Saturday ride 12-28

Got a call from Jean and Gib saturday morning for a ride. Sounded like a great idea. Gib had a route planned to take us up around lake Namakagon to the Pioneer Bar for lunch. It was 35 miles up and 44 miles back for a total of 79 miles. Lakes and swamps are still not safe for the most part.

Our route was in a clockwise direction. We left about 9:30am.

First stop of the day. The trails are in pretty good shape.

Nice day so far, but that will change.

A blow your nose stop and check the map.

A new feature we noticed along the trail system were blue 911 signs. These give emergency crews exact locations on the trail system.

A few of the riders we saw out on the trail.

Last stop before lunch break.

Pioneer bar, star 22 on the map. Several more sledders showed up while we were there. Had a burger and drink, both were very good.
When we came out of the bar it was raining, not hard just a continuous light rain. This would continue for the whole ride back, about 44 miles. I was dry except for my crotch area which was totally soaked. It was hard to keep your face shield clear. Freezing type rain. I ended up running alot with it almost all the way up. Also my phone acted up on me twice this trip by shutting off for no apparent reason. I had 40% charge. So not as many pictures as I had hoped.

Headed back.

In the woods before crossing Cty M. Then my phone shut off again.
I hope the rain didn't do to much damage to the trails. We need cold and snow.
Thanks for looking.

Monday ride 12-23

I drove my truck over to Gib and Jean's house on Monday about 12:30pm. Once again we had to stay off the lakes and swamps. We saw one place were it looked like somebody broke through. We picked up trail 5 at intersection 29 and followed it all the way to Louie's Landing, designated by the star 35 on the right side of the map. We made a small loop south coming back and stopped at Dow's Corner, circle 38 on map. After that stop it was back to Gib and Jeans. 37 miles round trip.

Todays route.

All set to go have fun.

Plenty of flowing water still around. No short cuts, stay on the trail.

Quick stop.

Off we go through the woods.

At intersection 70 on map. The dot in the road actually was a buck. This is the road we will come back on in our loop south.

Off we go from intersection 70 to Louie's Landing.

Crossing the Teal river.

First stop Louie's Landing which looks out at Moose Lake.

Along the trail coming back, before we got to Dow's Corner.

Dow's Corner, last stop before home.

Smokey's got a new hat.
It was another great ride. The trails were not great but OK. I'm sure they got alot of use over the weekend.

First Ride

Today I was able to get out for the first ride of the year on my snowmobile. I went with my friends Jean and Gib.
I was not able to take my normal route to their house using the swamp and lakes. They have not froze solid enough for safe travel. So instead of going three blocks to jump on a feeder trail I had to take the side roads for 3 miles to hit the marked trail. It was A-OK though, there was a snow packed edge to run on with some loose snow to keep things cool. We made a 38 mile loop with 2 stops. It was a great day for a ride with all but 2 miles of the trails freshly groomed. We met one of the groomers out on the trail.

Typical of the 3 miles of the side road detour to the main trail. As you can see there was a good track to run. Only downside is if we have a couple nice sunny days this track will melt away.

Picture of my sled taken last March.

Along the old railway right of way near Seeley WI.

Our first stop: Sawmill saloon Seeley WI.

Plenty of snow and no traffic.

Beautiful mostly clear day and very little wind. That's Jean on her machine.

I love seeing this kind of sign. It means even more fun than you're allready having.

The trail near Hayward Power Sports where I bought my sled.
We made one more stop, Twin Lake Tap and then back to Jean and Gibs. I left my sled at Jean and Gibs for the time being. I don't want to have to do the 3 mile cty road thing while waiting for the swamp to freeze up. I'm guessing another week or two. Then I'll be able to run it back to my place.

And finally todays sunset, pretty nice.