I've been able to be at Rays Retreat for the entire day. No trips to work, into town, or out on an EMS run. It has seemed very nice. The only time I've been outside is walking with Sparky. Which has been numerous times. I enjoy have 'car free' days.

We've kept plenty busy starting out with serving breakfast to a dining room full of hungry Snowmads from Ohio. Several from their group didn't have the best days out on the trails. In fact their riding was cut short for one whose Polaris engine seized up. He solved that by going into town and buying a new one! Tomorrow he'll have a much more enjoyable ride. Another fellow ended up spending half his day in the ER after being thrown from his sled (hitting a large hole and losing control).

Trail 7 running along Old 27 has been very rough. Riders have to take it slow along this stretch. Most of the riders today took the Starvation Lake - Lake of the Norths trip and enjoyed it. Farmer Bob stopped in, he had ridden up from Higgins Lake and states that wasn't one of his better rides. He's hoping with todays snowfall his return trip was smoother.

The snow has been falling through the day. Its hard to make an accurate calculation as to the amount, but guessing about ten inches at this point. Its snowing hard right now and they're calling for it to continue through the night. So this will make a very good snowfall for all those that like to hear we've got a foot of snow or more. We will be there by this weekend.

Did you know that the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association is based in Haslett, MI? That was a surprise to me, actually it was a surprise to me that there was an International Snowmobile Manuacturers Association. Now, where is Haslett, MI?

At their sight, I discovered the Top Five Reasons Snowmobilers go sledding according to a poll they conducted. They are: 1. View Scenery
2. Be with Friends
3. Get away from the stresses of everyday
4. Close to Nature
5.Refreshing change
Yep, that's all the reasons we love it too!

Any other reasons why you like to snowmobile? ... I am not a speed demon, but I have to admit to getting just a quick rush of exhiliaration when there's a straight away.... there's no objects to get in my way.... and pushing it and feeling the thrill of speed... for a quick few minutes .... and then I understand why dogs enjoy the feel of the wind blowing through their ears as they hang their heads out the car windows.