also fun - a different type of riding than they have been experiencing!"
Once on the ferry, they got a front-row seat to why an icebreaker escort is necessary. The pack ice was thick, and at one point, they even got stuck. The icebreaker had to circle back and clear a path around the ferry before they could continue.
If you’ve been following along, you know the goal from the start was to get as far east as possible—with the dream of reaching Newfoundland. When they left Minnesota, the White Road wasn’t even open, and they knew their journey could have ended hundreds of miles back. But luck, cold weather, and snowfall have all been on their side.
Their only disappointment? In the rush to make the ferry, they missed their chance to grab a photo at the Labrador sign—something so many people had told them about. Guess they’ll just have to come back someday!
Now, they’re officially here— ready to explore Newfoundland’s rugged terrain over the next few days. While it’s unlikely they’ll reach the far eastern coast due to heavy rain and mild temperatures, they’re setting their sights on the southwestern side, where good friends are waiting to welcome them.
Next up: riding through Newfoundland’s high country before spending a few days sightseeing and soaking it all in.
The adventure isn’t over yet!
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mezz

Well-known member
They timed this trip right on the money as far as weather & conditions. Congratulations to the 3 Old Guys! You are legends.
 

gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 19 / Mar 3 - Evening Update
Brief update tonight due to the Guys limited service….After arriving in Newfoundland, the 3 Old Guys were warmly welcomed by a couple of Newfies arranged by their good friends at SnoXcapes. These locals helped guide them off the ferry and onto the trail, which can sometimes be a bit tricky to navigate.
From there, they wove their way through the highlands, escorted by another new friend who led them to a remote lodge for the night.
Their day started in a gnarly snowstorm in Quebec, but by afternoon they had passed through Labrador and into Newfoundland where the sun broke through, revealing breathtaking views. And after a long day of riding, they finished once again in the dark.
As the Guys continue their journey they may find themselves referred to as CFAs (Come From Aways) - this is extremely common and refers to any visitors to the area. This phrase became famous worldwide after the Gander Airport played a crucial role during 9/11, welcoming thousands of stranded airline passengers when U.S. airspace was shut down. The incredible hospitality shown by Newfoundlanders during that time inspired both a Broadway musical and a movie, both titled Come From Away.
Another interesting tidbit about the area? The time zone- Newfoundland has its own unique time zone—Newfoundland Standard Time (NST)—which is 2 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Central time. So when it’s 6:00 p.m. in Minnesota, it’s 8:30 p.m. in Newfoundland. It’s one of the few places in the world with a half-hour time difference!
Newfoundland is already proving to be as welcoming as ever, and the Guys are excited for what’s next!
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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 20 / Mar 4
Last night, the 3 Old Guys were welcomed with open arms by Bough Wiffen Outfitters Ltd. where Marsha and Norman Pilgrim proved to be phenomenal hosts. Their warm hospitality, shared stories, and a cozy lodge made for a perfect evening—and a great night’s sleep. This morning, they even treated the Guys to a ride on the Newfie "school bus", kicking off another day of adventure.
From there, the crew set off, making their way towards the western coast towards their final destination in Corner Brook. The highlight of the day? Maybe it was reaching their most easterly point on this journey. Or perhaps it was the breathtaking, wide-open views that stretched for miles. In the higher elevations, the scenery was almost unbelievable—until the wind and fresh snow whipped up a ground storm, quickly reminding them of Mother Nature’s power. The descent brought them back to blue skies and sunshine, a perfect contrast to the conditions above.
Beyond the adventure, this journey is also a chance to experience the deep history of Newfoundland. Though it’s been a province of Canada for barely 75 years, Newfoundland is home to the oldest European settlement in North America and one of its oldest cities. Until 1949, Newfoundland was its own dominion, and its unique history is still evident today. The island played a key role in military operations, with the U.S. establishing two major air force bases here, creating strong ties between Americans and Newfoundlanders.
Over the next few days, the Guys will continue winding down the coast, taking in as much sightseeing as the weather allows. The journey will wrap up with a well-earned celebration alongside longtime friends at SnoXcapes with Kirk and Penny Hastings. But you know a trip like this deserves a proper send-off—so stay tuned for details on Saturday’s celebration and "Ride in" at the local Arctic Cat dealer, Arctic West!
The adventure isn’t over yet—stay with us for the final stretch!
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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Day 21 / Mar 5
Just when everything seemed to be going perfectly—perhaps a little too smoothly—the 3 Old Guys found themselves in for a real adventure today.
As they entered Newfoundland’s high country on their journey south, they expected a relatively straightforward ride. What they got instead was true boondocking, with no trails and constant shifts in direction as they tried to find a way through. To make things even more interesting, they were cutting through nearly 12 inches of fresh powder—and with only so much gas in their tanks, things got dicey fast.
For hours, the only company they had was breathtaking scenery stretching for miles, until they finally crossed paths with a few fellow riders. Thankfully, these guys had super wide tracks and were able to break trail, a huge help given the Old Guys were also hauling their sleighs. But as night began to fall, the big question was: turn back or push forward to an uncertain destination?
To put this area into perspective, some call it the Bermuda Triangle of Newfoundland riding. Down in the lower elevations, the guys rode through beautiful forests blanketed in light, fluffy snow. But up top? It was a different world—wide-open rolling hills, rocky and stunning, stretching as far as the eye could see.
Then, just as darkness truly set in, luck was on their side. They hit an unplowed road with numerous snowmobile tracks and were pointed toward KM29—a cabin of welcoming riders that not only had access to gas but also happened to be serving up a hot spaghetti dinner. Walking in felt like stepping into a remote men’s club, a warm welcome after a long and unexpected challenge.
While today’s ride was breathtaking, it was also one of the more physically demanding on this trek. But that’s what makes this journey unforgettable. Tomorrow, the Guys anticipate reaching their final destination—stay tuned!


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gary_in_neenah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Not much to share with the JohnDee folks today other than a couple of pictures. The guys are taking a couple of days to recuperate and rest from their long journey. Looks like they've got some plans for Saturday as noted below with a ride with the locals.
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I could be wrong but that looks like a jar of Pickled Eggs in that jar.
Thanks, but no thanks!

😧
 
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