not a great day

Last thursday my friends and I left Gander bound for Stephenville via the groomed trail, at about 178 miles from home near Hampton Junction we came over a rise and at the bottem there were 3 machines parked blocking the trail. Our lead machine stopped as did the one folowing him(barely), then came me, I couldn't see a thing all of a sudden I was in a cloud of dust(snow) when it cleared it was too late I tried to go around on the right but went into Colin on machine number 2. Jason was behind me now in a cloud, he didn't see anything and went right into Trace(number 1) and one of the machines blocking the trail. By this time we were able to flag down the next two machines in enough time to stop any further collisions. In all 5 seriously destroyed snowmobiles and 2 with minor damage, a couple broken bones(mine) and a lot of stiff and sore bodies. I really don't know where peoples minds are when they stop and don't pull off the trail. I liken it to stopping on a street and not pulling over out of the way. The snowmobile industry is getting bigger and bigger every year here in Newfoundland, more people are out and more trails are constructed. I believe that the Snowmobile Federation have a lot of work ahead of them in education and regulation before we can call it a "safe" sport. I know the risk I read the sign "use trails at own risk" but I know it can be safer. We are so lucky, a little to the right or a little to the left I'm sure there could have been someone killed. For all snowmobilers and ATVers out there use your heads and a little common sence, be carefull, ride safe and above all ride sober.

On The Trail

This picture is taken at a branch in the trail near Mount Peyton. I have to really hand it to the Newfoundland Snowmobile Federation this year, the trail conditions have been out of this world. They are well signed and marked and above all groomed to perfection. Every year the snowmobile federation and more importantly the local clubs improve and add in may ways to the trail network and facilities for enjoying the outdoors, I applaud the hard work put on by the many volunteers.

The Groomed Trail

We thought we had it good when we were on "day old" groomed trail, then we met the groomer and found that it doesn't get any smooother than that. Quite a nice day for a run out on snowmobile sure beats working. I hope the trails are in as good condition for the Rendezvous next weekend.

Mount Peyton from the trail

This is how Mount Peyton looks from the trail leading into it. This is the one spot where the mountain and trail line up and you look straight at the peak. It has been busy in there lately as the trail and snow have been good for snowmobiling. I allow only my point and shoot out for excursions like this (it fits in my pocket better) kind of limits the quality, but the idea is there.

1974 Moto-Ski Cadet

Got out for a run on Sunday finally. We went for a ride on some lesser travelled trails around "plantation loop". I sped off ahead of my son and whipped out the point and shoot to get this picture of him. He is in his glory here on the vintage Moto-Ski. It is the perfect size for him to learn how to handle a snowmobile and he has so much fun too. When we went out on the main trail it was fun to watch people turning to look at him, the old snowmobile really turns heads.

Taylor's Brook Road #2

I'm hoping to get back here in the next few weeks again when it will be clearer. Heading up in the mountains towards Western Brook Gorge is very scenic, not to mention very enjoyable on snowmobile.

Taylor's Brook Road

Tired of waiting for winter to arrive in Gander 8 of us got together and dragged our snow machines towards Sop's Arm. The day was totally enjoyable, despite not arriving at our goal of Western Brook Pond due to lack of good visibility in the hills. The snow was amazing, lots of fresh powder. I guess we'll have to make another trip to make the Gorge.
It was snowing all day and at times quite heavy, however there were times such as this that the sun was just visible through the snow.

Lewis Hills

I'm sort of on the fence about the mild weather we are having this year. Right now we don't have to worry too much about shovelling, but on the other hand I haven't burnt too much gas in my Snowmobile yet. This picture (I thought I'd try in B&W)...in the Lewis Hills on the west coast of Newfoundland is from last season, still hoping for a little this year. All is definately lost yet as it was the third week of January last year before the snowmobiling was reasonable here in central.