Feb 6th, 2009.

Fortunately, I was not woken up by a rude alarm clock today, but by the sound of engines roaring awake to shake off the far beyond freezing cold of what I am told is a relatively normal January day in Maniwaki, Quebec. "Normal?" I think to myself. Here I am, used to sleeping on glaciers in winter camping expeditions, and I am still feeling chilly! These Maniwakians are a tough group of people!

I ate a quick breakfast with Terry and Linda Epp from CARS, consisting of some eggs, bacon, and the biggest pieces of toast I have ever seen in my life.

Post breakfast I went to pick up my media pass and maps, and then headed out, woke up my rental car that seemed to have the same attitude to getting up as I had the previous day, grumpy, and not overly excited about the prospect of the day ahead.

After reading over the map, I decided to go out and start driving some stages. Getting to the first stage, I quickly realized how bumpy the road was as I came over a crest doing 60kmph and realized I was airborn. I thought to myself as I landed, for the briefest moment “what did the rental guy say about a deductable?” then frantically spun the car back into control and meandered along my way to the stage.

What a beautiful looking stretch of road! Huge snow banks, icey roads, and crests everywhere; I know some ones going airborn! I can’t wait for the rally tomorrow. I recced many stretches of the stages, and found so many hundreds of good spots that I don't know what to shoot.

Its supposedly going to be pretty warm tomorrow, and I know I am excited about that, though all the ralliers I’ve talked to aren’t to keen on it, as it will make the roads one large mushy pile. I went back to the hotel content that tomorrow is going to be one great day of photos.

To cut my blog short, its now 9:30 PM, and I am still going off very little sleep, so I am going to turn off the laptop and pass out for awhile. Next time I post a blog I will have photos updated from Rally Perce-Neige!!!!! Good Night worldrallysport.com!

Cheers!